Scan barcode
ingridboring's review
5.0
I loved this, it is an excellent excellent book!
But the main character is casually fatphobic and even though that got called out by another character, it definitely put a dampener on it.
But the main character is casually fatphobic and even though that got called out by another character, it definitely put a dampener on it.
lectoribenevolo's review
4.0
This debut novel by Chase Night is not what it appears at first blush. It begins as a quirky, occasionally funny story of closeted gay teens in rural Arkansas dealing with their relationship in the context of their family dynamics and their Pentecostal religion. Yet there are ominous overtones throughout that blossom fully in the last forty pages, when Chicken becomes a very different book. The transition is almost jarring, and it leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
In an Afterword, Night offers a handy explanation for the incongruity. Although this is Night's first novel to be published, it turns out that it is a side project, a detour, that Night felt he had to take while writing another pair of Southern gothic novels (neither of which has seen publication as of this writing). Night envisions that Chicken will be the middle novel of a projected trilogy, and based on the projected titles, the Southern gothic elements will doubtlessly predominate.
Chicken is a good debut effort by Night. He takes serious efforts to put the two incongruous parts of the story together, and when it works he pulls off Southern fiction that is reminiscent of Fannie Flagg. I hope that he is able to publish the remainder of the trilogy, because my biggest regret is that this book leaves too many unanswered questions about characters I came to care about.
In an Afterword, Night offers a handy explanation for the incongruity. Although this is Night's first novel to be published, it turns out that it is a side project, a detour, that Night felt he had to take while writing another pair of Southern gothic novels (neither of which has seen publication as of this writing). Night envisions that Chicken will be the middle novel of a projected trilogy, and based on the projected titles, the Southern gothic elements will doubtlessly predominate.
Chicken is a good debut effort by Night. He takes serious efforts to put the two incongruous parts of the story together, and when it works he pulls off Southern fiction that is reminiscent of Fannie Flagg. I hope that he is able to publish the remainder of the trilogy, because my biggest regret is that this book leaves too many unanswered questions about characters I came to care about.
sgbrux's review
5.0
This story knocked the breath out of me. Let me tell you: Chase Night’s Chicken is absolutely wonderful.
If you’ve ever lived in or around the Bible Belt, read this book. If you’re familiar with the conservative south, small-town America, or any other derivative of any of these places, read this book. Even if you’re easily offended or can’t relate to any of these places, still, read this book.
Night’s Chicken is a story of courage and love—forbidden love. The real monsters take the form of you and me, and the beasts are the redeemers of humanity. Presented as a YA novel, all ages would benefit from reading this book. Just do yourself a favor and read it.
I moved back to Northwest Arkansas in July 2012—when this book takes place. The story gave me flashbacks of some heavily covered press events from that summer. You might remember the Chick-Fil-A headlines that year. Night’s book is smartly written, the humor well-timed in the face of heavy topics. It kept me from falling into a deep depression for what the main characters, Casper and Brant, endured.
There’s an intense scene on page 271 between Casper, his parents, and his sister Laramie. The scene about sent me into a shock. I didn’t know whether to laugh like an all-out crazy person or to just burst into tears. Chicken did that a lot. It ricocheted between the sad indecencies of a close-minded society and the saving humor found in epiphanic realizations.
I read somewhere that Night plans to turn Chicken into a trilogy, with Chicken as book two. If true, I can’t wait to get my hands on The Natural State and Demoniac. I adore Casper Quinn and Brant Mitchell. But even with the disclosure of a coming trio, let me tell you, Chicken is brilliant as a standalone novel.
After reading this book, I visited Night’s Instagram out of curiosity. Take a gander. It’s apparent he had lots of inspiration in crafting the story of Casper and Brant. I can’t wait to read more of their story.
See my original review on Story Darling.
If you’ve ever lived in or around the Bible Belt, read this book. If you’re familiar with the conservative south, small-town America, or any other derivative of any of these places, read this book. Even if you’re easily offended or can’t relate to any of these places, still, read this book.
Night’s Chicken is a story of courage and love—forbidden love. The real monsters take the form of you and me, and the beasts are the redeemers of humanity. Presented as a YA novel, all ages would benefit from reading this book. Just do yourself a favor and read it.
I moved back to Northwest Arkansas in July 2012—when this book takes place. The story gave me flashbacks of some heavily covered press events from that summer. You might remember the Chick-Fil-A headlines that year. Night’s book is smartly written, the humor well-timed in the face of heavy topics. It kept me from falling into a deep depression for what the main characters, Casper and Brant, endured.
There’s an intense scene on page 271 between Casper, his parents, and his sister Laramie. The scene about sent me into a shock. I didn’t know whether to laugh like an all-out crazy person or to just burst into tears. Chicken did that a lot. It ricocheted between the sad indecencies of a close-minded society and the saving humor found in epiphanic realizations.
I read somewhere that Night plans to turn Chicken into a trilogy, with Chicken as book two. If true, I can’t wait to get my hands on The Natural State and Demoniac. I adore Casper Quinn and Brant Mitchell. But even with the disclosure of a coming trio, let me tell you, Chicken is brilliant as a standalone novel.
After reading this book, I visited Night’s Instagram out of curiosity. Take a gander. It’s apparent he had lots of inspiration in crafting the story of Casper and Brant. I can’t wait to read more of their story.
See my original review on Story Darling.
thisisbgm's review
5.0
Holy. Crap. I don't know what I was expecting when I started reading Chicken, but it blew my expectations out of the water. Chase Night masterfully captures the beauty and terror of growing up gay in a Christian community. HIs depiction of young first love is specific to these characters and yet also universal. There were times when I laughed out loud and times when I couldn't help but respond orally as I was reading (and one bout of messy messy crying).
Chicken is a genre changer for young adult fiction in general and gay representation in media in particular.
Mostly though, it's just really darn fun to read.
Chicken is a genre changer for young adult fiction in general and gay representation in media in particular.
Mostly though, it's just really darn fun to read.
More...