Somewhere in the Darkness
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1992
192
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1990s
1992
YA
10-14 years
In Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers, fourteen-year-old Jimmy lives with his guardian Mama Jean in New York City. When his estranged father Crab is released from prison and convinces Jimmy to join him on a trip to prove his innocence, Jimmy learns about his family's past and grapples with his father's flawed character, ultimately shaping his own path. The book addresses themes of trust, legacy, and the complexities of father-son relationships. The novel includes sensitive topics such as incarceration and parental loss.
Bittersweet
Emotional
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
2,393 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Walter Dean Myers' Somewhere in the Darkness weaves a tale of a father-son road trip filled with emotional discovery and unresolved tensions. Praised for its authentic dialogue and relatable characters, the novel captures the essence of juvenile struggles. Some critics note the plot's pace may deter less-engaged readers, but the powerful themes are universally compelling.
Readers who enjoy Walter Dean Myers's Somewhere in the Darkness are typically young adults who appreciate emotionally compelling narratives about family, forgiveness, and personal growth. Fans of The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie may also find this book captivating.
2,393 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
192
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1990s
1992
YA
10-14 years
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