This review solely focuses on "Boy's Life", which is the first of the two novels within this volume.

I decided to read it as it was the highest rated work of fiction on my Goodreads to-read shelf. Ironically, the two titles combined received a higher score among Goodreads reviewers than the individual stories. Perhaps I should have continued and read "Gone South" as well. However, although I truly enjoyed this book, I think I'll take a short break from McGammon for a while.

Oh yes, the review. It gets five stars. Why? I have never come across a novel where each chapter could function independently as a short story. Each chapter revolves around a dramatic moment. Some of them are central to the murder mystery at the core of the book, while many others are not, yet they are equally captivating. I believe the author got it right. The life of a twelve-year-old boy is inherently quite dramatic, ranging from first crushes to dealing with school bullies. And of course, as a child begins to gain independence from his parents, it is natural that the number of unique life-defining moments would start to increase.

I was a bit worried that the story of a boy growing up in the south in the sixties might be too juvenile for my taste. But the style and content are clearly targeted at an adult audience, probably men in their thirties or forties who delight in looking back at their own lives and the young lives they have helped shape. I'm glad I finally got around to reading this. It had been sitting on my shelf for at least ten years. My late grandmother gave it to me for Christmas one year. She always had an amazing talent for buying books for me throughout my life. I look forward to reading "Gone South" someday and thinking of her again.

The volume I happened to read only contained Boy's Life.

It is a known fact that numerous authors pen down books, yet only a select few have the ability to tell truly captivating stories. Boy's Life is an absolute gem of a story that delves into the year 1964 in the life of Cory Mackenson, who resides in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama. This town, which no longer exists in the present day, was devoid of big box stores and fast food restaurants. However, what the book lacks in modern conveniences, it more than makes up for with its plethora of thrills, mystery, suspense, and humor. It is a truly rare and wonderful book that is perfect for a summer read.

As you turn the pages of Boy's Life, you are transported back in time to a simpler era, yet one that is filled with excitement and adventure. The characters are vividly drawn, and you can't help but become invested in their lives and experiences. Whether it's Cory's coming-of-age journey or the various mysteries that unfold throughout the story, there is always something to keep you on the edge of your seat.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place, while also providing you with a thrilling and entertaining read, then Boy's Life is definitely the book for you. So, grab a copy, find a comfortable spot, and get ready to be swept away by this wonderful story.

I was an extremely imaginative child, and I was happily blessed with a group of very imaginative and almost inseparable friends. This book truly brought me back to that remarkable time when everything seemed larger than life, whether it was the real world or what we conjured up in our own vivid imaginations.

I vividly remember my best friend, Beth, and I courageously fighting off a group of boys in high school who were picking on one of our mentally challenged friends. It was a defining moment for us, just as it was for Cory Makemson and his friends when they stood up against the bully brothers. I also recall going to a Pentecostal church with my friend and feeling absolutely bewildered by people speaking in tongues. But having to calm my sister down when she started yelling out, "Call 911!" in sheer panic was a hilarious testimony to just how scary church can be for a child. Our woods didn't have a triceratops; instead, it had a big foot. We knew this because we spent countless hours tracking down its large footprints. Sleeping outside for the first time was a huge adventure. We had to count 100 stars first because everyone knows it's not safe to sleep outside if there aren't 100 stars in the sky. There was also a crazy homeless man in our woods that we dreaded and anticipated running into at the same time. He had a house he built and always carried an ax. He was called, The Axman. Danger can be alluring to a 12-year-old. We had Old Man Crabapple. He hated us climbing the tree beside his house. He'd holler at us through his window, and then one day he died, and his spirit went into the tree. We knew this because the branches became gnarly and it started scratching us. These things had never happened before Old Man Crabtree died, only after it. His ugly spirit took possession of our favorite tree. We all stopped climbing on it. A year later, the tree died. We all knew it was Old Man Crabapple that killed it.

There were so many things in the book that I could relate to. The death of a bike, the death of a friend, the death of a pet, the first time I heard Rock -n- Roll, all of it struck a chord in me. I haven't forgotten what it is to see the world through a child's eyes. It's magic. I'm truly happy that I read this book. This author brought it all back for me. I adored its larger than life characters. I could completely envision myself and my childhood friends in this story. I want to buy a copy for each of them. The tale of mystery in this was just a small part of a Boy's Life, but that is the beauty of this book. There is always a little mystery and a lot of magic in being a kid. I think Robert McCammon did an amazing job of capturing that. I'd love to sit and share childhood stories with him.

This is one of my all-time favorites.

McCammon has a unique way, especially in "Boy's Life", of expressing the hidden thoughts that every boy experiences while growing up.

His writing is so vivid and detailed that it allows the reader to truly understand and connect with the emotions and experiences of the young protagonist.

The story is filled with adventure, mystery, and coming-of-age moments that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

It's not just a book, but a journey into the mind and heart of a boy growing up in a small town.

Overall, I would highly recommend "Boy's Life" to anyone looking for a great read that will touch their heart and make them remember their own childhood.

Outstanding!

An outstanding fantasy, thriller, coming of age tale awaits the reader. This captivating story takes us on a journey through a world filled with magic and mystery. The protagonist, a young and inexperienced individual, must face numerous challenges and overcome fears as they grow and mature. The thrilling elements keep the reader on the edge of their seat, while the fantasy aspect adds an element of wonder and excitement. As the story progresses, we witness the protagonist's transformation from a naive child to a brave and confident adult. This coming of age tale is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, exploring themes such as self-discovery, courage, and the power of imagination. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy and thriller genres, as well as those who enjoy a good coming of age story.

I normally don't have a great affinity for fiction. However, when it comes to horror, I am an absolute enthusiast. Two works that are truly essential reads for fans of McCammon are "Boy's Life" and "Gone South".

"Boy's Life" takes the reader on a thrilling journey through the eyes of a young boy, filled with supernatural elements and heart-pounding moments. It explores themes of growing up, friendship, and the battle between good and evil in a way that is both captivating and deeply moving.

"Gone South" is another masterpiece by McCammon. Set in a southern town, it weaves a tale of mystery, horror, and redemption. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters draw the reader in and keep them on the edge of their seat until the very end.

For those who love horror and are looking for something truly engaging and unforgettable, these two books by McCammon are highly recommended.

If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to read Boy's Life by Robert McCammon, I highly recommend that you do so! It is truly one of my all-time favorite books. This remarkable piece of literature contains a little bit of everything that makes reading so enjoyable. There is mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, nostalgia that takes you back to a simpler time, and humor that will have you laughing out loud. I absolutely loved this book, and it manages to capture a specific time and place with such beauty and precision. It's a literary gem that should not be missed.

I raise my gaze, looking up into the brilliant blue expanse of the air.

As I do so, I believe I perceive four figures endowed with wings, along with their winged dogs. They are gracefully swooping and engaging in playful antics within the Rivers of light.

These enchanting beings will remain there perpetually, for as long as the essence of magic persists.

And make no mistake, magic possesses a heart that is incredibly strong, unwavering in its power and allure.

This captivating scene, described on page 475, leaves an indelible impression on the reader, transporting them to a world where the extraordinary becomes possible and where the forces of magic reign supreme.

McCammon is not typically regarded as a thriller writer.

However, "Gone South" (the novel that I have read) is a tightly wound tale. It's about a dying former-Vietnam soldier who finds himself drawn into a strange destiny in the South.

The language used is concise and to the point, with no unnecessary words. The entire story unfolds effortlessly, taking the reader through a web of murder and mayhem in the bayou.

Along the way, some rather strange characters make their appearance. There are two sideshow freaks, one of whom has three arms. They attempt to lead the vet back to their boss in exchange for his $15,000 head money.

Eventually, the crazy girl's hopeless dream comes true. Her remote convent on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico becomes a haven for both her and the vet.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it.

It offers a unique and engaging plot, filled with interesting characters and vivid descriptions that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.