From critically acclaimed Shaun David Hutchinson comes a gritty and raw portrayal of the oftentimes traumatic experience of growing up.
Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster.
Of course, no one in Merritt believes him. Not even after he stumbled into the busy town center, bleeding, battered, and bruised, for everyone to see. He’d been drinking, they said. He was hanging out where he wasn’t supposed to, they said. It must’ve been a bear, or a badger, or a gator—definitely no monster.
Virgil doesn’t think it was any of those things. He’s positive it was a monster. But being the new kid in a town where everybody knows everybody is hard enough as it is without being the kid who’s afraid of monsters, so he tries to keep a low profile.
Except he knows the monster is still out there. And if he isn’t careful, Virgil’s afraid it’ll come back to finish him off, or worse—that he’ll become one himself.
Be forewarned – this is a visceral, gut-wrenching read, but you won’t be able to put it down. I finished this novel in less than a day.
Virgil’s parents are going through a tough divorce, and he’s ripped away from his boyfriend and best friend when his father relocates them across the country to his hometown. It’s a very backwards and unwelcoming small town. To make things worse, after Virgil’s attacked by a monster, no one believes him – including his own father and grandparents – even though he has over sixty stitches to show for it. Kids at school bully him and play pranks on him. No one listens or pays attention to his silent cries for help. He suffers from terrifying nightmares, sleeps in his closet, doesn’t eat, and flinches when touched. It’s implied what happened to him was his fault, and he should suck it up and box up his feelings. My heart broke for him.
Luckily, he has two supportive people in his life – his cousin Astrid and Tripp, a friend he makes at school. Both are standout characters, and Tripp’s humor brings some lighter moments to the story. At his previous school, Virgil was in the drama club and has a talent for acting. Becoming someone else on stage brings him joy, and his new drama teacher goes above and beyond to provide a safe space for him in class and on the stage. He also connects Virgil with an out-of-town therapist since the only local one is the homophobic pastor.
Howl is a powerful story that will stick with you long after reading. The author does an incredible job of writing about trauma and the stigma associated with it. It’s relatable on so many levels and will resonate with readers in different ways. Although a tough read at times, it’s absolutely worth it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It sounds quiet different, Teri, especially the monster angle. That cover is quiet dramatic, too. Sounds like you really loved this one. Whenever you finish a book in a single day, it’s one that is guaranteed to stick with you for a long time afterward.
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I went into this book with a completely different expectation, Mae, but then I was so caught up there’s no way I could part with it. Good thing I started it on a weekend. I have mixed feelings on the cover – I really like it, but I don’t know that it fits the content very well.
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Love this cover! It says a LOT about the book. Thanks for sharing!
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It was the cover that caught my attention, but I’d also read another book by this author, so I knew I was in for a captivating read, Jan.
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It sounds painful and sad. I’m glad he has a few supportive people and acting to provide solace.
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Yes! My heart just went out to him, Staci. I wanted to give him lots of hugs. His friend and cousin totally had his back.
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Sounds like a fantastic read. Great review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Teri 💕🙂
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Thanks, Harmony! I devoured this one in no time. Glad I didn’t have to set it down and wait to see what happened!
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There’s nothing worse than being on tenterhooks and life forcing you to put down that book, lols 😂
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Virgil’s story does sound absolutely heart wrenching. I do imagine that this story is so powerful. Excellent review!
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It sure was, Tessa. It mirrored what so many abuse victims go through – a tough read,.
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Thanks for sharing your terrific review, Teri.
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Thanks, John!
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OMG my heart is breaking for him just reading your review Teri!
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Right? His own family didn’t believe him, Sophie. Like he gave himself over 60 stitches for attention?
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What a heartbreaking story, so emotional.
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Parts of it really were, Wendy, but everyone needs friends like Virgil’s – lots of unconditional love with them.
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I already like the sound of Vigil and his friends. Great review, Teri!
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His friends are one of my favorite parts of the novel, Yesha.
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I’m not sure, Teri. I don’t like books about people being bullied and emotionally tormented. They make me to sad.
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It’s very sad, but plenty of teens (and adults) experience it, unfortunately. Virgil’s story sure was a powerful one.
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Yes, they do and that is why I am a bit reluctant to read about it. To close for comfort.
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