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A review by modernmatilda
In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I haven't read a lot of books this year, let alone good books. But thank goodness Jeff Zentner. This gentle, quiet book beautifully weaved grief and love together in a way that made my heart ache and made my emotions feel so seen.
The prose is just exquisite and Cash is a main character you truly could really root for. The audiobook narrator really brought him to life, but I wish I had read the physical book so I could highlight the beautiful lines, including...
"There are secret fires you wall off because you fear what they'll burn if you lose them. Because you choose caution over possibility. But the first crack of the wall, you feel their warmth and decide you'll gladly risk the burning." (Chapter 73)
An exceptional coming-of-age read that I could see being very impactful for teens.
The prose is just exquisite and Cash is a main character you truly could really root for. The audiobook narrator really brought him to life, but I wish I had read the physical book so I could highlight the beautiful lines, including...
"There are secret fires you wall off because you fear what they'll burn if you lose them. Because you choose caution over possibility. But the first crack of the wall, you feel their warmth and decide you'll gladly risk the burning." (Chapter 73)
An exceptional coming-of-age read that I could see being very impactful for teens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Addiction, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Violence, and Death of parent