A good road trip read? Well, it's indeed a good book about a road trip. However, I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is spending a significant amount of time alone in the swampy region of Louisiana in the dark.

There is no disrespect meant towards Louisiana or its wonderful people. It's just that their swamps and wetlands are perhaps used a bit too frequently as settings for dark and mysterious happenings. But that's not the fault of the book itself, like Mayhaw jelly. The place names in this story flow in the background like a pleasant and familiar song.

I noticed that a lot of people really loved the first line. It's truly an attention grabber. Personally, though, I was a little alarmed. I'm not one to be keen on anything that might harm children. But then again, it's all about memory. The main character is haunted and poisoned by his experiences of serving his country. And, unfortunately, it's true that children burned during his service. Those little skulls become a shared burden.

Admittedly, it could be a little too violent for some people. But at the same time, it's also both funny and tragic. It's full of memorable characters who are playing the cards that they have been dealt with, making it a complex and engaging read.

SUCH A GOOD BOOK!

I truly regret not having read this wonderful piece of literature a long time ago. The story is an absolute masterpiece, filled with countless unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the cast of characters. They are some of the most colorful and vivid individuals I have ever encountered in the world of fiction. Each character has their own unique personality, backstory, and set of motives, which makes them feel incredibly real and relatable.

From the moment I picked up this book, I was completely hooked. I found myself unable to put it down, eager to discover what would happen next. The author's writing style is engaging, descriptive, and full of life, making it a joy to read.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. It is a must-read for all literature enthusiasts and will leave you with a lasting impression.

I truly adored this book.

The characters were simply amazing! They were so distinct and fascinating.

What might have otherwise been a dull and uninteresting storyline was vividly brought to life, just as McCammon is capable of doing.

This book should most definitely be made into a movie.

Everything about it shouts Cohen brothers.

The unique characters, the engaging plot, and the overall atmosphere would translate perfectly onto the big screen.

It would be a visual and auditory treat for moviegoers.

I can just imagine the Cohen brothers' signature style being applied to this story, creating a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

If this book were to be adapted into a movie, it would surely be a hit.

Awesome! This is truly one of the best books I’ve read in quite some time. The moment I picked it up, I was completely engrossed. The story unfolds in the most captivating way, with characters that are so vivid and real. I found myself constantly turning the pages, eager to see what would happen next. The author’s writing style is simply superb, making it a joy to read. Every word seems to be carefully chosen, adding depth and richness to the narrative. It’s not just a book; it’s an experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read. Whether you’re a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book is sure to satisfy. You won’t be disappointed!

I have recommended "Boy's Life" and "Wolf's Hour" to everyone I know on GR.

Then there was "Swan Song", which was a really loooooong book. I found it to be mediocre yet somehow likable. I simply adore Matthew Corbett. So, I can safely say that I am a Robert McCammon fan. However, this particular book really disappointed me.

From the Vietnam War veteran to the desperate girl who was clinging to the idea of Bright Girl who would cure her of her scar, and then to the bounty hunters who wanted to capture the murderer for the prize of 15k. This was a story with great promise. But by the time I reached the end, it felt like I was going round and round in circles and ended up right where I had started. While the characters of Dan and Arden, in my opinion, were developed beautifully, almost every other character seemed one-dimensional to me.

I think I will take a break from Mr. McCammon for now. I need some time to recover from this disappointment and maybe come back to his works with a fresh perspective later on.

I think the British term "gobsmacked" is just the right word to describe my reaction to this book! What an amazing piece of literature!

Let me clarify, I didn't read it in a day. I had actually posted a book of a similar title back on April 22 and only just discovered the error. Since then, this has been my go-to lunch book. I must admit, it has caused me to take a few longer lunch hours than normal. I picked this up at a used bookstore for just $1.25 because I thought I had read "Boy's Life" by the same author. As it turns out, if I did read it, it was so long ago that I completely forgot. However, based on the reviews, it will soon become my new lunch book.

At any rate, this has to be one of the most creative and well-written novels I have ever come across. Others have already given the basic outline: a Viet vet suffering from Agent Orange-induced leukemia gets into trouble and goes on the run, being pursued not only by the police but also by two bounty hunters. The characters are some of the most unique I have ever encountered, at least in a single novel. The plot twists and turns continuously, keeping the reader thoroughly entertained. Moreover, the almost poetic writing, in terms of its descriptive power, provides a vivid and powerful sense of place.

It may sound rather grim at first, but it is actually humorous in some places, tender in others, and uplifting in still others. In short, it is everything that a great read should be. The author seems to combine the writing skill of Dean Koontz with the story-telling power of Stephen King - a truly powerful combination.

I am completely in love with this book. It has such a powerful allure that I know I will read it again, and most likely very soon.

It is an incredibly engaging story that combines elements of violence, suspense, hilarity, and beauty, all while having a good and pure heart at its core.

Ultimately, it is a profound story about love, kindness, faith, and redemption, but it is told in a manner that is simply indescribable.

I would highly recommend reading as little as possible about this book beforehand and just dive into it as soon as you can.

McCammon is truly a brilliant writer, and the audio version that I listened to, narrated by George Newbern, was a perfect match for the beautiful prose.

This book has become an all-time favorite of mine, and now I find myself venturing into the McCammon rabbit hole, hoping that I will never want to come out.

I can't wait to explore more of his works and be captivated by his storytelling once again.

A great novel by McCammon, one of his best. It is a literary masterpiece that will captivate you from the very first page. The story is filled with rich characters, vivid descriptions, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

McCammon's writing style is engaging and immersive, allowing you to truly experience the world he has created. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, making it both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Whether you are a fan of McCammon's work or simply looking for a great read, this novel is a must. It will transport you to another time and place, and leave you with a lasting impression. So, don't hesitate. Pick up this book and discover the magic for yourself.

McCammon has long been one of my favorite horror authors.

However, this 1992 book stands out as a departure from the others I've read by him.

Here's a SPOILER: there are no supernatural elements in it.

If you're anticipating the usual spooky and otherworldly stuff, you might be disappointed.

The story revolves around Dan Lambert, a Vietnam vet.

Due to his exposure to Agent Orange, he is now dying of cancer.

In a moment of sheer fear and fury, Dan commits murder and thus becomes a fugitive.

Pursued by both bounty hunters and the police, he makes his way south, into the Louisiana bayous.

There, he finds himself thrust into a lawless society.

Surprisingly, this is a true horror story that doesn't rely on zombies, ghosts, or any supernatural element.

It shows that the real horror can sometimes lie within the human condition and the chaos of a lawless environment.

McCammon manages to create a tense and惊悚的 atmosphere without the need for the typical horror tropes.

It's a testament to his skill as a writer that he can make a story about a man on the run and in a desperate situation so engaging and terrifying.

If you just glanced at the plot and the strange cast of characters, it might initially deter you.

However, McCammon manages to completely bring the story to life with a perfect blend of sadness, humor, and ultimately, hope.

The peculiar group of characters gradually becomes entirely natural and enriches the depth of the novel.

It is an extremely enjoyable read from start to finish, and I particularly liked the ending.

On a different note, this book features a forward from the author, in which he touches upon the ten-year gap between this book and his previous one, "Boy's Life."

It is interesting to note that his publisher had pigeonholed him as merely a horror novelist and provided little publicity support for "Boy's Life," a book he regards as his best (and I concur, considering it a pinnacle among many excellent novels).

He is very honest about his struggles regarding this and his career as a writer.

Overall, this book offers not only an engaging story but also a fascinating glimpse into the author's journey.

I LOVED this book.

I completely didn't anticipate it to be so deeply affecting. What I initially thought would be a rather ordinary story about a man who is having a tough time and becomes a fugitive from the law after killing someone in a moment of passion actually turned into the story of several strangers who are ultimately on a pursuit for purpose, for a haven away from their ordinary lives.

Ironically, this book was penned in 1991. So, when you might expect some of the characters to pull out their cell phones or log onto the Internet, they don't. And that's precisely what makes it so great. It offers a refreshing perspective, transporting the reader back to a time when life was a little less connected and a lot more about the raw emotions and experiences of the characters.

The absence of modern technology allows the story to focus on the human element, on the relationships that develop between the strangers and their individual quests for meaning. It's a captivating read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

This is an outstanding suspense novel about a road-trip adventure that presents two of the most remarkable characters. Since... actually, no suitable comparisons immediately spring to mind.

The story hooks you right from the very first line: "It was hell's season, and the air smelled of burning children." It's a tense and superbly paced narrative that delves into the horrors of PTSD long before it was as commonly discussed as it is today.

Unlike most of McCammon's other earlier works, there isn't a supernatural menace here. However, the gritty and realistic sense of almost hopeless doom is omnipresent. The setting is描绘得极为出色, offering an amazing portrayal of the rural South's landscape and people.

I wholeheartedly recommend it! It's a captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The characters are so well-developed that you'll find yourself deeply invested in their journey. The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the story.

Whether you're a fan of suspense novels or just looking for a great read, this book is definitely worth checking out.