Charlie-Man

It reads like a memoir, but it’s a young adult novel set in 1994. The Author Thomas Cullen, through his first book, tells the story of a young man whose senior year at a prestigious Episcopal school starts stellar. But things soon change when his best friend, Beau, betrays him. This deception hurts him almost as much as losing his father. And when his mother succumbs to alcoholism and ends up in a treatment facility, Charlie’s life unravels. Throughout it all, he focuses on athletics, including track and football, to see him through the year. But one more tragedy is in store for Charlie, one that changes his future forever.

Charlie-Man is an engaging read, with a nostalgic tone that makes it ideal for young adults, new adults, and older adults alike. There’s a gently mounting grief as Charlie goes through one misfortune after another, but not so many as not to be believable. The thread of a purposeful and focused young man is apparent throughout, making this a perfect storyline for classroom or book group discussions. 

Attempting to compare it to other books is a challenge because it’s unique. Again, has a memoir feel to it, though it’s fiction. I believe fans of Henry Skrimshander’s The Art of Fielding, Night Hoops by Carl Deuker, and A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks will enjoy giving Charlie-Man a read.

Book and Image Courtesy of PR By the Book