Lost Man’s Lane by Scott Carson
One of my all-time favorite books, and one that I believed shaped me into the person I am today, was Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. Okay, call me cliché. I do not mind, but I found it at 12 years old and my eyes popped wide open to a new style of writing.
My mother had a copy on the bookshelf. I am sure she did not expect me to read it and certainly not at 12. But there I was, enamored. I read it over and over. That summer I devoured almost every book on the shelf, but Holden, as rotten as he was, held a special place and still does today. I have her copy on my bookshelf (I stole it from her). Part of me hopes one of my kids will steal it from me one day.
So, I tell you that to tell you this. I have not had that spark for a teen boy protagonist since. Sure, I have read a few, but none that really pulled me all the way into their lives.
Enter Marshall Miller and Lost Man’s Lane. When I say that I belly laughed through portions of this book, I am not exaggerating. There is a scene early in the book where I fully lost my grip and laughed so hard, I cried. After being checked on by my husband and son, I read it to them, and they giggled as well. I guess another awkward, struggling teenage boy has stolen my heart.
I was not sure what to think of this book in the beginning. My overactive brain kept trying to nestle it into a genre or anticipate what was coming next, and at some point, I realized I just did not care what kind of story I was reading. I was just enjoying it.
The story follows Marshall through his life and his struggles as he not only navigates the complexity of growing up but also being the only witness in the case of a missing girl.
The book takes a few dips and turns, some I loved and had me on the edge of my seat and a few that left me foggy headed, but, in the end, I was not really there for a satisfying thriller anymore. I was there for Marshall and his journey, and honestly, it was enough.
I loved this book, even some of the odd twists.
If you have read it, let me know! I would love to hear what you think.
Side note:
I learned through a little research Scott Carson is a pen name for Michael Koryta.