 | Corruption Of Hollis Brown Author: Ancrum, K. (Kayla) | |
| Price: $14.99 | ||
Summary:
Hollis lives in a rotting small town where no one can afford to leave. After unknowingly making a deal at the crossroads, Hollis finds himself losing control of his body and mind, falling victim to possession. Walt, the ghost making a home inside him, has a deep and violent history rooted in the town Hollis grew up in and he has unfinished business to take care of.
Reviews:
Booklist (+) (12/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/01/2025 *Starred Review* Between regular beatings from classmates and falling in love with the restless spirit possessing his body, Hollis is having a rough senior year—although, in all fairness, being possessed has mostly improved things. Walt, the twentieth-century boy currently piloting Hollis’ body, turns the surly teen into such a neat, considerate young man that Hollis’ only friends are sure drugs are involved. As the duo grow closer, their darkest truths come to light, and Walt’s may be the key to improving their shared hometown. Walt and Hollis’ romance is as intense, stark, and heartfelt as the romances in Ancrum’s previous works, despite facing more logistical difficulties due to their shared body. Also consistent with Ancrum’s style, the prose and pacing of the book are flawless, willing to unapologetically drag the reader through every possible emotion before providing closure. While both Hollis and Walt are initially immensely unlikable, their growth as people is both genuine and rewarding to watch. Food is significant; Hollis’ primary expression of affection is through baking, and recipes presented between key chapters serve to remind the reader of the characters’ humanity. Notably, although Hollis is queer and lives in a small and economically starved town, there is never a question of him abandoning it—rather, the beauty of small-town life is highlighted, and the conclusion promises a bright future for the town. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
