The Bibliophiliac’s Corner – “A List of Cages”
By Amanda Merriman
Connection writer Amanda Merriman admits she is hopelessly addicted to books. It has been this way nearly all her life. Every month she shares what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in the obsession too.
“A List of Cages” is book that bolsters my existing faith in the younger generation. Its message about friendship resonates with me. One of my favorite quotes from the book seems to sum it up: “Hate ricochets, but so does kindness.”
At the heart of Robin Roe’s debut novel lies the relationship of Adam and his younger foster brother Julian. Julian lived in Adam’s home temporarily after the death of Julian’s parents. The two are reunited years later in high school. Despite their different ages and circumstances, they develop a friendship that alters their lives as Adam discovers things may not be all that they seem in Julian’s home.
A List of Cages is written through Adam and Julian’s point of view, which I did like. However, I struggled to read Julian’s chapters at times. I definitely found myself crying for Julian’s situation, which is, unfortunately, not unheard of. Roe really captured Julian’s vulnerability in a way that was haunting. I felt protectiveness for Julian and at first had a hard time accepting that Adam and his friends would welcome Julian into their circle. But through the sad parts, my heart achingly opened to this possibility. I did not feel as connected to the other teens in the book, but I was able to accept this due to the story’s first person point of view. Though Roe’s novel is about the impact of friendship, another gem from the book has stuck with me: “What keeps you from living the life you want? What keeps you from being free?”
A List of Cages is classified as a young adult fiction novel, though with its weighty material, I would recommend it as a great read for those high school aged and older.
Fellow bibliophiles and book club members, feel free to join in the dialogue. Blog your thoughts and feedback at www.castlepinesconnection.com and enter the keyword “bibliophiliac” in the search bar. Have you read a great book recently? Don’t keep that juicy tidbit all to yourself. Email your find to me at amerriman@castlepinesconnection.com.
