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Canary and the Mothman
...an inspired-by-true-events tale of Jesse a young boy growing up in Georgia's rural Blue Ridge Mountains and burdened with the "family secret".
Jesse is pressured to keep the secret through intimidation, threats and violence but ultimately it's the SILENCE that proves his most difficult adversary. Jesse begins his journey on his family's farm during WW2 and winds his way through the bluffs, backroads and hollows of that nostalgic time searching for answers to questions he doesn't know how to ask. All the while... wondering…doubting...seeking….
Jesse learns numerous lessons along the road a few the-easy-way but most the-hard-way. He encounters many friends (Chameleons) but only few foes (Owls). It's not until many years later he begins to learn that his youthful certainty was merely his inability to distinguish the Chameleons (foes) from the Owls (friends).
Join Jesse as he struggles to comprehend his FAMILY'S WAY while attempting to obtain (Owlness) or answers to his family's secrets as he comes of age in this tragic tale of SILENCE.
Find out how Jesse, an Owl at heart, becomes a Canary instead but for the SILENCE.
Don't be like Jesse.
He can only wish that he'd spoken up...
Jesse is pressured to keep the secret through intimidation, threats and violence but ultimately it's the SILENCE that proves his most difficult adversary. Jesse begins his journey on his family's farm during WW2 and winds his way through the bluffs, backroads and hollows of that nostalgic time searching for answers to questions he doesn't know how to ask. All the while... wondering…doubting...seeking….
Jesse learns numerous lessons along the road a few the-easy-way but most the-hard-way. He encounters many friends (Chameleons) but only few foes (Owls). It's not until many years later he begins to learn that his youthful certainty was merely his inability to distinguish the Chameleons (foes) from the Owls (friends).
Join Jesse as he struggles to comprehend his FAMILY'S WAY while attempting to obtain (Owlness) or answers to his family's secrets as he comes of age in this tragic tale of SILENCE.
Find out how Jesse, an Owl at heart, becomes a Canary instead but for the SILENCE.
Don't be like Jesse.
He can only wish that he'd spoken up...
- GenresFiction
235 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2020
17 people are currently reading
2569 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 9, 2020
This book held so much promise. I read the first chapter before agreeing to read and review the entire book, and I was excited to start. Jesse, narrating from first-person POV, was a likable character who immediately earned my sympathy. There was no mention of this being a cliffhanger with another book to follow, but to be honest, by the time I reached the end, I was so confused, it didn’t matter. I’m tempted to give this book two stars, but I’m erring on the side of generosity because I think it was well-written (when it made sense).
Although the book description mentions owls and chameleons as an integral part of the book, the first mention of “owlness” doesn’t occur until Chapter 21. It takes a while before it is explained fully, but in a nutshell: the owls are wise and speak to inequities while the chameleons deceive people for their own gain. Jesse is described as a canary, because he doesn’t speak up, but that seems to go against the concept of the canary, the symbol of early-warnings.
At first, Jesse relates his life at home with Granny and the rest of the Ridge family and it sounds like hell on earth. There were some great comments that made me chuckle, like: “Ammo was not cheap, but Granny was, therefore, we were allowed only one bullet or shotgun shell per hunt.” Later, when referring to the local shop owner who has been widowed four times, Jesse observes: “It seems that Mrs. Livingston had a condition that predisposed her to an extended longevity when compared to her marital counterpart.” It was at this point that I thought to myself, this eight-year-old, uneducated boy has an awfully advanced vocabulary. That was when I decided that this story probably would have been better told in third-person.
The author had some thoughtful commentary on life that I found was well-worded: “Now, freedom is a fickle concept. To some it means many choices, to others a single choice, but more often than not it comes about because there is no choice.” Related to that, Jesse later says: “Too often the could-have-beens become the never-wases, and the reality of it all is that you are here now because of the choices that you have made or the choices you allowed others to make on your behalf.”
Chapter 10 is when I noticed a sudden shift in POV. Now it was third-person, following Locke, Jesse’s uncle as he goes to buy his new dog. It was a little jarring, but I was okay with it. After that, it went back to Jessie’s POV. Later, it switched to Benjamin, Jessie’s little brother. That was weird. It got weirder. Somewhere in Chapter 16, I became aware that POV was switching indiscriminately between Jessie first-person and Jessie third-person, and it was maddening. It got so that I wasn’t sure who was talking anymore. And then postcards started arriving. Or did they. I’m really not sure; they could have been figments of Jessie’s imagination.
You see, Jessie became an unreliable narrator and I couldn’t figure out what was happening anymore. I didn’t know if he was talking/thinking or if the third-person narrator was. I didn’t know what was real and what was imaginary. Even the timeline became erratic, jumping into the future and then back to the past. It was utterly disorienting and frustrating. I still liked Jessie, but I didn’t have the patience to try to work out what was happening. When it finished, ending as a cliffhanger, I was furious. I felt tricked into trying to unravel something that was ultimately indecipherable. After spiraling into confusion, I was not even offered a conclusion.
I received an ARC from Reedsy (https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/can...).
Although the book description mentions owls and chameleons as an integral part of the book, the first mention of “owlness” doesn’t occur until Chapter 21. It takes a while before it is explained fully, but in a nutshell: the owls are wise and speak to inequities while the chameleons deceive people for their own gain. Jesse is described as a canary, because he doesn’t speak up, but that seems to go against the concept of the canary, the symbol of early-warnings.
At first, Jesse relates his life at home with Granny and the rest of the Ridge family and it sounds like hell on earth. There were some great comments that made me chuckle, like: “Ammo was not cheap, but Granny was, therefore, we were allowed only one bullet or shotgun shell per hunt.” Later, when referring to the local shop owner who has been widowed four times, Jesse observes: “It seems that Mrs. Livingston had a condition that predisposed her to an extended longevity when compared to her marital counterpart.” It was at this point that I thought to myself, this eight-year-old, uneducated boy has an awfully advanced vocabulary. That was when I decided that this story probably would have been better told in third-person.
The author had some thoughtful commentary on life that I found was well-worded: “Now, freedom is a fickle concept. To some it means many choices, to others a single choice, but more often than not it comes about because there is no choice.” Related to that, Jesse later says: “Too often the could-have-beens become the never-wases, and the reality of it all is that you are here now because of the choices that you have made or the choices you allowed others to make on your behalf.”
Chapter 10 is when I noticed a sudden shift in POV. Now it was third-person, following Locke, Jesse’s uncle as he goes to buy his new dog. It was a little jarring, but I was okay with it. After that, it went back to Jessie’s POV. Later, it switched to Benjamin, Jessie’s little brother. That was weird. It got weirder. Somewhere in Chapter 16, I became aware that POV was switching indiscriminately between Jessie first-person and Jessie third-person, and it was maddening. It got so that I wasn’t sure who was talking anymore. And then postcards started arriving. Or did they. I’m really not sure; they could have been figments of Jessie’s imagination.
You see, Jessie became an unreliable narrator and I couldn’t figure out what was happening anymore. I didn’t know if he was talking/thinking or if the third-person narrator was. I didn’t know what was real and what was imaginary. Even the timeline became erratic, jumping into the future and then back to the past. It was utterly disorienting and frustrating. I still liked Jessie, but I didn’t have the patience to try to work out what was happening. When it finished, ending as a cliffhanger, I was furious. I felt tricked into trying to unravel something that was ultimately indecipherable. After spiraling into confusion, I was not even offered a conclusion.
I received an ARC from Reedsy (https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/can...).
November 22, 2020
I just finished "The Canary and the Mothman", by Emory Moon, and Wow ! I don't know exactly what I expected going into this book, but Wow! It grabbed me from page 1 and didn't let go. The writing is excellent, great flow, with strong character development. I felt as if I was there with the main character Jesse experiencing and feeling all the emotional and physical abuse he endured.
I must issue a warning, this book does touch several sensitive subjects, such as child abuse, sexual and physical abuse and suicide, along with mental health issues.
The book is centered around 8 year old Jesse, who is growing up on a back woods farm in rural Georgia. At a very young age Jesse is introduced to the "family's way", and expected to keep the "family secrets". When it becomes completely unbearable Jesse leaves the farm to strike out on his own. Through the years Jesse moves from one situation to the next, never learning the right way to trust and connect with people. Jesse seems to always end up with Chameleons (foes), instead of seeking the Owls (friends), and Jesse himself is referred to as a Canary.
This book is rich with symbolism which I for one love. All through it I was cheering for Jesse and urging him on, wanting him to shed his Canary feathers and become an Owl!
The only negative aspect I found ( and this may just be my interpretation or mis-interpretation ) of the last quarter of the book. Up until then the writing was astonishingly great, but them it suddenly became disjointed, the flow ended abruptly and to me the ending, or tying up of the story was rushed or hasitly written as if the author wasn't sure exactly how to end it.
Also it states this book was based on a true story. I would have liked a author's note at the end or something detailing some background on the true story it was based.
I don't recommend this book if you are looking for a happy, light, uplifting read. But if you enjoy a brutally honest, emotional read that hits upon real everyday harsh realities, then this book is for you.
I give it 4 stars. Great story. Maybe a book 2 in the future??
I must issue a warning, this book does touch several sensitive subjects, such as child abuse, sexual and physical abuse and suicide, along with mental health issues.
The book is centered around 8 year old Jesse, who is growing up on a back woods farm in rural Georgia. At a very young age Jesse is introduced to the "family's way", and expected to keep the "family secrets". When it becomes completely unbearable Jesse leaves the farm to strike out on his own. Through the years Jesse moves from one situation to the next, never learning the right way to trust and connect with people. Jesse seems to always end up with Chameleons (foes), instead of seeking the Owls (friends), and Jesse himself is referred to as a Canary.
This book is rich with symbolism which I for one love. All through it I was cheering for Jesse and urging him on, wanting him to shed his Canary feathers and become an Owl!
The only negative aspect I found ( and this may just be my interpretation or mis-interpretation ) of the last quarter of the book. Up until then the writing was astonishingly great, but them it suddenly became disjointed, the flow ended abruptly and to me the ending, or tying up of the story was rushed or hasitly written as if the author wasn't sure exactly how to end it.
Also it states this book was based on a true story. I would have liked a author's note at the end or something detailing some background on the true story it was based.
I don't recommend this book if you are looking for a happy, light, uplifting read. But if you enjoy a brutally honest, emotional read that hits upon real everyday harsh realities, then this book is for you.
I give it 4 stars. Great story. Maybe a book 2 in the future??
December 19, 2020
I was unable to finish this novel due to the repetitive references to the abuse inflicted by the grandmother and Locke. I didn’t find the abuse triggering, rather, I felt they they weighed down the storyline. I could not get emotionally invested.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of his book.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of his book.
December 18, 2020
Intense, emotional, and hard to put down. This was Canary and the Mothman in a nutshell.
Right from the beginning, readers are introduced to Jesse – 8 years old, illiterate, and a victim of a controlling and abusive household. He is expected to do his chores, fulfill his role in the ‘family business’, and not ask questions. For a while he manages, but when it all gets to be too much, he runs. While he is successful in his escape, Jesse also finds that even though he is no longer on the farm, the farm is never far away from him.
Ugh, my heart ached for Jesse and all the things he had to suffer through as a child. Like many others have noted, there are several serious issues included in this novel such as child abuse, mental illness, murder and suicide. Yes, this is a darker read, but wow, the writing. Jesse was such a strong character and while there were clear 'villains', I couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for them as well. Descriptions and settings were well written and for most of the book, I was completely sucked into Jesse’s story, eager to see if justice will be served. The last bit was a little jolting – I was thrown off by the frequent ‘postcard’ segments combined with the Dr. Trimbly sessions and sporadic first person / third person perspective narrations, but I think I understand why it was written this way. That being said, I am looking forward to the next book for answers to the questions left by this one!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Emory Moon for my copy!
Right from the beginning, readers are introduced to Jesse – 8 years old, illiterate, and a victim of a controlling and abusive household. He is expected to do his chores, fulfill his role in the ‘family business’, and not ask questions. For a while he manages, but when it all gets to be too much, he runs. While he is successful in his escape, Jesse also finds that even though he is no longer on the farm, the farm is never far away from him.
Ugh, my heart ached for Jesse and all the things he had to suffer through as a child. Like many others have noted, there are several serious issues included in this novel such as child abuse, mental illness, murder and suicide. Yes, this is a darker read, but wow, the writing. Jesse was such a strong character and while there were clear 'villains', I couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for them as well. Descriptions and settings were well written and for most of the book, I was completely sucked into Jesse’s story, eager to see if justice will be served. The last bit was a little jolting – I was thrown off by the frequent ‘postcard’ segments combined with the Dr. Trimbly sessions and sporadic first person / third person perspective narrations, but I think I understand why it was written this way. That being said, I am looking forward to the next book for answers to the questions left by this one!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Emory Moon for my copy!
December 10, 2020
I appreciate getting this book for free. This book had potential but sooooo much bad happens and the second half of the book is just all over the place.
December 20, 2020
When I started reading this book I thought I would not like it too much. Then as I read on I liked it more and more.
Jesse Ridge was part of a family which made its living by making moonshine whiskey. The family business was not the only secret the family was keeping. Jesse was one of the youngest members of the family and even at eight years of age was already experiencing all kinds of abuse. My goodness, Granny, the matriarch of the family was a real Tartar. For much of the early part of the book I kept thinking "Jesse, get out of there. Don't stay". Eventually he does leave.
The problem is that with his background he just seems to fall into bad situations. Even when things are not so bad he hides his name and history because of his shame.
The majority of the book is told in the first person by Jesse. Odd bits are in third person, some of which deal with times and incidents when Jesse isn't even present. The last fifty pages or so are a mix of Jesse in the past, Jesse in the future, and other third person narratives. Confusing? Yes, it is a little, but so evocative of Jesse's confused mind as he becomes older. How much does a bad childhood reflect in one's life ever after?
I received this book via Voracious Readers and I thank them and the author for the opportunity to read and review.
Jesse Ridge was part of a family which made its living by making moonshine whiskey. The family business was not the only secret the family was keeping. Jesse was one of the youngest members of the family and even at eight years of age was already experiencing all kinds of abuse. My goodness, Granny, the matriarch of the family was a real Tartar. For much of the early part of the book I kept thinking "Jesse, get out of there. Don't stay". Eventually he does leave.
The problem is that with his background he just seems to fall into bad situations. Even when things are not so bad he hides his name and history because of his shame.
The majority of the book is told in the first person by Jesse. Odd bits are in third person, some of which deal with times and incidents when Jesse isn't even present. The last fifty pages or so are a mix of Jesse in the past, Jesse in the future, and other third person narratives. Confusing? Yes, it is a little, but so evocative of Jesse's confused mind as he becomes older. How much does a bad childhood reflect in one's life ever after?
I received this book via Voracious Readers and I thank them and the author for the opportunity to read and review.
November 20, 2020
I’m not sure that I was fully prepared for this book. It deals with a lot of triggers. While I was so sad reading it I will say that I liked reading it from another perspective (males). The characters were so realistic and the book was written so well that I think that’s why it broke my heart in a lot places. But like all good written characters you cheer for a better life. The ending was good. My best advice is to enjoy the boom put yourself in the right emotional feelings first. It deals with real life situations and is definitely worth reading. Don’t let the warnings scare you off. You won’t regret reading this book.
December 18, 2020
Canary and the Mothman was an unexpected read. Emory Moon writes with honesty and emotion and in this novel he takes the reader on an emotional ride through the life of a young boy, Jesse, who faces hardships and adversity in the only life he knows. Painfully poignant at times this book gives a frightenly realistic view of what life was like for many in the early part of the 20th century. How Jesse and the author handle his experiences and road towards adulthood in a family of lies and shame where family business rules is an epic emotional ride. This isn't a quick and easy read but it will keep you turning the pages while breaking your heart.
January 10, 2022
Woah. Just woah...
The first half of the book is slow, but so richly written. The second half of the book is all over the place (time jumps, random POV changes etc)
That aside, this book was an interesting, intense and emotional read. Thank you to VRO and the author for giving me the opportunity to read Canary and the Mothman.
⚠️ Trigger warnings ⚠️ for child abuse (mental, physical and sexual), murder, suicide, alcohol and drug use
The first half of the book is slow, but so richly written. The second half of the book is all over the place (time jumps, random POV changes etc)
That aside, this book was an interesting, intense and emotional read. Thank you to VRO and the author for giving me the opportunity to read Canary and the Mothman.
⚠️ Trigger warnings ⚠️ for child abuse (mental, physical and sexual), murder, suicide, alcohol and drug use
November 20, 2020
I enjoyed "Canary and the Mothman." Jesse's life story is told in a direct and forthcoming way. I like the honesty of the book and the real issues that Jesse faces. This is a great book for anyone who has gone through a long struggle. Jesse struggles with difficult family and other problems, and Jesse is a very strong character.
November 3, 2020
Trigger warnings for suicide and sexual abuse of a child.
This is the story of Jesse, starting at age 8 and progressing through into his 30s. He is growing up in a very controlling and abusive household. There are a lot of secrets and sketchy behavior in this house. And a lot of damage put on to a young boy. Eventually, Jesse leaves the family farm and ends up in West Virginia. He never finds a stable home for longer than a few years, and all of those homes come with their own problems.
The writing is good but the style of storytelling takes a shift in the second half so that it doesn’t feel like a cohesive and finished story at the end. I enjoyed the direction of the story and I liked both methods of storytelling, but I wish the author had stuck with one style over the other. I would have rated it higher if not for the lack of cohesion in the final third of the book.
Description online says that this was inspired by true events. I wish there was an author’s note elaborating on that. It is typical of a story based on real events and I was disappointed to not have that added context.
This is the story of Jesse, starting at age 8 and progressing through into his 30s. He is growing up in a very controlling and abusive household. There are a lot of secrets and sketchy behavior in this house. And a lot of damage put on to a young boy. Eventually, Jesse leaves the family farm and ends up in West Virginia. He never finds a stable home for longer than a few years, and all of those homes come with their own problems.
The writing is good but the style of storytelling takes a shift in the second half so that it doesn’t feel like a cohesive and finished story at the end. I enjoyed the direction of the story and I liked both methods of storytelling, but I wish the author had stuck with one style over the other. I would have rated it higher if not for the lack of cohesion in the final third of the book.
Description online says that this was inspired by true events. I wish there was an author’s note elaborating on that. It is typical of a story based on real events and I was disappointed to not have that added context.
November 20, 2020
I loved this book! The story was well written, the characters were well developed, and it was a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions!
December 18, 2020
Intriguing tale of young boy in trying times in Rural Appalachian Georgia. His character is well developed and the story has enough action plus twists 7 turns to keep the reader interested. A very good read!
November 17, 2020
There aren't many books that acknowledge a man's experience with abuse and mental health, our community needs books like Canary and the Mothman to help start conversations that need to be had. A quick read, totally finished the book and wanted to know more!
December 8, 2020
I received this book via Voracious Readers. It is about a young boy, Jesse growing up in Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia on the family farm where they have an illegal still. The family is run the the dominant windowed Matriarch and has various members of the extended family living there. It is a strange book and easy to follow to start with but takes twists and turns following the fate of Jesse. He runs away from the farm where there has been a murder, suicides and sexual assault.
Over the years, he ends up in what appears to be a reform school where if the inmates upset the people in charge they end up being forced to have a part of their brain removed. Jesse runs away having learnt some lessons and explored types of friendship, gets himself a girlfriend for a few years and then somehow ends up in what appears to be a mental institution. the part of the story where he runs away from the reform institution gets a bit confusing.
I did not enjoy this book and it reminded me of Stuart MacBride's book Halfhead. I understand there is a sequel to this book but it was interesting to see the twists and turns.
Over the years, he ends up in what appears to be a reform school where if the inmates upset the people in charge they end up being forced to have a part of their brain removed. Jesse runs away having learnt some lessons and explored types of friendship, gets himself a girlfriend for a few years and then somehow ends up in what appears to be a mental institution. the part of the story where he runs away from the reform institution gets a bit confusing.
I did not enjoy this book and it reminded me of Stuart MacBride's book Halfhead. I understand there is a sequel to this book but it was interesting to see the twists and turns.
November 6, 2020
3.5 stars
Thank you to Emory Moon for allowing me to read the ARC of Canary and the Mothman. This was a fast read and kept me intrigued up to about three-quarters of the book. I do want to give a **trigger warning** due to rape (involving children) and suicide. With that said, it was difficult for me to get through those parts of the book.
The last quarter or so the book became something disjointed. It involves the same main and supporting characters from the beginning as they continue through life but takes a sharp turn when trying to tie up storylines or create a new one (?). Maybe I misinterpreted or missed something while reading.
Thank you to Emory Moon for allowing me to read the ARC of Canary and the Mothman. This was a fast read and kept me intrigued up to about three-quarters of the book. I do want to give a **trigger warning** due to rape (involving children) and suicide. With that said, it was difficult for me to get through those parts of the book.
The last quarter or so the book became something disjointed. It involves the same main and supporting characters from the beginning as they continue through life but takes a sharp turn when trying to tie up storylines or create a new one (?). Maybe I misinterpreted or missed something while reading.
October 31, 2020
Such a great read. I finished the book in one day(I couldn't put it down). You'll cry and get attached to multiple characters. This book has a great, heartfelt story line with unexpected turns and events. Be prepared to look inward and anticipate the next book!
December 5, 2020
It took me longer than I like to get into the stream, but I enjoyed the book. Looking forward to the sequel.
November 27, 2020
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I didn't care for it much. It's a very depressing book, which is fine. My issues with this book mostly have to do with the way it was written. The first half of it is decent, if a bit slow moving, so I'll give it two stars for that. The second half of the book is a jumbled mess. There are abrupt jumps back and forth through time, passages that seemingly have no point to the story, and random POV changes. Honestly, it was just confusing, especially once Jesse starts referring to people as Owls, Canaries, etc. I don't think there is ever an explanation as to why he does that. Most of the major events in Jesse's life are told so quickly and then never given a second thought, like what happened to Raven. Why include any of that "Mothman" stuff at all? Way too much telling and not enough showing.
November 27, 2020
Possible spoilers...
The family history and detail in this book is phenomenal, but something happened with the writing method about halfway though the book that took a dramatic turn. I don't know if the author is/was trying to capture some changes in mental instability of the main character or if they are trying to lead up to something like this in the second book, but I struggled with the second half of the book. So little information about the "Mothman" I have a hard time understanding why it's incorporated into the title. The Canary part I mostly understand, but was an element introduced about halfway though the book, and after that there was a lot of focus on it. I'll consider reading the second book, or maybe I'll review the second half again...
The family history and detail in this book is phenomenal, but something happened with the writing method about halfway though the book that took a dramatic turn. I don't know if the author is/was trying to capture some changes in mental instability of the main character or if they are trying to lead up to something like this in the second book, but I struggled with the second half of the book. So little information about the "Mothman" I have a hard time understanding why it's incorporated into the title. The Canary part I mostly understand, but was an element introduced about halfway though the book, and after that there was a lot of focus on it. I'll consider reading the second book, or maybe I'll review the second half again...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 17, 2024Absolutely brilliant story so far. Hope we don't have to wait long for the second half. This was a heartbreaking tale to read, but so needed. The male species of the world don't have enough survival tales out there. Many triggers in this book for some, so that needs to be noted. This author will definitely go far.
September 17, 2021
At the tender age of five, Jesse Ridge was a working man. Stripped of his childhood by his abusive Granny and Uncle he was forced to help with the family business of making moonshine. In an attempt to keep his mother, brother, and cousin safe, Jesse knew he had to stay silent. After four years of never-ending assault, Jesse had had enough, and ran away. Hoping to escape, he soon realizes leaving your past behind is not an easy task.
Follow along as Jesse confronts battle after battle in Emory Moon’s Canary and the Mothman. Based on true events, this story is difficult to comprehend the truth that lays underneath it. This book is a testament to an unrelenting show of courage, determination, and strength through times of not only war and depression throughout the world, but within one’s home and mind.
Although an immersive read from the beginning, the plot gets a little confusing towards the end. The timeline starts to jump around plus the viewpoints of other characters come in to play, making the story line a challenge to follow. There is also moderate sexual content, as well as a few spelling and grammatical errors, resulting in a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Keep in mind, this is not an undemanding read. There are numerous descriptions of horrific acts that occur within the pages that can be difficult to read. These acts include: sexual and physical abuse between adults and minors, murder, alcohol and drug use, depression, suicide, and racism. If triggered by any of these, please take caution, as a vivid and lucid picture is presented.
Overall, a chilling rendition to the repercussions an adult can face from living in an abusive childhood from the perspective of a male. Kudos to Emory Moon for relaying this issue and bringing it to the forefront.
Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #CanaryAndTheMothman #EmoryMoon and #FowlBirdPublishing for the opportunity to review this book.
Follow along as Jesse confronts battle after battle in Emory Moon’s Canary and the Mothman. Based on true events, this story is difficult to comprehend the truth that lays underneath it. This book is a testament to an unrelenting show of courage, determination, and strength through times of not only war and depression throughout the world, but within one’s home and mind.
Although an immersive read from the beginning, the plot gets a little confusing towards the end. The timeline starts to jump around plus the viewpoints of other characters come in to play, making the story line a challenge to follow. There is also moderate sexual content, as well as a few spelling and grammatical errors, resulting in a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Keep in mind, this is not an undemanding read. There are numerous descriptions of horrific acts that occur within the pages that can be difficult to read. These acts include: sexual and physical abuse between adults and minors, murder, alcohol and drug use, depression, suicide, and racism. If triggered by any of these, please take caution, as a vivid and lucid picture is presented.
Overall, a chilling rendition to the repercussions an adult can face from living in an abusive childhood from the perspective of a male. Kudos to Emory Moon for relaying this issue and bringing it to the forefront.
Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #CanaryAndTheMothman #EmoryMoon and #FowlBirdPublishing for the opportunity to review this book.
July 13, 2021
An emotional rollercoaster.
Trigger warning - child abuse (mental, physical and sexual), murder, suicide.
Granny ruled this family with an iron fist. nothing, and no-one, was more important than the "family business." To that end she would hear not a bad word said against her youngest son as Jesse was quick to learn when he made the mistake of telling her what went on each time they did a 'burn'.
It was heartbreaking watching these events unfold and infuriating that the person whose actions caused these outcomes, was never held accountable. I had mixed emotions when the Sheriff finally put an end to the 'family business' as, thanks to her son's actions once again, the money earned was needed to pay for the care of one of her remaining grandsons.
I enjoyed this book right up until the last few chapters where things became confusing. One minute Jesse was conscripted into the war and the next he was in some type of hospital having therapy and questioning whether or not his relationship with Dawn was real or all in his head. To make matters even more confusing, his paedophile uncle (and possible serial killer) knew where he was and would send him postcards and gifts. How?????
I received a free copy of Canary and the Mothman through StoryOrigin and have chosen to leave a review.
Trigger warning - child abuse (mental, physical and sexual), murder, suicide.
Granny ruled this family with an iron fist. nothing, and no-one, was more important than the "family business." To that end she would hear not a bad word said against her youngest son as Jesse was quick to learn when he made the mistake of telling her what went on each time they did a 'burn'.
It was heartbreaking watching these events unfold and infuriating that the person whose actions caused these outcomes, was never held accountable. I had mixed emotions when the Sheriff finally put an end to the 'family business' as, thanks to her son's actions once again, the money earned was needed to pay for the care of one of her remaining grandsons.
I enjoyed this book right up until the last few chapters where things became confusing. One minute Jesse was conscripted into the war and the next he was in some type of hospital having therapy and questioning whether or not his relationship with Dawn was real or all in his head. To make matters even more confusing, his paedophile uncle (and possible serial killer) knew where he was and would send him postcards and gifts. How?????
I received a free copy of Canary and the Mothman through StoryOrigin and have chosen to leave a review.
January 5, 2021
This book is written exceptionally well. The author definitely has a gift with words. The scene is set beautifully and the characters feel very real, probably because it is based on real life experiences. There are multiple scenes of abuse, so if that is triggering for you then I would avoid this. Jesse's story is very captivating, I didn't start this book thinking I'd be on the edge of my seat, but I was. I wanted to see what happened, how he dealt with everything, how he survived. It's entrancing and almost like a dance. This is because like anyone who has experienced abuse as a child knows, you're able to focus on all the good. It's the only way to get through it; to survive it.
The writing style does change near the end of the book, but I think that's too match the changes that our characters are also going through. If you normally like putting things together on your own then you'll enjoy it though, I didn't find it too difficult to get around.
This book wasn't what I normally read, YA fiction, but it was still a good read and I'm definitely better for reading it.
The writing style does change near the end of the book, but I think that's too match the changes that our characters are also going through. If you normally like putting things together on your own then you'll enjoy it though, I didn't find it too difficult to get around.
This book wasn't what I normally read, YA fiction, but it was still a good read and I'm definitely better for reading it.
May 25, 2021
Well. I'm not quite sure what to do here. This was a tough read in that it involves child abuse in may forms, including sexual abuse. But the first half is very well written. Very readable and very engaging. The characters are vivid and real, though the age, education, and thought processes of Jesse don't really match up. I want more from this. It ended with a "to be continued" so I'm not really sure what happened.
I enjoyed reading history about areas of my home state. I do love when I can google something from the book and get actual pictures. I'm interested in reading more about what true events inspired this story.
The second part of the book kind of broke apart and started switching POVs and went for a ride on the crazy train. I concentrated and tried to follow and connect the dots after each chapter, but I'm not entirely sure where it was going. I'll follow this author in case there is another book or follow up. I'm invested now and I want to know!!
Four stars because it is a really good book up until the last third.
I enjoyed reading history about areas of my home state. I do love when I can google something from the book and get actual pictures. I'm interested in reading more about what true events inspired this story.
The second part of the book kind of broke apart and started switching POVs and went for a ride on the crazy train. I concentrated and tried to follow and connect the dots after each chapter, but I'm not entirely sure where it was going. I'll follow this author in case there is another book or follow up. I'm invested now and I want to know!!
Four stars because it is a really good book up until the last third.
January 21, 2022
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️ Canary and the Mothman by Emory Moon is the story of Jesse, a young boy growing up in the Mountains of Georgia, who learns about keeping secrets through intimidation, threats and violence. When the burden becomes too great, Jesse runs away from the family farm and business. His journey is a difficult one, but along the way he learns numerous lessons about life and himself. ⠀
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This story has a compelling and enthralling beginning as the author paints a vivid portrait of rural life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We get a disturbing and graphic glimpse into the dynamic of a family of moonshiners. However, at just over the halfway point the story begins to go off the rail. The narrative becomes disjointed and difficult to follow as it shifts between time and characters. Enjoyment turned to confusion and ended in disappointment, especially when I reached the final page only to learn that the story was to be continued. Unfortunately my curiosity is not great enough to follow this story any farther. ⠀
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This story has a compelling and enthralling beginning as the author paints a vivid portrait of rural life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We get a disturbing and graphic glimpse into the dynamic of a family of moonshiners. However, at just over the halfway point the story begins to go off the rail. The narrative becomes disjointed and difficult to follow as it shifts between time and characters. Enjoyment turned to confusion and ended in disappointment, especially when I reached the final page only to learn that the story was to be continued. Unfortunately my curiosity is not great enough to follow this story any farther. ⠀
August 2, 2023
This book started off with promise, if a bit slow. I enjoyed the peek into the dysfunctional family and the illegal moonshine business, and I was interested in seeing where the story went.
However, about halfway through, the story went off the rails, and not in a good way. The plot became disjointed, the point of view changes pulled me out of the story, and the wonky timeline made the whole thing completely confusing. Till the end of the story, I couldn't figure out what was happening, where they were, or whose point of view we were in.
My last criticism deals with a disturbing aspect of the "family business." I'm not generally one to call for trigger warnings, but this book needed a trigger warning. There were multiple references to M/M sexual assault, and one scene was graphic enough that I had to put the book down and walk away for a time.
However, about halfway through, the story went off the rails, and not in a good way. The plot became disjointed, the point of view changes pulled me out of the story, and the wonky timeline made the whole thing completely confusing. Till the end of the story, I couldn't figure out what was happening, where they were, or whose point of view we were in.
My last criticism deals with a disturbing aspect of the "family business." I'm not generally one to call for trigger warnings, but this book needed a trigger warning. There were multiple references to M/M sexual assault, and one scene was graphic enough that I had to put the book down and walk away for a time.
November 19, 2021
A childhood is a time for learning about the world around you. Jesse has one that will taunt his self esteem and family ties forever. Small town, limited exposure to anyone outside of direct family members is taboo. Granny, the Mafioso type ruler of his unit dictates the "rules" and punishments to her daughter, and three grandchildren. Locke is Granny's "perfect" son with terrifying appetites. Jesse survives and finally escapes to find the world is something he doesn't quite know how to handle. Very intense reading, some difficult scenes but necessary for the story. Loved the dialogue, characters, even the creepy ones, and the question of morality that happens to go unbounded. The next in series is sure to draw the reader into this historical fiction with a very spastic shudder!
May 11, 2024
I have been debating if I would recommend this book for YA. because of the sex. A very young child is denied an education because his very strict Grandmother needs him to help make illegal alcohol for family financial needs.. A very unsavory family life causing him to find a way to run away. He is too young and has to steal to survive and is caught. He is sent to jail but they transfer him to a prison school for black children even though he is white. He is able to adapt and makes friends. As he grews up and is kept in jail for such a small crime he manages to keep going. The abilty to adapt even to the worse situation is very well protrayed in this story. Not a pleasnat book but worth reading.
January 23, 2021
I think if this book could be revised and a little bit of rewriting it would be a smash it. I love the writing I love the sentiment everything was really great about the book except for how it was all put together. I thought Jessie spoke above his station in life and although he could’ve been much smaller than his family members he still would have to hear these words in order to know what they mean. Not to mention the thing with the grandma got a little old because I already started really disliking her and as it continued I just wanted to throw my phone against the wall. I really hope book two it’s put together a lot better because there is great potential for the story.
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