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kklemaster's review
3.0
Sam has been internalizing his emotions ever since his father died while externalizing that grief in the form of violence against jerks from his old high school. These little scuffles have cost him more than just some blood, however; he's lost his girlfriend, he's been out of touch with his friends, and he's disappointed his mother. When he finally opens up the tiniest bit at a birthday party he begrudgingly attends, he ends up cracking himself completely open, bare and vulnerable, and exposing himself to the world he's been shutting out. But can a person really change? Can Sam really give up the coping mechanism that has kept him alive?
I've actually read this twice now because it's a neat story and Anthony is just a great guy - a great guy who can tell a genuine story. The dialogue is natural and never forced, the imagery is visceral and vivid, and most importantly the characters are likeable without being cliche; you find yourself rooting for Sam, following him on his journey, and losing yourself in his words.
I would've liked to have seen more character development for the girls in the story - his mother, Evey, and even Rae - since the rest of the story is riddled with typical masculine traits. The plot is fast-paced and the setting changes quickly, which makes for an easy read but can feel rushed, and the occasional wordy or run-on sentence probably contributes to that. But it truly is a story, and a great one, at that, and I'd read another of his in a heartbeat.
I've actually read this twice now because it's a neat story and Anthony is just a great guy - a great guy who can tell a genuine story. The dialogue is natural and never forced, the imagery is visceral and vivid, and most importantly the characters are likeable without being cliche; you find yourself rooting for Sam, following him on his journey, and losing yourself in his words.
I would've liked to have seen more character development for the girls in the story - his mother, Evey, and even Rae - since the rest of the story is riddled with typical masculine traits. The plot is fast-paced and the setting changes quickly, which makes for an easy read but can feel rushed, and the occasional wordy or run-on sentence probably contributes to that. But it truly is a story, and a great one, at that, and I'd read another of his in a heartbeat.
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