Finding Strength: A Review of “Strong Like You” by T.L. Simpson

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the STRONG LIKE YOU by T.L. Simpson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: STRONG LIKE YOU

Author: T.L. Simpson

Pub. Date: March 12, 2024

Publisher: North Star Editions

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 224

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/STRONG-LIKE-YOU 

I haven’t cried one time since you disappeared. Not even at football practice when Paton Roper told the whole team you were probably dead. He said, “You know how sometimes a dog gets sick or bites somebody and you have to put it down?”

Somebody said, “Yep.”

“That’s probably what happened to Walker’s daddy.”

Walker Lauderdale hasn’t cried once since his daddy went missing. And even though everyone says he’s dead, Walker won’t give up hope. He knows his father is out there, somewhere, cutting a wild trail through the Ozarks like always. But when a relative threatens to kick Walker and his momma out of the family home, Walker realizes he has no choice but to look for his daddy—a search that leads him straight to a drug-addled and dangerous man named Lukas Fisher. While attempting to balance life as a normal fifteen-year-old boy and star player on the football team, Walker begins a desperate search across the hills of the Ozarks for the man who, for better or worse, taught him everything he knows about strength.

Reviews:

“Strong Like You is an engaging novel in which a high school football star is forced to confront his ideas of manhood and forge better ones.” —Foreword Reviews

“The book explores masculinity, with Walker having a heartening insight near the end, when he realizes that with the right help, people can learn better than they were taught.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A serious look at the legacy and impact of violence, especially around the toxic culture of football, along with a compassionate view of the struggle and frequent hopelessness of rural poverty, the novel makes for a compelling read with a mixed but ultimately hopeful conclusion. Recommended for libraries serving middle and high ­schoolers.” —School Library Journal

 

Why Should You Read It?

“Strong Like You” by T.L. Simpson is a gripping and emotionally resonant tale of resilience, family, and the search for identity. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Ozarks, the novel follows fifteen-year-old Walker Lauderdale as he navigates the complexities of adolescence while grappling with the disappearance of his father.

Simpson masterfully captures Walker’s inner turmoil as he refuses to accept the belief that his father is dead, clinging to hope amidst the uncertainty. Walker’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as he confronts danger and adversity head-on in his quest to find the man who shaped his understanding of strength.

What sets “Strong Like You” apart is its authentic portrayal of life in rural America and the deep bonds of family and community that sustain Walker through his darkest moments. The character of Walker is both relatable and compelling, and readers will find themselves rooting for him every step of the way.

Simpson’s writing is evocative and immersive, drawing readers into the rugged beauty of the Ozarks and the harsh realities of Walker’s world. The novel’s pacing is brisk, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish, while its exploration of themes such as resilience, loyalty, and the power of hope adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

In conclusion, “Strong Like You” is a powerful and thought-provoking read that will linger in the minds of readers long after they’ve turned the final page. With its compelling characters, vivid setting, and heartfelt storytelling, it earns a solid four stars and is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.

About T.L. Simpson:

T. L. Simpson is an award-winning journalist and editor of the Courier, a newspaper in his hometown of Russellville, Arkansas. Simpson spent nearly ten years covering high school and collegiate sports before taking over as editor. During that time, he was also the paper’s primary crime reporter. In a lot of ways, Strong Like You is the result of his experiences with covering both. 

 

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of STRONG LIKE YOU, US Only. 

Ends March 26th, midnight EST.

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