Punkzilla

Punkzilla is a gritty, unflinching young adult novel told through letters from a fourteen-year-old runaway to his older brother. The protagonist, known as Punkzilla, is attempting to kick a meth habit and navigate a dangerous road trip from Portland to Memphis to see his brother, who is dying of cancer. Along the way, he encounters a diverse and sometimes perilous cast of characters, including an abusive stranger, a ghostly girl, and a kind transsexual. The language is raw and authentic, reflecting the harsh realities of his journey and inner turmoil. This book is suitable for mature young adults (ages 14+) due to its prominent themes of drug abuse, terminal illness, violence, and mature language, but it offers a powerful story of resilience, family love, and the search for connection amidst adversity.