This “gripping and moving” story of two foster brothers sharply examines the impact of loss, grief, and abuse (Emma Donohgue, bestselling author of Room) — and celebrates the power of friendship. When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he’s got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn’t easy … means a lot of sitting around, which isn’t easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can’t complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian — the foster brother he hasn’t seen in five years.
Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He’s still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what’s really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives.
First-time novelist Robin Roe relied on life experience when writing this exquisite, gripping story featuring two lionhearted characters.
A List of Cages was a book I’d seen on plenty of “most anticipated” lists for 2017, and had heard a lot about, but wasn’t sure what to expect going in. I started reading it on a whim one morning, and quickly realized I would not be able to put it down any time soon.
The story is told from two perspectives: Adam, the all around great guy. He’s a senior in high school, loved by everyone around him, and he takes a genuine interest and liking to everyone. He’s dealing with ADHD, and raised by a single mom, but neither of those are the main focus of the story. He’s an aide for the school counselor, so when he’s asked to escort a freshman to his appointments, he’s shocked to find it’s his former foster brother, Julian, who he hasn’t seen in five years.
It becomes clear that Julian is struggling with a terrible home life, and Adam brings him into his group of friends, and, to the extent that he can, back into his home.
The friendship in this book is so amazing, and despite some truly heartbreaking moments, A List of Cages is so uplifting, it is definitely something that will stick with you. This is an incredible debut novel, and Robin Roe will definitely be an author to look out for going forward!
Robin gutted me with this book when I first read it a few years ago. GUTTED. Reading this is a full body experience. I sobbed. I raged. And I cheered. I wanted to leap into the pages and rescue some people and violently lay hands on others. This is not an easy book to read and I needed to take emotional breaks my first time through, but I still think about this it all the time. It’s one of those stories that I doubt will ever leave me. This is an exquisite book and I adored every page. Absolutely beautiful.
One of my favorite stories of all time.
Personally, I have never read about any character that was described in such details and emotions. Adams and Julian seemed completely different and I would never have thought that they could have such a history behind them that could literally make me cry. This is one of the book that can change the way you see the world.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. In a good kind of way. The idea was so original, the characters were so relatable, and the writing was eloquent and easy to read. I absolutely fell in love with Julian and Adam, as well as the side characters. For a debut novel, this book was extremely well done. I’m anxiously waiting for Robin Roe’s next release!
This book was provided to me as an advance reader copy by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warning: This book contains multiple instances of emotional and physical abuse.
We’re not even two weeks in, and I can already tell you this is going to be a year of emotionally charged reading. A List of Cages is horrible and wonderful, ugly and beautiful, soul-crushing and uplifting. It is all of them at the same time. It almost broke my brain because I was feeling too many emotions, and it almost broke my heart because it was so nightmarishly real. Thank goodness there are people like Adam and his mom in the world, because I can tell you there are definitely “Julians” out there who need them. I love and hate this book. I would recommend A List of Cages to readers 14 and older who can handle such an emotionally mature subject.
Where do I even begin? The plot, the characters, the trauma, and pain. I have never read a book quite like this one, and it has stuck with me. At times, it was so hard to read, but so hard to put down. You will cry, and you will love this book.
Heartbreaking. But the message of the importance of friendship and kindness and love is strong.
Coming from a high school student, I absolutely loved this book. There were times I could not put it down. Most definitely reccomend if you are looking for a book to keep you on your toes!
Oh, you guys.
This book. It was much sadder than I anticipated. I hadn’t read the synopsis in a while, and from the beginning you can tell this isn’t the happiest of stories, but dang this one really hit me.
I know this book has so much to it, but the strongest message to me is the power of being kind.
“Hate ricochets, but kindness does too.” The power of kindness and friendship and simply caring in this book, seriously makes me tear up. In a world where it seems like we’re constantly tearing ourselves down, and maybe others are tearing us down too, it’s beyond important to strive for kindness and understanding.
For anyone that can handle the serious content of this book, I think this is a must read. It’s certainly one that should make readers think about how they’re treating themselves and others.
It is a amazing book
Brilliant. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Familiar. Breathtaking.
This story is told in alternating points of view, making the reader care deeply for everyone we get to meet.
Adam is the effervescent high school senior who has no idea of the effect he has on everyone who bumps against his sunshine.
Julian is the freshman he once shared a home with as foster brothers.
When Adam is assigned to get Julian to actually show up to his school counselor sessions, they become bonded once more, this time in a way that could either save Julian or end them both.
Some stories we read are unclear, they leave much unsaid so only readers who know the pain of abuse can truly understand what’s going on. Roe balanced her reveals perfectly, so those who’d know either way can brace themselves to get through, and those who wouldn’t can handle this weight in their hearts.
This book is one that I think can help open eyes, of both those who are living with abuse and those who don’t know how they can help (or how prevalent is likely is around them). I’m grateful this book exists, even though I cried my way through parts of it.
But don’t get me wrong: this book is full of love, friendship, hope, connection and family. Though there is crime in it that is terrible, there is so much light and life. Don’t pass this one up.
Ages 12 and up. I highly recommend this one for homes, middle schools and high school libraries
A List of Cages is a poignant, hopeful story about loss, grief, abuse, and the transformative power of friendship. Written with honesty and vulnerability, Robin Roe shows us exactly what it means to stand up for another person—how love and acceptance can heal even the deepest of wounds.
I thought that this book was exceptional. It exceeded all my expectations (which weren’t very high) and was a joy to read. At first I was unsure, it seemed like so many other YA realistic fiction books, I was wondering how similar it would really be. I find that I don’t like these kind of books too much. I feel they are to generic to normal life and I like new and unexpected. This book was unexpected.
The characters I felt vary attached to. Adam – don’t worry, no spoilers – was joyful and always carefree. Some traits I really admire in another. It is hard to be or find people like that in our world of stress, work, and sides. Adam puts all of that behind him. As Timon and Pumba would say, “hakunna matata”. Julian. My heart went out to him. As you will soon learn – if you decide to read the book – that he has a very hard life. It is hard for me to see how anyone can live through what he does. I know it would be hard for me, and I’m not sure I could do it. Whether he knows it or not, he is strong and brave.
I also loved what the book stood for and was about. At first I could not find any reason for writing this book. And that annoyed me, because I don’t like reading things without a point. After a couple chapters I eventually found my point and held on to it throughout the whole book. This book is full of surprises and feelings. You really just dive in and feel yourself changing as the book changes you. Little by little any good book would do that.