Not My Ruckus


Fiction - Literary
322 Pages
Reviewed on 11/29/2021
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Not My Ruckus by Chad Musick is a tragic tale of an autistic child growing up under harrowing circumstances in the early 80s. Fourteen-year-old Clare has a deep crush on her neighbor Esther, but she has only dared talk to her since two weeks past. In addition to an ultra-conservative mother and a seemingly negligent father, Clare's life is further complicated by epileptic episodes and recurring nightmares. When Esther's mother dies, Clare soon discovers a larger conspiracy that will change her life forever. After suffering assault by Esther's father, Gunnar, Clare's life increasingly spins into turmoil as the love of her life marries her brother. Moreover, her mother continues to be a meek spectator to her father's heinous crimes. Will she be able to find salvation for herself and Esther?

A powerful and poignant coming-of-age story involving some serious issues such as child abuse and domestic violence, Chad Musick's gripping narrative keeps your eyes glued to the pages from start to finish. Not My Ruckus follows Clare, a fourteen-year-old autistic and epileptic teen who navigates first love and friendship while growing up in an abusive home with horrendous parents. Musick hits the mark spot-on with the portrayal of child abuse and domestic violence perpetrated by those in positions of power. The subject matter is handled with the necessary nuances and thoughtfulness needed while dealing with these issues. There is a sense of authenticity to the narrative that makes the tale all the more hard-hitting. Not My Ruckus is one of those books that occupy your mind long after you've finished reading it. Highly recommended.