A List of Cages by Robin Roe

A List of Cages revolves around two friends, Adam Blake, a high school senior, and Julian, a freshman. Adam and Julian have been childhood friends and after Julian's parents' death, foster siblings. However, after Julian is taken into custody by his uncle, the two drifted apart until high school. Adam took an elective that made him the assistant of the school psychologist and found that Julian was skipping his appointments with the psychologist. The two friends are polar opposites. Adam being optimistic and upbeat all the time throughout the novel while Julian was the more withdrawn and quiet one. As Adam tries to reminisce and reunite with Julian, it seems that Julian has become even more withdrawn and afraid. Adam tries to find out why whilst Julian avoids telling truth to anyone.

I was honestly surprised by how heart tugging this book was. For some this can be very triggering to read because of parental neglect and abuse themes. This was also, for the first time, a book I read that did not a have a romance focused or driven plot. Yes, Adam does try to get with his crush but the story does not focus on it. Adam and Julian's friendship feels very much realistic and you can feel sympathy for both of them with how bad their situations are, especially Julian who is constantly paranoid and afraid, looked down upon by his teachers and unstable uncle. If there were any criticisms, really only nitpicks, it would be characters not getting enough spotlight and the ending. Adam's friends do not really get enough time to develop as characters, given they are supporting characters, and it seems very rushed during the parts Adam was inviting Julian to come with him and his friends. The friends as well were very stereotypical "High school" teenagers except Charlie, his best friend. 

The ending was underwhelming and felt more like the "bandage" than a "cure or solution to the problem" ending. For those who are not triggered by abusive behaviors and acts, this is a must read and I believe one of the most underrated books I have ever read in my life. Robin Roe was not glorifying the acts done in this book compared to some moreover trying to shed light in the very flawed foster system. A quick read and a book I can easily recommend to anyone and a great message on how family is more about true bonds you make with people rather than blood relations. 

Reviewed by Rafi, Grade 10

Glendale Central Library