Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for the ARC of Compound Fracture!

As a trans person, I always think it’s important to read stories with trans characters, written by trans authors. Especially with the stigma going around at the moment. I loved Miles as a character, I thought he was a believable person, his actions and his motivations felt grounded and true and I enjoyed seeing how he developed through the story.
For a thriller/paranormal story, there was definitely a lot of oh SHIT moments that made me frantically read to see what happened next. It was the kind of book I couldn’t stand to put down and be away from for long I NEEDED to know what happened next.
This is my first Andrew Joseph White book but now I’m so hyped to read the rest of his stuff if they all live up to this level of storytelling. I’ll definitely be buying a physical copy of this once it’s out just as an excuse to read it again.

After reading "Hell Follows With Us" last year, and sitting on "The Spirit Bares It's Teeth" for a while now because I just didn't have the time to read it yet. I was very excited for Andrew Joseph White's new book. I knew nothing about it beforehand and only read the blurb slightly because I wanted to go in mostly blind.

The setting of this book and the whole vibe it gave me intrigued me immediately. I connected to the main character very quickly and could identify with him very well. I also am a big fan of the writing style, because it comes across as very authentic and immersive. I was no stranger to the descriptions of gore the author mostly uses in his books so I wasn't really surprised by all that and it personally didn't bother me, though I would always ask people whether they have a problem with that, before I recommend it. The story was very tense and well written, a bunch of twists I didn't see coming and it had a good ending that wasn't too sweet for the whole athmosphere of the book. I liked the characters a lot and they were very multidimensional, but I have to say I had to put it down for two hours at one point because one decision of the characters upset me a lot and I had to take a break from reading. That is probably due to the fact that I am autistic as well and could due to that identify very well with the main character. All in all the book had a good outcome and the upsetting bits were handled well later on, so in retrospect it is not that big of a deal that I would rate this book lower because of it. I was also a big fan of the ghost story that is built into this and how it was portrayed.

I am very excited for when this book comes out and will defenitely recommend it further to customers as well as friends. Compound fracture is my favourite book by Andrew Joseph White so far and it is also my favourite book of 2024 as of right now. It took me three days to get through it which makes it the book I read fastest this year.

ARC reading from Netgalley.

Offfff what can I say apart from, you have to read this book.

This is my first dip into Andrew Joseph White's World and it won't be my last.

Described as a “queer Appalachian thriller”: it’s a love letter to Appalachia and a ghost story, involving class war, politics, and acceptance.

I could not put this book down! Got to the 80% on the first day and it occupied my thoughts the next day, until I could finally get home to read it.
Andrew Joseph White did a phenomenal job: the overall writing, Miles’ unique voice as a narrator, and the well-fleshed out characters.

Without any spoilers, one of my favorite moments in this book (which will likely continue living rent-free in my mind) was when a character’s beliefs serve as a foil to the main character’s. The concept of defiance rooted in individualism (“don’t thread on me”) vs defiance as a community (“we keep each other safe”).

Additionally, the cover art is absolutely amazing!

Andrew Joseph White has done it again! This story is drenched in Appalachian style. The author perfectly captures the setting and saturates the plot with issues for the audience to chew on like: class, gender, sexuality, disability, community, and tyrannical power structure.

The main character is Miles. An autistic, trans boy with a powerful love for his community even through it needs changing. He is trying to figure himself out with the help of his friend, all while a generations-long blood feud is starting to boil over again.

If you’ve ever read one of White’s books, you know the gritty, gory, and heartbreaking way he writes. This book is no different. Be ready to be grabbed by the hand and led into a hurricane of suffering under the world’s boot.

Please check the trigger warnings!

(netgalley e-arc) I tried SO hard to take my time reading this and then did what I always do: flew through the back half of the book like I was on a timer. AJW's pacing and ability to create a fully-formed world with seemingly minimal effort has always been my favorite part of his books. I had a few "oh, that was easy" moments and occasionally felt restricted by the POV (though that just may be me and my on-again, off-again with 1st person), but otherwise loved the gore, loved the exploration of historical queerness even if it did feel too-brief, and loved the all family units roving around, the frayed and the trying and the cruel.

TSBIT > CF > HFWU

might be my best read of the year so far. holy shit. brutal and gut wrenching. ★★★★★

I’ve read one other book by AJW and liked it pretty well, but not nearly so much as this one. because holy shit, I really really liked this book.

this book is about family loyalty, and solidarity in small towns, and people generally being good at their core once you get past the fear, and socialists and labor movements and union strong, and about resistance through violence when needed, and about seeing people as they are and who they tell you they are. it’s the queer trans autistic socialist resistance story we all need this year. it made me cry several times throughout and want to talk to so many people about it even though they haven’t read it yet

miles is one of those main characters that I inhabited the mind of effortlessly. I started reading this book in the evening and didn’t come up for air until I was done. I’m not sure if that says more about my brain or the writing: the writing is pretty darn good, and the character is one you’ll root for so so hard. he cares so much, and tries so hard, and is just one of those characters who is /good/ in an interesting, compelling way.

there’s a lot of injustice suffered in this book, and while miles is the one you see experience it most directly, it impacts a lot of the characters throughout. however, even with the brutal oppression depicted, the author manages to turn this story into a hopeful one, in which people stand up for themselves and each other. the bonds of solidarity between people in this book were incredibly heartfelt: family, friends, and even neighbors working together because it’s what needs to be done. at the same time, these relationships are realistic in their accidental cruelty, in their flaws, and in their effortfullness.

this is a ferocious book that features a lot of violence (threatened and executed- though the execution is largely offscreen). however, it’s all in service of the story and its argument, rather than gratuitous. I cried, and I winced, and I skipped ahead a page to make sure things turned out okay, but the overall experience of the book was just terrific (saying this as someone who is fearful and hates descriptions of injury).

this is a reading experience where you’re mostly just rooting for one side to win, because they’re fighting against the most clearly villainous villain to ever villain. at the same time, that villain looks incredibly similar to the evil in our day-to-day, so it’s not like it’s unrealistic. but the catharsis of reading how the good prevails is such an exquisite payoff. I’m not sure what else to say, but I recommend this book highly. I think either the premise of the book will sell you, in which case you’ll love it, or you’re someone who would benefit immensely from reading this. either way, read it.

I’ll be featuring this book on my Instagram in the future weeks, and will updated here with the link when completed

Compound Fracture throws you into the complex intersection of class, gender, and ability in ways that are often left out of conversations about the North American south. As a queer person born and raised in Appalachia (southeastern Kentucky specifically), it was so special to read a novel featuring the good, the bad, and the ugly of what can come along with that reality. To read about resilience and community even when you’re up against the people in power. This is what so many depictions of the south miss completely, but also what makes it such a unique place and Compound Fracture so engaging.

There were times reading this book that I wanted to look away from the page because I was so deep into the tense and visceral story of Miles and Twist Creek. Make no mistake, this novel is full of horrors. White does not shy away from showing you every bloody reality of unchecked power and corruption. But even though it is not always easy to read, it is so compelling that I had to hold on and take each turn to see what would come of this generations-long feud.

One word to summarize the story and writing of Compound Fracture would be “layered.” Much like the coal mines so essential to the plot, there is always more to the characters and the story being told than at first glance. Characters that seem “backwards” in their thinking are more open than seems possible. Even those who appear unredeemable can be understood under the right light. These layers feel so true to the real work of navigating these issues in the world.

While I think southern, queer, neurodivergent folks like me will eat this book up, I believe Compound Fracture has the chance to speak to anyone who finds themself in battles against the systems of power intent on making the rich richer. It is for anyone who could benefit from a reminder of how powerful and healing community can be.

Andrew Joseph White does it again. A beautiful story that's both heartbreaking and healing. Would absolutely recommend to fans of his previous books as well and readers looking for books that explore how power and generational trauma affect the world in which we live.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an E-ARC in exchange of an honest review.

As usual, please check the CW/TW, as his books are always quite graphics, and this one is no different.
This is a very ddivergent book from the others AJ White has written. To put it simply: his other books had a strong plot with hints of politics, while <i>Compount Fracture</i> is heavily politic-driven. So, if you're not into heavily politic-driven plots, this book is not for you.
Now, onto the book itself.
We follow Miles, a trans boy, during the summer before his last high school year. On the night of his coming-out to his family, Miles survives an almost deadly attack by peers (caused by an almost century-long feud between their families) and when he wakes up he has to deal with the Sherif (father to one of the assaulters) threatening him and his family into silence, as well as his long-dead ancestor now following him almost everywhere. To help Miles avenge him, or to help him with what is going on right now? Who knows.

It is a story of self-acceptance, class war, endurance, corruption, and a love letter to the people fighting for what is right. However, I don't think I'm the right target audience for just this one book in particular. I adored his other books, but, even if I was invested and cared for all the characters involved, I just didn't feel the same spark as I felt for HFWU or TSBIT. The pace is nicely done, the language is well written, but it didn't hit.

3,5/5 rounded down to 3 stars because, as usual, White's books are always a punch in the guts.

4.5 rounded up

Thank you SO much to Netgalley, Peachtree and Pixel+Ink for an E-Arc of this title in exchange for an honest review! All opinions in this review are my own.

I was so happy to receive a copy of this book! This follows Miles who is a trans kid growing up in the deep south navigating a feud between his and the Davies' family, and things take a dark turn quite quickly.

I will say that this felt like the most political book Andrew Joseph White has written so far, and I am all here for it. He also really nails in the idea of there being no perfect victims, and even some of the villainous characters of this book end up being sympathetic, even if I would still enver condone their actions. The themes of corruption and the inherited trauma throughout the core characters of this book were heartbreaking and so realistic. It really drills in the idea that some of these people really feel like there's no way out, and Cooper's development over the course of the book is probably the best example of these themes. <spoiler>The fact that, after Miles accidentally kills Noah, his first solution is more violence really shows what's going through his head and how the culture of the town and the actions taken against him have impacted him. He definitely was not a perfect victim, and despite his flaws it was terrible hearing about his death was the nail in the coffin.</spoiler>

Miles as the main character felt so raw and real. His struggles and flaws were fleshed out wonderfully throughout the book, and his actions, whilst not always the most logical or morally 'good', really makes you remember that this is just a kid in an awful situation.

The side characters were also great, and Miles' relationship with his parents was very realistic. I think the author mentions this was based on his own relationship with his parents during his transition and it really shows through. Saint was also so interesting, despite the fact he never actually talks in the novel.

Overall, I had a wonderful time with this book. I could probably go on and on in this review about the things I loved, I cannot recommend this enough.

Compound Fracture is a wonderful and brutal exploration about family and small town America. I've read all of Andrew Joseph White's novels so far, and I definitely have to say that this was the one that was easiest to digest without losing any of the edge that makes his work unique. that being said, I did notice some parallells between this and The Spirit Bares Its Teeth in terms of character archetypes— although it has been a while since I've revisited that book.

The much anticipated Appalachian thriller from Andrew Joseph White did not disappoint! From Historically hidden queerness to community strength, this book got me to power through dyslexia to see what happens next!

Miles is just trying to figure out how he fits into a long line of familial bloodshed–from strikebreakers and union defenders to twisted cops and queer rebels, this won’t be straightforward. But rest easy, the dog survives.

I was worried there would be some horrific mass violence considering AJW’s other work, but was pleasantly surprised when it had just enough bite to fall in line without getting out of hand.

If you like stories of resilience, community, determination and revenge that highlight all types of folks, I would highly recommend picking up Compound Fracture.

I am absolutely in love with the stories Andrew Joseph White creates.

Every twenty pages my anxiety and anticipation levels sky rocketed leaving me with emotional whiplash, the ending and everything leading up to it was beautiful and gruesome at once.

A murderous thriller that's less of a whodunit and more of a 'who's going to do something about it'. Seething with fury at the idea that we have to settle for the way things are, White wraps a story about the need for community organizing and resistance against oppression in the bloodiest of bandages.

[netgalley arc] once again ajw writes a book with an interesting premise and an underwhelming execution. i was so interested in this story when i heard about it and the setting was exactly what i was looking for but i was left disappointed by this book overall. the characters felt very much like caricatures, the only one who i felt had any substance was cooper. i liked that the writing reflected the setting in the internal and external dialogue but overall the writing was not for me. i think i have to admit defeat and stop trying to read ajw books, they are not for me. i am past my ya days even when the premise sounds good.

ARC Copy via NetGalley

As a gay trans man who lives in rural Appalachia, I had high hopes for this book. Miles is a wonderful character. I immediately saw myself in him and his struggles in growing up in this area. I feel like folks are going to say that the book is too politicized, but around here our very existence is politicized. I like that the book didn't shy away from that and made these politics a special interest for Miles. I loved his family dynamic. That's how holler folk are. Family comes first and family history is important.

*spoilers from here on out*

I enjoyed the first half more than the second half, if I am being honest. I didn't like Cooper. I emphasize with him and his struggles, but I just didn't like him. He felt manipulative and patronizing towards Miles and I'm not sure if that was the intention or just the vibes I got. I knew his fate from a mile away. Doomed character if I ever saw one. Honestly, I kind of wished that Cooper didn't exist in a way. I feel it would have been more impactful for Miles to have done this on their own or with their family (though I understand why they kept their family out of it). I think the better move would have been for Miles to have let Paul run after their heart to heart and instead of Cooper being the reveal at the end, it was Paul. Kind of like a whole, you can't run from this. Noah would have gotten the same info and I think that would have been a better tie in overall. It might be pretentious of me to say that or think that so I apologize of it was.

I liked Dallas. I think they were a cool character and that they gave Miles something to fight for that wasn't revenge. Kind of a, do it the right way vibes. The ending felt rushed. It felt like lighting a match and dropping it in gasoline. I liked parts of it. I liked the frenetic energy, but I dunno... it felt like it needed more.

I'm glad the dog lived.

I'm happy there was a happy ending.

It was a solid read. I look forward to readong a finalized version and I appreciate what the author was doing. There are queer Appalachian folks who have been here and who will always be here and it hard sometimes, but we keep fighting.

This novel takes the horror from White's previous books and narrows it down to a generation long blood feud in a small southern town and the life of a young trans teen, whose life is upended when he's attacked and beaten savagely. Unable and unwilling to back down like his parents did after facing a similar attack to force them into compliance, he finds himself drawn into finding a way to stop this. And we all know what violence begets, right?
The gore is gruesome in this one, somehow even more personal and unsettling due to it being so human as well. In general I really enjoyed the way injury and violence was written, it was graphic and uncompromising and uncomfortable and I loved it.
The story starts with Miles coming out as a trans guy to his family and throughout the course of the story Miles uncovers two other aspects of his identity, both of which are heavily hinted at throughout the story and made me really excited to see represented (obviously there's the autism, for which Miles finally finds a word through meeting another autistic person and [ he discovers he's aromantic, which I absolutely adored to see! (hide spoiler)]). So if you want a gruesome thriller with some great representation and figuring yourself out this is definitely a great book to check out. I also really enjoy seeing the [T4T autism4adhd commie4socialist queerplatonic relationship (hide spoiler)], which was just lovely to see!
Other topics that are being dealt with are family, community, hauntings, socialism, classism, poverty, unions, mining, disability, ableism (internal and external), intergenerational violence, class violence, police violence, transphobia and homophobia and fighting back against those in power. So pretty much what I was hoping for in this appalachian thriller.
Besides Miles, whose character I obviously enjoyed, particularly the way his brain works and his burning rage and hatred and the fact that he gets to do something about it, I really liked Dallas and Miles' family, but most importantly Lady, the dog. She is such a good dog!
At points I wish the villains and Cooper had been given a bit more character, as I think that could have made the story even more interesting and realistic. Despite this I had a great time and sometimes what you need is a book that just screams in rage and I definitely found that here.

I do not know how to rate this book.
Andrew Joseph White's books always make me feel off kilter. It's not necessarily a bad way but in a way that I need to re-think my world view or or how I do things.
This book continues to do the same; Though, I need to ask is this what life is like in small town US?

Compound Fracture had a much more political look to things than Andrew's other books... and yet, maybe not. It was uncomfortable to read but maybe that's the point.

I really don't know how to describe this book and that's not a bad thing. If you like his books, read it.

Andrew Joseph White's books are always amazing. I love every single one of them, and this is no exception. The book talks about some really hard topics, and some moments are exceptionally difficult. However, the writing is phenomenal and the book and the characters draw you in. The plot is real, and gives you something to care about and something you want to fight for. I recommend everyone reads this book.