Book review - Death Coming Up the Hill

Title: Death Coming Up the Hill
Author: Chris Crowe
Genre: historical fiction
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Rating:

Technically very impressive

Summary: It's 1968 and Ashe is 17 years old. The Vietnam war is an ever present concern. Ashe pays careful attention to the death toll posted daily in the newspaper. His mother pushes him to get into a good college in hopes that he can get an exemption from the draft. His history teacher tracks the death toll as well and teaches his students about the realities of war. As if political concerns weren't enough, Ashe's home life isn't great. His parents have never gotten along and only stay together for Ashe's sake. When his mother's secret is revealed, Ashe is forced to make some tough decisions for himself and his family.
My opinion: I find the technical aspects of this book incredibly impressive - a single syllable for each American soldier killed in Vietnam in 1968. Just the thought of all the revision necessary to make that happen blows my mind. Apart from sheer technical admiration, it really is a good story. Even though, as a verse novel, there are real limits as to how much information we can receive, Crowe does an excellent job of connecting the reader with the subject. The ending is open, which can be a little frustrating. Overall, it is a satisfying read.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.