Summary
Jason Pargin's I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is a darkly humorous thriller that delves into the anxieties of modern America. This standalone novel follows an unlikely duo on a cross-country journey with a mysterious black box, sparking nationwide panic and conspiracy theories along the way.
Pargin, known for his satirical takes on contemporary issues, blends elements of dark comedy and social commentary in this latest work. The story explores themes of paranoia, technology, and human connection in an increasingly chaotic world, drawing comparisons to the works of Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams.
While not adapted for screen yet, the novel has already garnered praise from critics for its quirky characters, rapid-fire plot, and insightful observations on digital-age anxieties. Audiobook listeners can look forward to Ari Fliakos' dynamic narration, which has been noted to enhance the overall experience of this thought-provoking and entertaining road trip adventure.
Plot
Outside Los Angeles, a down-on-his-luck Lyft driver named Abbott Coburn encounters a young woman named Ether sitting on a large black box. She offers him $200,000 to drive her and the box across the country to Washington, D.C. However, there are strict rules: Abbott cannot look inside the box, ask questions, or tell anyone about their journey. They must leave immediately, and Abbott must abandon all trackable devices.
As Abbott and Ether embark on their cross-country road trip, rumors begin to spread on social media that the mysterious black box is part of a terrorist plot aimed at plunging the United States into civil war. The box, which bears a sticker resembling a radiation symbol, quickly becomes the subject of wild speculation and panic, with online communities theorizing about its contents and purpose.
Throughout their journey, Abbott and Ether are pursued by various eccentric characters, including a menacing figure named Malort who seems determined to retrieve the box. They also cross paths with other quirky individuals, such as a retired FBI agent named Joan Key and two women searching for their lost bunny. As they travel eastward, Abbott and Ether develop an unlikely bond, engaging in profound and often humorous conversations about life, friendship, and the absurdities of the modern world.
While the country descends into chaos around them, Abbott and Ether's journey becomes as much about self-discovery as it is about delivering the mysterious black box. Abbott shares personal anecdotes from his life, while Ether offers surprisingly insightful observations on human nature and society. As they near their destination in Washington, D.C., the truth about the black box promises to be even stranger than the rumors surrounding it, potentially changing how Abbott and readers see the world.
Themes
Paranoia and societal anxiety in the digital age
The power and dangers of social media
Unlikely connections and relationships
Journey of self-discovery
Absurdity and chaos of modern life
Technology's impact on human interaction
Truth versus conspiracy in the information era
Setting
The story of I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is set in contemporary America, reflecting what the author calls “modern America's age of anxiety.” The novel takes place in the near future, specifically the year 2024, capturing the zeitgeist of a society grappling with technological advancements, social media influence, and widespread paranoia.
Geographically, the narrative spans the breadth of the United States, beginning on the outskirts of Los Angeles, California. The protagonists embark on a cross-country road trip, traversing nearly 3,000 miles to reach their final destination of Washington, D.C. This journey allows the author to paint a vivid picture of America's diverse landscapes and communities, from bustling urban centers to quiet rural towns.
While the physical setting moves across the country, a significant portion of the story unfolds in the digital realm. Social media platforms, online forums, and streaming services like Twitch play crucial roles in the narrative, serving as conduits for rumors, conspiracy theories, and public panic. This dual setting - the physical American landscape and the virtual world of the internet - creates a unique backdrop that reflects the interconnected nature of modern life and the anxieties it breeds.
Characters
Abbott Coburn: A disillusioned Lyft driver in Los Angeles who becomes entangled in a bizarre cross-country journey. Abbott spends much of his time streaming on Twitch when not driving his father's Lincoln Navigator. He is persuaded to take on an unusual trip by Ether, seeing it as a chance for adventure and escape from his mundane life. Throughout the journey, Abbott shares personal anecdotes and develops a bond with Ether, engaging in profound and often humorous conversations.
Ether: A mysterious young woman who hires Abbott for a long-distance trip from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. She offers Abbott a large sum of money to transport her and a black box across the country. Ether has the ability to tap into Abbott's inner frustrations and promises him an adventure unlike any other. During their journey, she offers surprisingly insightful musings on friendship, loyalty, and the absurdity of life.
Malort: A menacing figure who pursues Abbott and Ether, seemingly determined to retrieve the black box. Malort adds an element of danger and urgency to the cross-country journey.
Joan Key: A retired FBI agent with sharp wit and sardonic observations. Her character adds to the novel's humor and provides a different perspective on the unfolding events.
Unnamed Women: Two women searching for their lost bunny, whose name may be either Petey or Dumptruck. They cross paths with Abbott and Ether during their journey, adding a touch of whimsy to the story.
Quick facts
It is Jason Pargin's first standalone novel not connected to his previous series.
The audiobook is narrated by Ari Fliakos.
The main character, Abbott Coburn, is a Lyft driver and Twitch streamer.
The mysterious black box in the story has a sticker resembling a radiation symbol.
The cross-country journey spans nearly 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to Washington D.C.
One of the pursuing characters is named Malort, which is also the name of a bitter liquor.
The book explores themes of online conspiracies and the psychological effects of constant connectivity.
Critics have compared Pargin's writing style in this novel to Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams.
The UK edition is published by Titan Books, simultaneously with the US release.
About the Author
Jason Pargin, born in 1975, is an American humor writer and novelist best known for his John Dies at the End series. He initially wrote under the pseudonym David Wong but now publishes under his real name. Pargin's career began with founding the humor website Pointless Waste of Time in 1999, which later merged with Cracked.com.
As the former Executive Editor of Cracked.com from 2007 to 2020, Pargin honed his satirical skills before transitioning to full-time novel writing. His works blend genres such as satire, science fiction, horror, and dark comedy. Pargin's writing often explores themes of pop culture, news media, internet culture, and Americana.
Pargin's breakthrough came with John Dies at the End, originally published as a webserial. The novel was adapted into a feature film in 2012, directed by Don Coscarelli. In addition to the John Dies at the End series, Pargin has authored the Zoey Ashe series and the standalone novel I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom.
Beyond his literary accomplishments, Pargin has gained a significant following on social media platforms. His TikTok account boasts over 576,000 followers and 54.8 million likes, demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences across various mediums. Pargin currently resides in Nashville, having moved there from Marion, Illinois, in 2014.
