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no_more_shelf_control 's review for:

Dark Ride by Lou Berney
4.25
challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

 this story captured me immediately. The idea of a, shall we call him "contented", young man with no long term goals besides smoking more weed as the one person who won't give up on finding help for two young children with visible abuse was an interesting choice. I found myself rooting for Hardley in his quest, and also wanting to smack him for other choices! By the end I really appreciated the way Berney used this character to refine my idea of a hero just a bit. Or maybe broaden is the better word.

All in all, this was a very quick read. Less than 250 pages, but also a quick pace. I really enjoyed this story and the way it brought up some deeper prejudices I carry, as well as a reminder that we all need to care for each other. I will remember Hardley.