Review: Dirty Little Angels by Chris Tusa

ASIN #: B00403N2YY

File Size: 272 KB

Copyright: 2010

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

Set in the slums of New Orleans, among crack houses and abandoned buildings, Dirty Little Angels is the story of 16-year-old Hailey Trosclair. When the Trosclair family suffers financial hardship and a miscarriage, Hailey finds herself looking to God to save her family. When her prayers go unanswered, Hailey puts her faith in Moses Watkins, a failed preacher and ex-con. Fascinated by Moses’ lopsided view of religion, Hailey and her brother Cyrus begin spending time at an abandoned bank that Moses plans to convert into a drive-through church. Gradually, Moses’ twisted religious beliefs become increasingly more violent, and Hailey and Cyrus find themselves trapped in a world of danger and fear from which there may be no escape.

Mandy's Review:

Cover

The cover photo is pretty self-explanatory ... especially when looked at after reading the book's summary.  I'm glad the photo was kept in black and white instead of color.  It has a more neglected feel to it.

Plot/Main Characters

The story is told from Hailey's point of view.  Right away we are introduced to her family:

Cyrus, Hailey's older brother who hangs out with the wrong people and will eventually get into trouble because of it;

Jules, Hailey and Cyrus' father, who lost his job and is now struggling to provide for his family ... although he doesn't seem to be trying too hard to find actual work; and ...

Lena, Hailey and Cyrus' mother, who is so lost in her own grief she barely realizes what is going on around her.

Realistically written, this story felt ... gritty.  You follow a girl's life as she struggles to find love, acceptance and her place in this world.  Unfortunately, she begins life at a disadvantage by being from the "wrong side of the tracks."  I believe this pre-disposed Hailey to enter into various life situations she wouldn't have encountered otherwise.

Overall

This can be classified as an emotionally disturbing 'coming-of-age' tale, which feels all too familiar.  We've all known or seen a person in these circumstances.  If you haven't, well, maybe you should.  It would help you get a more realistic perspective on a life different from your own.