To be a man
Franklin Newberry
language
(Franklin Newberry, Nov. 12, 2014)
To be a man is coming of age tale of two Appalachian boys. Randy Watson, an insecure and asthmatic weakling constantly harrassed by bullies, and Bobby Hale, his impoverished, rough around the edges best friend, decide to run away from home when CPS seeks to remove Bobby from his alchoholic/abusive father's home. The ensuing adventure takes the duo on a journey that covers land, water, rails, and the human spirit, while taking the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride. This tale, steeped in the tradition of books like Tom Sawyer and The adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a great read for book lovers of all ages. While the book speaks to heart breaking issues like child abuse, neglect, and bullying, it is also lightened up by moments of child like curiosity and side splitting comedic relief that will leave your belly sore from laughing.