Obviously, you can tell by the title and graphic that I freaking loved this book. And I am going to talk about why. But also, I am calling it: I don’t think it’s actually possible for Cait to write anything less than awesomeness? Just saying. ?♀️
The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. DrewsPublished by Orchard Books on April 4, 2019
Pages: 347
Format:eARC
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Netgalley
Can two broken boys find their perfect home?
Sam is only fifteen but he and his autistic older brother, Avery, have been abandoned by every relative he's ever known. Now Sam's trying to build a new life for them. He survives by breaking into empty houses when their owners are away, until one day he's caught out when a family returns home. To his amazement this large, chaotic family takes him under their wing - each teenager assuming Sam is a friend of another sibling. Sam finds himself inextricably caught up in their life, and falling for the beautiful Moxie.
But Sam has a secret, and his past is about to catch up with him.
Ooooh friends, Cait has outdone herself. That was legit my first thought when I finished this book. Like, I really freaking liked A Thousand Perfect Notes. But I am glad that I saved my elusive “favorites bell” for this one, because it just blew me away. And now, I shall tell you why.
- How the hell does Cait write in a way that makes you forget you’re reading? Look, no matter how much I like a book, I am a pretty consistent “how far did I get?” reader. That’s just how I roll. But an actual hour passed without me once looking at my Kindle and I genuinely couldn’t believe it. This happens to me so, so rarely, and it’s only the most special of books that can do it. But when I was reading this book, I felt like I was among friends– it didn’t feel like reading, it felt… natural.
- The characters are the most precious cinnamon rolls in the history of baked goods. SAM. I adore thee. I actually worried a little about the premise when I first heard it- would I be able to empathize with a dude who is literally breaking the law on the reg? Um, yes, you ridiculous fool, of course you will! Sam had a special place in my heart from moment one because my son Sam is also a precious cinnamon roll, but also, because this Sam is so fiercely protective of his brother Avery. Their love and devotion simply oozes off the page, and tbh we do not see enough strong brother relationships in books like… ever.
- Okay this kind of goes along with that last point but… holy crap I am in love with the De Lainey family. Can they adopt me? Or maybe I have to adopt them I am kind of sketchy on the details but I need them okay? This family is just… everything. And I know that isn’t the best way to describe something, but just trust me that you need them in your life. I still think about them like, every time I read about any other family because no one will ever compare, sorry everyone else.
- #Ownvoices autism rep! For me, the best thing about this was how completely authentic the representation of Avery was, but also how completely on point the stigma he faced was. I have worked for over a decade with kids with autism, and I know one of the biggest struggles for families is what happens when they aren’t little kids with autism anymore- because the world simply is less kind to adults with autism. The author wrote all about her #ownvoices experience here, so be sure to check this out for more in depth discussion!
- Good lord, the feels! I sobbed like a baby, I won’t lie to you. There were laughs obviously, and happy tears, but this book gut punched me quite a few times. These beautiful humans, being so wholly unwanted, it’s devastating. And it is devastating because this stuff happens and it is so mind-blowingly unfair that it’s hard to process.
- It deals with some gritty topics, but they’re handled with care. I mean, you’ve got youth homelessness, legal trouble, and abuse, to name a few, but they are all done really well. The fact that the characters have these flaws only makes them more relatable, and makes you want them to succeed that much more.
Bottom Line: I devoured this book. It tackles some seriously tough issues with grace through the stories of characters you can’t help but fall in love with.
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I.Need.This.Book.In.My.Life. Your review has just extra convinced me, though I definitely had this on my wish list since the title was released. LOL I’m so glad to hear that you loved it!!
-Lauren
Aw YAY I hope that you love it! It is seriously WONDERFUL! I won’t lie, I always get a little worried when I am reading something by someone I like, genuinely like in actual life, but i needn’t have, it blew me away!
I’m glad it’s a good book! That probably means I should read it.
Yessss dooooo it!! 😀
I’ve been rereading some old favorites as a change of pace while reading books for review or work. I still slip into my old favorites and lose track of time. Most recently I was reading Magic Triumphs by Ilona Anderson. I just wanted to double check something and then go to bed. I glanced up at the clock and realized 2 hours had passed.
OMG, I have to read this book. Every point you made in your review just amped up my excitement more and more. I already want to hug Sam and Avery. I just did a post on Tuesday about things that make me want to pick up a book, and a big plus for me are young characters that have taken on heavy responsibility (whether by choice or now). And that sounds like Sam. Awesome review, Shannon… you’ve sold me on this one!
This book sounds awesome! I love books about mental health and families. I love that she handled the many issues you pointed out with a loving hand. ❤️❤️❤️
I looooove the sound of this one! And I didn’t know it was by Cait until you pointed it out. D’oh!
OMG I agree with you wholeheartedly. Sam and Avery have been my babies since I beta read this book back in 2017. I am so in love with them and the De Laineys and it was epic falling in love with them all over this time around. Cait is so talented and amazing and I am SO proud of her.
All the buzz is really good for this one, and I love when an author creates a family I wish was my own.
This sounds amazing!
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!! I’m so jealous that you snagged an early copy of this. Mine is coming … ever … so … slowly … in … the … mail.
Ahh I’m so, so, so impatient to read this book, it sounds AMAZING. These characters sound so great and I love books with such strong family vibes and siblings dynamics and I just can’t wait to read that one 😀 Lovely review! 🙂
I was ‘meh’ about the premise until I read your review, so thanks for that! 🙂
The last book that made me forget I was reading was every book of The Expanse series that I’ve read so far. I get seriously sucked into those…but I have no regrets.
I keep seeing this one around, but this is the first review I’ve actually read for it! It sounds like an amazing read, and I love it when books make me lose track of time! Repeat by Kylie Scott, and The Feel Good Factor by Lauren Blakely, are two books that recently caused me to lose myself in a story. Thanks for sharing!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?