Book Review: The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas

About the Book:

Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he'd obeyed his mother. Desperate for help, he runs to the mountain cabin of his mostly absentee father, frantically trying to communicate the news with his hands.

Driven away by fear and guilt over his son's deafness, Creed has played a distant part in Loyal's life and language. But when he's pulled into the murder investigation, he discovers that what sets his son apart isn't his inability to hear but rather his courage. As the impact of the murder ripples through their West Virginia town, both will learn what it took to kill a man and what it takes to become one.

Read an excerpt from The Right Kind of Fool on the publishers website.

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My Thoughts:

The Right Kind of Fool is the first book I have read by Sarah Loudin Thomas. I am so glad that I gave this story a chance. I fell in love with Loyal, Creed, and Delphy right at the beginning. Not only were the characters highly interesting, but their unique family situation and town culture drew my attention. Add in a murder and my interest was hooked. Even though it took me nearly a week to read through the book, I never lost interest or forgot where I was in the story. Every evening, it felt like a treat when I picked up this novel to read.

Surprisingly, I empathized and identified deeply with Loyal Raines, a deaf teenage boy on the cusp of becoming a man. Both his and his parents’ struggles and character development felt authentic. As their complicated relationships strained and strengthened, I rooted for things to work out for all involved. To my surprise and pleasure, plots twists that felt natural and right kept things fresh. I appreciated the inspiring themes of loyalty, honesty, and overcoming fear that permeated this novel.

I recommend The Right Kind of Fool to readers who enjoy historical fiction driven by relationships possessing tension, growth, and commitment. I found this book fascinating and I look forward to reading more novels by Sarah Loudin Thomas. 5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.