Review of "Being Henry David"

"The last thing I remember is now."

     In Cal Armistead's novel Being Henry David, we explore the life of a teenager who remembers nothing. He wakes up in Penn Station with no ID, no memory, and no idea where he got the bloody scab on the back of his head. What he does have is a ten-dollar bill and a paperback copy of Walden by Henry David Thoreau, which a fat man nearby promptly begins to eat. When he gets it back, he discovers two things: he has an almost-photographic memory, and he is terrified of being discovered by the cops. Teaming up with the tough-talking street kid Jack, the boy names himself Henry David--"Hank" for short--and sets off to discover the past he has only so recently lost.

     Armistead does a good job with Being Henry David. Her writing is clear and the plot is exciting. It doesn't take much to find yourself pulling for Hank as he runs away, from police and mob bosses alike, spends the night in the ruins of an ancient building foundation, and searches for answers. Each of his actions is logical and understandable. He needs shelter? He sleeps behind his new friend's Dumpster. He doesn't know where to go? He sets course for Walden Pond in Massachusetts, the setting of Thoreau's book. The book is well-paced and contains just the right balance of action and self-discovery.

     Despite all this, the plot of Being Henry David just didn't do it for me. Yes, I liked the book--a lot, actually. But there is something about the straightforwardness that is almost too much. There aren't many twists and turns along Hank's road: he spends time in New York to get his head on straight; he travels to Concord, Massachusetts, to visit Walden Pond; he recovers some memories during his stay; some Major Plot Points take place; et cetera. While the mystery of who Hank is and why he's running is juicy and practically reeks of verisimilitude, it is almost too easy for him to make these choices. Where are the wrong decisions and red herrings? There are a few, but not many. Although I must admit that the plot twist hidden in his memories is quite surprising.

     This book hosts a large array of fascinating supporting characters. First, we have Nessa and Jack, teenagers who work for a villainous New York drug lord called Magpie. Then there is Frankie, the large man who tries to eat Walden--and anything else that happens to be lying around. There is also a nurse who knows when to not call Child Protective Services, although anyone else in her position would. Last, but not least, is my favorite secondary character: Thomas, a thick, muscular librarian who rides a motorcycle and works as a Thoreau interpreter in his spare time. Even though Hank's basic situation is not a new one, he feels as unique as he is authentic. The cast is smaller than that of many books, but its variety is such that it feels like there are more than there are.

     There is some cussing in Being Henry David. Characters say "damn" and drop the occasional F-bomb. However, curse words are strategically placed and add emphasis to the story. For instance: if Hank were to meet a man in a dark alley, he (Hank) would probably not curse. But if the man hit him on the head with a brick and rifled through his pockets for change, he would probably use one of the two words.

     Being Henry David is a story about facing pain, making friends, and self-forgiveness, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books of this kind. It is not for someone who is looking for a romance novel--there is a bit of romance in this book, but not much--or an action novel. I'd rate it at around four out of five stars. Please remember that this is a YA novel--if you're looking for something a bit deeper, look elsewhere; but for something straightforward and interesting, with intriguing characters and a realistic mystery, Being Henry David may be just the book you're looking for.