A review by chwaters
Punkzilla by Adam Rapp

4.0

This epistolary-style novel follows teenaged runaway, Punkzilla, as he travels across the country to see his dying brother. Most of the letters are from Punkzilla to his brother, describing his own reasons for leaving home and his life in Portland. His brother has been keeping his distance from the family ever since coming out to his homophobic parents. Punkzilla's life has been challenging too. His relationship with his family is strained as well; he has already been exiled to military school prior to running away. When he does receive the letter from his brother announcing that there is little time left, Punkzilla feels an urgent need to reconnect with his older brother. Here and there, letters from both parents to Punkzilla illustrate the circumstances that both brothers have had to contend with and the frustration they share is palpable.
In classic Adam Rapp fashion, this story is swift-moving and heart wrenching. Punkzilla does and says a lot of things that are clearly misguided, but remains sympathetic nonetheless. The real achievement is the growth that the reader sees throughout Punkzilla's journey and how he interacts with the people he meets. This is a tough and gritty coming-of-age story and a decent choice for reluctant readers.