TL;DR
Trapped in their bathroom during a violent storm, the dysfunctional family at the heart of ‘We Need to Do Something’ confronts not only the external threat of the elements but also the internal turmoil of their own relationships and secrets. As hours turn into days and the situation becomes increasingly dire, the line between reality and delusion blurs, forcing them to face the darkness within and without.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Max Booth III is a prolific author known for his work in horror and dark fiction. He has written numerous novels and short stories, often exploring themes of family dynamics, societal anxieties, and the macabre. His writing style is characterized by its raw intensity, dark humor, and unflinching exploration of the human psyche.
Key Takeaways
Claustrophobic Setting
The confinement of the bathroom intensifies the family’s conflicts and anxieties, creating a pressure-cooker environment that drives the narrative’s tension.
Dysfunctional Family Dynamics
The story delves into the complex and strained relationships between family members, revealing long-held resentments, secrets, and a history of trauma that contributes to their current predicament.
Supernatural Elements
As the family’s situation deteriorates, they experience strange and unsettling occurrences that suggest the presence of something sinister beyond the storm.
Psychological Horror
The book explores the psychological toll of confinement and fear, blurring the lines between reality and delusion as the characters grapple with their own inner demons.
Social Commentary
Through the family’s struggles, the novel touches upon broader societal issues such as climate change, economic disparity, and the breakdown of communication in the digital age.
Coming-of-Age
The teenage daughter, Melissa, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the ordeal, confronting her own fears and insecurities as she navigates the chaos around her.
Unreliable Narration
The story is primarily told from Melissa’s perspective, but her increasingly erratic mental state raises questions about the reliability of her narration, adding to the sense of unease and uncertainty.
Open-Ended Conclusion
The novel’s ambiguous ending leaves readers to ponder the true nature of the family’s experience and the fate of the characters.
FAQ about We Need to Do Something
Is ‘We Need to Do Something’ a traditional horror story?
While it contains elements of horror, the book is more of a psychological thriller with supernatural undertones. The focus is on the characters’ internal struggles and the breakdown of their relationships rather than on jump scares or gore.
Is the book appropriate for young adults?
Due to its mature themes, disturbing imagery, and strong language, ‘We Need to Do Something’ is recommended for mature readers only.
What is the significance of the storm in the story?
The storm serves as both a literal and metaphorical catalyst for the family’s breakdown. It represents the external forces of chaos and destruction, but it also mirrors the internal turmoil within the characters themselves.
Does the book offer any hope or redemption for the characters?
The ending of the book is open to interpretation, leaving readers to decide whether the family finds any resolution or succumbs to their despair.
We Need to Do Something Quotes
- ”The storm was the least of our problems. We were a problem."
- "Sometimes the monsters outside are nothing compared to the ones we carry inside."
- "We were trapped, all right, but the bathroom wasn’t the only cage.”