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heatherchrisman's review
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Homophobia
sshabein's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I admit I picked this because of a book challenge category to read a recently banned/challenged book, and it had a shorter wait from the library than GENDER QUEER (I do plan on reading that one still though). When I first heard of its banning, I thought it was the Paul Lisicky book called LAWNBOY, which is over 10 years old at this point. Not so! (That book is quite good btw.)
This LAWN BOY is... fine. However, Evison veers a little bit into caricature at times. He writes in an essay at the end of the book that he didn't want to do "noble poor" stereotypes, and he mostly avoids that, but there are a few moments that are.... like Obama-era liberalism, especially regarding race. Some of the dialogue is... a choice. It means well, but some details and comments are a little YIKES. I understand that YA/New Adult books are more prone to over-explaining their themes, but it wasn't always for me. One of those times where I start agreeing with the "show don't tell" people. There is also some mild fatphobia, and one bit that describes puppy mills that is worth a content warning.
I assume asshole conservatives are trying to ban it because of their own homophobia and racism, which is of course ridiculous. Even if I didn't LOVE this book, people should still have access to it and can make their own assessments.
This LAWN BOY is... fine. However, Evison veers a little bit into caricature at times. He writes in an essay at the end of the book that he didn't want to do "noble poor" stereotypes, and he mostly avoids that, but there are a few moments that are.... like Obama-era liberalism, especially regarding race. Some of the dialogue is... a choice. It means well, but some details and comments are a little YIKES. I understand that YA/New Adult books are more prone to over-explaining their themes, but it wasn't always for me. One of those times where I start agreeing with the "show don't tell" people. There is also some mild fatphobia, and one bit that describes puppy mills that is worth a content warning.
I assume asshole conservatives are trying to ban it because of their own homophobia and racism, which is of course ridiculous. Even if I didn't LOVE this book, people should still have access to it and can make their own assessments.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Fatphobia
webb_beb's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Toxic friendship, and Classism