Goodreads Ireland discussion

This is the spoiler thread for our September group read, Lean On Pete by Willy Vlautin.

I haven't finished the book but saw the movie a few months ago. The movie is very faithful to the book so I assume the ending is the same. Thank goodness that this kid who doesn't give up finally has a good situation.

I was so sad and horrified when Pete died! I really thought that both Charley and Pete would lie happily ever after - though that was unrealistic.

Bookworm with Kids wrote: "I was so sad and horrified when Pete died! I really thought that both Charley and Pete would lie happily ever after - though that was unrealistic."

Me too! and I saw the movie first. It is even more unusual in a movie. Although I wouldn't say I like animals more than people, it is hard when an animal dies in a novel or film. Of course it's even more heartbreaking when something happens to a child.

The two times I read the book, both times that made me cry

Does anyone think that the Samoan was arrested and charged with murdering Charley's dad?
It doesn't really mention it too much in the book but I would like to think that justice was done.

I don't think so, Bookworm. I didn't get the impression that anyone (like the police) cared enough to pursue it.

That's so sad, isn't it? A man died and his son just slips through the cracks and has to fend for himself.

It happens often in America and it is more likely to happen when the victim is poor. First the murder has to be reported, then solved, and then prosecuted. " In 2015, 62% of murders and non-negligent homicides in the U.S. were cleared. That rate hasn’t changed much since 1995, but it’s far lower than in 1965, when more than 90% of murders in the U.S. were solved." So there's a 1 in 3 chance a murderer won't even be identified. In this story, a juvenile was the only witness and then left the area so there's no witnesses.
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/...
Then how many of those caught are convicted? I couldn't dig up those statistics.

Barbara wrote: "It happens often in America and it is more likely to happen when the victim is poor. First the murder has to be reported, then solved, and then prosecuted. " In 2015, 62% of murders and non-neglige..."
That's amazing research, thanks Barbara.
I wonder why the statistics have changed so much since 1965 - decreased numbers of police for investigating, criminals becoming more sophisticated, I don't know.

Bookworm with Kids wrote: "Barbara wrote: "It happens often in America and it is more likely to happen when the victim is poor. First the murder has to be reported, then solved, and then prosecuted. " In 2015, 62% of murders..."
I suspect it's a cut in policing and budgets.