The Art of Raising Hell

He may have grown up in a small town, but award-winning author Thomas Lopinski’s The Art of Raising Hell is big on heart.

The story follows aptly-named protagonist Ryan “Newbie” Johnson, a young boy torn apart by the tragic death of his mother, as he adjusts to life in Bunsen Creek, Illinois— a sleepy, unassuming town that, beneath its idyllic surface, is filled with colorful characters, all of whom are looking to leave their mark on the world.

As he slowly comes to terms with his new life, Newbie takes comfort in mischief and teams up with some unlikely companions. The most notable of these is local troublemaker, Lonny Nack, who, surprisingly, takes Newbie under his wing and teaches him what it means to truly grab life by the horns.

While not a light read by any stretch, The Art of Raising Hell is our generation’s Catcher In The Rye: a tender, yet compelling, coming-of-age tale that reminds its audience of the difference between life and living.