Me, Dead Dad and Alcatraz
by Chris Lynch
Published by HarperCollins
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Reviewed by Janelle Martin
Elvin Bishop is a creature of routines. He and his Mom have been on their own for many years, and Elvin likes his family of two, plus dog. Then one day his dead Uncle Alex appears sitting on the couch in his living room, determined to turn Elvin's life upside down. Alex wants redemption by "fixing" Elvin's life, to make up for him running off with the money left Elvin and his Mom by his Dad.
Elvin doesn't want fixing--in fact, he doesn't want anything to change. What follows is a struggle of wills between Elvin and Alex, causing Elvin to question everything and everyone around him.
Like all great stories of finding oneself, much of what Elvin goes through is "cringe-worthy"--most readers will be able to relate to Elvin's experiences and empathize with him. Chris Lynch has created a voice for Elvin that rings with honesty, and it adds up to a great coming of age story, filled with humor and humanity.
Armchair Inteviews says: Me, Dead Dad and Alcatraz is truly a novel about redemption and finding yourself.