Review: Ugly To Start With by John Michael Cummings

*Contains strong sexual content, cursing, issues with racial backgrounds

Book: Ugly To Start With by John Michael Cummings

Pages: 168

Genre: Young Adult

Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: A young boy growing up in the 1970s, dreams of being an artist but must survive through his teenage years first.

My Thoughts: Interesting characters, but not my usual type of read.

Jason Stevens didn't have the greatest childhood, growing up in the 1970s. While dreaming of becoming an artist, Jason grew up with a strict father, and living in a back words town. While growing up, Jason has many experiences, such as meeting a street artist, standing up to an abusive husband, and hearing rumors of his best friend's father's affairs over the radio. Not having the greatest childhood, Jason is determined to do things differently and change the views of his father.

Interesting characters set in a past with a colorful background. Jason the main character is very sheltered, and we go through his life as he questions what it really means to be different from his family as he breaks into his own shell.

This novel was not my usual typical read. I wasn't too fond of the strong sexual content that was involved, and I'm usually not a fan of novels that are set in the past. There were a couple chapters that I did find interesting, but the transition from one chapter to the next didn't really seem to flow together for me. Overall, there was some potential, but not my usual typical read, and I couldn't really seem to fully enjoy the novel.

Would I recommend this book: Eh

Rating: I give this book a 2/5.