Image courtesy of Netgalley.com
by Kat Spears
Spears is the master of character development and Dane Riley is no exception. This modern look at Hamlet grabs the reader from the start and doesn't let go, even on the last page. Dane is the kind of kid you want to bring home to fix him dinner; you want to wrap him in a bear hug and not let go. His heartbreaking grief at the loss of his father coupled with his genuine attempts to navigate his senior year will have you calling your son just to tell him you love him!
Caring about what happens to Dane isn't the only compelling reason to read The Tragedy of Dane Riley. I also became attached to his crush, Ophelia, his friend group, the Extreme Sports Asians, and the coyote, which just may be the reincarnation of his Dad. And even though I'm just as horrified as Dane that his Mom took up with his Dad's best friend, I could even sympathize with her wanting to have her happy son back.
The Tragedy of Dane Riley is an edgy, honest look at depression, grief, loss and relationships that will have you cheering for the underdog! I would recommend this book for high school students as it refers to underage drinking and drug use. There is also a considerable, and appropriate, use of curse words.
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