5 Super Big Stars

Wow, what an absolute masterpiece Robert McCammon has created with his novel, Boy's Life. It truly is a timeless classic. I can only attempt to do it justice in my review by comparing it to a great work of art. Just as people can identify with and appreciate great works of art, and strive to understand them, this novel is worth far more than a thousand words. It is a magical book that makes the reader truly "feel" the words and the stories. I firmly believe that this book is extremely underrated and deserves much more recognition.

The greatest strength of this book lies in its writing style. It is crafted with the finesse of a master storyteller. The story itself is a coming-of-age tale about a boy named Cory, living in the early 60's in Zephyr, Alabama. The written style shares many similarities with the American treasures penned by Mark Twain, such as Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. McCammon also tells this story in a way similar to how Stephen King did in Stand by Me. The setting could easily have taken place in Jonathan Maberry's fictional town of Pine Deep. The book unfolds like a slow-moving river on a quiet summer's eve. It meanders along, twists and turns, and encounters many unusual things, all while making its slow progress towards the sea (the end). There is a main plot point, a mystery that serves as the driving force behind this wonderful slice of life. This mystery is the catalyst for the action, the plot, and the growth of our protagonists.

The writing is simply sublime. The passages quoted in the original are just a taste of the beauty and depth of McCammon's prose. They capture the essence of youth, hope, freedom, and desire, as well as the importance of memories and the power of the written word. The names of the characters in this book are also a testament to McCammon's skill. They are unique and memorable, and match the depth and color of the characters themselves. Cory's friends, both young and old, add to the richness of the story, as do the villains with their equally unique names. As one reads this novel, it is impossible not to draw comparisons to one's own life, memories, and coming-of-age story. In many ways, it feels as if McCammon has captured and penned pieces of our own stories. There are so many hilarious, tender, violent, and supernatural scenes that it is difficult to remember them all. McCammon has carefully created a magical book that shows our perceptions, our wonder, and our imagination. It is told from the perspective of a 12-year-old boy, and as such, it is filled with the blurring of reality and imagination that is so characteristic of childhood. I love how McCammon and Cory never once try to justify their story. It simply works and is believable. Perhaps what McCammon is trying to tell us is that as adults, we have lost touch with our imagination and the wonder of the world around us. We have become too focused on the black and white and have forgotten to live a "Boy's Life".

This is a super huge recommendation. It is a book that everyone should read in their lifetime. It will touch your heart, make you laugh, and make you think. It is a true classic that will stand the test of time.

3.5 Stars

This was truly a beautiful coming of age story that was rich with nostalgia. Despite the fact that I am considerably younger than the protagonist, I found myself longing for those more straightforward times. The story does have its dark moments, which added an interesting layer of complexity. However, ultimately, it is a tale that revolves around dreams, love, and the conclusion of childhood. I was completely fascinated by the murder case that was introduced. In fact, I wished that it had played a somewhat larger role in the overall narrative. My main concern, though, was the length and the sheer amount of detail that was included in the book. While I adored some of the vivid descriptions, there were certain sections that caused my interest to wane. Overall, I did enjoy this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who has a passion for coming of age narratives. It offers a unique perspective and takes the reader on an emotional journey through the life of the protagonist.

I began reading this book with the anticipation that it would serve as my Halloween read in October. After all, a book that has won a Stoker Award is expected to be scary, isn't it? Well, while this particular one didn't reach the level of being horrific, it was indeed truly terrific.

The title of the book is highly appropriate. It commences by enticing you with a mystery, but soon evolves into a compilation of captivating and nostalgic adventures. These are related through the reminiscences of an adult author. The adventures traverse various genres, making it appealing to a wide range of reading audiences. It gave the impression that McCammon had created a checklist of every subject that piqued his interest as a boy and then crafted subplots for each to intricately weave through the main plot.

McCammon has assembled a remarkable cast of characters who grace the pages. Their idiosyncrasies and faces are vividly described, complementing the equally vivid portrayals of small town life. The author appears to be well-versed in every writing technique in the book and deftly applies them all to this novel.

Boy's Life is a story that rightfully belongs on the reading list of anyone who relished the adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Scout Finch, Gordie Lachance, or Mikey Walsh. It is a tale that can be wholeheartedly enjoyed at any time of the year.

There are things far worse than monster movies. There are horrors that shatter the limitations of the screen and the page, and creep into our lives all distorted and smiling menacingly behind the face of someone we cherish. - Boy's Life

Where should I even commence with expressing how deeply I adored this book? It was my very first encounter with McCammon's work, so I chose to approach it blindly. I had not the slightest inkling of what it was about or even what genre it belonged to. All I knew was that numerous people seemed to hold Boy's Life in extremely high esteem.

This particular book truly encompassed everything I typically seek in a read that will ultimately remain with me for a lifetime. For starters, it had a rather extensive cast of characters, yet at no point did it feel overwhelming to me. Amidst the emotional profundities of both childhood and adulthood, we also encounter a plethora of humor. I even found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. However, my favorite aspect of Boy's Life was the manner in which McCammon so exquisitely captured the essence of being a child. The way the boundaries were so delicately blurred between imagination and reality. It is a true coming-of-age story about losing the innocence we all begin with and having to confront the harsh realities of life and the inevitability of growing up.

Boy's Life will undoubtedly go on to become one of the most remarkable things I have ever read. I notice many of you have this on your TBR lists, and I wholeheartedly suggest moving it up.

Robert McCammon's coming-of-age classic, Boy's Life, is almost universally loved.

★★★1/2

When I began reading the book and reached about 5 chapters in, I was initially horrified. I didn't have the same warm feeling in my stomach that others seemed to have when reading it.

Had I finally realized that my taste wasn't as impeccable as I'd thought? Was I going to have to write an unfavorable review for a beloved book, get roasted and trolled for it, and lose the respect of my internet friends? Or was I going to discover that all of my internet friends had really bad taste?

The book seemed to lack momentum or a real narrative thread. Each day-in-the-life chapter, while okay on its own, had the weakest of connections. I knew there were still about 600 pages to go, and I was losing interest.

But then I quickly realized that I needed to view the book differently. I started looking at it as a collection of interlocked short stories. These stories detail the eventful and magical year of 1964 in the life of our protagonist and hero, 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, and his very special town of Zephyr, Alabama.

It's a year when Cory transitions from childhood to adolescence. Every chapter stood on its own at first, but as the book progressed, the weak threads connecting each one grew stronger and stronger.

Once I started seeing it as a story collection that built on itself like a snowball, I was charmed! That's the perfect word for it. There's a charm in McCammon's writing that's present in all of his work but is at its strongest here.

He has such a great grasp of his material that he can not only command a great child's voice (which always seems terribly hard to do) but also a nostalgic one.

I love how these memories are all heightened in reality, just like lifelong memories always seem to be. Every time I revisit strong memories of my childhood, they're probably much more dramatic and romantic, or tragic than they were in reality.

In the end, the book is very touching, and I can understand why it's such a classic. Another win for McCammon!

Boy's Life is an astonishing and masterfully crafted coming-of-age story that is at least on a par with King's It. With an epic scope, it flawlessly captures the young voice, sensibilities, and motivations of a pre-teen. This book also weaves a complex and multi-layered plot. It begins with a mysterious death, which initially seems to be the book's primary (and sole) conflict and plot. However, it is not. It is so sooo much more. It is far more intricate and interesting! I am embarrassed to say that I was not familiar with McCammon's work until middle age. I kind of wish I had discovered it earlier and delved into his books. But at the same time, I also realize that I can probably better absorb and appreciate what McCammon had to say now that I am a bit older.

The narration of this audiobook captured the southern tone quite beautifully. The narrator had a quiet and understated way of using his voice, which really suited this book in particular.

The book is long, but it is well worth it. It takes you on a journey through the life of a young boy, filled with mystery, adventure, and self-discovery. You will be captivated from beginning to end and will find yourself thinking about the story long after you have finished reading (or listening).

My all-time favourite book is a truly remarkable piece of literature.

It has the power to transport me to different worlds and introduce me to a diverse range of characters.

The story unfolds in a captivating manner, keeping me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

The author's writing style is both engaging and descriptive, painting vivid pictures in my mind.

Each page is filled with excitement, adventure, and emotions that I can't help but feel.

This book has had a profound impact on me, inspiring me and teaching me valuable lessons along the way.

It is a book that I can read over and over again, and still discover something new each time.

It holds a special place in my heart and will always be my go-to choice when I'm looking for a great read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to lose themselves in a good story and experience the magic of literature.

This is Robert McCammons' "tour de force" award-winning masterpiece. It is written based on his memories of what he calls his own enchantments as a boy growing up.

Cory Mackensen, a budding writer and our narrator, is an 11-year-old boy. He is growing up in the small town of Zephyr, Alabama in the 1960s, surrounded by friends and family.

One cold morning, while accompanying his father on the early milk delivery rounds, they witness a car and its driver plunge to the bottom of a lake. This incident essentially sends them on a journey of discovering the secrets that hide in the shadows of their hometown.

There are many interesting small town characters and happenings here. There is some racial tension, some backwoods hijinks, and of course, the murder mystery. And best of all, there is a heaping helping of the magic that surrounds one's childhood thoughts.

Though it's a long read, it's one I thoroughly enjoyed. It truly captured the essence of a small town and the mysteries that lie within. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story filled with adventure, mystery, and a touch of magic.

5 stars - Oct on the Southern Literary Trail
/ Moderator's choice thanks Mike

This is what a novel should truly be; it should be nostalgic, taking you back to those precious moments of your past. It should also be thrilling, keeping you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. And, most importantly, it should have tiny bits of magic. Not the kind of magic that you see in a stage show with abracadabra, but the kind of magic that is enough to amaze you and still feel real.

This is a wonderful coming-of-age, fantasy, mystery story all rolled into one. Reading this book made me feel good about reading in general. That joy, that almost magical feeling that books give you? Ahh, it's the best feeling in the world, man. Boy's Life will surely give you that.

This is a story of a 12-year-old Cory Mackenson in Zephyr, Alabama in the 1960s. There's a monster in the river, a finesse Lady who does magic, a murdered man from Saxon's Lake, and people who do good things but are really bad underneath. It's a complex and engaging story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

I may not be from America, but I've had my fair share of what living in a tiny suburb was like. Where everyone was close enough to know everyone, whose child and parent was this, whose house was that, who lived there, their work, and all that. My friends and I biked around, played games outside that I can barely remember, and we did this kind of loud clap when we wanted to call each other out of our houses without letting our parents know. We imagined things, made up things and scenarios, and play-acted like we were different people. Boy's Life will take you there and make you reminisce about how beautiful those times were. That pre-technology time where everything was pure, innocent, and magical for a child.

I'm always proud to say that I've lived the life of what a typical child should be. Like Cory and his friends, it was outside. And not in front of a cellphone or laptop. How lucky I was to have that childhood, which I don't know if kids these days will still be able to have. Hmm, hello Internet? But you see, it was also from here that I learned about this hidden gem of a book, so that's fair enough. This is probably one of those few books that'll stay with me for a long time.

Yet again, a book found me at the time I thought magic didn't exist, but they do; in every book that touches us, precisely what Boy's Life did to me.

Splendid Story of Southern Boyhood

Anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information to last him the rest of his days. Flannery O'Connor

A 4.4 - almost a 5. This 1991 novel likely won't be on syllabi in university literature classes this fall. Nevertheless, it's one of the most entertaining and heartfelt stories I've read of Southern childhood. Although I think Donna Tartt's The Little Friend is better, this novel stayed with me for a while. Sometimes, this is exactly the kind of affable fable that I want and need to read.

The story's protagonist and narrator, Cory Mackenson, tells the tale as a grownup looking back to the summer of 1964 when he was 12 years old in the little town of Zephyr, Alabama. Knowing the area, it seems the town is near Atmore and Brewton in Escambia County, Alabama at the upper part of Alabama's panhandle. The town is much like Maycomb (from To Kill A Mockingbird, the fictional Monroeville one county over) and Mayberry, N.C. (stomping grounds of Sheriff Andy Taylor, his son Opie and deputy Barney Fife). Both the town and the story have that folksy, haimish feel.

The story kicks off when Cory and his father Tom (a milk deliveryman) nearly collide with a car rolling into Saxon's Lake. Tom dives in after the car to rescue the driver but discovers he's handcuffed to the steering wheel and already dead. The local law enforcement can't locate the car or the corpse, so its identity remains a mystery, but it's clearly a murder.

Devastated by the dead body, Tom has a recurring nightmare related to the lake. His oneiric visions give him a constant premonition of something terrible, and he starts to suffer from depression, coming close to suicidal at one point.

The novel can't be neatly classified into one genre. It's part literary, part suspenseful mystery, and part coming of age. Its themes involve family, two deaths of those close (besides the murder), guns, race relations in the 1960s South, hatred in various forms, and bullying. McCammon infuses his main characters with such authenticity, grace, and charm that you can hear the drawl as you read the dialogue. He creates a particularly memorable evil antagonist and a few side-show redneck outlaws.

The story captivates the reader with everything from an elderly African American storyteller, an imprecator known as \\"The Lady,\\" who knows a bit of magic that seems a blend of voodoo and morality, a variety of friends, moonshine, a pair of local bullies, a wayward grandpa, a backwoods brothel, baseball, an odd bird in a Dutch veterinarian who greets youngsters with nicknames like \\"hot shot,\\" \\"rocket rider,\\" \\"fighter pilot,\\" a pair of local bullies, a revealing and educational field trip observation by 12-year-old Cory of a buxom blonde redneck goddess bathing nude in a local stream (\\"love at first sight\\"), and a very painful wasp sting during a church service.

Absolutely enjoyable.

Thank you for every one who read this book with me.

I so enjoy the journey that I get to take with so many people! These buddy reads are one of my favorite parts of TikTok because it allows me to partake in a story with others who love to lose themselves in a story as much as I do.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s not a perfect book for me but it felt special. It has many important themes. Racism, loss, standing up against hate and doing the right thing even if it’s hard to do… it’s about friendship, and life and imagination. What’s also interesting about this book is it starts with a major crime… and then we don’t really get any additional information about that crime until the last quarter of the book. The meat of this book really is about Cory’s life. How he experiences his world. His relationship with his friends, his parents, his teachers and neighbors.

I really enjoyed this and I’m thankful to every one who took the journey with me!

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. At times, I was filled with joy as I witnessed Cory's friendships blossom and his imagination soar. But there were also moments of sadness and anger when I read about the racism and hate that he had to endure.

Despite its flaws, this book has left a lasting impression on me. It has made me think about the importance of standing up for what is right and the power of friendship and imagination in the face of adversity.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

4.5 stars.

Boy's Life is an exquisitely written and spellbinding coming-of-age tale.

First and foremost, although this book won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1992, it leans more towards magic realism with a hint of horror, set in the historical and fictional small town of Zephyr in Alabama.

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\\"These memories of who I was and where I lived are important to me. They make up a large part of who I’m going to be when my journey winds down. I need the memory of magic if I am ever going to conjure magic again. I need to know and remember, and I want to tell you.\\"

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I've never encountered anything quite like it. Narrated from the first person's perspective, the story and its characters felt so authentic and relatable that I could almost convince myself that Zephyr exists and this book is an actual memoir of someone's childhood. However, there are also supernatural elements that give it a magical quality, both literally and metaphorically. It manages to capture the sense of wonder and awe that childhood is often filled with, long before we are all compelled to grow up. You can't help but wonder if some of the things Cory witnessed and experienced were just products of youthful imagination and fancies, or if they were truly real. But regardless of their authenticity, it makes for the most captivating read, allowing me to relive my childhood to a certain extent.

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\\"We all start out knowing magic. We are born with whirlwinds, forest fires, and comets inside us. We are born able to sing to birds and read the clouds and see our destiny in grains of sand. But then we get the magic educated right out of our souls.\\"

\\n  \\n
Cory lives and breathes like a childhood friend I wish I had the pleasure of knowing. And his family is one of the most wholesome and nurturing that I've had the joy of reading about. Oh, life at the Mackenson home isn't always rosy, but their mutual love, respect, and loyalty always see them through the toughest of times. In these challenging times of the pandemic, it's heartening to be able to read fiction that can make me feel so comforted. The story does take some darker turns and has some truly sad and poignant moments, but overall it is uplifting and hopeful.

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\\"I had always wondered what Reverend Lovoy meant when he talked about \\"grace\\". I understood it now. It was being able to give up something that it broke your heart to lose, and be happy about it\\".

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I'll keep this review brief because the magic lies in experiencing this book for yourself. But before I go, I must mention the enchanting quality of the writing. The prose in Boy's Life is truly something to be savored and admired. The references to writing and the importance of narrative in books, movies, etc., only add to the allure of this story.

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And the need to hear stories, to live lives other than our own for even the briefest moments, is the key to the magic that was born in our bones.

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Highly recommended to anyone in need of a little magic in their life.

You can purchase a copy from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | Amazon UK | Amazon US

You can find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.