Mongrels

A Novel

By: Stephen Graham Jones

Narrated by: Chris Patton, Jonathan Yen

A spellbinding and darkly humorous coming-of-age story about an unusual boy whose family lives on the fringe of society and struggles to survive in a hostile world that shuns and fears them.

He was born an outsider, like the rest of his family. Poor yet resilient, he lives in the shadows with his aunt Libby and uncle Darren, folk who stubbornly make their way in a society that does not understand or want them. They are mongrels, mixed blood, neither this nor that.

The boy at the center of Mongrels must decide if he belongs on the road with his aunt and uncle or if he fits with the people on the other side of the tracks. For 10 years he and his family have lived a life of late-night exits and narrow escapes - always on the move across the South to stay one step ahead of the law. But the time is drawing near when Darren and Libby will finally know if their nephew is like them or not. And the close calls they've been running from for so long are catching up fast now. Everything is about to change.

A compelling and fascinating journey, Mongrels alternates between past and present to create an unforgettable portrait of a boy trying to understand his family and his place in a complex and unforgiving world. A smart and innovative story - funny, bloody, raw, and real - told in a rhythmic voice full of heart, Mongrels is a deeply moving, sometimes grisly novel that illuminates the challenges and tender joys of a life beyond the ordinary in a bold and imaginative new way.

©2016 Stephen Graham Jones (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Imaginative story, well told.

This is a coming of age story where the protagonist happens to be a werewolf. The characters are rich and fully drawn. The structure of the book with alternating chapters, first person then narrated, works very well. And the narrators were both outstanding. Enjoyed the book immensely.

Best werewolf book

This was the best take on werewolves I’ve read. The only book that ever seemed to give them a purpose beyond being ‘not vampires’.

The tale of a kid struggling to fit in with family was solid. Had a little mystery at the end that was nice.

To Stephen Graham

I finish one book, and then I want to start another. I'll keep going until I finish one I don't like. Good work!

not your Hollywood werewolf

I absolutely loved this story! it brings werewolves into a new light, one more feral...more raw. Stephen hasn't reinvented the wheel, only given it something that feels almost real. It's not cliche, but isn't being ironic about it. the story just works.

I did like the narration over all. I wasn't a fan of the present tense reader, but quickly got used to him as the story went on. I liked that they had two readers, I just like one more than the other.

highly recommend this to any werewolf fan.

100% all around

I don’t understand the reviews that complain about the two narrators. They were fantastic. This is one of my new favorite SGJ books—loved the originality, the intimacy, the family.

Best Werewolf Story Ever

Jones' story is the kind of deep storytelling usually reserved for vampires, with gore and action interspliced with lore and slice-of-life Americana. The narration is excellent and fits Jones' conversational writing style. This is my favorite of his so far and I'm happy that I only discovered his books a short while ago, so I have plenty more to read and listen to.

Pretty good.

The characters were interesting. The only problem with the story that I had was it seemed jumpy from chapter to chapter. The performers were ok, but not as good as some others I have experienced.

a different POV to a werewolf story

Stephen Graham Jones is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. this was a wonderful and weird look at the day to day lives of a werewolf family and I constantly felt like I was just another sibling. the author reminds me a lot of Steinbeck, but his indigenous roots show through in the best of ways. I wish I could thank him in person.

"when i am a werewolf i will wear jean shorts"

non linear. hard to stay in at points. good twist. main narrator is great, other average/corny. first half of story a 4, back half an 8. overall not what i expected, but still passable

A must listen for werewolf fans

I absolutely loved this book and reading !!! Jones is an expert story teller. One of my new favorites!!