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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
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
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I cried for four hours straight in front of my whole family
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this! It was actually better than I thought it would be....not that I thought it would be bad, it's just that it is not the kind of novel I typically read (but I LOVE to give new types of books a chance, and expand what I read!), so I didn't expect to be blown away. But I was. It's beautifully written, and you will fall head over heels with all three of the main characters. I believe that this is this writer's first book, and I was surprised to learn that, because it reads as so....polished. The writing is so tight that I am surprised it is a first book. Good plot that keeps you engaged, and keeps you turning the pages long into the night.
I debated whether to give this book a 4 or 5. I would like a 4.5. I HATED all the references to snakes because I can't stand them.
Some books that you would rate somewhere in the middle are simply middling the whole way through. Others have good parts and bad parts which average out somewhere in the middle. I would say this book fell into the second category for me. I loved the unique and carefully crafted setting of the novel. Giving the book a sense of place may not seem important, but I found that much of the personality of a story can come from grounding in a specific place or time. I also enjoyed the potential of the story that was outlined. The unusual backstory of Dill, one the novel's central characters, is intriguing. In fact, all three of the main characters were constructed with fascinating backgrounds which were ripe with dramatic potential.
Unfortunately, however, I don't think this potential manifested itself in the book. Despite the nuances of their histories, the motivations and actions of the characters were often boiled down to very simple concepts. Although there was the potential for a complex messages about faith and seeing the good in others, the book chose not to make these arguments and instead put forth very straightforward messages about being yourself and following your own path. Worst of all, however, the characters, although generally likable, did not have the complexity required to make them feel real and important. Because they were not sufficiently drawn, it was difficult to feel strong emotions about what happened to them one way or the other. Even dramatic events did not fully register with the reader (or at least with me).
Overall, I found this book enjoyable, but it isn't a novel I loved or one which left me thinking.
Unfortunately, however, I don't think this potential manifested itself in the book. Despite the nuances of their histories, the motivations and actions of the characters were often boiled down to very simple concepts. Although there was the potential for a complex messages about faith and seeing the good in others, the book chose not to make these arguments and instead put forth very straightforward messages about being yourself and following your own path. Worst of all, however, the characters, although generally likable, did not have the complexity required to make them feel real and important. Because they were not sufficiently drawn, it was difficult to feel strong emotions about what happened to them one way or the other. Even dramatic events did not fully register with the reader (or at least with me).
Overall, I found this book enjoyable, but it isn't a novel I loved or one which left me thinking.
About a third of the way in, this book surprisingly grabbed me. I don't usually like books with multiple narrators/performers, but for this one, it worked.
My lone complaint is that none of the narrators were clear in the windy conditions on my bike.
My lone complaint is that none of the narrators were clear in the windy conditions on my bike.
RATING this book is very difficult for me. Part of me wants to give it a higher rating because it made me cry and I was quite swept up by the emotion of the story. Another (meaner) part of me wants to keep the rating at three stars because the characters were annoying as fuck sometimes and there were aspects of the story that felt manipulative and frustrating.
Positives first: this book follows three main characters from a small town who are coming to the end of their time in high school and trying to decide what they will do when they graduate. Lydia can't wait to get away but Dill has family debt he has to work to pay off. There's a lot of pressure and stress surrounding this and it was really well done. Deciding what to do after HS was something I struggled with so I found that part of the book relatable. Grief was also a key theme of the book and it was so powerful in certain moments I would get teary. Those parts were well-written and resonated with me a lot. Fave character was Travis who is the third friend and an adorable bookworm.
On to some of the negatives and stuff that frustrated me. First is Dill and Lydia; they are both flawed characters and there were times when I loved them but I frequently found them to be frustratingly selfish people who took out their problems on those around them. Lydia was quite a strong female at times (which I loved because she wouldn't take any shit) but there were other times when she bordered on cold and it was confusing.
Although the portrayal of grief was well done I think the writing was a little meh. The book has a lot of dialogue and I always found myself wanting more description. The book switches perspectives and sometimes the voices of the characters were similar and didn't add anything unique.
I enjoyed the experience of reading this book and still recommend it! There's a lot of religion in it (and it's shown in quite an extreme, somewhat negative way) which I didn't mind but some other reviewers have mentioned that they disliked it so just a heads up. I'd be keen to read more by this author for sure.
Positives first: this book follows three main characters from a small town who are coming to the end of their time in high school and trying to decide what they will do when they graduate. Lydia can't wait to get away but Dill has family debt he has to work to pay off. There's a lot of pressure and stress surrounding this and it was really well done. Deciding what to do after HS was something I struggled with so I found that part of the book relatable. Grief was also a key theme of the book and it was so powerful in certain moments I would get teary. Those parts were well-written and resonated with me a lot. Fave character was Travis who is the third friend and an adorable bookworm.
On to some of the negatives and stuff that frustrated me. First is Dill and Lydia; they are both flawed characters and there were times when I loved them but I frequently found them to be frustratingly selfish people who took out their problems on those around them. Lydia was quite a strong female at times (which I loved because she wouldn't take any shit) but there were other times when she bordered on cold and it was confusing.
Although the portrayal of grief was well done I think the writing was a little meh. The book has a lot of dialogue and I always found myself wanting more description. The book switches perspectives and sometimes the voices of the characters were similar and didn't add anything unique.
I enjoyed the experience of reading this book and still recommend it! There's a lot of religion in it (and it's shown in quite an extreme, somewhat negative way) which I didn't mind but some other reviewers have mentioned that they disliked it so just a heads up. I'd be keen to read more by this author for sure.