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Back Roads
343 pages, 2004
fiction
1382 booksFunny and heartbreaking, this New York Times bestselling debut perfectly captures the maddening confusion of adolescence and the prickly nature of family with irony and unerring honesty. Harley Altmyer should be in college having the time of his life. He should be free from the backward Pennsylvania coal town he calls home, with its lack of jobs and no sense of humor. Instead, he’s constantly reminded of just how messed up everything is...
Harley’s mother is in prison for killing his father, so he’s in charge of bringing up his younger sisters and working two jobs to pay the bills—and that doesn’t leave a lot of time for distractions. But lately, he’s getting more and more sidetracked by lusting after Callie Mercer, his middle-aged neighbor.
As he struggles to keep it together, things begin to spin out of control. Soon Harley finds that as shattered as his family is, there are still more crushing surprises in store. “In Harley, O’Dell has created a hero who’s heartbreakingly believable; like Holden Caulfield, he uses caustic humor to hide his pain. Readers will care very much about him and his future if indeed he has one. ”—St. Petersburg Times
In Back Roads, Tawni O'Dell explores the strength and complexity of family relationships. The protagonist, Harley, is forced to take care of his three younger sisters after their mother is imprisoned. This shows the lengths we go to for family, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The book delves into the long-lasting effects of trauma on individuals and families. Harley's life is significantly impacted by his mother's actions and his father's absence. This makes us realize how important it is to seek help and heal from our past traumas.
Back Roads paints a vivid picture of the struggles of adolescence. Harley, despite his responsibilities, is still a teenager dealing with typical teenage issues. This gives us a unique perspective on the challenges faced by young people.
Throughout the book, the theme of forgiveness is prevalent. Harley grapples with forgiving his mother for her actions and himself for his mistakes. This encourages us to look into our own lives and see where we might need to extend forgiveness.
Tawni O'Dell doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of rural poverty. The lack of resources and opportunities significantly impacts Harley and his sisters' lives. This encourages us to research more about the issue and find ways to help those in similar situations.
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Back Roads is a riveting novel that explores the depths of human emotions and our ability to endure. It's a must-read!
Oprah Winfrey - TV host, PhilanthropistTawni O'Dell's Back Roads is a powerful, haunting story that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
Stephen King - Horror fiction authorBack Roads is a compelling narrative that pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end.
John Grisham - Legal thriller authorBack Roads is a beautifully written, deeply moving story that explores the complexities of family and human resilience.
Jodi Picoult - Contemporary fiction authorBack Roads is a gripping, emotionally charged novel that delves into the darker aspects of family and the human psyche.
Gillian Flynn - Thriller writer