Rating: ...Literally good.
Summary:
Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, the book tells the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother, armed only with his dead father's good looks, copper-colored hair, sharp wit, and a fierce talent for survival. Narrated in his own unsparing voice, Demon faces the modern challenges of foster care, child labor, failing schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and profound losses, all while grappling with his invisibility in a culture that overlooks rural people.
Magda's Thoughts:
This bittersweet coming-of-age story follows Demon, who grows up in Appalachian country where many adults let him down. After his young mother dies of an overdose, he navigates various foster care situations and encounters adults who could help him as he matures. The story delves into addiction and highlights the differences between rural and urban America, providing different perspectives on addiction and how easily people can fall into it. My favorite character was Angus, who, despite always seeming out of place, served as a voice of reason for Demon. Although I typically avoid books that focus heavily on character development and daily life relationships, I enjoyed this one. While it's not a book I'd reread, I believe the story will stay with me for a long time, as I find Demon's story sneaking into my head weeks after having read this book.
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