The Weight Of This World by David Joy

David Joy can write! I read this book a little over a month ago, but I couldn't review it right after. The Weight Of This World is a heavy read. David Joy takes on real issues that many people face in the South. I felt sorry for the characters in this book. Not because of what they do in this book, but because they are victims of circumstance. I grew up with guys similar to Thad and Aiden. To be honest, the cover caught my eye, but David Joy's writing kept my attention.

Aiden McCall's parents die violently in front of him. He goes to a group home and ends up running away. He runs into the woods and Thad Broom (his friend) finds him. Aiden moves in with Thad and they become inseparable. Thad serves in Afghanistan and comes home a changed man. Thad and Aiden are mess-ups. They are always getting into trouble. Aiden is now smashing (April) Thad's mom. April feels trapped in the mountains and she wants to get as far away as possible.

Thad and Aiden are tired of stealing copper from foreclosed homes. They visit their drug dealer, but something mind-blowing happens. The scene is so vivid I almost lost my lunch reading it. I felt like I was sitting in that living room. I can't shake that image.

Thad and Aiden end up with lots of drugs and money. Well, they manage to screw that up too. Throughout this book, I yelled at the characters. The characters are high AF most of the time doing dumb shit. David Joy makes you care for Thad and Aiden, though.

From start to finish, this book is great! That ending is crazy! I still can't get over it!

I highly recommend this book to fans of horror and thrillers!

5/5 stars!