Blue Hole Back Home Book

A moving coming of age story that will leave readers with much to think about.
Told in retrospect, from the first person viewpoint of a woman recalling a pivotal summertime when her small world in the North Carolina mountains lost its sense of peace, and the 'blue hole' swimming spot became a crucible for friendship, justice, and mercy.

Told in the lyrical Southern style of mountain raised teenagers, the story lulled me into feeling like I was there, jumping into the back of a pickup with the 'mangy pack' on a hot day in 1979. It was an interesting, well drawn set of characters, full of the hopefulness of life, yet finding the truth of things the hard way. Fell a little in love with 'Jimbo' like Turtle did, as his kindness and sincerity was shown in "...always digging out room for a chance that somebody could change." Felt sad for Sanna as she realizes America--at least in that corner of it--isn't the end of the rainbow that her father hoped for.

The series of events built up the tension so well, it was like watching a show where you knew that something awful would happen, but couldn't look away until it was over. The main theme of the destructiveness and evil of prejudice is sadly still one our country struggles with. Also the courage it takes to stand up against it is hard sometimes, but not doing anything is like agreeing with it. It felt like a story from the 50's, not in my lifetime, but unfortunately is based on real incidents of the late 70's.

"...maybe we were all fools...for believing that love makes you better, and bigger, and braver--but not safe." But that the unsafe is worth it.

Readers who enjoy stories with realism, social issues, and a redemptive theme will want to dive into this moving tale. It had me reaching for the tissues more than once. (Contains some language and adult subject matter.)
4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)