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A review by jukietoss
Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a devastating and effective exploration of how we show up for one another, the ways we let each other down, and how to know when to stop trying to save someone. It broke my heart in so many ways. We follow the MC, Dixon, in his preparation for climbing Everest, the climb itself, and the aftermath--and Outen's jumps in time are wielded effectively to help us understand the characters' motivations, pain, and struggles. This was such an original way to explore human bonds. The setting is a powerful backdrop for getting to know Dixon and his demons.
This book takes on so much, and it does it really skillfully. It's part adventure story, part study of the criminal justice system and how kids are subject to it without being helped by it. It's also a look at how much influence one person can have on another, and where the limits exist in saving a life. There is so much pain in this book, but there's also tremendous love and care, and repeated willingness to keep on trying.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for layered literary fiction that centers human bonds and imperfections as seen through brothers, children/parents, cousins, mentors/mentees, and friends. You'll like it if you like an adventure story, but because it's so much more than that I also recommend it for folks who are interested in understanding what motivates people.
This book takes on so much, and it does it really skillfully. It's part adventure story, part study of the criminal justice system and how kids are subject to it without being helped by it. It's also a look at how much influence one person can have on another, and where the limits exist in saving a life. There is so much pain in this book, but there's also tremendous love and care, and repeated willingness to keep on trying.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for layered literary fiction that centers human bonds and imperfections as seen through brothers, children/parents, cousins, mentors/mentees, and friends. You'll like it if you like an adventure story, but because it's so much more than that I also recommend it for folks who are interested in understanding what motivates people.