Content levels
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
"Meet Westlake Soul, a twenty-three-year-old former surfing champion. A loving son and brother. But if you think he's just a regular dude, think again; Westlake is in a permanent vegetative state. He can't move, has no response to stimuli, and can only communicate with Hub, the faithful family dog. And like all superheroes, Westlake has an archenemy: Dr. Quietus--a nightmarish embodiment of Death itself."--P. [4] of cover.
Is Westlake Soul appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This literary fantasy explores consciousness, mortality, and family bonds through a protagonist in a vegetative state battling a personification of Death. Contains mature themes about disability, mortality, and existential struggle that may be emotionally intense for younger readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include death, grief, and chronic illness (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Older teens will be drawn to the unique protagonist navigating an internal battle while trapped in his own body, with superhero-like stakes.