by Bruce Brooks
First published 1997
Asa possesses an unusual combination of sweetness, humor, and inner strength that carries him through difficult circumstances. At four pivotal moments in his young life, he confronts situations that challenge his integrity, his intelligence, and his fundamental sense of right and wrong. Each test arrives with its own particular cruelty, demanding that Asa draw on reserves he may not know he has. The boy must navigate these trials while holding onto the core of who he is. Through each turning point, Asa's character emerges more clearly, revealing both his vulnerabilities and his remarkable capacity to endure. The story captures a young person's struggle to maintain his essential self when the world seems determined to break him down.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, 20th-century, coming-of-age, family-drama
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: character-growth, coming-of-age
Period: 20th-Century
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