The Book Report: Episode 9: ‘Descent’ by Tim Johnston

Welcome to a new episode of The Book Report presented by The Millions! This week, Janet has some issues about Tim Johnston’s Descent. But how will her concerns affect Mike, who, as a man, is the central protagonist of this show?

Also discussed in this episode: Colorado, kidnapping, going quietly insane, disappearing mothers, the easily bruised and all-important male psyche, realism, Cormac McCarthy, True Detective, Parenthood, violence, madness, despair, and, most importantly, men learning things about themselves.

Cut for time in this episode: Janet and Mike’s cover of John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High,” which lasted 17 minutes because of Janet’s extremely long guitar solo, and a very involved discussion of Janet and Mike’s plan to move to Denver and open a bakery (“Let’s Get Sconed”) next to a marijuana store, which, as a business plan, literally cannot fail.