This was one of the most disturbing books I've read in a long time. Not for the faint of heart, it grapples with issues of child physical and sexual abuse, and the reactions of adults to it, all told from the point of view of an adolescent boy in 1970 Texas.Why do children accept abuse and protect their tormentors; how to adults who should know NOT know; are things any different or better now that the subject is not so taboo? Not one of the easiest books to read, but I thought it was extremely well written and the emotions genuine. This is a novel in the same vein as Stand by Me, or The Lovely Bones…it is narrated by “Biscuit” one of two cousins who are living with their grandmother. He recounts the details of their living situation, their family life and what happens as they leave their innocence behind (both by choice and by force) in a small Texas town over the course of one summer. This is part thriller, part teenage memoir. It’s well written and a quick read.
Weird. Not exactly something I would recommend unless you like weird characters and serial killers.
—Marissaann2000
lost of innocence, southern gothic, YA crossover (teen protagonists),
—msil34
It was a thriller!
—Donna
Really good book.
—Shahadm
