This book really challenged some realities for me. First, I am also from a small town outside of Nashville, Tennessee, so the proximity of where this story takes place to where my hometown is caused me to devour this book. I knew all the references that were unique to Tennessee: the way he described the light on a September afternoon, or the style of homes on a rural street, or even East Nashville’s cluttered coolness. What was so affecting to me though was the way Mr. Zentner approached place and questioned how it defines you, or if it does. Dill and Travis both feel their destinies are defined by Forrestville. Lydia, on the other hand feels that Forrestville is the only thing keeping her from her destiny. I think everyone can relate to one of these two feelings, maybe both of them. Each character is trying to carry their individual burden their small town has bestowed upon them. Lydia wants more for Dill and Travis then they want for themselves, but how could she possibly know what life was really like for either of them? I absolutely LOVED this book. There are only a few books in my memory that have stuck with me so deeply. The characters in The Serpent King will embed themselves in your brain and you won’t be able to shake them.