The Porcupine of Truth

by Bill Konigsberg

[Angie]

The Porcupine of Truth covers a lot of important topics: alcoholism, AIDS, religion, friendship, racism, homophobia, and family. It's a lot, but nothing felt forced or out of place. It's also all handled in a fun and touching way, rather than being dark and depressing. Not to say that Carson's story is sunshine and rainbows. His father--whom he hasn't seen in 13 years--is dying and is grandfather has been missing for over thirty years and this may be the last chance for his family to be reunited.

While I was interested and invested in Carson's story and the mystery of his missing grandfather, I have to say that I couldn't help but hope for dual POV with Aisha! I wanted to get to know this girl more! She's a black lesbian from a religious family, living in a place where she's probably the only black lesbian around for miles. She's also homeless because her father kicked her out after discovering that she had a girlfriend. This turned her off from religion, because she was kicked out in the name of Jesus! She becomes a very important person to Carson, and not just because she's the one who drives him across the country chasing clues about this grandfather's whereabouts. She shows Carson that the world does not revolve around him! And that it's okay to be serious and not always make a joke when things get tough. I would love a companion novel from her POV of what happened after.

Back to Carson. The Porcupine of Truth is mainly about him and his family problems, even though we do get to experience Aisha's personal and family problems as well. There is a lot going on with him, but I think my favorite was how the author dealt with alcoholism being hereditary. Carson's father has essentially drunk himself to death. His father also had a drinking problem. While on the road, Carson is tempted. He has his first drink (or three) and realizes that this is going to be an issue. I liked that this was discussed, because children of alcoholics should be aware that they're predisposed to addiction and should know the signs. I'm proud of Carson.

There's a lot going on in The Porcupine of Truth and I enjoyed it all! It was fun, funny, touching, and sad. I loved the interactions between Aisha and Carson; they have some get banter! It was also nice to see involved parents, even if Carson's mom does tend to be more of a shrink than a mother type. And his father is trying in his own way. Also, San Francisco! I love San Francisco!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.