Gathering Resilience: A Review of Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow
When I first stumbled upon Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow, the combination of its heartfelt premise and its accolades—a National Book Award Finalist, a Kirkus Prize winner—was enough to coax me into its pages. The story of Ian Gray and his resilient bond with his adopted pup, Gather, intrigued me right from the start. I find that books about young adults navigating life’s complexities often hold a mirror to our own lives, echoing themes of resilience and community. Cadow’s narrative does just that, and more.
At its core, Gather is a poignant exploration of the struggle to keep a family afloat amid overwhelming challenges. Ian, a sixteen-year-old forced to juggle his mother’s opioid addiction, the loss of his basketball dreams, and the responsibilities of finding a job, embodies the spirit of resilience. The emotional depth Cadow brings to Ian’s relationship with Gather—a dog that seems to be his only constant in a turbulent life—tugs on the heartstrings in ways that are both familiar and fresh. Their bond will resonate with anyone who has ever found solace in the unconditional love of a pet.
Cadow’s writing style is wry and often reflective, giving us a first-person glimpse into Ian’s mind as he navigates this rocky terrain. I found myself both laughing and tearing up as I followed Ian’s journey. The narrative flows comfortably, with moments of lightness intermixed with the heavy themes of poverty, addiction, and community support. The pacing was just right; I felt compelled to turn the pages yet relished the moments when I could pause and reflect on some beautifully crafted sentences. Cadow really excels in his ability to evoke a visceral sense of place—Vermont feels alive, and the community dynamics breathe authenticity into the narrative.
One of my favorite moments comes when Ian reflects on the sense of belonging as he learns to care for his neighbors. “It’s hard to feel lost when someone is rooting for you,” he observes, and it struck me as a powerful reminder of the impact of community ties. This profound connection is central to the book and makes the characters’ journeys feel universal—many of us have felt that pull of home and the weight of expectation, even if our circumstances differ from Ian’s.
Gather is more than just a coming-of-age story; it’s an intimate portrayal of the human experience within a community grappling with change and decline. Readers of all ages—especially those interested in genuine young adult narratives—will find something to hold on to here. Teens wrestling with their own life’s adversities will see parts of themselves reflected in Ian, while adults may find nostalgic and empathetic threads to connect with their own experiences.
As I turned the last page, I found myself both hopeful and introspective, reflecting on the resilience we all muster in different forms. Cadow’s Gather is a symphony of survival, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds we form, reminding us that even in our toughest times, there is always a community that stands ready to help us stand again. I can’t recommend it enough!