Back Roads by Tawni O’Dell is a powerful contemporary novel about Harley Altmyer, a nineteen-year-old burdened with raising his three younger sisters in a struggling Pennsylvania coal town. With his mother in prison for killing his abusive father, Harley grapples with anger, desire, and family secrets. His fixation on Callie Mercer, the troubled woman down the road, threatens to unravel what little stability he has. A raw and emotional coming-of-age story, Back Roads explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the complexities of family bonds. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally charged, character-driven narratives.
