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A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear

The Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (And Some Bears)
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( 4,974 ratings, 831 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear by Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling is a fascinating exploration of a small American town where a group of libertarians attempted to create a utopia of minimal government. Their experiment led to unexpected and amusing consequences involving local wildlife, particularly bears.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy quirky narratives that blend political commentary with unexpected humour and real-life oddities. It offers a unique exploration of the intersection between libertarian ideals and wildlife challenges in a small town, making for a fascinating and entertaining read.

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A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear

A tiny American town's plans for radical self-government overlooked one hairy detail: no one told the bears.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Once upon a time, a group of libertarians united to launch the Free Town Project, a daring initiative aimed at taking over an American town to dismantle its government entirely. In 2004, their dreams crystallised in Grafton, New Hampshire, a sparsely populated community with a solitary paved road.

This audacious project saw public funding for essential services dwindle dramatically. The fire department, the library, and the schoolhouse were all victims of severe budget cuts. While state and federal laws still technically applied, they became nothing more than faint whispers amidst Grafton's dense wilderness.

The retreat of governmental oversight, however, coincided with the emergence of another force: bears. As Grafton's residents prided themselves on their freedom and discarded hunting restrictions and regulations governing food disposal, they inadvertently created a haven for the local bear population. Their attempt to live off the grid culminated in an ever-larger tent city, setting the stage for inevitable conflict between man and beast.

A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear deftly balances comedy with a deeply American tale of radical freedom. The book brims with colourful characters, clever wordplay, and a grand social experiment, offering a unique lens through which to view America's obsession with liberty. It serves as both an entertaining read and a thought-provoking exploration of the lengths to which people will go to preserve their ideals. This narrative is a true reflection of the American spirit, baring the soul of a nation fiercely protective of its freedoms, even at the cost of cohabitation with nature’s wildest inhabitants.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear by Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling has received praise for its dark humour, immersive storytelling, and insightful exploration of the clash between libertarian ideals and reality. Critics highlight the book's engaging and often surreal portrayal of Grafton, New Hampshire, describing it as a compelling narrative filled with eccentric characters and unexpected twists. The book is noted for its entertaining yet unsettling examination of political ideology and community dynamics.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781541788497

Publisher: PublicAffairs,U.S.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 September 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: PublicAffairs,U.S.

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 136.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 279g

Pages: 304

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About the Author

Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling is a freelance journalist specializing in narrative features and investigative reporting. He has been named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, won a George Polk Award, and been voted Journalist of the Year by the Maine Press association, among numerous other honors. His work has appeared in Foreign Policy, USA Today, Popular Science, Atavist Magazine, Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, the Associated Press, and elsewhere. He lives in Vermont.

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