Holes by Louis Sachar
Hey everyone, this is Og Maciel with another exciting book recommendation from Bellwether. This week, I’m bringing you a young adult book that I first read back in 2021—Holes by Louis Sachar.
The story revolves around Stanley Yelnats, a young kid who one day finds himself unexpectedly in trouble. While walking down the street, a pair of sneakers suddenly fall from the sky and land on him. Before Stanley knows it, he’s being accused of stealing those sneakers! Turns out, they belonged to a famous athlete, and since the shoes were stolen, Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center.
Camp Green Lake isn’t what its name suggests—there’s no lake, and the camp is located in the middle of a desert. The boys there are subjected to forced labor, where they must dig holes every day. These aren’t just random holes; they have to be dug to very specific measurements. It’s all supposedly meant to "build character," but as the story progresses, we start to uncover why these boys are really digging these holes.
One of the most interesting parts of Holes, the one that really resonated with me, is the strong theme of friendship. Stanley becomes close with another boy named Zero, and their bond is central to the story. As they work together to survive their time at Camp Green Lake, the boys uncover secrets about the camp and its mysterious warden, Louise Walker, a cruel and manipulative figure.
The book has a lot going on, with flashbacks that reveal how the camp and the land it’s on have a long, complicated history. There’s even a romantic subplot involving Kate Barlow, a schoolteacher from the 1800s, and Sam, an onion farmer. Their forbidden love becomes part of the lore surrounding Camp Green Lake, adding even more depth to the story.
Beyond the humor and heart, there’s a great deal of mystery woven throughout the plot. Stanley’s family believes they are cursed, thanks to something his great-great-grandfather did, and that belief plays a significant role in the unfolding of events.
One of the reasons I love Holes is its intricate, well-thought-out plot. The author masterfully connects multiple characters and events across different time periods. Even seemingly minor details—like canned peaches and onions—end up playing major roles in the story. The way everything comes together in the end is nothing short of brilliant.
After I finished reading the book, I was struck by how much attention Louis Sachar must have paid to every tiny detail. It’s one of those stories where you realize that something small in the beginning turns out to be crucial to solving the mystery later on. That level of plot design is so inspiring, and as an aspiring writer, I found myself wishing I could create something that was so tightly woven like that.
So, don’t be fooled by the fact that this is labeled as young adult fiction—Holes is a book for all ages, especially if you appreciate clever storytelling and intricate plot twists. And if you love stories about friendship, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles, you’re going to enjoy this one!
If you’re a fan of movies like Pulp Fiction or Snatch, where various plot threads eventually tie together in a big finale, then I highly recommend checking out Holes by Louis Sachar.
Let me know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly book recommendations. Until next week—keep reading!