Review of Hunger of the Pine

[Ramadevi Tatavarthi]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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Hunger of the Pine is a fictional novel written by Tean Swan. The book presents protagonist Aria's troubled upbringing and her relationship with her mother, Lucy, who struggled with addiction and abusive relationships. Aria navigates the challenges of school, loneliness, and a lack of stability at home. Due to these circumstances, Aria is sent to a foster home where she faces deeply troubling and complex situations involving self-harm and abusive behavior from her foster father.

Aria's life is marked by trauma, abandonment, and a lack of emotional support from her caregivers. She turns to self-harm as a way to cope with her overwhelming emotions and feelings of isolation, ultimately deciding to run away from her foster home and becoming homeless. During this time, she encounters Taylor, a lonely and effeminate young man whom she meets at a restaurant offering free meals. Despite Aria's initial reservations, they bond over their shared experiences of growing up in difficult circumstances, and Taylor confides in Aria about his desire to become an actor and move to Los Angeles. Aria finds herself drawn to Taylor's enthusiasm and offers to join him on his journey. Together, they embark on a journey to Los Angeles where they meet other homeless people like themselves. The plot of the book revolves around how the new location and new people affect Aria's life.

I like this book very much. It delves into many societal issues. It sheds light on the challenges faced by children in the foster care system and perfectly portrays the lives of homeless people. One scene that particularly moved me is when Aria self-harms. Her foster mother's reaction exacerbates Aria's sense of shame and worthlessness. Instead of offering support and understanding, her foster mother reacts with anger and disappointment, further alienating Aria and reinforcing her belief that she is unwanted and unloved.

There is nothing to dislike about this book. The author's exceptional editing ensures there are no errors in the text. However, it's important to note that the book contains instances of rape, abuse, and trauma, which may trigger some readers. Profanity is present in this book.

I give this book a 5 out of 5-star rating because of its touching content. I would recommend it to people who love emotional dramas.

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Hunger of the Pine
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[Gerry Steen]

This sounds like a well-written book. To the observer, self-harm is difficult to understand. This story will shed light on why people engage in this behavior. The friendship between Aria and Taylor is heartwarming. No one deserves to be lonely. The theme of homelessness is intriguing. This is another area that people do not understand. Thank you for this well-written review about a captivating book for people concerned with the human condition.