Plot Summary

The Residue Years

Mitchell S. Jackson
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The Residue Years

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

Book Brief

Mitchell S. Jackson

The Residue Years

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Residue Years by Mitchell S. Jackson is an autobiographical novel set in late 1990s Portland, Oregon, focusing on Champ and his mother, Grace, as they navigate the challenges posed by their contrasting relationships with crack-cocaine. Grace, recently out of rehab and aiming to stay sober, faces difficulties finding stable employment, while Champ turns to dealing crack to support his family, reflecting the impact of drugs on their community, racial tensions, and their identities. Sensitive topics include drug addiction, sex work, and legal struggles.

Gritty

Emotional

Challenging

Dark

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,507 ratings

73%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mitchell S. Jackson's The Residue Years offers a raw, poignant portrayal of Black urban life, praised for its authentic voice and lyrical prose. Critics commend its powerful narrative and character depth, but some note its intense, heavy themes could deter sensitive readers. Overall, it stands out for its honest exploration of struggle and resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Residue Years?

Readers who enjoy gritty, poignant narratives like The Residue Years by Mitchell S. Jackson are drawn to raw, heartfelt stories of struggle and resilience. Fans of The Corner by David Simon or Push by Sapphire will appreciate its unflinching portrayal of life in a marginalized community and its powerful prose.

4.1

1,507 ratings

73%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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