02/16/2024
My latest read: Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. WHOA, what a great read! I don’t even know where to begin…
“Demon” (whose real name is Damon) is a child of a single mother, growing up in Appalachian Virginia in the early 2000s. Plagued with poverty and a mother who struggles with substance abuse, his life takes a series of negative turns as he’s growing up, from a step father who beats him, to his mom’s overdose, to a string of terrible foster placements, to an adventure running away, to his own drug problems by the time he is in high school. There are also amazing bright spots, mostly in the form of people who drift in and out of his life, such as Tommy (his ever-encouraging foster brother), the aunt of his best friend, his art teacher, and Angus (his foster sister who holds him accountable.) The book almost feels like a twisted Forrest Gump—twisted, because there are so many horrific and tragic events that Demon crashes through in his attempt to find his way in the world.
It is an incredible book, and I can almost guarantee that it will increase your empathy for people who grapple with substance abuse—and the systemic societal factors that brought about the opioid epidemic. Content warning: drugs, violence, sexual content, and strong language. That said, it’s an incredibly compelling story and I highly recommend it. Thanks to my pal, for the recommendation!
