This book is about a young man named Harley, who is 19-years old and trying to raise his three sisters, Amber, Misty and Jody. Harley is in this position because his mother is in jail for killing his father and he is trying to keep his sister’s from going into foster care or being split up.
Harley is old for his age. He works two jobs to pay the bills and worries about food, mortgage and his sisters while his friends are away at college living the life he wishes he had. Amber is 16-years old and makes things very hard for Harley by not listening to a thing he says and involving in risque behaviors in front of him.
Misty is quiet and a little bit scary. They describe her as having been closer to her dad and having a hard time dealing with his death. Jody is six and seems to have adjusted reasonably well. She plays with friends, goes to school and is generally just a kid.
Harley sees a counselor as one of the conditions for keeping custody. He has extended family who help him by bringing him beer, but do not actually take the time to get involved and help. Harley also meets the mother of one of his sister’s friends and begins a relationship with her. Throughout the book you can tell that Harley is just barely hanging on. There is a desperation and most of the characters that jumps off of the page. A lot comes out at the end that makes sense and brings the story together. If you’re interested in a bit of a dark, complicated book, then this is a good one.
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