Set in a decaying Pacific Northwest lumber town, this debut novel delves into themes of poverty, violence, and environmental degradation through the lives of a close-knit group of friends. The powerful and poetic voice of Melissa Anne Peterson recounts the dark experiences of teenagers in a rural logging community devoid of jobs and safety. Amidst this backdrop, Vera Violet O'Neel navigates her troubled family life—her mother has abandoned her, her father is unstable, and her brother is deeply affected by their circumstances. Despite the challenges, Vera finds solace in her loyal friends, a running truck, and the thrill of rebellion, symbolized by a bloodied pair of boots and a hot pistol. However, the relentless grip of poverty and the allure of crystal meth and easy money threaten to dismantle their fragile bonds. After her world is violently upended, Vera escapes to St. Louis, where she grapples with the loss of her family, friends, and her beloved Jimmy James Blood in solitude. This explosive debut marks Peterson as a fresh voice in literature, offering a visceral and stirring experience that resonates deeply with the downtrodden and disenchanted.
