Between the ages of seven and ten, Charlie Porter becomes the "world's youngest published author," and he hates every minute of it. After his mother leaves them, Charlie is pressured by his father to turn her old bedtime stories into poorly-made picture books all about "Beetle Boy." After the books come author conventions, school events, book festivals and even a beetle costume, all of which are enough to drive introverted Charlie insane. Needing a safe haven from his manipulative father, Charlie befriends a fellow author who helps him out in a big way. But not enough to save him from recurring nightmares filled with beetles. By the time he turns 18, Charlie's life is still a mess, his nightmares are getting worse, and his family is seemingly broken beyond repair. Can he escape his "Beetle Boy" past and create a story of his own?

"The style is a little weird, the story is not something you see too often, but it packs a huge emotional punch…and you'll be thinking about this book well after you finish it. I certainly am."

This is definitely a book for older readers looking for something a little more advanced and a little messier than the usual book. It's a fascinating and unusual story, poignant at times and harsh at others, and it absolutely drew me into its world. The pacing is excellent, with each new detail of Charlie's childhood revealed at certain key points throughout the book. I devoured it in two days.

The characters are all universally excellent. Everyone feels true to life, even the minor characters with only one or two lines. They were unique, but with personalities that felt easily recognizable. Charlie's father is clearly a manipulative man, but he's also incredibly complex. Same with Mrs. M, Charlie's fake grandmother. She is the first person to try to help Charlie, but she starts out cold, cranky and frankly kind of mean to Charlie and his father. Charlie is especially interesting as the first person narrator. Though we get the story directly from him, he's unreliable with certain details and doesn't necessarily treat people in the best way, particularly his younger brother. I loved watching him develop as a character and come to realize his own flaws.

If you're looking for something different and something a bit more mature, this book is definitely for you. I would highly recommend keeping an open mind as you read it. The style is a little weird, the story is not something you see too often, but it packs a huge emotional punch. You will care deeply about Charlie, Liam, Mrs. M and Clara, and you'll be thinking about this book well after you finish it. I certainly am.