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American Flowers

Michael A. McLellan (Goodreads Author)

4.40 · Rating details · 35 ratings · 18 reviews

Nineteen-year-old Chris Shafer and seventeen-year-old Allie Laughton came from similar backgrounds of neglect and indifference. Chris spent his childhood desperately trying to gain his alcoholic parents' love. Allie was dragged through an ugly divorce before narrowly escaping being molested by her mother's new boyfriend.

A chance meeting draws the two together and Allie is ...more

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Paperback, 2nd, 290 pages

Published July 7th 2017 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform (first published August 20th 2015)

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· 35 ratings · 18 reviews

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Apr 08, 2019 Mischenko rated it it was amazing

American Flowers by Michael A. McLellan is a book about two teens, both from broken homes, who are struggling to get their lives together. Chris is caught up in drugs and Allie needs to find a place to live. Neither one of them have much support from anyone.

Something these two characters have in common is horrible parents. They haven't been loved or instructed properly by anyone. Chris is in a bad spot due to poor decision-making; he just doesn't have the mental capacity, mainly because he's American Flowers by Michael A. McLellan is a book about two teens, both from broken homes, who are struggling to get their lives together. Chris is caught up in drugs and Allie needs to find a place to live. Neither one of them have much support from anyone.

Something these two characters have in common is horrible parents. They haven't been loved or instructed properly by anyone. Chris is in a bad spot due to poor decision-making; he just doesn't have the mental capacity, mainly because he's living with an alcoholic father who couldn't care less about him. Allie was just thrust into a bad position because her dad left, and a man her mother got involved with ended up abusing her. Allie tried to tell the truth but nobody believes her--she's simply told to stop making up stories which is incredibly distressing. These parts in the book were hard to read for me because it's a horrible position to be in, especially for a troubled teen. When Allie meets Chris, they fall in love with each other and one thing leads to another sending them both down a dark and dangerous path.

This is my second book by Michael A. McLellan and it didn't disappoint. I'll be honest, some of the content in the book is hard to read, especially if you have issues reading about drug addiction and everything that goes along with it. The scenes are written so well though, accurately exposing the dangers of meth and how it can erode you physically and mentally. This would be a good book for young adults, but probably on the older side of the spectrum due to the mature content.

Overall, this book gripped me from front to back. I love the author's style of writing and his books keep me engaged. I always appreciate a good twist and there's a big one here that shocked me. The book is totally unpredictable! With that said, I had a love/hate relationship with the ending of the book, only because I wanted more of an ending. I sat for awhile in complete shock and questioned a few things. It's hard to figure out how the title fits with the story until the end of the book which was really clever. I won't share and spoil everything, but I highly recommend this book. Try it and see what you think.

Michael McLellan has become a favorite author and I can't wait to read more.

4.5-stars ...more

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May 21, 2019 Elyse (retired from reviewing/semi hiatus) Walters rated it it was amazing

My favorite new ‘author-discovery’, this year is Michael A. McLellan. He’s so ridiculously talented..... I’m surprised he’s not a household name. YET?/!

“In the Shadow of Hanging Tree”, ( which I can’t say enough great things), is an outstanding historical fiction about the aftermath of the civil war in the 1860’s - weaving slavery with massacres of Native Americans. It was a page turning- intimate novel - and not always a genre I gravitate to. The writing simply keeps us fully engaged from start ...more

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Jul 12, 2019 Starjustin rated it it was amazing

Not being my usual genre of reading, I won this book in a giveaway on the ReadRantRockandRoll blog, so I gave it a try. The author is new to me but I have to say I will be reading more of his books now that I finished American Flowers in just one sitting.

I couldn't put it down. A fast paced thrilling novel with an ending that is so surprising that I would never have expected it.

Broken families leading to devastating life changes, two young lives that find love, however, seem to continue on a ...more

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Apr 25, 2016 Sage Adderley-Knox rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

American Flowers is a heartbreaking story about family dysfunction, young love, and drug addiction. Chris and Allie are two teenagers who aren't bad people but have found themselves drowning in drug addiction. This lifestyle leads to a horrific crime that changes life forever for them both.

I think the author did an amazing job depicting drug addiction. He showed how one moment, one choice, could change someone's entire future. Despite their terrible choices, you couldn't help but feel pity for ...more

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Sep 16, 2019 Shanannigans rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-fiction

If you’ve read anything by this author then you know he is very skilled in writing brilliant characterizations, regardless of the genre. American Flowers is no exception. While the subject matter is hard to digest and the story often difficult to read, Allie and Chris come alive. Their degradation and dark spiral into their addictions is vivid and causes a visceral reaction in the reader. It’s impossible not to feel for these poor kids, especially when you read about how much they have endured.

...more

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Jun 14, 2018 Maria Galvez Mesimeris rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. It was interesting and fast moving. I learned alot about drugs, lol. Worth the read. I was a Goodread winner with this book and so glad i did.

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May 05, 2016 S.F. Benson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

If you’re looking for a book that makes you feel good with beautiful people, this isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for a well-written, raw glimpse into life amongst America’s disheartened, you’ll want to read Michael A. McLellan’s “American Flowers”.

Don’t let the title fool you. There’s one question to keep in mind while reading this one: What happens to flowers when they aren’t properly cared for? That’s the tidbit of info you need to keep in the back of your mind when you begin this heavy If you’re looking for a book that makes you feel good with beautiful people, this isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for a well-written, raw glimpse into life amongst America’s disheartened, you’ll want to read Michael A. McLellan’s “American Flowers”.

Don’t let the title fool you. There’s one question to keep in mind while reading this one: What happens to flowers when they aren’t properly cared for? That’s the tidbit of info you need to keep in the back of your mind when you begin this heavy book.

“American Flowers” was so full of despair. I kept thinking does this situation really exist in our world. The answer is an unfortunate yes. There are people who live like this on a daily basis. It starts out innocently, just like it did for Chris and Allie. Then it escalates to a habit that can’t be shaken, no matter how hard they try.

The next thought I had while reading McLellan’s book was could these characters be any more stupid. Chris won’t become your next book boyfriend unless you are drawn to the dumb ones. He’s not even the town’s bad boy. Chris Shafer is a kid who didn’t come from the wrong side of the tracks. He was smack dab in the middle of the tracks and didn’t know how to extricate himself from the situation. Chris’ best friend pointed it out plain as day—they were all dumb f*cks and weren’t going to amount to anything. To make matters worse, Chris didn’t have any positive role models encouraging him to do otherwise. In such a bleak atmosphere, what else could this kid do but fail.

Allie, the girl he fell in love with, wasn’t in a good situation either. Can you imagine telling someone something terrible and they don’t believe you? It’s bad enough to experience that tragedy, but to have the one person you trust tell you it’s a lie… well, that’s just stretching the walls of sanity. Allie was a good girl, at least she wanted to be. The adults in her life, much like the ones in Chris’, weren’t good. They didn’t have her best interests at heart.

Both Allie and Chris had potential. They were smart kids who could have gone on to school on scholarships. But no one cared about their futures. Remember those flowers?

Every character in this book is guilty of THINKING they were doing the right thing. Chris and Allie believed that what they were doing didn’t have consequences. Allie’s cousin, Lisa, thought she was doing the right thing when she warned Allie about drug use. Problem was the girl wasn’t listening to her own advice. Mick, the supplier, thought he had the perfect setup and could continue to live beyond the reaches of the law. The adults may have started out wanting to do the right thing, but somewhere along the road the wheels fell off the truck. The parents were more irresponsible than their offspring. Chris and Allie crossed paths with an ex-con who thought he could pull off a perfect heist and not get implicated in anyway. The store owner thought he was doing the right thing instead of just cooperating. Even Jan, a woman who aided the couple, thought she had made the right decision. No one thoroughly thought before acting. Makes you wonder if they all drank from the same Kool-aid pitcher.

McLellan’s book contained two distinct messages. The first was a blatant advertisement against drug use. It reminded me of the PSAs about meth use. Poignant. Real. Scary. He did such an excellent job detailing this world. I wondered what level of intimacy he had with the subject matter (Great research, that’s what it was). The second message hits you after the end of the book. You’ll need to close the cover (or turn off the app) and think for a moment. I won’t ruin it for you. Although this book can be categorized as New Adult, it’s one of those that needs to be read by PARENTS too. The second message is for us. It’s one we can’t afford to miss. Correction. It’s one our children can’t afford for US to miss.

The ending of this heart wrenching book kept me from giving a 5-star rating. It sort of left me feeling ‘meh’. I wanted more. I needed to know more about what happened to Allie. Yes, we have imaginations and can figure it out, but after so much hopelessness I needed a definite ray of sunshine.

McLellan’s “American Flowers” is a must-read book. It’s relevant. It’s gut-wrenching. It’s a dose of reality embedded in fiction. Due to its subject matter, language, and sexual situations, it is advised for mature readers 18+.
...more

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Oct 15, 2017 Anthony Jones rated it it was amazing

Michael McLellan has proven to be a gifted all-around author. I have read his three novels. All three novels, while very well written have completely different genres. That, in and of itself, is the mark of a truly talented author.

I just finished American Flowers for the second time, and I am thirsty for more. The first time through I must have rushed because this time I was completely captivated by the story.

Every night I read thirty minutes with my twelve-year-old daughter. Like church, we Michael McLellan has proven to be a gifted all-around author. I have read his three novels. All three novels, while very well written have completely different genres. That, in and of itself, is the mark of a truly talented author.

I just finished American Flowers for the second time, and I am thirsty for more. The first time through I must have rushed because this time I was completely captivated by the story.

Every night I read thirty minutes with my twelve-year-old daughter. Like church, we must attend our reading session and discuss our book when the alarm on her phone sounds off. (we are not permitted to read ahead) I usually choose a favorite King novel for these sessions as I know they are but sips of a fine drink.

Perhaps reading this book in thirty-minute sessions allowed me to absorb the story. American Flowers is a powerful novel about love, life, drugs, and second chances. The main character is 19-year-old Chris Shafer, a struggling drug addict in Napa California. His promising baseball talent dashed by the failings of his parents seemed to launch him into the world of drug addiction and crime. Even at his lowest, love finds a way when he meets Allie.

Allie is a seventeen-year-old beauty from the California central valley who falls for Chris hard.
The darkness of addiction is subtle and deadly as it grips its victims and holds them like prisoners. Allie, the naive beauty learns very quickly just how dark the world of drugs can be. She finds herself caught on a rollercoaster ride with Chris as she is pulled deeper and deeper into the dark world of drug dealing and crime. There trouble only intensifies when they are mugged of their money and drugs. They find themselves forced to participate in an armed robbery with Donnie, a degenerate ex-con who has spent half his life in prison. As you might expect the robbery leads to them having to flee northern California. The story moves smoothly and the characters believable.

I can see how readers fall in love with Chris and Allie and root them along hoping their quest for happily ever after will finally be realized. I also understand the disdain readers must feel for the well-described villains in this book. I appreciate the cities and settings the author takes the reader as I spent a year in Blythe California, and I live thirty minutes from Napa so that added to my enjoyment of this novel.

I hate spoilers, so I will simply say, fans of Stephen King would love this book, it is sharp, and raw in places. Not a book for the faint-hearted. But a story that will chill you and cause you to ponder its powerful message. Well done Mr. McLellan. I anxiously await your new book! ...more

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Apr 12, 2019 Jessica Belmont rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-reads-2019, favorites-of-2019, top-contenders-2019

As if I’m surprised, Michael A. McLellan’sAmerican Flowersblew me away. This is my second read of his, and it did not disappoint.

Michael A. McLellan has a gift for creating realistic and believable characters. Chris is struggling with drug addiction and Allie has no where to go. The two have had very difficult lives and when they get together and fall in love, things get dangerous.

The plot of this novel is intriguing, captivating and unsettling at times. It is so beautifully written it feels ...more

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Nov 20, 2015 Nancy Shepherd rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: adult readers, young adult readers

Recommended to Nancy by: Goodreads

I received American Flowers free through Goodreads. I started it on Tuesday and finished it Thursday. I did not want to put it down! The author's feelings for these young people comes through on every page. Two young people who have no real family,(and who do not know the support most of us grew up with) meet, quickly bond, and follow their hearts right into pure devastation. I especially liked the cover of this book. I don't usually feel drawn by the cover, but the "feel" of the book in my ...more

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Nov 05, 2015 Carina Riso rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Outstanding book! Read it in two days, couldn't put it down! The book is very well written and easy to follow. I absolutely loved the story line and where it took the characters. I've read many many books but this is by far one of my favorites! I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is into young adult romances. For me, if a book makes me feel like I'm in the story, it's a really great book, and that's exactly what this book did.

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Apr 18, 2016 Jacob rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Read my full review and others at Eyes and Books!
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Breathtaking novel about the world of drug addiction.

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Aug 16, 2015 Sarah Pearce rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. American Flowers is not for the faint of heart. It is a powerful portrait of and statement about the influences of drugs in American culture. Strong writing and superb character development, with a unique feeling for setting and the human condition, makes this a fascinating and unsettling read. I simply could not put it down.

The story revolves around a relationship between two young adults, Chris and Allie. The author, Michael A. McLellan, is adept at creating sympathy for his characters even American Flowers is not for the faint of heart. It is a powerful portrait of and statement about the influences of drugs in American culture. Strong writing and superb character development, with a unique feeling for setting and the human condition, makes this a fascinating and unsettling read. I simply could not put it down.

The story revolves around a relationship between two young adults, Chris and Allie. The author, Michael A. McLellan, is adept at creating sympathy for his characters even in the face of their unwise and chaotic choices. We first meet Chris scoring at his dealer’s house in Napa. The writing is already on the wall about Chris’ fate: he is an addict and falling deeper and deeper into a hole. He loses track of days. He is unkempt and knows it. He is acutely aware of how he must look to the world. In his hometown, he was once a baseball prodigy but is now identified as the loser and a tweeker. Yet, I found myself quietly rooting for him, seeing potential and intelligence and a softness and insight that become more evident when he meets the beautiful and naive Allie. In short, I was seduced as Allie will be shortly. The relationship between Chris and Allie is no different than any summertime romance when two young adults meet. While the attraction is strong, it is ill-fated: both Chris and Allie come from fractured backgrounds with no moral anchor to guide them. Chris is on precarious ground in his approach to adulthood through his drug use, which he continually deludes himself as a temporary state. Allie has been traumatized by her mother’s boyfriend’s attempted rape and leaves her home in Bakersfield to live with a not-so-supportive aunt. Allie’s character is built around her disdain of being controlled. She is determined to make her own way. Allie shares this need for making her own destiny with Chris, which he responds to, initially, with love and support; later with aiding her fall into addiction. But Chris’ demons haunt him leaving him searching for an illusive release from his torture. A release he cannot conjure up by himself. His relationship with his father bears no signs of love or guidance. We later learn that Chris’ late mother was psychologically abusive to her son. Thus, the relationship that develops between Chris and Allie is an escape from nightmare childhoods for both of them—a moment of peace and happiness together in shared misery.

But it is a fleeting moment.

The story picks up pace and quickly starts careening into drama, violence and a conclusion that, in its shocking climax, I did not see coming.

A cast of shady characters who, surprisingly offer the only moral fortitude for Chris and Allie, will engage you as well as repel you.

The brutal and no-holds-barred look at drug usage will be difficult for some to read and poignant for others. If you know someone who has gone through this experience, there will be familiar and disturbing passages. However, for those who have not been touched by the drug culture, it is a must-read if only to understand the damage it has done and continues to do to our communities.

This novel is a departure from McLellan’s previous work. It demonstrates that the author has a wide range of talent and breadth to delve into new dimensions of stories. I am looking forward to reading his future ventures with great anticipation.
...more

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Oct 15, 2017 Mandie rated it it was amazing

I loved this book! So well written and detailed. The ending made me cry. Definitely worth a read!!

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Sep 23, 2019 Rae rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-own, giveaways

4.5 Stars

Well written with complex characters, 'American Flowers' will take you on a journey through the eyes of our country's youth on drugs. You will smile, you will hold back tears but you won't be disappointed. It will be as if transported, stepped directly into the shoes of each character and saw and felt and experienced everything for yourself.

Well done, Michael. This novel was a success!

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Aug 27, 2019 Kaili Taghon (Entertainingly Nerdy) rated it really liked it

Shelves: thriller

This book ended up being a little hard for me to read in some spots. I did enjoy it though. Even though this isn't based on a true story you do get a glimpse of what it's like in the life of a drug addict. However, I do wish the ending was different.

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Sep 12, 2019 Jody Joy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-goodreads-challenge, book-tour-review, own-it

Wow! I could not put this book down. McLellan has created some authentic characters in this gut-wrenching story into the dark world of drug addiction. Chris and Allie both come from very dysfunctional families, which pretty much bring them together. Their world is one heck of a ride, both romantic and horrific at times. The storyline flowed perfectly, very well written.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a glimpse into the world of drugs, but forewarning, it is not for the faint of ...more

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Jun 14, 2019 Becky Murphy rated it it was amazing

From the first few pages of this book, I felt like I was living the story along with the main characters, rather than reading a narrative. This book feels so real. It is raw and honest, tragic and tense, beautiful and romantic, and above all it feels really personal.
When I considered drug users, I always pictured the type of addict stereotype you may see loitering in front of gas stations, asking for money. I never look at those people and wonder what they were like before they lost their ...more

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About Michael A. McLellan

Michael A. McLellan

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Michael’s love of books began with Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle when he was seven-years-old. Later influenced by the works of John Steinbeck, Harper Lee, Stephen King, James Baldwin, and Cormac McCarthy, Michael developed his style of storytelling. A self-proclaimed blue-collar writer, he draws on his experiences and observations to bring relevant and compelling topics to life.

...more