I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom

I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom

First edition cover
Author	Jason Pargin
Audio read by	Ari Fliakos
Language	English
Genre	Dark satire, thriller, science fiction
Publisher	St. Martin's Press
Publication date	September 24, 2024
Publication place	United States
Media type	Print (hardcover), e-book, audiobook
Pages	400
ISBN	978-1-250-28595-9
OCLC	1441505112
Website	us.macmillan.com/books/9781250285959

I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is a dark satirical thriller novel with science fiction elements by Jason Pargin. Published in 2024 by St. Martin's Press, it is Pargin's first standalone novel. The story follows Abbott Coburn, a disillusioned Lyft driver, as he's thrust into a bizarre cross-country journey with a mysterious passenger and an enigmatic black box. Pargin blends sharp social commentary with dark humor, exploring themes of paranoia, technology, and human connection in an increasingly chaotic world.

Summary

Abbott Coburn, a down-on-his-luck Lyft driver, spends much of his time in online chat rooms when he's not chauffeuring around Los Angeles in his father's Lincoln Navigator. One day, his mundane routine is interrupted by Ether, a young woman who hires him for an unusually long trip from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. — a nearly 3,000-mile journey. Ether persuades Abbott to take the job with an enormous cash offer, although her true powers of persuasion come from her ability to tap into Abbott's inner frustrations. She promises him an adventure unlike any other, saying, "This is every downtrodden schlub's dream come true."

Ether's only condition: the black box she's transporting must arrive safely in D.C. What's inside the box remains a mystery, but its suspicious appearance, including a sticker resembling a radiation symbol, quickly draws attention. A stranger at a gas station spots the box and, before long, rumors of a potential dirty bomb surface online, with wild speculation taking over Twitter and chat groups. The media frenzy leads to panic as rumors of nuclear material in the box spread rapidly.

As they travel eastward, Abbott and Ether are pursued by several quirky characters, including Malort, a menacing figure who seems determined to retrieve the box. Along the way, they cross paths with a variety of eccentric individuals, including Tattoo Monster and retired FBI agent Joan Key, whose sharp wit and sardonic observations add to the novel's humor. Abbott and Ether also get sidetracked by two women searching for their lost bunny, whose name may be either Petey or Dumptruck, depending on who you ask.

While the world around them spirals into chaos, Abbott and Ether develop a bond, engaging in profound and often hilarious conversations. Abbott shares personal anecdotes, such as learning how to shave from the internet rather than his father, while Ether offers surprisingly insightful musings on friendship, loyalty, and the absurdity of life. Their journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about the mysterious black box.

Reception

Luiz H. C.'s review for Bloody Disgusting describes the novel as a refreshing departure from Pargin's previous work, blending dark humor with sharp social commentary. He notes that the book explores real-world fears like online conspiracies, incel uprisings, and the psychological dangers of constant connectivity. While Pargin balances absurdity with insightful observations about modern society, Luiz mentions that some of the more philosophical moments can feel a bit heavy-handed. Despite lacking the cosmic horror of Pargin's earlier books, Luiz believes this grounded tale still delivers the author's signature wit and thought-provoking themes, making it one of his most engaging and reflective works yet. He gave the book four out of five stars.

Publishers Weekly described the book as a "strident and timely" adventure that combines dark humor with sharp satire, drawing comparisons to the works of Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams. They highlighted how the story captures the anxieties and disconnection of modern digital life, presenting a chaotic yet engaging narrative that confronts harsh truths while offering an unexpected sense of hope. It's described as a "raucous roller-coaster ride" that feels both relevant and thought-provoking for today's audience.

Kirkus Reviews lauded the book for its quirky cast of characters and rapid-fire plot, noting the novel's ability to balance absurdity with meaningful character interactions. The review particularly highlighted the relationship between Abbott and Ether as one of the novel's standout elements, describing their conversations as both entertaining and introspective.

Justin Soderberg, reviewing for Capes & Tights, gave the book five stars and describes it as a humorous and thought-provoking road trip novel that explores the impact of technology and social media on society. Soderberg praises Pargin for skillfully combining eccentric characters, satire, and insightful commentary, creating a unique and engaging read. He also highlights how Ari Fliakos' dynamic narration enhances the audiobook experience, making the novel both entertaining and memorable.

Publication history

The hardback and e-book versions of the book were published on September 24, 2024, in the United States by St. Martin's Press, while the audiobook version was published by Macmillan Audio. A paperback version was simultaneously published in the United Kingdom by Titan Books.

External links

• Official website
• Excerpt
• Trailer