Eli the Good

This was the first Silas House novel I ever read, upon the recommendation of a nerdy friend who typically reads all literary fiction, all the time. I was intrigued by his rec of a YA novel and was so glad I picked this up. This coming-of-age historical novel takes place in the summer of 1976 as the Bicentennial approaches; now, as we approach the 250th, seems a particularly good time to revisit House’s 2009 novel. Eli Book is ten years old living in the hills of eastern Kentucky, and worried about his family. His father is home from Vietnam, his sister is running wild, and his mother is distant. Thankfully he has his best friend Edie, but the solace of their friendship may not be enough as his father’s nightmares get worse and tempers come to the surface.