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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
I genuinely did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did but it was so heartbreakingly compelling. The characters feel so real and their lives are so distinct from each other. This is definitely a character driven read and quite an effective and emotional one at that. I listened to this as an audiobook and I highly, highly recommend it.
Oh my god, this book. I finished it a couple of days ago and flailed a bit to find a way to say what was going on in my head when I finished. Overall I enjoyed it. It's a decent contemporary coming of age story and that says a lot coming from me, considering I usually despise all things YA contemporary and/or coming of age.
That being said, I spent much of my early teen years in the American south (the Bible belt specifically). I feel that a lot of negative stereotypes may have been amplified for the sake of drama here and that is something I really dislike personally. The characters of Dill and Lydia were supposed to be just as important as Travis here, but I just couldn't connect. Again, that's a very personal thing.
As much as I loved Travis and wanted to know more and see more, however,
That being said, I spent much of my early teen years in the American south (the Bible belt specifically). I feel that a lot of negative stereotypes may have been amplified for the sake of drama here and that is something I really dislike personally. The characters of Dill and Lydia were supposed to be just as important as Travis here, but I just couldn't connect. Again, that's a very personal thing.
As much as I loved Travis and wanted to know more and see more, however,
Spoiler
that meant seeing more of his family life. Just no. I couldn't stand to read anymore about his drunk father. It was uncomfortable and not in a way good literature should make you uncomfortable.
This is the story of three very different kids growing up in the rural south. The book rotates between the perspectives of Lydia, Travis and Dillard. They are best friends and outcasts at their high school. Lydia is the most "normal" of the three. She comes from a loving home, and runs a successful fashion blog. She's going to leave as soon as she graduates and attend NYU. Dillard is the dirt poor son of a religious zealot of a Pentecostal preacher known for forcing his congregation to handle poisonous snakes and drink battery acid as a way of proving their faith. His father is serving time for having kiddie porn and Dillard's hard-core Christian mom blames it on Dillard. Travis has an abusive, alcoholic father and spends most of his time immersed in the fandom of a fantasy series similar to Game of Thorns. Dillard and Travis seem like they will live in their small town forever. Dillard at least is obviously miserable. The story follows these three through their senior year.
What makes this book is the excellent characterization and the unique setting. There is a lot that maybe could have gone wrong or become boring because not a lot really happens in this book until near the end, but somehow it avoids being mundane throughout. Caution: there will probably be some tears. Just a heads up.
What makes this book is the excellent characterization and the unique setting. There is a lot that maybe could have gone wrong or become boring because not a lot really happens in this book until near the end, but somehow it avoids being mundane throughout. Caution: there will probably be some tears. Just a heads up.
Have you ever read a book that touched your soul making you laugh out loud and cry your eyes out? The last one I read like that was John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. I love books like that; so real and raw.
Dill lives in the deep rural South where there are snakes both inside and outside. Dill’s father is a Pentecostal, snake-handling, poison-drinking preacher whose fall from grace hangs around Dill’s neck like a noose. The only things that keep him sane are his friends Travis and Lydia who hang out at the bottom of the social ladder like him and his music. Things are different this year, though. This is the year for doing things they are afraid of. Travis, a 6′ 6″ gentle giant, loves his fantasy stories and the chat rooms he hangs out in. It’s in one of these rooms he meets Amelia, and he’s smitten. Lydia convinces Dill to perform in the talent contest which has a $50 prize. Lydia is applying to colleges and working on her very popular (everywhere but home) blog. It’s their senior year, and everything is about to change in ways they do not expect.
Your heart will break and mend a dozen times in this book. If you are, like me, phobic about snakes, it will add another level of discomfort to your reading. Still, the story is apropos for these times we are living in, sadly. As a Southern woman, I had to cringe sometimes at the spot-on portrayal of the culture in certain areas of my home. It’s an important book, though, because it highlights the resilience of youth, the power of friendship and the influence (both positive and negative) of family.
Dill lives in the deep rural South where there are snakes both inside and outside. Dill’s father is a Pentecostal, snake-handling, poison-drinking preacher whose fall from grace hangs around Dill’s neck like a noose. The only things that keep him sane are his friends Travis and Lydia who hang out at the bottom of the social ladder like him and his music. Things are different this year, though. This is the year for doing things they are afraid of. Travis, a 6′ 6″ gentle giant, loves his fantasy stories and the chat rooms he hangs out in. It’s in one of these rooms he meets Amelia, and he’s smitten. Lydia convinces Dill to perform in the talent contest which has a $50 prize. Lydia is applying to colleges and working on her very popular (everywhere but home) blog. It’s their senior year, and everything is about to change in ways they do not expect.
Your heart will break and mend a dozen times in this book. If you are, like me, phobic about snakes, it will add another level of discomfort to your reading. Still, the story is apropos for these times we are living in, sadly. As a Southern woman, I had to cringe sometimes at the spot-on portrayal of the culture in certain areas of my home. It’s an important book, though, because it highlights the resilience of youth, the power of friendship and the influence (both positive and negative) of family.
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Serpent King was a good read albeit a little hard on the feels at times. It is very much a YA book, and everything is felt so deeply, but I have always enjoyed coming of age stories and this was a very interesting setting for one. I really loved the main characters and learning about their lives and watching them try to make sense of things. The book had a very sudden turn and the ending wasn’t what I expected going into it, but it was real for the characters situation and I was proud of the decisions they made. As someone who grew up in a very Christian house some of the expectations on Dill hit pretty close to home which I don’t think I expected going into the story. I really connected with Travis’ character, the bookworm, who is content to live inside his head with his favorite fantasy world. I would definitely recommend this book, but maybe don’t read the 2nd half at work like I did as that became a very awkward lunch break and there was no good spot to stop reading. I remember the first time I picked up the book I wanted to just power through and finish it evening, but unfortunately since I was reading only a set number of chapters for book club I had to restrain myself!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Yes
I feel like I need to mention something before I delve into my thoughts on this book. I am not a religious person. I won't go into just how much I do or don't believe, but I truly despise anyone or anything preaching to me about God, Jesus, etc. So, yes, I was worried about The Serpent King quite a bit.
However, I was worried for almost no reason at all. While there are religious themes present, they aren't projected at the reader in a preachy way. If anything, it shows the struggle some have with blind faith — especially on the heels of a life-altering event.
This story is a remarkable portrayal – and truth – of small town life and how it can shape, make, or break its community. It is told from three different points of view, a trio of friends: Dill, Lydia, and Travis. Each of their lives are different from the other two; some are sadder and more desolate as well. These three are outcasts in their town and at school, but they try to rise above. Dill's preacher father is in prison for a crime that stunned me and he's most likely going to be stuck post-graduation, paying "family" debts. Lydia is a popular fashion blogger looking to get out of her oppressive town. Travis prefers a life of fantasy novels to his real one. Apart, it probably seems as though their friendship shouldn't work. Together, nothing else makes sense; they are right.
... If you're going to live, you might as well do painful, brave, and beautiful things.
I'm not going to lie. It took me up until about 10 - 15% before I really got sucked into the story. But mainly I think that was my issue. I was so worried about the possibility of this book preaching to me that I forgot to just sit back and read. Once I ignored that piece of my brain, I became invested in the lives of these teens.
Dill was the one I felt the most for. I hated how he was treated for his father's transgressions. I hated how people looked at him as though he would follow in his footsteps. Or maybe even lied to save his own ass. It's scary how small-minded people can be, and scarier still how a mob mentality can affect another human being. I knew he deserved more, but it was obvious this tortured boy didn't feel the same way. Not for a long time. And there was a seed of darkness in him that was only awaiting its chance to thrive.
Lydia is a brilliantly written female. I loved her wit, humor, sarcasm, and mentality. I loved that she defended her friends' honor while giving zero fucks about her own. But don't think she was perfect. There were several instances throughout the book when I almost wanted to throttle her. Of course she wanted out of her small town life. And she absolutely deserved it and have every right to want it. It was just tough to watch someone else struggle with the reality of losing her and how she handled THAT really grated on me at times. It's completely unfair of me, but I just needed her to open her eyes and see what she was missing. Not to mention her complete disregard for the feelings of her friends and their lack of presence on her blog...
Travis. This gentle giant is possibly even sadder than Dill. He may play it off by focusing on his fantasy novels, but it was clear he was dealing with far more than he let on to his friends. Once we get a picture of the disturbing home life he has, the heart breaks and you want him, too, to get a better life. But he doesn't have the aspirations of the other two. He's content to live a good life in town, working for his father. He deserves more, but feels it's unattainable.
This story is magnificently written. Jeff Zentner truly has a gift with words. I grew quite attached to these kids and wanted to see all three succeed and live their lives how they wished. There are many times I figured this wasn't possible. As things progress, your heart begins to feel lighter. Everyone is making changes. They have plans that may not be perfect, but work well enough to ensure some happiness. And just when you get used to the idea of it all, you're blindsided by another horrific catastrophe. One that I kind of saw coming, but not in the way that it did. I actually had several scenarios chosen in my head, but the truth of it hit me in the heart. The unfairness of it all.
And the parents! Aaaahhhhhh! With the exception of Lydia's parents and Travis's mother, I hated them. Especially Dill's. His parents are the complete opposite of every other parental unit in any story. Ever. I couldn't imagine encouraging your child to drop out of high school and ask them to take a full-time job that won't pay well to pay your debts. Then there was their extreme religious view --- it's both scary and fanatical. As adults, they were too busy claiming to be victims and guilting their son into a life he didn't want to see the dark path he was headed down. And his mother was too busy to care enough to help him. As for Travis's dad... Well, he was just a Grade-A asshole. He was stuck mourning his dead son and bashing the surviving one. It's absolutely no excuse for his behavior, though. My heart stopped each time he was presented on the page.
I highly recommend The Serpent King for everyone. It's a humbling look into the lives of those who struggle to just live. An honest look at the unglamorous lives of people who want to get out, but don't always have the means. It's a hopeful story of the possibility of dreams coming to fruition.
4.5 stars
However, I was worried for almost no reason at all. While there are religious themes present, they aren't projected at the reader in a preachy way. If anything, it shows the struggle some have with blind faith — especially on the heels of a life-altering event.
This story is a remarkable portrayal – and truth – of small town life and how it can shape, make, or break its community. It is told from three different points of view, a trio of friends: Dill, Lydia, and Travis. Each of their lives are different from the other two; some are sadder and more desolate as well. These three are outcasts in their town and at school, but they try to rise above. Dill's preacher father is in prison for a crime that stunned me and he's most likely going to be stuck post-graduation, paying "family" debts. Lydia is a popular fashion blogger looking to get out of her oppressive town. Travis prefers a life of fantasy novels to his real one. Apart, it probably seems as though their friendship shouldn't work. Together, nothing else makes sense; they are right.
... If you're going to live, you might as well do painful, brave, and beautiful things.
I'm not going to lie. It took me up until about 10 - 15% before I really got sucked into the story. But mainly I think that was my issue. I was so worried about the possibility of this book preaching to me that I forgot to just sit back and read. Once I ignored that piece of my brain, I became invested in the lives of these teens.
Dill was the one I felt the most for. I hated how he was treated for his father's transgressions. I hated how people looked at him as though he would follow in his footsteps. Or maybe even lied to save his own ass. It's scary how small-minded people can be, and scarier still how a mob mentality can affect another human being. I knew he deserved more, but it was obvious this tortured boy didn't feel the same way. Not for a long time. And there was a seed of darkness in him that was only awaiting its chance to thrive.
Lydia is a brilliantly written female. I loved her wit, humor, sarcasm, and mentality. I loved that she defended her friends' honor while giving zero fucks about her own. But don't think she was perfect. There were several instances throughout the book when I almost wanted to throttle her. Of course she wanted out of her small town life. And she absolutely deserved it and have every right to want it. It was just tough to watch someone else struggle with the reality of losing her and how she handled THAT really grated on me at times. It's completely unfair of me, but I just needed her to open her eyes and see what she was missing. Not to mention her complete disregard for the feelings of her friends and their lack of presence on her blog...
Travis. This gentle giant is possibly even sadder than Dill. He may play it off by focusing on his fantasy novels, but it was clear he was dealing with far more than he let on to his friends. Once we get a picture of the disturbing home life he has, the heart breaks and you want him, too, to get a better life. But he doesn't have the aspirations of the other two. He's content to live a good life in town, working for his father. He deserves more, but feels it's unattainable.
This story is magnificently written. Jeff Zentner truly has a gift with words. I grew quite attached to these kids and wanted to see all three succeed and live their lives how they wished. There are many times I figured this wasn't possible. As things progress, your heart begins to feel lighter. Everyone is making changes. They have plans that may not be perfect, but work well enough to ensure some happiness. And just when you get used to the idea of it all, you're blindsided by another horrific catastrophe. One that I kind of saw coming, but not in the way that it did. I actually had several scenarios chosen in my head, but the truth of it hit me in the heart. The unfairness of it all.
And the parents! Aaaahhhhhh! With the exception of Lydia's parents and Travis's mother, I hated them. Especially Dill's. His parents are the complete opposite of every other parental unit in any story. Ever. I couldn't imagine encouraging your child to drop out of high school and ask them to take a full-time job that won't pay well to pay your debts. Then there was their extreme religious view --- it's both scary and fanatical. As adults, they were too busy claiming to be victims and guilting their son into a life he didn't want to see the dark path he was headed down. And his mother was too busy to care enough to help him. As for Travis's dad... Well, he was just a Grade-A asshole. He was stuck mourning his dead son and bashing the surviving one. It's absolutely no excuse for his behavior, though. My heart stopped each time he was presented on the page.
I highly recommend The Serpent King for everyone. It's a humbling look into the lives of those who struggle to just live. An honest look at the unglamorous lives of people who want to get out, but don't always have the means. It's a hopeful story of the possibility of dreams coming to fruition.
4.5 stars