
I had to read this for a book club and went into it having no idea what to expect, but it completely captivated me. The author's character building and style of writing hooked me from the start. I read some reviews and understand the religious aspect was very prominent, and while I'm not a religious person, I found the way he wrote about religion felt very personal and eye-opening. He found a way to loop it into the constant helpless feeling you have from childhood to adulthood, and a way to better understand and connect with his mom. Also, reading the acknowledgements at the end, how he ties it to his experience growing up with a brother who had special needs, I understand his deeply personal feelings about protecting those around him and seeking to help others understand that ‘different' is special and powerful.
I had to read this for a book club and went into it having no idea what to expect, but it completely captivated me. The author's character building and style of writing hooked me from the start. I read some reviews and understand the religious aspect was very prominent, and while I'm not a religious person, I found the way he wrote about religion felt very personal and eye-opening. He found a way to loop it into the constant helpless feeling you have from childhood to adulthood, and a way to better understand and connect with his mom. Also, reading the acknowledgements at the end, how he ties it to his experience growing up with a brother who had special needs, I understand his deeply personal feelings about protecting those around him and seeking to help others understand that ‘different' is special and powerful.