Review: Junk Magic and Guitar Dreams by T. James Logan

Junk Magic and Guitar Dreams by T. James Logan

Otter is a teenager who lives in poverty with his dying mother. They have family, but because of years-old enmity, Otter’s mother forbids him to turn to them for help. She’s so opposed to contact that she arranges for Otter to be emancipated rather than ask for their aid in taking care of him after she passes. Unfortunately, Otter’s understandable rage at all the unfairness in his life undercuts the act of emancipation and allows a rather unsympathetic social worker to try and take it from him so she can force him into foster care.

 

On the surface, that’s the whole plot of the novel—Otter trying to survive after his mother passes—but Logan gives the reader so much more, including a very dark and disturbing subplot of white supremacists trying to seduce Otter into their ideology. As Otter feels more and more isolated from the world, he finds unexpected solace in a box of junk that his wealthy grandfather left him. The junk permits Otter through never explained magic to relive parts of his grandfather’s life, giving Otter perspective he desperately needs and insight into why his extended family is so messed up.

 

Then there’s Otter’s guitar and his band—a source of release and hope for so many millions of teenagers around the world—and the only thing keeping Otter sane as he tries to deal with his many problems.

 

Logan somehow pulls all of these disparate plot threads into a highly compelling, but painfully realistic, growing up tale. I supposed it’s technically a young adult story, but the themes and situations Otter deals with are ones I hope no child ever has to face. This is not a light read, but it’s definitely worth your time.

 

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.