A. D. Hopkins

Stony is 17 and a bit of a loner in his 1950s high school in the town of Early, because he is still on a juvenile detention order for breaking another kid's arm in a fight. Into his life pops a new kid who takes an immediate shine to our overthinking quiet narrator.
I LOVED this book that I read for Netgalley and I will definitely purchase it for fans of TKAM and epic American novels set in the past when there is still overt sexism and racism to be dealt with, along with the normal "growing up"problems.… (más)

The time is 1959 and the place is rural West Virginia. Stony, the main character is starting his junior year in high school. His main concerns are girls and trying to stay out of trouble and girls. He isn't part of the cool group so when a new student moves to town, Stony and Jack quickly become friends. As friends they have more than an normal friendship. Jack wants to be a private eye so he and Stony start doing volunteer work at the local sheriff's department and end up trying to help law enforcement solve a robbery case. Their adventures include interactions with the people in the hallows who run the local still and a run in with the local KKK. As they grow up, will their adventures during this year change their perception about current life especially the views on racism.

This is a well written novel about life in the late 50s when America is starting to change their views on segregation and violence. It's a coming of age time for Stony who has to form his own views about what he sees around him. I enjoyed the main character of Stony who changed significantly in the novel as he began to notice more about life around him.

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.… (más)