For me, 5-star books range from ones that I know I'll remember long after I'm done to books about characters that are a complex mix of emotions and experiences that are relatable and things I haven't experienced. Demon Copperhead is the latter--what an amazing creation by Kingsolver.

This novel is a modern-day reimagining of the Dickens' classic David Copperfield. Set in Appalachia's rural Lee County, VA, the title character seems to have the odds stacked against him from the start, as the town is mired in addiction, poverty, and neglect. Demon's father is dead & his mother is a recovering addict who just married the nasty Stoner. After Stoner gets violent and his mom almost ODs, Demon moves from foster home to foster home, even hitchhiking to his grandmother's house--unfortunately she won't take him in either. He ends up living with the town's celebrated football coach and his daughter Angus. After a football injury, Demon and his girlfriend Dori get addicted to oxycontin.

Through Demon's first-person narrative, readers are treated to a fascinating story. Demon's wit is top-notch and he even manages to make horrific things funny. His love of his life & his community shines through, even when he knows, deep down, his odds of surviving aren't great. Kingsolver touches on political issues in organic ways, and it's a testament to her talent that it never becomes preachy. She also does a stellar job depicting the complexity of Appalachia, its beauty and community vs the poverty and harm done by pharmaceutical/coal companies. Demon is a character and voice I won't soon forget. Seriously...read this book. It's over 500 pages, but completely worth it.

Much thanks to @harperbooks for choosing me to win a free ARC. Also, props to @charlietthurston for the amazing narration of this audiobook. He did SUCH a good job. Reading AND listening is the way to go with this one.