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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon is a captivating coming-of-age tale set in 1960s Zephyr, Alabama, where 12-year-old Cory Mackenson embarks on a journey filled with mystery, magic, and the bittersweet realities of growing up. The story begins with Cory and his father witnessing a car sinking into a lake, sparking a murder mystery that threads through the novel. McCammon masterfully blends nostalgia, small-town charm, and supernatural elements—think ghostly figures and mythical creatures—with deeper themes like racism, family, and loss. Cory’s voice is authentic and engaging, capturing the wide-eyed wonder of childhood, while the vivid prose paints Zephyr as a character in itself.
The novel shines in its emotional depth and memorable supporting cast, from quirky townsfolk to Cory’s loving family. The mix of adventure, humor, and heartache keeps you hooked, though some subplots wander, and the supernatural bits can feel slightly disjointed from the grounded coming-of-age core. The 3.75/5 rating reflects its near-perfect balance of heart and mystery, with minor pacing hiccups holding it back from a full five stars.
The novel shines in its emotional depth and memorable supporting cast, from quirky townsfolk to Cory’s loving family. The mix of adventure, humor, and heartache keeps you hooked, though some subplots wander, and the supernatural bits can feel slightly disjointed from the grounded coming-of-age core. The 3.75/5 rating reflects its near-perfect balance of heart and mystery, with minor pacing hiccups holding it back from a full five stars.
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Якби могла - поставила б і вищу оцінку. У цій книзі є все - і таємниця і розслідування і пригоди і хороше і погане і містичне. Маленькі історії про цікавих людей у маленькому місці. Ааа, хочеться щоб цю книжку прочитали всі.
I very rarely DNF a book, but when a dog dies especially in a disturbingly graphic way ; I’m out.
This is a back list diamond. I loved this book with my whole heart.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really wanted to like this book because I enjoyed Swan Song and the reviews for this were good. But it didn’t move at the pace that I wanted and the elements that drew me in at the start—a mysterious death, a monster—just didn’t appear often enough for me.
It is definitely written well and an engaging coming of age story but just not what I was in the mood to read. I may revisit it again to just enjoy the pace and writing but for now, it’s a DNF.
It is definitely written well and an engaging coming of age story but just not what I was in the mood to read. I may revisit it again to just enjoy the pace and writing but for now, it’s a DNF.