The Painting of Porcupine City

The writing is superb, the characters are well developed, and there is a major plot twist that made the story much more interesting than it otherwise would have been. I loved watching Fletcher mature throughout the book, and I'm happy with the ending as far as everyone's relationships with one another goes. However, the book is somewhat ruined for me in that it suddenly becomes something else entirely in the last 10%. If I'm going to enjoy magical realism, I want the whole book written that way, or I at least need to know to expect it before I reach the last few pages. I'd have given the book 5 stars if not for that.

Spoilers ahead - don't read them unless you've already read the book or don't plan to read it!

It seems a lot of people were unhappy that Fletcher ended up with key checking guy (Ollie) rather than Mateo. I thought that was the best possible thing for everyone because Mateo would never have been able to give Fletcher what he needed in a permanent relationship. He was too much in love with painting graffiti to ever give it up, and that just couldn't have worked long term. What he did do was teach Fletcher how to love and that he was worth loving. He also left a piece of himself behind for Fletcher with Caleb.I didn't have a problem with Mateo disappearing with no explanation after painting on the bridge. I'd have loved the book still, if not for Mateo and Caleb suddenly oozing paint out of their bodies, and all of Mateo's "facts" coming back when he disappeared and being impossible to remove or cover. That came out of left field and with the first 90% of the book being realistic, that was just too sharp of a contrast to the rest of the book to be able to accept.

I loved every minute of reading it. (and I'll get a little smile on my face every time I pat my pocket to make sure I've got my keys or wallet on me)