Wicked Good is the story of a single mother raising a teenage boy with Asperger's. Rory walked the floor many nights considering suicide. His mother, Archer, was devoted, a brilliant lawyer, and tired as she balanced her demanding career with motherhood. There was constant stress from dealing with Rory's behavior. His father was little to no help. When Rory got an idea fixed in his mind there was no convincing or stopping him from doing what he wanted. When he discovered he was adopted he wanted to meet his birth-mother and there was no way Archer could convince him otherwise. What he discovered could destroy him.
Lewis and Faircloth are brilliant writers. I was quickly caught up in Wicked Good as the authors shed a much needed light on Asperger's. Too many do not know what it is or have never heard of it. The authors skillfully captured the behavior of a teen with Asperger's. What reader would not like Archer? Women will relate to the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy that she often faced. I found it sad that she turned to alcohol for comfort. Rory was an endearing character despite his behavior. It was obvious that he could not control his actions. My favorite character was Trish. In some ways she was the most mature person in the plot. When she reached out to Archer and offered comfort and wisdom, I had tears in my eyes.
The author is a master of characterization. The characters marched off the page and into my heart. I found myself wondering how much of a child's behavior comes from genetics and how much is environment. While much of the characterization may seem a bit hyperbole, it is necessary. The authors could not have made the characters lower keyed and successfully develop this tale. This book has a surprising twist towards the end that will please readers. I did not want this book to end. I'm hoping for a sequel. This would be the perfect plot for a movie. Well done!