Long Bright River definitely caught my attention. This is an interesting read. It's something of a thriller mystery, but gives off a totally different vibe. It's very much a crossover with the literary fiction genre, giving a more personal touch to the story and really diving into the issues. For a good portion of the narrative it feels very much like a journal.

The writing is very introspective and raw and the entire feeling of the book is something of a high emotional caliber. I listened to the audiobook, so I didn't experience the grammatical and punctuation issues other readers have mentioned. Instead, I simply felt brought in to an inner circle. I was caught up in the story and the history, worried about Kacey's fate and how Mickey was handling things.

The pacing is a little slow, but for the most part that works for the story. It doesn't feel like wasted space or a slog. It is dark and gritty and real. The natural flow of the pace allows for a bit more immersion in the past and the relationships between Mickey and the other people in her life. There is a lot of hurt wrapped up in this story and a lot of emotional moments. It can really feel like a gut punch from time to time and will hit very hard for those who have experience watching a family member struggle with addiction.

This is not an easy read in some ways, but it is worth the time. It's one that will stick with me a bit.