This is an intense read, there is a lot going on in the story and it can be quite dark at points. There is some mental abuse, threat of sexual abuse, and just general discomfort in the story. There is some queer representation in the story however it can be hard to tease it out because there’s a lot to get through. The story itself is sad because it focuses on a young person who is going through a hard time and needs to find help. I do like the relationship that is created in the story, it is light in a very dark plot.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This book was not for me, way too strange.

I received an arc for The Scarecrow & George C but was never able to read it. I love Mia Kerick, but the copy I received was not compatible with my kindle.

This book should come with a very long list of Trigger Warning but, this said, it was a very enjoyable reading. I loved Van's voice, he is quirky and he makes you want to hug him (even if he wouldn't agree to that, obviously), and I enjoyed that we get the two POVs, Van's one and George C' one. They complement each other and help give us a wider story.
I loved that we get to see a lot of secondary characters that are, on the whole, a bunch of good people. I think sometimes it is easy to forget that they exist too, and that is not always true that the world is a bad place.
It is a story of growth, of hope, and of new starting, and it was an enjoyable reading. It is quite far from perfect because there are a bunch of things that could have been done differently, if you are aiming for greatness, but it is a good story, enjoyable and captivating, with good characters, and sometimes you don't need more.

This is actually a really nice story, very emotional because it pulls at your heart, but it also overflows with hope. It isn't the kind of story that I generally read and this is the first time I'm actually reading a book by this author. I enjoyed it because the story, through its characters, has a way of pulling the reader in and this is because of the way the emotions of the characters spill out onto the page.

George C is a runaway who is finding his feet in a new town and he has been able to do this through the kindness of strangers. George C has a job working in a café and it is there that he meets the scarecrow. The scarecrow is a young man called Donovan. Donovan has his own story of survival and he deals with his own pains by distancing himself from others through the way he dresses and behaves but Donovan reaches out to George C and helps him at a time of need and it is this act of kindness that develops and grows into a bond between the two young men. Gradually both men change as they grow together in love and courage and it is this courage that enables them to confront both pain of the past and their fear for the present.

The story is really well written and comes together like the weaving of a tapestry. It is both a painful and soothing story with a rich cast of supporting characters who also find redemption and hope.

The story is quite angsty in places as the characters reveal the different challenges and pain that they have encountered but it is also a story of hope because of the way love emerges between these these two young men. I think that it is this love that gives the story passion and hope.

As a reader I felt myself drawn into the story and then I held on because there were glimpses of hope and light at the end of the tunnel. So all in all this is actually a good story, not what I would've normally read, but one that I did enjoy in any case.

Copy provided by Nine Star Press via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

4.5 - 5 stars...

My initial response when I finished The Scarecrow & George C? This author is getting really good at breaking my heart…

These boys were definitely meant to be with each other. They were both so broken, although George hid it well. Van kept himself closed off, but he couldn’t help himself from being drawn to George. I loved watching him open up and become “real”.

I loved George, but it was hard for me to not get mad at him – yet when everyone else gave up on him, Van didn’t. Oh Van was crushed and my heart broke for him (more than once) but once he got himself together, he realized that some things were worth fighting for.

There were so many layers to The Scarecrow & George C. Heartbreak, trust, forgiveness, love, true friendship and most of all, there was hope. There was also a strong sense of family – not by blood, but the found kind of family. Sometimes those form the strongest and most dependable bonds. Watching these characters grow and learn to trust (and not just each other) was amazing.

I’ve read enough books by this author now to understand that their books aren’t exactly easy to read from an emotional standpoint, but they are totally worth every tear that’s shed. ❤

I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did. I want to say it was just not being in the mood to read, but I found certain aspects of this book to really pull me out of the story. I enjoyed the characters, especially Van. The scarecrow aspect isn't something I have ever seen before. George C. was warm and kind, but a little generic and run of the mill for me. The biggest drawback for this book was the change perspectives. I have read books where it shifts from chapter to chapter, but the way this is sectioned really pulled me away from the story instead of enhanced it. I am sure there was a purpose for this decision, but it wasn't one that I enjoyed. It was a cute story though.

First of all, this was the best book to read for Pride Month. Second of all, this is just a good book in general. Van and George C are my favorite part of this book. They are written so well they become flesh on the page. It’s easy to understand them as human beings and to get why they make certain decisions. Both of them go through very dark and realistic moments throughout the story and it makes you wonder why this society lets horrible things happen out of fear and discrimination.
The writing is simple but well-structured. The ending felt a little rushed, but other than that the pacing worked perfectly.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book, I enjoyed it a lot. If you love stories about overcoming fear, this is the book for you. If you love queer stories, this is definitely the book for you. Do be reminded that this book contains strong topics like abuse and sexual harassment, so if that’s a trigger for you, this book might not be your cup of tea.

Told in alternating parts by Donovan and George, The Scarecrow & George C by Mia Kerick looks at fear, abuse, and what it takes to learn to live again. Donovan sees himself as a Scarecrow. He goes out of his way to dress and act in an intimidating manner in order to protect himself. George C sees himself as tainted, and despite his more outgoing personality, fears being looked at in disgust. Can these two broken men help each other heal?

Each spoke in first person, and broke the fourth wall completely by addressing the reader directly often, which I loved. Donovan was more sarcastic, but I did feel there was little other difference in tone between Van and George. I felt so bad for both of these boys! I cannot imagine a mother choosing a boyfriend over a child, and turning a blind eye to abuse. I know it happens, hell, I know people it has happened to, and yet… I can't wrap my mind around it. Nor can I wrap my mind around verbal and emotional abuse towards your own child, and denigrating them for being gay. All of these can leave deep scars and warp the personality of a child (or even an adult). I was so happy that Donovan started learning to trust again. Having recalcitrant trust issues myself, it's always nice to see happy resolutions in that regard.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and NineStar Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed as part of the XPresso Blog Tour.

Beautifully written. Loved the pacing, storyline and characters. Perfect for a cozy night in and will highly recommend this to friends and family. Realy enjoyable read.

I have always had a soft spot for emotionally damaged, and broken characters so I was immediately intrigued by the description of this book and it's characters. It took almost two chapters for me to adjust to being directly addressed by the narrators but in the end I think it worked as a method of giving the reader a little more insight into the characters. I appreciate the fact that the connection between George C and Van didn't feel like insta-love although it was something that happened quickly. This was my second Mia Kerick book and I will definitely be looking for more.

I've seen some different opinions on The Scarecrow and George C both on Goodreads and NetGalley. But for me i honestly liked it, alot. I like that we got to know why Donovan was like he was and kind of got to know his inner thoughts throughout the book. I am not a person to often like first-person writings, because it kind of throws me off, but in this case i liked it. It actually made sense this way.

This was such a lovely book. Everything about it make me choose it. The cover, the name and the blur. Everything had a charm about it, that made me feel attracted to it and, happily, the feeling remain all along the book.

What I liked about the book was the characters. Both of them hiding their own insecurities, even though they handle them in very different ways. I loved Van’s attitude but one of the things got trouble with, was that we get too fast to know what’s behind it. I would love if it was keep as a mystery for a little longer. I loved the character development on his case, to see him give little steps into trusting others was beautiful. George C was also a nice character, but in his case it was a little bit harder to get in touch with his feelings. They both fit each other perfectly, and see them together was adorable.

I’m not used to a character addressing the reader. I found it a bit fun, but I don’t think it fit George C’s personality to do it, as much as it did in Van’s. I was particularly interested in the family drama that was going on. It was heartbreaking. The book had some very angsty moments, which I’m fine with it. It was nothing too unbearable. Beware that it contain mention, even if not to graphic or on page, of sexual abuse.

Overall, I had some fun moments with the book. It had angst, love, friendship and a slow road to heal a wounded heart.

I loved everything about this book. The characters, the pacing, the writing...everything. Honestly, at first I thought that the breaking of the fourth wall would bother me. But it really didn't.

I was expecting Van to be more stoic, since from the first page he was describing himself as having zero feelings. But I'm assuming that was intentionally done by the author to show that he wasn't the self proclaimed scarecrow after all.

Van Liss is a senior in high school, dresses like a scarecrow and spends his days continuing to cultivate an untouchable barrier around himself. His disconnected mother and her abusive boyfriend are responsible for the way Van has to live his life: unreachable and indestructible. Then George C. begins working at the same diner as Van. He isn’t put off by Van’s cold demeanor, in fact, he seems curious… and he seems to care.

As the two young men get to know each other, they must deal with the past behind each of them and find a way to a future that may be out of reach.

Oh, Van. What a poor, lost soul this character is. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but I really cared about this kid from the beginning. This book is lovely in that it begins with Van himself is writing the story for a little while. At the beginning of the novel, he speaks directly to the reader, letting us know about the story he’s going to tell. He is candid and sharp, witty and clearly, he has been hurt. His past has turned him into the creature he is and the young narrator doesn’t pull any punches when discussing how he moves through the world.

I think I felt a lot for Van because of the way Kerick has built his character in the novel. Because he is such a loner, a lot of the first part of the novel is the reader and Van alone with his thoughts. He hasn’t really had any loving connections to anyone and this has left him lost at sea in terms of friends.

George C. has taken a different path to the diner where he befriends Val, but his journey was no less traumatic. He’s done things he isn’t proud of, wears them like a stain on his skin and struggles for everything. But, he’s also kind-hearted, sweet and wants to be worthy of someone as special as Van.

I really enjoyed the time these two spent getting to know each other. There was a lot of push and pull in their relationship and they seemed to be able to disarm each other without really even knowing they were doing it. I think that they were to each other the kind of friend we all really want to run across: someone who sees us.

This story is difficult to read at times, often amusing, sad and frightening and sometimes it’s all of those things at once.

I loved it. If you’ve ever been lost or felt really alone you may find a kindred spirit in these two characters.

“Good morning, Van,” he says.
“This is so fucked up,” I reply.
“Is that how you normally say good morning?”
“Normally, there’s nobody around to say good morning to.” My shock is evident.
His smile grows. “Well, then, ‘this is so fucked up’ works for me.

3.5 Stars

My feelings towards this book weren’t as warm as I’d hoped for. I liked Van but found the writing to be trying too hard to make him seem edgy instead of him actually being edgy. I mean sure he was short with people but he was described to be basically dead inside. I didn’t see that. I connected with George C. more, but still wasn’t in love. He was sweet, and I liked how he looked past Van’s gruff exterior.

Van and George C. both have people from the past who’ve broken their ability to trust so they struggle to be honest and open with one another. Content warning: there is sexual abuse discussed several times. Nothing overly explicit but still present throughout. I liked the dialogue in these scenes the most though. They provide each other necessary comfort and reassurance and it was cute to see them growing together as a couple.

“Think of it like this. You and me—we’re more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”

Van’s arms come around me, and I’m sure heaven feels this way—not exactly safe and not exactly scary, but very much a place I want to be.

There’s some angst towards the end, but it wrapped up pretty quickly. And honestly a little too easily. The looming threat of a big bad guy hung over most of the book and then he was just swept away in a few lines of phone dialogue.

One other small niggle was that they kept breaking the fourth wall and addressing the reader. Didn’t care for that.

It was a good story, but I was never swept up.