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Boy's Life / Gone South

robert mccammon

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Two extraordinary novels in one volume from the New York Times bestselling author Robert R. McCammon (Swan Song, Stinger, The Wolf's Hour).

Both set in the South, Boy's Life tells a haunting tale of a young boy's seemingly ordinary life in a town called Zephyr, until one day he witnesses a car with a man at the wheel plunge deep into Saxon's Lake. "This superbly told tale combines the sensibilities of Mark Twain, Flannery O'Connor, and Steven Spielberg...a solid coming-age story and a fine mystery...Devour this bountiful book." -- New York Newsday.

In Gone South, a moment of rage and fear, and a past filled with disturbing memories turns Dan Lambert into a unwitting killer. When he flees South and meets a woman named Arden in search of a faith healer, there ensues a riveting, twisting tale of desperation and discovery. "A gothic picaresque that mixes gritty plot and black comedy...a thriller..." -- The Wall Street Journal. "Gone South is an absorbing, bizarre thriller that blazes through the dark and swampy bayous of Louisiana like a jagged bolt of hot summer lightning...McCammon is a truly original American author." -- Lansing State Journal.

816 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1998

This edition

Format
816 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 1, 1998 by Atria
ISBN
9780671018832
ASIN
0671018833
Language
English

More editions

About the author

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robert mccammon

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Pseudonyms: Robert R. McCammon; Robert Rick McCammon

Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.

His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.

McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.7 / 5.0, 21 votes)
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21 reviews All reviews
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Little_slug
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have this wonderful two-book set, and it is always within my reach, ready to be picked up and enjoyed.

The stories contained within these pages are truly endearing. They have a magical quality that simply sweeps you away into different worlds and experiences.

Each tale is crafted with such care and attention to detail that you can't help but become fully immersed in the narrative. The characters are vividly brought to life, and you find yourself rooting for them, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

Whether you're looking for a moment of escape from the daily grind or a chance to lose yourself in a captivating story, this two-book set is the perfect choice. It never fails to bring a smile to my face and a sense of warmth to my heart.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read and wants to be transported to a place where imagination knows no bounds.
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moju
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Excellent!

This is a truly remarkable achievement. It is almost on par with Swan Song, which is widely regarded as a masterpiece. The quality and finesse demonstrated here are truly outstanding.

Every aspect seems to have been carefully crafted and refined to near-perfection. The attention to detail is evident, and it shows in the overall impact and impression it leaves.

It is as if the creator has poured their heart and soul into this work, resulting in something that is not only excellent but also captivating and engaging.

One can't help but be impressed by the skill and talent on display. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication that has gone into making this happen.

Overall, it is a work that stands out and deserves recognition for its excellence.
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AshHaloMaiden
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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McCammom's style is truly unique as it seamlessly incorporates the supernatural elements with a distinct Southern flair.

I have had the pleasure of delving into several books penned by this talented author, and each one has been a captivating experience.

Among all of them, "Boy's Life" holds a special place in my heart and is one of my absolute favorite books.

The story in "Boy's Life" takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of a young boy, filled with wonder, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.

McCammom's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative make it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the world he has created.

The Southern setting adds an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the story, making it a truly unforgettable read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good supernatural tale with a Southern twist.
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feito26
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have only read Boy's Life. It has been a long time since I last saw the movie Stand By Me, but reading Boy's Life reminded me of that movie.

Both Boy's Life and Stand By Me are set in small town America in the 1960s. They capture the essence of that era with a wonderful mix of nostalgia, humor, sadness, and mystery.

In Boy's Life, the young protagonist experiences the joys and sorrows of growing up in a small town. He has adventures with his friends, discovers the mysteries of the world around him, and learns valuable lessons along the way.

The movie Stand By Me also tells the story of a group of young boys who go on a journey to find a dead body. Along the way, they face many challenges and learn about friendship, loyalty, and the meaning of life.

Both Boy's Life and Stand By Me are beautiful and moving stories that will stay with you long after you have finished reading or watching them. They are a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of childhood memories.
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kingslayer19
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The experience of reading this article was truly remarkable. It was so engaging that I found myself reading it not just once, but twice within a span of 2 years.

Each time I delved into its contents, I discovered new layers of meaning and gained fresh perspectives. The author's writing style was captivating, drawing me in from the very first sentence.

The ideas presented in the article were thought-provoking and relevant, making it a worthwhile read on multiple occasions. It served as a source of inspiration and knowledge, leaving a lasting impression on me.

I would highly recommend this article to others, as it has the potential to enrich their minds and enhance their understanding of the subject matter.
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RomanzAntica
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I read this book many years ago.

Boy's Life is perhaps a favorite of all time. It is written so well that it has a wonderful sense of a boy's life in an era past. The details are vivid, making the reader feel as if they are right there with the boy, experiencing his joys and sorrows.

Gone South, the second novel in this edition, is also very good. It has a bit of a quirky and humorous tone, which makes it an enjoyable read. The story is engaging and keeps the reader's attention from beginning to end.

Together, these two novels make for a great collection that is sure to please any reader who enjoys a good story about growing up and the adventures that come with it.
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KinoKantRBD
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I used to read this book every year. That's how good it is.

This book has a special charm that keeps drawing me back year after year. The story within its pages is like a magical world that I can't resist exploring again and again.

Each time I read it, I discover new details, new emotions, and new insights. It's as if the book reveals something different to me with every reading.

The characters are so vividly portrayed that they seem to come alive in my imagination. I can feel their joys and sorrows, and I become completely invested in their lives.

The writing style is also excellent, with beautiful prose that flows smoothly and engages the reader from beginning to end.

In conclusion, this book is truly a masterpiece, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.
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jpoCruz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Boy's Life is truly a classic. It has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its engaging story and relatable characters.

On the other hand, Gone South is an okay read. I did enjoy it to some extent, but it didn't quite reach the level where I was over the moon about it.

The story in Gone South had its moments, but perhaps it didn't have the same depth or emotional impact as Boy's Life.

However, that doesn't mean Gone South is a bad book. It still had its own charm and could be enjoyed by many.

Each book has its own unique qualities, and it's up to the individual reader to decide which one they prefer.

Whether it's the classic appeal of Boy's Life or the more average but still enjoyable Gone South, there's something for everyone in the world of literature.

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