Review written for ClubReading.com by Mary
Cory Mackenson is an 11 year old growing up in a small town. Life is pretty normal until he and his father come upon the aftermath of a murder. Cory watches his father become depressed and suicidal as a result.
As Cory searches for the murderer on his own, the tale goes from fun to terror to complete fantasy.
Other storylines running through this book include the joy and sadness of friendships, and the loss of his “best friend”, his dog Rebel.
And since this the tale of a young boy’s life, it also includes a gross young girl who likes him, some bizarre grandparents in some very funny moments, and a magical bicycle.
The Atlanta Journal says: “It is about being born with whirlwinds, forest fires and comets inside us, and it reminds us of a magical time before the magic was churched out, spanked out, washed out, and combed out.” That says it all.
I especially liked the richness of the author’s imagination–I never knew what to expect next. The author exhibits a wealth of talent in putting this tale together.