Book Review The Story of Oog: A New Thinker’s Guide to the Forest

The Story of Oog: A New Thinker’s Guide to the Forest by Len Vlahos claims to be “for readers of Monty Python, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, John Green”. My first thought was an optimistic “that’s me!” and my second though was a jaded “that’s too good to be true”.

Isn’t it nice when optimism wins? I’d even add one more cultural influence to the list. That would be The Firesign Theatre. It would take me all day to explain why, but honestly – if you know, you know.

Oog’s story starts as one might expect a caveman’s story to start. His days are simple, spent scratching himself, drooling, and smelling the air for food. And there’s not much more. Well, there’s fire. Oog doesn’t personally own a fire, but his village does, and he enjoys its benefits. At least until the fire goes out and he’s to blame.

The book would end right there, if it wasn’t for something that happens to Oog. It’s something we clever writers like to call an “inciting incident”. For the first time in his life… Oog has a thought.

From there, Oog’s life turns into a series of incidents and circumstances that constantly propel him forward, both physically and mentally. Smart readers (hey, that’s you!) will notice satirical situations and dialog here and there, reminding us that in spite of evolution, we’re all still cavemen at heart.

If you enjoyed the 1981 film Quest For Fire, I think you’ll find The Story of Oog to be a satisfying read. It’s less animalistic than Quest was but never loses sight of humanity’s base need for sex, war, food, and warmth. Oog is from a distant past. Oog is nothing like a modern, evolved human being. Except for all the ways — and there are many — that he is.

In conclusion, I found The Story of Oog to be an enjoyable read, written in a simplistic manner that’s easy on the eyes, but sneakily complex on the brain. So stop scratching yourself and smelling the air for food, and amble over to Left Field Publishing. Bookmark the site so you’ll know where to get your copy when it releases on November 3, 2025. It’s the perfect fireside read.