Susan Bernhard

Some people are not prepared for parenthood because of their childhood traumas Reading this book at times was so difficult as my heart ached for Wes Ballott, the protagonist. Wes's father is a selfish, his Mother is an alcoholic who was sexual abused by her Father, and his Grandparents treated him like he is a dog. After his Mother's death, he is forced to live with his Grandparents in a small town in Minnesota. The only light in his life is his friendship with a family of Native Americans.

The writing in this novel was excellent and the only reason why I read it to the end. Extremely sad.… (more)

"What was I, anyway? Their blood ran through me—loser, liar, thief, cheat, brute, drunk, creep. Was there good at all?"

Even half-way through this book I intended to stop reading and leave it unfinished - a beautiful cover might make you pick it up, but when the characters are as unlikable as this bunch, it's tough to keep going. But, I persevered because the main character - 15 year-old Wes Ballot - draws on your sympathies, and eventually it got better. His parents fight and argue all the time - at least when his dad sticks around, which isn't his usual habit. After his mother dies, Wes is left with his grandparents, who are just as bad (if not worse). But Wes sees something different in other families, something he wants - and that's what kept me reading. There's a lot of profanity and talk of sex, which is another reason I grew tired of it, but there is some beautiful writing, too. And it's an interesting look at those who don't have the kind of family life I probably took for granted growing up. In the end, it's a story that kind of lingers with you.

"Carefree memories like that one—tinged with gloss, lit by sunrays—they’re fragile. I don’t tamper with them much.… (more)