Alice and the Fly by James Rice (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Greg is cripplingly shy, afraid of spiders, and obsessed with Breakfast at Tiffany's. He's not exactly the most popular kid at his high school. In fact, he pretty much goes out of his way to avoid talking to anybody he doesn't have to. And it doesn't help that he has a severe lisp.

But Greg's English teacher, Miss Hayes, can see that there's something different about him. He's insightful and sensitive beyond his years, and maybe--just maybe--he'll use these strengths to break out of his shell someday. Miss Hayes urges Greg to keep a journal. "This isn't an assignment," she tells him, "just write down your thoughts."

Greg begins to write about everything from his mother's ill-conceived interior decorating ideas to his job at the local butcher's shop. When Greg begins to take an interest in a girl at his school named Alice, he realizes that he will have to face his most paralyzing anxieties if he wants to befriend Alice and help her escape from her violent family life.

My thoughts-

The plot synopsis on the book doesn't begin to do the actual book justice. It sounds like a a light hearted young adult novel about a boy who may have some mental issues. The actual book was a deep look into Greg's thoughts and life. It is written in a journal type of prose and I liked that the author kept the writing authentic to how Greg would be feeling depending on when it was being written. The book starts off in almost a lighthearted way and builds and builds until it is nail bitingly intense. I like books that have more than one point of view. I think it gives the story more depth than it could have only hearing one side of the story. It definitely was true in Alice and the Fly to have this narrative by this guy who at sometimes is almost manic and then other entries by other people. It is hard to explain without giving away the plot so which will be way more fun to read than have spoiled so I will say I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction and doesn't mind a little twist of psychological thriller.

Alice and the Fly by James Rice will be available on May 3. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com.