Friday, March 13, 2026

A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear by Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling (2020)

After hearing my two oldest kids gush about how funny this book was, I'm delighted it finally surfaced from my reading stack. It is wildly entertaining and, surprisingly, nothing like what I expected. Based on early reviews and my kids' descriptions, I anticipated a story about extreme Ayn Rand-style Objectivists attempting to build a utopian dream town in Texas. Instead, the book offers a fascinating look at rural New Hampshire politics, the local bear population, and the surprising role of toxoplasmosis.

The writing is fantastic, bringing a cast of quirky characters to life without the shrill, judgmental indignation for which I had prepared. I found myself laughing throughout, yet also deeply touched by the individual anecdotes. It's a rare find that can be both hilarious and genuinely moving.

5/5 Stars.


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