I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of brotherhood set in 1968. Jack’s thirteen-year-old cousin, Frankie, is visiting them because his parents want to keep him safe from the riots burning his city. Jack’s brother Pete is almost 18 and might be drafted for the Vietnam War. Jack and his cousin concoct an idea to make Pete famous because famous boys seem to avoid the draft. Amidst all the chaos, Will, Jack’s sixteen-year-old brother, tastes his first love.
This tale transported me to rural Pennsylvania. I enjoyed how the family’s love for each other is portrayed through tiny details, even when they disagree on things. I was happy to see our thirteen-year-old protagonist, Jack, cry a few times in this novel. A hopeful tale that felt like a warm blanket on a cold night.
A great debut novel by the author. I am looking forward to reading more of his stories.
Favorite Quotes
If you go long enough thinking you don’t have a say in your life, you reach a point where you’ll do anything to show others that you do. If it’s lighting fires, you light fires.
I don’t believe there’s a boy on earth can see his mother cry and not do the same.
Would that make me love you any less? Would you love me any less?
Anna Bushi 