Review of Hunger of the Pine

[Ada Chris]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Hunger of the Pine" by Teal Swan.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Aria Abbott has had it tough in life. Her mom was an addict, and social services took her away at a young age. She lands in a religious family and still faces abuse. As a result, Aria resolves to run away home. With nowhere else to go, she sleeps on the streets of Chicago, and it is there that she befriends Taylor, a gay boy that just does not want to be alone.

Together, they make their way to LA. They still have no place to go, so they resort to homelessness and sleeping in a car park where other homeless people reside. There, Aria meets new people, each with their own issues. But it takes one serendipitous entry to an Indian shop to change her life. Aria was not looking for love; she just wanted to be safe. But breaking out of the cycle does not come easy, not only for Aria but for every other character here.

This was one stirring read. Teal Swan pulled all the stops in Hunger of the Pine to deliver a wonderful book. Aria’s is the overarching story, but many other supporting characters have absorbing stories as well. For one, the author’s portrayal of some Indian traditions and how things are in some Indian immigrant families through Omkar was refreshing, especially since I enjoy immersing myself in other cultures. Swan also shone a light on the injustice the US has perpetrated against Indigenous People. What was even more striking was that she addressed so many themes and included many characters and did it seamlessly.

Every single character in this book was unique! But what pulled me in and held me captive was Swan’s writing style. This book is not a short read, but I finished it in one go because each page flowed into the next in a way that made me forget that I was reading. With perfect use of imagery and splendid descriptions, Swan was able to transport me right next to each character. When Omkar did ridiculous things because of love, I found myself sympathizing with him. Taylor’s frivolities also entertained me. But another thing that stood out to me was the theme of homelessness and how it affects more people than we are willing to consider. The author forces readers to see the stark reality of the phenomenon without missing a beat.

It feels like there’s something for almost all kinds of readers, but I’ll narrow my recommendation down. If you enjoy romance, there are beautiful (and not-so-beautiful) love stories here. But if you just like heartfelt dramas that explore self-discovery and social issues, you’ll also enjoy this book. With no errors and nothing to dislike about it, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. But the book contains adult content like profanity, rape, violence, and drug abuse. Sensitive readers may not enjoy such things.

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Hunger of the Pine
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[Oyedeji Funmilayo]

I enjoyed reading your review. The book sounds interesting and I look forward to reading it. Great review, welldone!!!

[Amy Luman]

This is an excellent review. I really want to find out what happens to Aria. I appreciate vivid imagery, also.

[WriteOn]

With perfect use of imagery and splendid descriptions, Swan was able to transport me right next to each character.

That's impressive, and so is your review! You're enthusiasm shines through as you explain the complex issues in the book and your recommendations are thorough. Thank you Ada Chris.

[MsH2k]

This sounds like an enveloping read that covers many sensitive topics. I enjoy reading heartfelt dramas that explore self-discovery and social issues, so I may consider this book.
Thank you for your engaging review.

[Nwaka Chukwuemeka]

I'm so touched seeing the abuses Aria Abbott faced, it is so disheartening that a young lady of her age will face such abuse. Great review.

[Summer Henrietta]

This book is well detailed and thrilling.
I enjoyed it .
Thank you for this review.