Long Gone Daddy

Hemphill, H. (2006). Long Gone Daddy. Ashville, NC: Front Street.

Interest Level: Grades 6-9

Reading Level: 4+

This book is set in the 70s, and has one of the more unique stories lines that I've encountered. Fourteen year old Harlan Q, the narrator, is a PK (Preacher's Kid) who's had a falling out with his dad, Harlan P, because he is questioning religion. He's been living and working at the local mortuary, which is where the story begins. The mortician is preparing Harlan O's, the grandfather that Harlan Q has never met, body for burial. Harlan Q learns that if they can return his Grandfather's body to Las Vegas for burial that they will get a $50,000 inheritance so he convinces his father to head out on a road trip to transport the body. He eases his father's dislike of Harlan O's lifestyle by reminding him how much good the money could do for the Sunnyside Savior Church Radio Hour. Along the way they meet interesting people and Harlan Q learns more about his Harlan's O & P as well as himself.

I really enjoyed this book and its look at relationships, religion, and family. The story is sometimes gruesome, when you think about the fact that they are road-triping with a dead body in the back of a car- especially at the mention of Grandfather getting ripe. If readers are able to suspend their disbelief at the possibility that someone could do this, they will find themselves engrossed in the characters. The ending is somewhat pat, but it does leave the reader with a nicely wrapped up story.