The Turnaround

The Turnaround by George Pelecanos

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book had a strong start -- racism, stereotypes, class struggle, family make up, the military, Washington DC, crime, violence, drugs -- but it completely veered in the wrong direction by the second half when Pelecanos decides to make the story overly sentimental. He provides unnecessary background and gives so much away in the first half that while I was hoping the ending wouldn't be as cheesy and obvious as it was, Pelecanos spells it all out and underestimates the intelligence of his readers. I may give him another chance though. I have heard that of the many books he has written, 'RThe Turnaround' is not even close to his best.


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