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howesj's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
goodneighborbooks's review against another edition
5.0
A lot of feels coming from this one. Reminiscent of a modern-day Catcher in the Rye. Took me back to a time when I was aware of some of the worst parts of the world, but still relatively innocent from them.
heidisreads's review against another edition
3.0
The main character in this story is a teenage boy who is raw and unfiltered. I have every reason to believe this fictional character's story could be happening somewhere in the Midwest right now. Families broken by mental health and drug abuse. Schools and communities under-supported because of politicians who think only about bettering their own positions (social and financial).
I received an ALC (advanced listener copy) from the publisher and libro.fm
I received an ALC (advanced listener copy) from the publisher and libro.fm
sullivankc's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bibliobethica's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 The protagonist is finding himself, finding a job, and looking for his uncle. His view of the world and possibilities changes through the course of the novel. Although I didn't love the narrative, there are lots of high schoolers that will enjoy his quirky, cool take on life. Longlisted for the Aspen Words Literary Prize.
hatseflats's review against another edition
5.0
2023 is turning out to be a really satisfying year of reading for me. I seem to keep coming across books that I find "amazing" and deserving a 5-star rating. The latest being Opioid, Indiana. Frankly, I am really surprised this novel has not received more buzz. The colloquial writing style was brilliant in putting you into the mindset of a Trump-era teenager. Though I can't say I know any actual teenagers, i can definitely imagine they would sound (and think) like Riggle in the story. In some ways, I found Brian Allen Carr's work reminded me of Bobby Hall's debut novel Supermarket. Another book that I found brilliant but somehow seemed to get the snub from a lot of literary critics. Oh well, there's no accounting for taste, is there? Earlier this year, I read Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead, which also dealt with the issues of poverty and the opioid crisis in America. As much as I think her epic work is brilliant, I had a much more enjoyable reading experience with Opioid, Indiana.
ben3845's review against another edition
4.0
I picked up Opioid, Indiana because I’m from a small town in Indiana that is no more immune to drug addiction than any other rural Indiana town. This book didn’t particularly focus on drug addiction though so much as the toll left behind by all sorts of rural strife. Those tribulations forced the book’s main character to grow up all too quickly. At times it felt as if the book was forcing prose onto its gritty landscape. I’m also not sure I understand what this book was truly about. If I had to say, it’s a story of the main characters perseverance and use of imagination to get him through his struggles.