I'm so conflicted on this book. On the one hand, I can see what it is trying to do in showing how racism and classism are generational and systemic issues, and it does that very well. On the other hand, there was far too much going on in this book.

There were too many characters and I kept confusing them, even in the latter half of the book having to check multiple times in a chapter who the POV was. The chapters were also incredibly short, so it never really felt like I was able to get to know any of them. Because we never got much time with each of the characters, it also felt like we got to the last 10 pages and they all-of-a-sudden had meaning to life and knew what they would do with their lives. It was so sudden, and I never really saw a reason for this sudden motivation for change.

Throughout the book, it focuses heavily on the racism and classism that these (White) teenagers see and experience in their everyday lives. On a broad scale, Dig did a great job at presenting these as generational and systemic issues, and not just problems within an individual person. But, in trying to be a "weird" book, it lacked a necessary nuance. Aside from the main characters, all of the other characters were presented as extremely overtly racist people. While these people do exist in real life, it is relatively rare for people to actually admit they are racist in the ways they did in this book. Additionally, while it does show a good amount of the impact of classism on an individual level, it shies away from showing the full impact of racism on people of color, and for neither does it offer a path forward on how to unlearn these biases because it skips over the characters actually learning them and jumps straight to having "learned" it.

Trigger Warnings:
- Domestic Violence
- Racism
- Classism
- Poverty
- Child Abuse & Neglect
- Sexual Assault ( )

People are SLEEPING on King's novels. Especially this one. As ever, her books are weird and wonderful and hardhitting and heartfelt and just GOOD. "Dig" is both noticeably King but also unlike any of her other books. This one tackles a big sprawling family, a family with ancestors who were potato farmers, and a whole lot of the dirty issues that come with secrets, prejudices, teenage-hood, privilege, selling weed, anxiety, and finding purpose. It sounds like a lot, and in many ways it is. The narrative bounces back a forth between a pretty big cast of characters, but the glorious bit is that these characters are fascinating. Not always good, decent characters, but ones who feel real and relatable. If you like your books with a big dose of surrealism and plenty of depth (and a poem about worms), "Dig" is a must-read. ( )

4 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Dig” by A.S. King

Okay this was a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking story that delved into the complexities of family dynamics, privilege, race, and mental health. It had a unique writing style and multi-perspective narrative.

The story follows the lives of teenagers from the eccentric and dysfunctional Hemmings family, each grappling with their own personal struggles. As their stories intertwine, secrets are revealed, and the truths about their family and themselves slowly come to light.

The themes explored in this are profound and timely. King delves into issues of privilege and inequality, shedding light on the systemic racism and classism that exist in society. She also tackles mental health and the effects of trauma on individuals and families, as well as the search for identity and self-acceptance.

The Hemmings family is complex and dysfunctional, but their love for each other shines through even in the midst of their struggles, adding depth and authenticity to their relationships.

The only minor drawback is that the plot felt fragmented at times, with the narrative jumping between perspectives and timelines. Overall though, it does add to the sense of mystery and intrigue in the story, keeping you engaged and invested in uncovering the truth behind the Hemmings family's secrets.

I read this one because is was a recommended read in my ALA reading journal. ( )

Five teenage cousins who are struggling with the failures and racial ignorance of their dysfunctional parents and their wealthy grandparents, reunite for Easter. The story takes time to follow since each chapter comes from another teen's perspective. As the story progresses you see how they are all intertwined.

I found this a little hard to get into because I was disoriented by all the scene shifts, but King's writing kept me engaged enough to keep going until I started to see the story come together. I love her characters and the weirdness that she makes so relatable, but I was so-so on the strength of the story. ( )