Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of Janelle Brown's latest, and do I dare say, best, novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Jane grew up with her father in an isolated cabin in Montana in the mid-1990s. She knows nothing of the outside world, is homeschooled by reading complex philosophy books, and has been trained to believe that technology is bad. As she grows older, she begs to accompany her father when he takes occasional trips away from the cabin. One such trip ends in disaster, and causes Jane to face unimaginable decisions.

This was a fantastic book. I really enjoyed the settings - from the isolated cabin to the beginnings of the tech world in San Francisco. It was so intriguing to look back on those early internet days and see how opinions varied about its value and effects on society.. Not too much different from today, with some of those worries coming true with the expansion of AI into our world. But at heart, it's all about Jane. Growing up kept away from anything worldly, with only her father's viewpoints, only to be thrust into a world where she understands nothing. This is a beautifully-written, perfectly plotted book that will have you thinking about it long after you close it. Be sure to read the author's note at the end as well. Highly recommended!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have read other books by Janelle Brown and enjoyed them, and I was not completely aware of the premise of this book, but I am so glad that I read it.

The story of Jane, a teenage girl, living in a remote cabin in Montana with her dad. Jane has not known any other like than living off the grid. Her dad is conspiracy theorist, with a distrust of authority and technology. Jane only knows what her dad has told her; that her mom died in a car accident and that they used to live in the Bay Area of California. When her dad brings home a computer to spread his manifesto to a wider audience, Jane discovers the internet and begins to see more to the world out there. And she also begins to question some of the things that her dad has told her.

When Jane’s dad commits a crime and must go on the run, Jane finds herself alone with some new knowledge of her true past. She heads to San Francisco. And her world opens up.

This was a fascinating book. I really could not wait to continue reading. The nostalgia of the 90’s and the tech boom in CA was so interesting to me (I do live in Northern CA after all.) And seeing the influence of famous news stories from the past was equally interesting.

Rated it 4.5 stars.

QUICK GLANCE-
My format: e-book ARC
Other formats- 📖Physical (368 pages) 🎧Audio (11 hours and 41 minutes)
Spice: 🌶️(fade to black)
Language: 🤐mild/moderate

MY THOUGHTS-
What Kind of Paradise was nothing like I expected! Having read Pretty Things by Janelle Brown, I anticipated a dark, twisty mystery—but this felt almost like a memoir, threading personal identity, unconditional love, and the weight of secrets through its coming-of-age journey.

Where do we draw the line between protecting our children from the world and holding them captive? When do we break away from inherited beliefs to forge our own moral compass? Jane and her father unravel these complex questions in a gripping story that kept me turning pages way past bedtime. If you love thought-provoking narratives that stay with you long after the final page, this one’s for you.

READ IF YOU LIKE-
💗Coming of Age
📱 Technology Boom of the 90s
💿 Nostalgic
🐻Wilderness
🗺️ Living Off the Grid

This ARC was provided by the publisher via @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I heard this l described this as reminiscent of Liz Moore’s The Unseen World (one of my all time favorites) it went right to the top of my TBR. The similarities are apparent: a single father raising a daughter, set in a previous time period (the 1990s this time) and involving computers and some sort of mystery. I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in a matter of hours. I honestly believe it’s best to go in blind knowing as little as possible so for the plot I’ll just say that it involves a father and daughter living in rural Montana and the early days of the internet. The daughter begins to realize she doesn’t know as much as she thinks she does about her father and high stakes drama ensues. A literary thriller, this is a bit “flashier” than The Unseen World but completely propulsive - a very worthy summer beach (or anywhere) read!

Very interesting story with mystery and nostalgia. The female main character was a fantastic narrator and character. Very engrossing with a satisfying end.

This is a slow burn coming of age mystery story taking place during the early years of the internet and approaching silicon valley boom.

A hermetic and paranoid father who believes technology is the bane of mankind and will ruin the existence of humanity. (Maybe not too wrong) lives in the woods where he raises his young daughter, Jane. However, as the years go by, he makes some big choices that flings his overly-sheltered daughter, who is now a teen, into some compromising situations, resulting in a journey of sudden independence and uncovering some dark truths about who she is.

This story explores themes of technological advancement and its impact on humanity, as well as identity, family, and friendship. I wish I could give more info, but this character study of a novel is best experienced with no spoilers. The writing was really great, which is how I always feel about Janelle Brown books. She's an autobuy author for me.

It's been awhile since I've read a book I couldn't put down but this was so well done and immersive that I couldn't stop! We first meet Jane as a 17 year old being raised by her Dad in a remote cabin in the woods in Montana. Her mom has died in a car accident and thereafter he decided to leave society behind. He's become a bit of a recluse since then, publishing a luddite newsletter that decries the use of technology and predicts that AI will rule all. It's a bit forboding if you look at today's society. He leaves Jane alone for a week at a time to go 'get supplies' and 'distribute his newsletter'.

One day she goes through his desk and finds paperwork that indicates her name is not really Jane and her mom might be alive. Thus begins her quest to escape and discover the real world. This book reminded me a bit of that show 'Hanna', without the violence. As Jane makes friends and enemies on her journey, you are rooting for her and frightened for her, as she is no naive and easily taken advantage of, yet so smart. Her father at this point might also be wanted by the police, so there's that. She finds good samaritans along the way and you can't stop reading this to find out if she makes it ok.

It's about relationships, society, trust, and so many other themes. I'm imaging this as a movie or series and it would be very entertaining and binge-worthy. It's a suspenseful page turner with captivating characters and story development. Highly recommended!

Growing up in an isolated cabin in Montana in the mid 1990's, Jane only knows the world they live in. With no technology, growing their own food, homeschooling and removed from most of the world. Her father is elusive about their past but Jane insists on going with him on one of his 'trips' one day and he reluctantly agrees. The trip opens up a whole new world to Jane and she realises that her devotion to her father has made her an accomplice to a horrific crime. As she searches for answers in San Francisco, secrets are uncovered and she must question everything she has ever known.

This was SO darned clever!! Living in the wilderness and essentially off-grid, wasn't a new concept, but as the story evolved, you begin to appreciate the set-up and the masterful way the author intertwines the past and present in the story. So many surprises and also so much to contemplate in this one.
A FABULOUS novel by the author and one I will be thinking about for some time to come.

This was my first time reading Janelle Brown, and it definitely won me over. The story follows Jane, who lives with her father in a remote Montana cabin, completely cut off from her past. All she knows is that they once lived in San Francisco and that her mother died in a tragic car accident. But as Jane grows older, doubts creep in about the version of her life her father has painted. When she discovers her dad’s criminal past, Jane makes a bold decision to flee to San Francisco to uncover the truth about her origins.

Brown’s writing is compelling and immersive—not in an overly ornate way, but with a clarity and emotional depth that pulls you in and won’t let go. The novel defies easy categorization, blending literary mystery, coming-of-age themes, and a touch of romance seamlessly. Beyond the plot, it raises provocative questions about the impact of technology and the internet on our lives, adding a modern layer of relevance.

The suspense is carefully and masterfully built, as Brown peels back the complex layers of family secrets with subtle precision. This isn’t just a thriller or mystery; it’s a poignant exploration of how parental choices ripple across generations and whether we can ever truly escape the shadows of our past. While the story unfolds at a measured, slow-burn pace, it’s a richly rewarding read that kept me engaged throughout. Plus, the nostalgic nods to the ’90s add a charming backdrop that fans of the decade will appreciate.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC.

Wow.

This is the kind of book that deserves no spoilers. It is a story that will stick far beyond its end. It was so well done. 5/5.

Wow! My first book of the month and this one was awesome! From the beginning Janelle Brown had me hooked and I devoured every page after.

Saul and Jane, a father and daughter living off the grid in rural Montana have a peaceful existence, but that is soon to change . Jane, quickly becoming an adult, is anxious to venture out and see what all the world has to offer. Meanwhile, Saul is getting older and becoming more radical in his opinions about technology.

A former Harvard graduate and member of a group of brilliant Silicon Valley workers, Saul has raised Jane with lies, while at the same time filling her head with his beliefs about the danger of technology. When Saul decides to take a steps to advance his beliefs, he manages to get Jane tangled up in a dangerous crime.

Jane escapes from her father and begins to live her own life, while at the same time attempting to stop her father and do the right thing. Great story and wonderful ending!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am pleased to review this and recommend to other readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published June 3, 2025.

This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author and this was my favorite thus far. (I gave the other 3 books four stars.)

This book was a real page-turner. I would have loved to have read it in a single day but work and life got in the way.

This book was exceptionally well-crafted. The plot centers around the start of the dot-com era. Jane’s dad has chosen to live off-grid and is writing a manifesto about the dangers of technology. He disappears for days at a time and keeps Jane on a short leash, rarely raking her out in public.

There are characters you love and characters you will hate. There are many twists and turns where I gasped. Jane’s struggle felt very real to me. No spoilers here but I thought this book was fantastic.

Themes include technology, the family you’re born into and ultimately the family you choose.

As I read, I kept thinking, “it would be cool if the story went in this direction.” Then it would do exactly that. While this made it a tad predictable, it also made it exciting. Set during the infancy of the Internet, the commentary on technological advancement is simple yet nuanced and very timely. Jane and her father make the story, though.

It would have been easy to make Jane frustratingly clueless and gullible, but she’s not only an appropriate level of naïve given her upbringing—she also possesses the intellect and critical thinking skills to compensate for her shortcomings and this combination of flaws and strengths makes her real and exciting to follow. Saul is a heartbreaking character. Unforgivable, but layered and sympathetic. You know he’s wrong to do what he does, but you also know as the story views the events through hindsight, that his concerns about the apocalyptic future weren’t completely unfounded.

The decision to tell the story in past tense like a memoir makes Jane more endearing as well. She is in on the situational irony. As she looks back on the story’s events, she is able to comment on her mistakes and regrets. There are moments where this feels almost too self-deprecating like the author wanted to alleviate some of the reader’s frustrations. I think there could have been less of this which made it feel like the narrator was apologizing for her naïveté which felt like a discredit to her.

Pacing of the first half is perfect. It allows our unease to build slowly, while steadily building toward disaster. Very tense. Pacing in second half stutters a bit, but by that point, I’m fully invested in Jane’s story. There were moments where I honestly wished we’d get more Saul as his and Jane’s relationship was the most intriguing part for me. When they were together, the story was at its most unsettling and most heart-wrenching. But as Jane was committing to learning who she was without her father, it was important for us as the reader to commit to the same journey.

Despite some of my nitpicks, I loved the book and am definitely recommending to others as a thrilling and tragic read. Thanks NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

Janelle Brown's What Kind of Paradise is a captivating dive into a unique and unsettling upbringing, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars. This book pulls you into the isolated world of Jane, a teenage girl raised by her father in the wilds of Montana during the 1990s. As she grows up and starts to question her very limited reality, she uncovers a dark truth that makes her realize her devotion to her dad has made her part of something terrible. It's a gripping journey as she flees to San Francisco, desperate for answers about her past.

What really makes What Kind of Paradise shine is its intriguing premise and the way Brown slowly unravels the mystery. The isolated setting in Montana provides a fascinating backdrop, and you can almost feel the tension building as Jane starts to realize the cracks in her seemingly idyllic, yet controlled, world. The narrative does a great job of keeping you guessing, piecing together Jane's past alongside her as she navigates a completely new environment.

The character of Jane is well-crafted; her innocence, combined with her growing unease and eventual determination, makes her a compelling protagonist. You genuinely root for her as she tries to make sense of her bizarre childhood and confront the harsh realities of her father's actions. The shift from the remote Montana wilderness to the bustling streets of San Francisco is handled effectively, highlighting Jane's fish-out-of-water experience and her desperate search for truth.

While the book is largely excellent, there might be a few moments where the pacing feels a tiny bit slower, or some revelations could be seen coming if you're a seasoned thriller reader. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise well-executed story. The emotional impact of Jane's discoveries and her journey towards understanding and potential healing is powerful and keeps you invested until the very end.

Overall, What Kind of Paradise is a compelling and thought-provoking read. It's a great choice if you're looking for a suspenseful story with a strong character at its heart, exploring themes of family, loyalty, and the hidden costs of a distorted reality. It's a definite page-turner that will leave you thinking long after you've finished.

Janelle Brown’s "What Kind of Paradise" is an intriguing blend of fiction and historical narrative that draws readers into a captivating journey of self-discovery and family dynamics. At the heart of the story is Jane, a young woman on a mission to uncover her past and reveal her family secrets. The stakes are high, and throughout much of the book, I was riveted by her pursuit—wondering if she would discover the truth about her mother and father.

Brown’s ability to weave a rich tapestry of character development and emotional depth is evident, making Jane's journey compelling and relatable. There’s an enthralling quality to the prose that kept me engrossed in not only the plot but also the intricate layers of familial relationships and identity.

However, as the narrative approaches its crescendo, I found myself disappointed with the pacing. The book accelerates towards its conclusion, leaving many character arcs somewhat underdeveloped. What could have been a powerful resolution is overshadowed by a sudden philosophical reflection on the themes of birth family versus found family and a critique of technology’s role in our lives. While these themes are important and certainly worthy of discussion, they felt somewhat forced and detracted from the resolution I had been anticipating.

Despite this, Jane's journey through What Kind of Paradise is truly captivating, and Brown's storytelling craft shines throughout. I would wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone interested in a narrative that explores the complexities of familial ties.

"The first thing you have to understand is that my father was my entire world."
The mid-1990's witnessed a notable increase in the prevalence of conspiracy theories due to the increase in technology and the internet, public's trust in the government after many failed promises, UFO theorists thought the government was covering up after several movies depicted it as true, the end of the Cold War suggested uncertainty in other countries, critical race theory came to light thanks to technology, so many people began to plan for a fight against enemies unknown.
In an isolated cabin in Montana, Jane knows only the world that she and her father live in. Her father, Saul, a conspiracy theorist, sees the world as the "death of society" due to lack of respect for nature and the increase in technology. He earned 4 degrees at Harvard with his knowledge presented to his daughter who had to diligently study Thoreau's philosophy. As his anti-government issues grew, she began to see a chilling side. He became more challenging and controlling as he lived in fear. When she became part of a horrific crime, she ran.
As she set out on her own, she tried to find her way, feeling isolated in an unknown world. This is a thought-provoking book. Not everything you disagree with. Some points are valid, but later revealed as a mental illness. This book will challenge your thoughts and awareness and may become one of the top books for 2025. The author did a great job researching the historical part of society and presenting it in a fictional way.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you for an advance copy of this book. I have had this on my must read pile for awhile so I read it immediately when I got my copy and I was not disappointed. I went into this book fairly blind about the plot and I think that is best...letting the story slowly unfold is necessary. Its a father daughter story in the first half....then its a story about insanity, community, progress and the bonds of family. I liked that i kept going back and forth about the father character,,,is he good/bad? Its not black or white....This was a great book and I think it will be on the best of 2025 lists this year!

“Faith in the people you adore doesn’t disappear slowly, with each tiny disappointment; instead it collapsed all at once, like the final snowfall that triggers an avalanche when the weight suddenly becomes too much to bear.”
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What Kind of Paradise is one of those books that pulls you in slowly… then suddenly you’re glued to the page, questioning everything you thought you knew about technology, truth, and the stories we’re told.
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We follow Jane, a teen raised completely off-grid in the Montana wilderness by her fiercely independent father. No school. No internet. Just survival, philosophy, and the woods. But as Jane grows up, cracks begin to form—where does her father disappear to? Why are they hiding? And what really happened to her mother?
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This coming-of-age mystery unfolds against the backdrop of the 1990s dot-com boom, and the blend of historical fiction, suspense, and quiet psychological tension is so compelling. It’s got echoes of These Silent Woods with a touch of true-crime intrigue, plus some thought-provoking commentary on the promises and dangers of tech.
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If you can, go into it blind- I promise the slow burn pays off. Atmospheric, haunting, and rich with themes that beg to be discussed.
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4 stars ★★★★
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Out soon from @randomhouse! Thank you to #NetGalley and #RandomHouse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. @netgalley
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#whatkindofparadise #janellebrown #comingofagefiction #dotcomboom #historicalmystery #offgridliving #literarythriller #netgalleyreads #arcreview #psychologicalfiction #slowburnmystery #bookrecommendation #2025reads #bookreview #montanavibes #truecrimefiction #readersofinstagram #thoughtprovokingreads #bookclubpick #bookishthoughts #booksandtechnology #grippingfiction #janellebrownbooks #readthisnext

Jane grows up in an isolated Montana cabin with her father in the mid-90s. Her father homeschools her and they are always prepared for when the government comes for them. Her mother died in a car accident years before and Jane remembers very little. As she becomes a teenager however, Jane starts to push back against her father and after a horrifying incident, decides to set out and find her truth.

Oh wow. This was amazing. Not what I expected somehow - I know, it seems I never read the summaries - but exactly perfect. From the description of an isolated teenager girl, to the world during the rise of the internet, this is a delightful and touching journey of a girl manipulated and lied to by the people she should trust the most. I could not put this down and loved everything about it. My heart broke for Jane so so many times and her ability to rise above the trauma is so inspiring.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Available June 3, 2025.

This is the story of Jane, who has been raised by her paranoid and secretive father in an isolated area of Montana. As Jane approaches adulthood in the mid-1990s, her father brings in a computer and modem, along with a book on HTML coding, and charges Jane with figuring out how to get his manifesto on the internet. As Jane starts to uncover secrets about both her father and herself, as well as exploring the outside world for the first time via the early days of the internet, she gets pulled into a dangerous mission of her father's, leading her to leave him and strike out on her own. Jane's journey is fascinating and frustrating in equal measure, but I was rooting for her all the way. My only quibble, and I've had this with other authors - stop with the foreshadowing! I really don't like it when, in the midst of unspooling action, the main character keeps slipping in, "if only I'd known" and "it led to something worse than I could have ever imagined." These little hints contributed nothing to the storyline and instead just irritated me. I'm not an idiot, I can see when something isn't going to go well. And if I can't, let me be surprised! Still, other than that, this was a really engaging novel, and I look forward to whatever Brown writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for a digital review copy.