Northwood, Maine several years after COVID, could things get worse?Franklin Marshall’s parents have taken a trip to Puerto Rico. This gives Franklin a chance to invite his long time friend, Tyler over. He likes Tyler and at seventeen, getting ready to turn eighteen, he thinks he would like to kiss Tyler.All of a sudden chaos breaks out. News reports start coming in with a dangerous snow/ice storm that’s coming, then an epidemic, a health crisis in South Korea and North Korea getting ready to launch missiles.Even with all the uncertainty from the news reports, Tyler introduces Franklin to a porn video and an idea that he has. Franklin doesn’t want to watch the video, it confuses him and makes him uncomfortable and he doesn’t like what Tyler is suggesting.A strange dream and odd occurrences, and a land line call from his mother, warns Franklin about what’s taking place all over the world. As the storm get’s worse Franklin makes the effort to get Tyler to stay, but in a panic Tyler leaves for home.Franklin heeds what the news report say and orderly, makes decisions about what to do to be safe. The most important thing of all “stay inside”. As days goes on, he has already noticed the neighbor is dead and he’s running out of needed supplies. He’s still not sure if he should journey outside.Then a knock comes at the door and he meets Patrick Larson. As Patrick and Franklin talk he realizes Franklin had followed the “stay inside” orders. He explains to Franklin the order to stay inside was already too late. Instantly, Franklin has to make hard choices for himself in order to survive the devastation. The more devastation that Patrick and Franklin come upon, they have to wonder if they are the only ones left on earth?John Patrick creates a story of great devastation and two wonderful characters: Franklin Marshall and Patrick Larson. This perfectly written novel is suspenseful, terrifying, warm, emotional, and humorous. It also tells of how these two young men learn how to survive. The author tells the story in such a way that it is very realistic.I commend John Patrick for giving special attention that focuses on autism and gender identities: demisexual and asexual. Patrick Larson who is demisexual, was so patient, kind and understanding, no matter the frustration that comes along with Franklin. Patrick has also had his troubles. Franklin is just a lovable character. He deals in black and white, and always has questions. Franklin is also very smart. The author expands on both these characters that are caught up in a world that has turned upside down. His insight into Franklin, who’s autistic and gay is brilliant and heart felt. He walks through the process that Franklin needs to follow so he doesn’t have melt downs. Patrick is a few years older than Franklin, but he immediately understands Franklin and respects his boundaries. As Patrick has taken on the responsibility to explain situations to Franklin, it creates moments of frustration. But Patricks feelings for Franklin never falter.Paradise Shaker Village is incredible. The author does a beautiful job in the description of this marvelous place that existed since the 1800’s. The self-sufficient community became a living museum. It actually exists today as Shaker Village in Maine.There’s a gradual build up of unique characters to make this novel interesting: Sara Nakamura, Loris, Stan (RIP), Emily and Vet. Last but not least: Prissy and Roscoe.I had “Franklin In Paradise” in my TBRs for a while and I was more than surprised when I read it. It’s an amazing story and not what I expected!
