46 pages • 1 hour read
Being Henry David
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Book Brief
312
Novel • Fiction
Concord, Massachusetts • Contemporary
2013
YA
12-18 years
780L
Super Short Summary
In Cal Armistead’s 2013 novel Being Henry David, Danny Henderson wakes up with amnesia in New York City’s Penn Station, possessing only a copy of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. Adopting the name Henry David, he travels to Concord, Massachusetts, in search of his identity, making new friends and confronting his troubled past. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, the influence of literature, and the impact of trauma. The novel references violence, child abuse, drug use, and death by suicide.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
3,129 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Being Henry David by Cal Armistead has captivated readers with its engaging exploration of identity and self-discovery. Praises focus on the compelling narrative and well-developed characters. However, some readers found the plot predictably formulaic. Despite this, its insightful themes resonate well with young adults.
Who Should Read Being Henry David?
Potential readers who would enjoy Being Henry David by Cal Armistead are teens who appreciate introspective coming-of-age stories. Fans of The Catcher in the Rye and Paper Towns would find this novel's themes of identity and self-discovery engaging. Ideal for those who enjoy complex characters and literary connections.
3,129 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
312
Novel • Fiction
Concord, Massachusetts • Contemporary
2013
YA
12-18 years
780L
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