As with every other Jeff Zentner novel, I found myself feeling every single feel imaginable.
Such a beautiful story of friendship, love, loss, grief, and discovering one's own gifts and abilities that far exceed self-belief.
Little Easter eggs of reference to his previous gems, The Serpent King, Goodbye Days (WHY does he make me continue to grieve for these kids???), and Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee are scattered throughout, which I absolutely love, because it feels like those books never ended, bringing me back to them.
I laughed, I cried, I marveled at the absolute beauty in the poetic mastery of words. My phone is full of screenshots of my favorite, perfect passages.

Into the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner...for fans of Zentner's Serpent King, this is a must read. And if you haven't read Serpent King, what are you thinking?!? Go get it!
Into the Wild is not a book written in verse, but it is one of the most poetic books I have ever read. This would make an amazing book club book with imagery discussions that could last days! Absolutely powerful!
Cash and Delaney are from a small town full of hard knocks. Their lives have been rife with sorrow and pain. Then they make an amazing discovery (because Delaney is a quirky genius, btw) that could rock the medical world. Cash feels he doesn't deserve any of the spotlight, after all, he was just paddling the canoe, but Delaney is his best friend and he wants to be there for her. Then they are both offered an opportunity of a lifetime: a full ride at a fancy boarding school halfway across the country. He knows Delaney needs this, but she won't survive without him there. He knows he needs to go, but he also feels he should stay "in his place'" with his dying grandpa. His heart is tugged in many directions and Cash has to make some of the hardest decisions of his life.
Great read. Amazing imagery. Loved everything about this book.

The exploration of gentle masculinity, of loving familial and platonic male relationships in this book, is one that will stay with me for a long time.

Mr. Zentner, you owe me an entire box of Kleenex.

I have been savoring In the Wild Light all week. Reading and re-reading each line to take it all in. A book about grief, friendship, family, porches and puzzles, poetry, nature, and how love ties it all together. And how we should all hope to have at least one person who SEES you. All of you. And loves you through it. There are some scenes with Cash and his Pawpaw that just gutted me. And some scenes that made me laugh out loud. The magic of Jeff Zentner. If you have not read his books? You should start reading them all. Now.

And yes, I love the multiple shoutouts to Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee.

IN THE WILD LIGHT shines in setting, description and witty dialogue. I felt a strong sense of place in Cash’s hometown of Sawyer, Tennessee, where the story starts, especially, and the narrative does an excellent job of setting up the main characters in the first act. Cash’s relationships with his near-genius best friend Delaney and his ailing Papaw felt particularly realistic and deeply-rooted.
The pacing is slow. While we were in Tennessee for the first third of the book, I kept thinking, “I want to get out of here and get to boarding school already,” but once we got there the pace didn’t pick up at all. Big plot points felt shoehorned in, like the fight between Cash and Delaney that happens exactly 50% of the way through the book, which felt convoluted and escalated at break-neck speed.
Cash is a likeable character, but he isn’t a very confident or active character. Lots of things happen to Cash. Sure, he makes some big decisions, but he makes almost all of them because other people tell him what to do. These things make sense for the character (grew up poor in a small town, is a teenager who doesn’t know what he wants or how to ask for it) but they don’t make for the most compelling story. I kept wondering if the story would have been more interesting if it was told from the perspective of Delaney—I wanted her to get to boarding school and realize she doesn’t always need Cash by her side. It also would have differentiated this book from Looking for Alaska bit more.
I knew going into this novel that it was being compared to John Green’s book—and that was originally my reason for being so eager to read it. But I was hoping for a fresh take with new lessons to be learned, and maybe a different look at boarding school, at life in the South, or at grief. It feels like the book is trying to pay homage to John Green’s book, which I love, but I grew tired of reading the vaguely-reminiscent scenes. The male main character, Cash, is clearly obsessed with Delaney, who likes him back but lets her set him up with her friend instead. Cash has a strong rapport with an inspiring teacher, who invites him and his friends over for Thanksgiving dinner when they all stay on campus over break. He gets a concussion at one point, almost gets expelled for a fight with one of the rich kids and spends most of the book reflecting on grief and friendship.
The heart of the story is about Cash’s relationship with his grandpa and the moments between the two of them are the most interesting parts of the book to read. It’s what sets this book apart from Looking for Alaska and what makes Cash likeable and relatable. Yet everyone in the book is constantly urging Cash to enjoy his life at boarding school instead of worrying about his Papaw, when it doesn’t feel like his life at boarding school has a whole lot of enjoyable aspects. Yes, he learns to write poetry and love it, but even his poems are basically about how everything was better in Tennessee. Near the end of the book, Cash refers to his boarding school friends as “the richness in his life,” but his relationships with everyone except Delaney seemed to be lacking in depth. This habit of telling us about Cash’s internal journey instead of showing it to us is at the root of why I was ultimately disappointed by this read.
Though it wasn’t for me, I think this book will delight readers who dream of going to boarding school, excite those who comb with highlighters for beautiful lines of prose, and comfort those going through a period of grief—an experience more common in 2021 than in most years. I appreciated the diversity of the characters and that the literary allusions throughout included female writers like Mary Oliver.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Books for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This may be the best book by Jeff Zentner that I've read, and that is saying something. His books are amazing.
The main character Cash and his best friend Delaney struggle against situations that are outside their control in the Appalachian Mountains. Both have lost their mothers to drug addiction - the only difference between them is that Delaney's mother is still living. The two characters have an opportunity to attend a Northeast prep school, which presents the potential to change the course of their lives.
The book is in turns touching, funny, and horribly sad, in ways that only Zentner can pen. The relationship between the two best friends is realistic and believable. For both of them, living in poverty is hard, but it's familiar. Taking a chance on an uncertain and unknown future is easy in theory, but life isn't that simple.

I received an ARC if this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The latest book from Jeff Zentner is a masterpiece of poetry and life. Throughout the book the main character, Cash, writes poetry explaining his feelings about people in his life and his beloved home in Tennessee. The beautiful descriptions of the river, family members, friends, and the love of Cash for each of them, about us how the mind of a teenager processes loss and hardship. Zentner bestows upon the reader an inside look at the unblemished mind of a young person who is affected, but not broken by his mother's overdose and subsequent death.

See my review for IN THE WILD LIGHT below:

https://jessgreads.wixsite.com/website/post/review-in-the-wild-light-by-jeff-zentner

I’ve had the honor to read this before it’s publication date, thank you NetGalley. If I could give this book an extra star, I would 3x over, I absolutely loved this book!
For those who have read Serpent King(which I’ve read three times), you’ll notice a few similar themes and characteristics in this story, however, you’ll still gravitate towards the plot while falling in love with the characters. You’ll burn your dinners and neglect your household until you finish the last page of this story, at least that’s my experience with this story(and other JZ books).
This story is for those who struggle with self worth, acceptance, struggling with trauma, grief and faith.
The book is beautiful, and an important read for anyone, but especially towards young adults. I wish I had a book like this during my hard teenage years, I may have found healing much sooner.
I appreciate Jeff’s artistry and sharing it with the world, thank you!

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner.

Beginning in Tennessee, Cash tells the story of a year or so in his life with his grandparents and his best friend, Delaney, who is super-intelligent. She even discovers a new strain of penicillin on nearby cave walls and then comes to the attention of the world. This leads to a scholarship to an elite boarding school in Connecticut, but she agrees to take it only if one is also offered to Cash. His grandfather has an advanced stage of emphysema, but he insists that Cash take the scholarship.

Cash feels so out of place at the new boarding school while Delaney thrives in the new environment. The two of them each make a great friend, and they become a group of four good friends. For quite a while Cash is very hesitant to share the full extent of his past and his present home life with his new friends. Through needing to fill an English credit, Cash is put in a beginning poetry class, and he finds a real love for it eventually. He grows close to his poetry teacher, too.

The book has humor, much realism, and at times, it brings tears. Cash has some true friends and wonderful, supportive grandparents. He also is a sensitive, thinking young man. I must admit that I am not good at getting much out of poetry so I am no judge as to the poetry in the novel, but I have noticed others writing praises of it.

I enjoyed the novel, and I thank Netgalley for providing an ARC of an ebook. I always enjoy Jeff Zentner’s novels!

Zentner has a lyrical style that is quite rare to read in young adult literature. His cast of characters is diverse, well-developed, and interesting to learn about. Moreover, he presents difficult subjects, such as grief, consent, and racism, with grace.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was written for teens but goes so much further. I think this would be an engaging title for a class to study together. There are a lot of discussions that can take place that students will relate to.

August 10th. That’s the date that the best book I’ve ever read will be released. So thankful to @NetGalley for an eARC of Into the Wild by Jeff Zentner. It’s a masterpiece. I really don’t know if books can get better than this. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I selected this book because I loved The Serpent King. The characters in The Serpent King stayed with me for days. I had extremely high expectations for this book. Wow. It didn't disappoint. I have no idea how Jeff Zentner creates characters that sit with me.
In the Wild Light was an emotional read but worth every page. At first I was worried, the idea of kids going to a prep school seemed almost cliche. However by the end it was far from normal. The use of poetry really added to the overall message of the book.
Not a spoiler but one of the stand out points...DO THE RIGHT THING. Wow. Thank you for this amazing read. I can't wait to tell my students about it.

I am a huge fan of Jeff Zentner. I didn't think he could write a novel that would pull at my heartstrings as much as The Serpent King did; however, In the Wild Light grabbed me just as much, if not MORE! I am from East Tennessee and recognize so many of the landmarks he references. And while his characters are works of fiction, they are so authentic to the people of this region. Jeff has knocked it out of the park again. Get your tissues ready! But also prepare yourself for ALL of the other feelings.

In the Wild Light is the first book I have read by Jeff Zentner. I was completely impressed with how he developed the story and characters. The language was beautiful. I was on an emotional roller coaster with the characters throughout the book. There are so many important topics in this book that will be important talking points. Readers will enjoy getting to know Cash as he navigates all the joys and downfalls life throws at him.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Cash Pruitt has lived his whole life in Tennessee, under the shadow of his mother's death from a drug overdose. Since she died, he has lived with his amazing and very loving grandparents, Papaw and Mamaw, and spent all of his free time with his best friend, Delaney. Delaney, whose own mother is a drug addict (they met in a support group) doesn't let her circumstances dictate who she is. She is a brilliant, inquisitive girl, who recently discovered a rare mold that can be used as a penicillin to treat even antibiotic-resistant infections, like MRSA. This discovery, found in a cave off the Pigeon River, tested in the high school science lab, and submitted to the only scientist who would listen to a poor kid from Tennessee, has earned her a full-ride scholarship an elite prep school in Connecticut - and she got Cash a full ride, too. Cash doesn't want to leave his Papaw, who is dying of emphysema, or his Mamaw, who makes ends meet by managing the local Little Caesar's, but Delaney won't go without him, and this would open up a whole new world of opportunities for him that he otherwise would never be able to afford. If he goes. But... can he afford not to?

Reader's Notes: I read this book in 2 days and I am so mad at myself that I couldn't put it down, because now it's over and I don't have any more! That's how good this book is. I literally laughed out loud and poked the person next to me to read a couple sentences to them, and then an hour later cried into my pillow. It's so good. I love Papaw so, so much. Also, I love how the author references his other books in the new one. You don't have to know anything at all about the others, but if you have read them, you understand why Cash having a Goodbye Day was such a powerful thing.

This book wrecked me. It’s beautiful. I cried off and on through many parts of it and was wholly engaged and immersed. It’s a slow burn and very much character driven, which has always been one of my favorite types of stories. Book talking this one will never do it justice, and I hope it is as personal for all readers as it was for me.

How do you review one of the best books you've ever read? I'm a well read person--I read for school and I write for fun--and this is still, out of all the books I've read, one I will never, ever forget. It resonates on so many levels for me, especially in terms of addiction, love, and loss. The emotion poured into it, the poetry, the language all spoke to me on a soul level.

The story is about Cash, a boy who grew up in rural Tennessee with his best friend and grandparents as support after he lost his mom to an overdose. The opioid crisis is highlighted here because it is such a huge part of small town America, and Zentner's lyrical voice gives weight to the true horrors of living in a town and being related to someone who is going through that battle. His best friend Delaney gets a scholarship for one of the most elite private boarding schools in the country, and she uses her newfound fame to get Cash a scholarship, too.

Cash must reconcile leaving his life--and his sick grandfather--behind for a new experience in upstate New York. It's not easy, but he finds refuge in poetry as he deals with the tumultuous transition.

Cash is a poet, and the way he sees the world is beautiful. The most inspiring thing about this book is Cash's ability to put previously indescribable emotions in the perfect words. So many times throughout I realized the Cash was in my head, pulling out my thoughts and feelings and articulating them in ways I never thought were possible. It's a book I wanted to devour but savor, and I can't recommend it enough. I'm jealous of people who haven't read it yet because they still get to read it for the first time.

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley.

It's no surprise that Jeff Zentner is a musician because his words flow from the page. It was refreshing to read such a beautifully written book at a time when there seem to be a plethora of fantasies.

In the Wild Light is the story of Cash Pruitt and his grandfather, Papaw, but it's also so much more. Cash, like many in Appalachia, is orphaned when his mother succumbs to addiction. He meets the genius Delaney at a Narateen meeting and they become lifelong friends, the only one either has in tiny Sawyer, Tennessee.

"Ever since I first became aware that the world contains mysteries and incomprehensible wonders, I've tried to live as a witness to them. As we came to know each other, I began to see something in Delaney that I'd never seen in another person. I can't name that thing. maybe it has no name, the way fire has no shape. It was something ferocious and consuming, like fire."

When Delaney is offered a scholarship to the prestigious Milford Academy after discovering new penicillin, she only agrees to go if Cash also receives a scholarship. Cash grudgingly agrees to go, all the while missing his grandparents, and worried about his PawPaw who has emphysema.

"Uncertainty. I guess uncertainty isn't always something you can conquer. Sometimes it's a path you have to take."

Cash finds life at Milford challenging, with difficult classes, lack of money, and an obnoxious roommate, but his poetry class and his friends, Alex and Vi, make life bearable. All the while, he worries about his grandparents back home.

"Memory is a tether. Sometimes you get some slack in the line and you can play it out for a while. You forget and think you're free. But you'll always get to the end and realize it's still there, binding you, reminding you or itself, reminding you that you belong to each other. "

There were so many beautifully written passages in this book! Highly recommended realistic fiction. (less)