⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars.

Fur By Katherine Black

Creative technology but a cracked chip?

I started to read Fur by Katherine Black on Easter (an ironic happening you'd recognize if you read it) and finished within 24 hours. It deserves every single star!

I was pleased by realistic feelings, thoughts, and actions. Both by Sammy, who sheds a lot of truth on autism as a whole, and his mother, Shelly. Of course, there's an entire cast of characters that add to these elements, so I must take the time to at least mention them in passing.

As for John, I disliked him from the first interaction and that feeling intensified with the unbalanced burdens placed on Shelly's shoulders at any given moment. However, this is not a negative for his character as written. He accomplishes everything his role requires in the story. As a character that I'm sure many would "love to hate" to some degree. And I begrudgingly accepted his changes until they felt natural, some part of me glad for anything redeemable. Each one of them, not simply John, are riddled with reasons and opportunities to make you feel a slew of emotions. Like the ache left behind for Maura after her lost shifted the balance in her world. Despite the moments where I felt some frustration with Shelly's personality, I simultaneously understood her without lingering negative feelings, so that was a surprise.

On the note of surprises... there was something in particular that warmed me constantly from the beginning. As someone who is *not* on the spectrum but wholeheartedly benefits from the work and company of my service dog and is disabled, I was moved by the family's bond with Carthenage. As well as the love of animals, pets, and a small support circle, to a community at large that was showcased altogether.

One of my favorite parts of the book was when Sammy rode the train alone, faced with several cruel teenagers, and in his own way, held his own. This was a time of heavy anxiety for him and me, both. Yet, it is absolutely beautiful and necessary. It showed his love, determination, and the possibility that Sammy might not be nearly as helpless as suggested. That he had a different kind of strength awakening in him.

Luckily, Black doesn’t allow it to become meaningless by the end.

I teared up by the time Sammy expressed himself more subjectively.

I enjoyed the story very much, and without my migraine as an obstacle, finished it quickly. It was a well-written and engaging book, worth the read. I'll be giving some of her other works a chance going forward!