A List of Cages

by Robin Roe

[lindsey]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Julian, a friendless Freshman, who is abused at home and has no self-confidence at all, is befriended by Adam, a gregarious and friendly Senior.  What follows is a heartbreaking, yet ultimately heartwarming, story that I think everyone should read.

To be honest, I hadn't heard of this book before I received an email from NetGalley saying I had been pre-approved to read it.  I read the blurb and it sounded intriguing enough that I sent it to my Kindle immediately.  I still wasn't sure when I would read it (I have a lot of books on my TBR list), but at least it would be there when I was ready.  The very next day, I couldn't decide what to read, so I decided to browse the titles on my Kindle until something jumped out at me (surely I'm not the only one who does this?).  A List of Cages caught my eye, and I started reading it to see if it was any good.  I am so glad I did.

It's been a while since I've read such a heart-wrenching story.  I read it in just a couple of sittings, because I just couldn't put it down, which also hasn't happened in a while.  I just had to know how things would work out.  I felt like I knew the characters, and wanted only the best for Adam and, especially, Julian.

A List of Cages is such a well-crafted book.  It's dramatic, emotional, and, unfortunately, realistic.  The story was intriguing from the start, and was written so beautifully.  The main characters are well-developed and endearing.

My heart broke for Julian, and it is still breaking knowing there are actually children in the world who endure the same abuse.  It's not just a story, it's an eye-opening commentary on child abuse, and how it can be hidden.  It's not just about the physical effects, but the mental effects, as well.

I couldn't stop thinking about Adam and Julian after I finished the book (still can't, actually, and it's been a couple of months), and I find myself randomly wondering how they're doing, until I realize they're just characters in a book.  But that just shows how much the story stuck with me.

Another thing I loved about this book is that it focuses on the platonic love of two boys, and not on a romance.  There is a romantic relationship in the story, but it's realistic, and never overshadows the main story.  It was refreshing to read a YA book without insta-love or a love-octagon.

I would highly recommend A List of Cages.  It made my Top 10 list for 2016, and it was definitely one of my favorite books last year.