Elliot Reed

This book was one of my favorites from 2018. Written in the format of alphabetical glossary entries, this coming-of-age debut gradually reveals the life and struggles of adolescent William Tyce as tries to come to terms with the life he has been given. This type of structure isn't for everyone, but I loved how the story unfolded. It broke my heart and mended it right back!

I received an advance review copy from the publisher, Tin House and W.W. Norton, which I always appreciate. It's one of my "keepers."… (meer)

3.5 An inventive way to tell story. William, a adolescent orphan uses glossary terms to tell his story. Starting with the word "absence" we follow him through the important things and memorable events in his life. Some of the connections he makes are humorous, some sad, though most things and definitions are related in a deadpan voice. Very matter of fact. As he grows older, the meanings change, the stories longer, yet the tone never does. I couldn't read this straight through, had to put it down for s bit, and come back to it. It is a clever way to tell a story, and some of the pieces show a wonderful insight. Alas, the sameness of the tone became too much for me to overcome, hence my rating. I just couldn't connect emotionally, when there was so little emotion in the telling. Some variance in tone would have been welcome, and by the ratings others were able to overcome what I could not.

One part I have to quote though because I could relate it to my grandson, whose favorite food, not mine, is Salisbury steak. Be aware I am quoting from an unknown ncorrected proof,

LOOSE MEATS: SALISBURY STEAK

"Consuming Salisbury steak leads to extreme indigestion and difficulty breathing. Steak is either completely blsnd or salted to a point where it could be classified as toxic, and is served beneath a brown slurry that develops a reflective skin at room temperature."

Too funny, and will not be quoting this to said grandson, as he is a fussy eater and eats little enough as it is.

ARC from Edelweiss.… (meer)