Going Where It's Dark started from the very first chapter as a unique, heartwarming story of overcoming challenges and never giving up. Buck was introduced with such a personality and a desire to fit in that it just about tore my heart out. The book was very well written and really captures detail. I couldn't put this book down! Naylor writes with such care, making it feel like she poured her soul into this book.
My personal favorite character was Nat. Nat is the only boy his age who even talks to Buck once David moves away. Nat has a great sense of humor, and even hangs out with Buck, solving the mystery of the stolen lumber. Nat notices Buck's stuttering, but doesn't really make a big deal about it, unlike Pete. Jacob's personality is one that many people might hate, but deep inside every heart of stone is sadness, and that really makes me think of Jacob in a positive way.
Buck is a strong protagonist with perseverance, and even when he hates himself for his disability, he still finds the courage to smile. What really made this a top book for me, though, was how even though his family pushed him to get rid of his stuttering, Jacob didn't. Jacob told him to embrace his stuttering. If he feels comfortable with who he is, than everyone else can't hurt him by making fun of how he was made. Physical weakness doesn't mean that you were made wrong, it just means that you have to battle harder, and that makes you stronger. I think that is a philosophy everyone should hear and believe.
