I was all ears when Jenna Bush-Hager picked Chris Whitaker’s All The Colors Of The Dark for her June 2024 book pick. Not only did the book’s premise sound great, but she said it was her favorite book club pick ever!
Since I have a bookshelf full of “waiting to be read” books, I didn’t get my hands on this one until last month. Quick side story, check FB Marketplace for books. I got an almost-new copy for $8!
Jenna wasn’t kidding. It was a fantastic read! It combines a thriller, mystery, romance, and family drama. The story takes place in the small fictitious town of Monta Clare, Missouri, starting in the 1970s, and features best friends Patch and Saint. There are many twists and turns, so my outline is minimal and contains no spoilers. I want you to enjoy all it has to offer!
Patch is a 13-year-old boy. He wears an eye patch because he was born with one eye, thus the appropriate nickname for the protagonist. Because of his impairment, he has a fascination for pirates. Patch becomes a hero when he saves his classmate, Misty from being abducted. However, he gets held captive during the struggle after setting her free. During his captivity, Patch has vivid memories of a girl named Grace, with whom he develops a close and intimate bond. Was she real or created by his psyche?
The independent and feisty young girl, Saint, is raised by her grandmother. She is resilient and smart. Her loyalty to Patch is unwavering and sweet. It’s no surprise what career path she takes as the book progresses.
The hunt for a serial killer and the deep bond between Patch and Saint are the threads weaving through this book. Emotions play deep. Whitaker paints many incredible characters and does so with patience and grace.
Since the book is 592 pages, I relished the short chapters. Some are mere paragraphs. I wish every author constructed their books like this especially since I am one to read only 20 or so pages at a sitting. It made reading it very pleasurable.
This book is recommended by yours truly! It evoked many strong reactions in me. This is the first time I have read a book by Chris Whitaker and I plan on exploring his other titles. Grab it. Read it and enjoy the ride! PS Keep your eye out for the purple honey…
Suz
I’ve heard so many good things about this book. I generally do audio books, and recently I listened to a sample of this one and it’s on my TBL!
myheartinpen
I enjoyed it and hope you will too! I’m a slow reader so it did take me a while to finish. I think it would be a good movie or mini series, depending on casting.
Nicole MacPherson
Whew, that’s a chonker of a book! But it sounds interesting, and I like the short chapters.
myheartinpen
A chonker of a book..hahaha! Honestly, if the chapters weren’t super short it would have been a different read for me. I’m a ‘short chapter’ kind of gal! …but it was a really good book.