Zen and Gone

by Emily France
Zen and Gone cover
Good Books rating 3.97
Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 10032
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781616958589
  • Publisher: Soho Press
  • Published: 2018-07-03
  • Reviews: 3

Essa McKree, a seventeen-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, takes on the responsibility of caring for her nine-year-old sister, Puck, while their mother is often high from working at a pot shop. Essa's life takes a turn when she meets Oliver, a brainy visitor from Chicago, who introduces her to the local zendo and the exploration of Buddhism. Their summer adventure turns into a nightmare when Puck goes missing during a survival game in the Rocky Mountains, forcing Essa to rely on her newfound spiritual strength to save her sister and herself. Set against the backdrop of Colorado's stunning landscapes, 'Zen and Gone' is a profound exploration of family, spirituality, and self-discovery. Emily France's novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the transformative power of nature and spirituality.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2026-01-05
excellent 4.50

The dual perspectives of Essa and Oliver add depth to the story, with Essa's character being particularly compelling. The novel is a fast-paced read that blends various genres seamlessly.

This novel follows two main characters, Essa and Oliver, and their dual perspectives add a lot of depth to the story. Essa's character is particularly compelling, and her journey is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel is a fast-paced read that blends romance, thrills, drama, and philosophy seamlessly. The strong message about being present in life, even when it hurts, is delivered effectively through the characters' experiences and interactions.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed both of their POV's, but after finally finishing this book I loved Essa.

    Zen and Gone follows two main characters, Essa and Oliver

    A fast-paced read. Blending romance, thrills, drama, and philosophy

Goodreads · Essence McKree · 2018-07-03
great 3.40

The coming-of-age story is heartwarming and refreshing, with a strong message about being present in life. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making the story engaging and thought-provoking.

This novel is a heartwarming and refreshing coming-of-age tale that blends romance, thrills, drama, and philosophy. The characters are authentic and easy to relate to, and the Boulder setting is well-drawn. The story delivers a strong message about being present in life even when it hurts, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read. The humor and teen angst amidst the crisis add depth to the narrative, making it a standout young adult book.

Quick quotes

    A warm and refreshingly innocent coming of age tale.

    The novel's Boulder setting is equally well-drawn.

    Amidst crisis, there is humor, teen angst and – you get the whole package.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books · K Coats · 2018-07-01
brilliant 4.00

Oliver's character is exceptionally well-developed and relatable, making the story engaging. The novel's setting and humor add to its appeal, making it a standout young adult book.

In this novel, Oliver's character is exceptionally well-developed and relatable, making the story engaging and thought-provoking. His attempts to understand a girl and a culture that seem foreign to him add depth to the narrative. The novel's Boulder setting is equally well-drawn, and the humor amidst the crisis adds a layer of authenticity. The story is a standout in the young adult genre, with a strong message about being present in life even when it hurts.

Quick quotes

    Oliver's character is exceptionally well developed and at times downright adorable in his attempts to understand a girl and a culture that seem ...

    The novel's Boulder setting is equally well-drawn.

    Amidst crisis, there is humor, teen angst and – you get the whole package.

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