![]() ![]() Initially, I was really nervous to see how the drug would factor into the narrative that France wanted to craft. The usage of marijuana also factors deeply into the plotline, as many of the people Essence surround herself with use the substance. In examining that depiction, I hope that this novel will allow readers to be able to have a new perspective on the topic. The two characters share a deep connection because of their Buddhist faith. France explores the manner in which Buddhism and its customs tie together Essence and Puck. By reading this novel, I had a new appreciation for Buddhism. I feel that there is the stereotype of modern Buddhists being very hippy and far gone, which causes the actual culture to be easily judged or overlooked. Although I cannot speak to its representation because I have very little prior knowledge on the subject, I found it incredibly fascinating to find out about certain facets of the religion and culture of Buddhism. I love the way that France uses key tenets of Buddhism to tie into the overall plot of the story and the key message she wants to send to the audience. ZEN and GONE dives deeply into the culture and spirituality of Buddhism, which plays prominently into the development of Essence’s character. I absolutely adore Emily France’s novels because they look to discuss topics unexplored within the young adult genre in a fascinating and unique manner. It is now up to her to find her sister and save her life. After spending the night in the mountains stuck in a storm, Essa awakes to realize that Puck is missing. To Essa’s horror, Puck has stowed away and joined them on their adventure. In order to introduce Oliver to life in her small town, Essa takes him along on a three-day survival game in the Rocky Mountains. This reality forces Essa to live a very strict lifestyle - no drinking, no drugs and certainly no dating - until Oliver from Chicago shows up in Boulder for the summer. With weed legalized in her hometown of Boulder, Colorado, Essence’s mother spends much of her time high, obtaining marijuana from the pot shop where she works. At 17 years old, Essence McKree has learned to become a mother figure to her younger sister, Puck. Now Essa must rely on her newfound spiritual strength if she is to save her sister’s life, and ultimately her own.Įmily France’s sophomore novel, ZEN AND GONE, is a multi-perspective story that looks to explore the relations we share with each other and the world around us. ![]() After spending a night stuck in a mountain storm, Essa wakes to find Puck missing. Then she discovers that Puck has stowed away and followed them into the wilderness. When Oliver agrees to accompany Essa on a three-day survival game in the Rocky Mountains, she feels a lightness she hasn’t known in a long time. Soon Essa finds herself showing Oliver the Boulder she has forgotten: the mountain parties, the long hikes…and at Oliver’s urging, the exploration of Buddhism at the local zendo. But Puck is charmed and pushes Essa toward him. When Essa meets Oliver-a brainy indoor type, in town for the summer-she is cautious at first, distrustful of the tourist crowd and suspicious of Oliver’s mysterious past in Chicago. Lately it’s been up to Essa to care for her nine-year-old sister, Puck. Ever since weed was legalized, Mom has been working in a pot shop, high more often than not. Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, Essence McKree feels older than any seventeen-year-old she knows.
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