Dirty Little Angels

by: Chris Tusa

Published by: Livingston Press

Reviewed by Shawn Remfrey

Hailey is a sixteen-year-old girl trying to figure out where she belongs in the crazy world she lives in. Her mother won’t leave bed, her daddy spends all his time at the pool hall, and her brother is trying his best to look out for her while pulling her into trouble. The only true moral compass Hailey has is her elderly friend, Verma.

From the beginning of this book I was struck by the use of metaphors and similes. Chris Tusa has an artful way of connecting words and images. From a literary perspective, this was a great read. I thoroughly savored every word that was written as I approached it.

From story perspective, I cannot believe the amount of hatred that this book inspired in me. The first part of the book led me to hate the main characters so much that I physically wished I could have them in front of me so that I could deal with them. This family represents everything that is morally wrong with Americans. As I was reading, I just kept wondering why someone would write about this. These people have no purpose and no sense of right and wrong. They’re purely selfish and spiteful.

As I continued to read on though, I began to understand. This story is not about the way that these people are, it’s about what lies beneath. Beneath all the grit and grime lie souls that are tainted and burdened. Once you begin to really peel back the layers and take a deep look, you see that things are not as they appear.

Though I disliked hating the characters so much, the fact that Tusa was able to make me feel so strongly is a testimony to his writing skills. This book is not designed for those who want a quick read on the beach. It will open your heart and your mind and make you take another look at your own life.

Armchair Interviews says: A book well worth your time.

Author’s Web site: http://www.ChristopherTusa.com/blog