I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is a dark satirical thriller standalone novel by Jason Pargin published in 2024 by St. Martin's Press. The story follows Abbott Coburn, a disillusioned Lyft driver, as he is thrust into a bizarre cross-country journey with a mysterious passenger and an enigmatic black box. Pargin blends social commentary with dark humor, exploring themes of paranoia, technology, and human connection in an increasingly chaotic world.
Abbott Coburn, a rideshare driver in Los Angeles, supplements his income by streaming on Twitch. His routine changes when he is hired by a young woman named Ether to undertake an unusually long trip from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., a distance of nearly 3,000 miles (4,800km). Ether offers him a large cash payment for the journey and requires that a sealed black box she is transporting be delivered safely to Washington.
The box, which is marked with a symbol resembling a radiation warning, attracts attention during the trip. A gas station customer notices it, and speculation soon spreads online, with some suggesting it may contain a dirty bomb. The rumors are amplified on Reddit, Twitch, and other platforms, leading to a wider media panic.
As the journey progresses, Abbott and Ether are pursued by individuals seeking the box, including a threatening character named Malort. They also encounter a series of other travelers, such as retired FBI agent Joan Key and two women searching for a missing rabbit, variously called Petey or Dumptruck.
Amid the growing public anxiety, Abbott and Ether develop a rapport, sharing personal stories and philosophical reflections during their cross-country trip. Their conversations touch on themes of friendship, loyalty, and everyday frustrations.
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.[1]
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.[2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
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 narrated by Ari Fliakos and published by Macmillan Audio.[5] A paperback version was simultaneously published in the United Kingdom by Titan Books.[6]
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