A review by itadakinasu
Of Foster Homes and Flies by Chad Lutzke
5.0
This book has one of the cheesiest titles ever, but don't let that stop you from reading this messed up, amazing little book.
Lutzke has become one of my favorite authors recently (and by accident). I love his writing style and how it subtly shifts to fit the context of each story he tells.
At first, I wasn't sure about this one. The main character is just a 6th grader, but somehow he spouts nuggets of wisdom incomprehensible to children his age. Not to mention that he has a master vocabulary befitting a college professor rather than a grade-school kid. However, this grew on me as we learn that he loves reading as an escape from his terrible home life, and he's studying to prepare for a spelling bee.
The longer I read, the more deeply I could notice the brilliance in Lutzke's writing. The main character's inner monologue reads like an adult's sometimes. As you read, you can notice that it sounds like passages from various classics intermixed with age appropriate (although more advanced than average) thoughts/feelings.
The pacing was a little slow in some parts compared to the shock and horror that is the theme in this story, but I still felt that the MC was able to achieve significant character development in that short time. Best of all, I felt satisfied with the ending!
Lutzke has become one of my favorite authors recently (and by accident). I love his writing style and how it subtly shifts to fit the context of each story he tells.
At first, I wasn't sure about this one. The main character is just a 6th grader, but somehow he spouts nuggets of wisdom incomprehensible to children his age. Not to mention that he has a master vocabulary befitting a college professor rather than a grade-school kid. However, this grew on me as we learn that he loves reading as an escape from his terrible home life, and he's studying to prepare for a spelling bee.
The longer I read, the more deeply I could notice the brilliance in Lutzke's writing. The main character's inner monologue reads like an adult's sometimes. As you read, you can notice that it sounds like passages from various classics intermixed with age appropriate (although more advanced than average) thoughts/feelings.
The pacing was a little slow in some parts compared to the shock and horror that is the theme in this story, but I still felt that the MC was able to achieve significant character development in that short time. Best of all, I felt satisfied with the ending!