46 pages • 1 hour read
Cal ArmisteadBeing Henry David
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Cal Armistead’s 2013 novel Being Henry David, Danny Henderson wakes up with amnesia in New York City’s Penn Station, possessing only a copy of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. Adopting the name Henry David, he travels to Concord, Massachusetts, in search of his identity, making new friends and confronting his troubled past. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, the influence of literature, and the impact of trauma. The novel references violence, child abuse, drug use, and death by suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Being Henry David by Cal Armistead has captivated readers with its engaging exploration of identity and self-discovery. Praises focus on the compelling narrative and well-developed characters. However, some readers found the plot predictably formulaic. Despite this, its insightful themes resonate well with young adults.
Who Should Read Being Henry David?
Potential readers who would enjoy Being Henry David by Cal Armistead are teens who appreciate introspective coming-of-age stories. Fans of The Catcher in the Rye and Paper Towns would find this novel's themes of identity and self-discovery engaging. Ideal for those who enjoy complex characters and literary connections.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
780L