he Key to Everything written by Valerie Fraser Luesse is both unhurried and deeply introspective. If you have read other works by this author then you are prepared to have your heartstrings tugged and feel uplifted. The post-World War II era in which the book is written feels authentic. What makes this story even better is the knowledge that the author’s story is based on a true story.
Peyton Cabot is a fifteen-year-old boy whose story is both intriguing and melancholy. His adventures are both outlandish and endearing. The many people he meets serve as reminders of all the incredible individuals there are in this world. Peyton’s story encourages readers to ponder and draw out lessons for their own lives.
Valerie Fraser Luesse writes with skill and care as she discusses many topics that are difficult to address. This particular book is a bit less intense in this area and makes for a bit easier read, but there is still plenty to contemplate. There is never a shortage of issues to think about and this story feels just like a memoir written by Peyton himself. Readers will feel as though they, too, were on this journey.
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Revell
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: None
Sex/Nudity: Non-married characters embrace, kiss.
Mature Subject Matter:
Death of close family members, post-traumatic stress disorder.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Character is drunk; multiple mentions of a character drinking too much.
