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4.49 AVERAGE
4.49 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A remarkably sad and important book. It was a tough read, it took me a while to finish given its length as well, which makes it all the better. A truly raw and real look at the coming of age of a boy during the opioid epidemic in Appalachia (Lee County) Virginia. I was rooting for Demon and praying for the downfall of everyone that wronged him. Also a perfect ending in my opinion. Easily one of my favorite books I have ever read.
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved this book, it challenged me in a lot of ways but the beautifully grounded prose pulled me through.
The powerful theme of empathy that the author weaves through the story I hope is noticed by more than just myself. When I wasn't relating to the child poverty, my heart was breaking for Demon's attempts to feel home and love.
Earlier in the book I found myself relating to (and a little triggered) by his circumstances like his abandonment and neglect and looking after his mother. Then he really leaned into a fatal hopelessness that I also related to despite myself and Demon's paths diverging more. He had to grow up earlier than other kids so when he's in his early teens, he feels surprised when his peers act like 'babies'. But once he's in his late teens and he is giving into the fix, he tries to excuse some of what he does by saying that's 'what kids do' thereby absolving himself of guilt. Even though the dirty dishes and laundry at Cranky's first revolted him, the same thing at Dori's he simply accepts.
And I was there for it every minute of the ride, until the last few pages. The tieing off into a little now felt rushed.This saga, then wandering off into the sunset?
The powerful theme of empathy that the author weaves through the story I hope is noticed by more than just myself. When I wasn't relating to the child poverty, my heart was breaking for Demon's attempts to feel home and love.
Earlier in the book I found myself relating to (and a little triggered) by his circumstances like his abandonment and neglect and looking after his mother. Then he really leaned into a fatal hopelessness that I also related to despite myself and Demon's paths diverging more. He had to grow up earlier than other kids so when he's in his early teens, he feels surprised when his peers act like 'babies'. But once he's in his late teens and he is giving into the fix, he tries to excuse some of what he does by saying that's 'what kids do' thereby absolving himself of guilt. Even though the dirty dishes and laundry at Cranky's first revolted him, the same thing at Dori's he simply accepts.
And I was there for it every minute of the ride, until the last few pages. The tieing off into a little now felt rushed.