Too Shattered for Mending is an incredible story about a boy, called Little, trying to survive a dysfunctional and abusive family and childhood.

Set in Pierce, Idaho, a small town with a high poverty rate, Little, unlike most people his age, doesn’t want out. He wants to buy some land, and start his own business. The only thing standing in his way, other than money of course, is his grandfather’s disappearance.

Written in the present, and small glimpses of memories, the reader gets small glimpses of how Little has grown up. More than anything, you realize how difficult Little has had it. The book is one that makes you think. In a town where meth apparently rules, staying clean and in school is a huge deal. Little’s dyslexia makes it a struggle, but he doesn’t give up.

His character is beautifully written. He’s complex, and emotionally stronger than he realizes. His love for Willa shines in every interaction between him. Speaking of Willa, I loved her jokes and shared every one of them with my husband.

The other characters in the book aren’t as strong as Little. JT is predictable, especially for a small town football star. I didn’t care for Rowan, but hated the the end of her storyline. Zaylie was different, but not in a bad way, and I enjoyed watching her and Little’s relationship grow.

Overall, the descriptions of the Idaho landscape set a beautifully setting to a story that will keep you guessing until the last chapter.