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gabmc's review against another edition
4.0
This was a beautifully written story about race, prejudice and being an outcast in a small town. Larry Ott has wanted to fit in for his entire life. He was accused of a terrible crime when he was a teenager and when a similar crime happens 25 years later, he is suspected again. His one time friend, Silas Jones, has just returned to town as a police constable and becomes involved in the investigation. There are so many secrets held by so many people though.
melovesbooks's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Had to read it for school
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, Rape, Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, and Gun violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Blood, Misogyny, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Murder, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Medical content, Dementia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Addiction, Death of parent, Vomit, and Animal cruelty
billymac1962's review
5.0
I didn't sleep well last night.
It was one of the very rare occurrences where I finish a book in bed without another one to pick up right away. You see, I hate being between books. When I finish one, I immediately choose another and begin it right away. But last night was an anomaly. Just the way things worked out.
So. Turning out the light immediately after finishing this left me
thinking about the whole thing for much of the night. I kept going over what it was that Franklin did that made me care for these characters so much. He has an understated style of writing, but what was there really resonated.
Larry Ott. Oh man. How I felt for this guy. A boy after my own heart, lonely but finding refuge in Stephen King's novels. In adulthood, a man who is ostracized by an entire town amid suspicions that he killed a girl 25 years ago.
Now, another girl is missing, and "Scary Larry" is, of course, suspected.
Did he or didn't he?
The story moves along in present day, and also flashing back to the past (a formula I never tire of), and explores life in small town Mississippi, and Larry's friendship with a Silas (a dirt-poor black boy). I was totally immersed. Part of the reason I didn't have another book ready to read after this one is because this is the only book that mattered while I was reading it.
I've noticed some reviewers have made comparisons to To Kill a Mockingbird, which is inevitable given the Mississippi setting and race relations. A pretty high standard there, but I feel it's warranted.
I wish I had the eloquence to describe how Franklin touched on life in Mississippi and how human kindness struggles to rise to the surface, and does it, really?
Gosh, I loved being into this story and I'm so sorry it's over. I'm still thinking about it and I'm having a tough time selecting the next book to read.
Any book that keeps buzzing in my head like this did deserves the highest rating.
It was one of the very rare occurrences where I finish a book in bed without another one to pick up right away. You see, I hate being between books. When I finish one, I immediately choose another and begin it right away. But last night was an anomaly. Just the way things worked out.
So. Turning out the light immediately after finishing this left me
thinking about the whole thing for much of the night. I kept going over what it was that Franklin did that made me care for these characters so much. He has an understated style of writing, but what was there really resonated.
Larry Ott. Oh man. How I felt for this guy. A boy after my own heart, lonely but finding refuge in Stephen King's novels. In adulthood, a man who is ostracized by an entire town amid suspicions that he killed a girl 25 years ago.
Now, another girl is missing, and "Scary Larry" is, of course, suspected.
Did he or didn't he?
The story moves along in present day, and also flashing back to the past (a formula I never tire of), and explores life in small town Mississippi, and Larry's friendship with a Silas (a dirt-poor black boy). I was totally immersed. Part of the reason I didn't have another book ready to read after this one is because this is the only book that mattered while I was reading it.
I've noticed some reviewers have made comparisons to To Kill a Mockingbird, which is inevitable given the Mississippi setting and race relations. A pretty high standard there, but I feel it's warranted.
I wish I had the eloquence to describe how Franklin touched on life in Mississippi and how human kindness struggles to rise to the surface, and does it, really?
Gosh, I loved being into this story and I'm so sorry it's over. I'm still thinking about it and I'm having a tough time selecting the next book to read.
Any book that keeps buzzing in my head like this did deserves the highest rating.
ashpanda88's review against another edition
4.0
Suspenseful mystery and redemptive tale of two friends who are torn apart by a terrible tragedy, and brought together by a similar tragedy years later. I thought the story was well-written and the characters rich with emotion.
lei15's review
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I appreciate the character development and all but I think that ml is dumb not confessing sooner and Silas like … and after 25 years he tries to amend his actions back then …
papakaii's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
whatsupelisabeth's review
5.0
At around 70% into this, I was consciously resisting the urge to abandon this book. An urge brought on by an ever-building sense of dread. I am mentioning this as a compliment to Franklin's storytelling skills. I don't think I have taken this type of emotional journey with a book since "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" (which is a comparison I never would have expected coming in).
Overall, this to me is a book about struggling individuals, trying their best with the cards they were dealt, and in the process inadvertently failing horribly to do right by each other. As they try again and again, a story unfolds.
Apart from the emotional quality, I did enjoy the slice-of-life Americana setting. There is a notable amount of endearing side characters that feel satisfyingly fleshed out.
I also enjoyed how the mystery gets uncovered throughout the story. There is one particularly pleasing twist in the narrative that was set up thoroughly and still managed to take me by surprise.
In the end, happy I made it through all 100% of Larry and 32's journey.
Overall, this to me is a book about struggling individuals, trying their best with the cards they were dealt, and in the process inadvertently failing horribly to do right by each other. As they try again and again, a story unfolds.
Apart from the emotional quality, I did enjoy the slice-of-life Americana setting. There is a notable amount of endearing side characters that feel satisfyingly fleshed out.
I also enjoyed how the mystery gets uncovered throughout the story. There is one particularly pleasing twist in the narrative that was set up thoroughly and still managed to take me by surprise.
In the end, happy I made it through all 100% of Larry and 32's journey.
holmstead's review
3.0
At my local library there is a section that highlights the staff's picks. As I perused the list, this title caught my eye. After reading the short review from the staff member, I decided to pick it up.
I think I was looking to find a gem to start the new year off, a little too much of an expectation. This was a sweet albeit slow read. Larry Ott is a character I may ponder from time to time. I think his backstory and troubling times are what touched me the most. Nothing else really grabbed me. So as I stated before, I had higher expectations...and minimal satisfaction, through no fault of the author or story. It just came into my hands at not the best opportune time.
So take this review with a grain of salt. One day it might find its way into someone's hands ready to receive and praise. :)
I think I was looking to find a gem to start the new year off, a little too much of an expectation. This was a sweet albeit slow read. Larry Ott is a character I may ponder from time to time. I think his backstory and troubling times are what touched me the most. Nothing else really grabbed me. So as I stated before, I had higher expectations...and minimal satisfaction, through no fault of the author or story. It just came into my hands at not the best opportune time.
So take this review with a grain of salt. One day it might find its way into someone's hands ready to receive and praise. :)