This book practically fell into my lap. I wasn’t looking for it. I wasn’t trying to find it. It found me. It did not feel like I was reading a story but rather being told a story in person. From the very beginning, I was pulled into the life of the main character. He was extremely relatable and my heart went out to him. It was interesting to see how the characters evolved as the story progressed.
This book was captivating and very well written. It was so raw. So pure. It was so real at times that I was overcome with emotion. There were moments that I wanted to reach inside and hug the main character. Not many books cause those emotions in me.
I am rating this book Five Stars because it was devastatingly beautiful in a way that changes the reader forever. I look forward to reading future books by this author. He is definitely one to watch.
I read The Redemption Wall rather quickly. For a few reasons.
First – I was amazed to discover that it takes place really close to where I call “home” – though I guess after nearly 20 years, Florida is home now. The Redemption Wall takes place in Oregon, in so many places I’ve personally been. And as the protagonist progresses, and finds himself fleeing, he ends up going through my old hometown in Northern California. A lot of times in my quest for a new book, I’ll read something if it’s local to me. As a reader, it’s cool to read something that takes place somewhere you are familiar with and I was familiar with so many places in The Redemption Wall.
Second… I like reading about people. On websites, the little “about us” is the first tab I go to. This book feels like you are reading about the characters within, as real people… if that makes sense. The best kind of the first-person story is the type that tells you of someone’s life. Not as they are now, and how they are progressing through their journey, but of them looking back. This is that book.
What a great coming of age adventure! I truly feel for the protagonist, Luke, and multiple times just thought- come to my house, you’ll be safe here. Young Luke goes through more in his youth life than most adults; his adversity is close to home because it is home. This is a book that is…. real. Unprocessed, no makeup, no frills or sugar coating. You feel genuinely sad, or angry, for the protagonist. You cheer him on and feel dread for him.
Great book! I’d recommend to everyone!