A review by gem114
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott

challenging reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Hell of a Book by Jason Mott is a unique narrative that follows an unnamed African American author on a book tour, a young black boy called Soot, and a possibly imaginary boy known as The Kid.  The book addresses racism, police brutality, mental health, and the publishing industry.

I would absolutely recommend this book to fans of Kurt Vonnegut.  The style and structure of Hell of a Book remind me of Vonnegut's writing.  I would say this book is to racism what Slaughter-House Five is to war (hopefully that makes sense to other readers!).

With that said, I am not a Kurt Vonnegut fan, and I also wasn't a fan of this book.  I appreciate what Mott is doing in this book, and I believe it will likely become a highly regarded novel, but I just don't enjoy reading this style of writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Dutton for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.
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