Reviews with content warning for Racism - Lawn Boy

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.

Content Warnings

rhiannon814r's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

betweentheshelves's review

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funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

*gets on soap box* Please stop calling books "innappropriate for kids and teens" when THEY WEREN'T WRITTEN FOR THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. Adult books are written for adults! Not kids and teens! *gets off soap box*

This book is tagged as young adult for some reason on Goodreads (probably because a lot of people tag it as that when it is NOT that), even though it won an Alex Award. Which does mean adult books that appeal to teens, but the key word here is adult. Adult fiction. In no way shape or form did Jonathan Evison write this with teenagers in mind as the primary audience, and the writing of the book reflects that. It's honestly part of the reason I had such a hard time getting into the book, party because I am so used to reading YA fiction.

This book clearly got reviewed bombed for a "pornographic" section, one that doesn't get into very much detail at all. In fact, the scene in question takes up only a few pages of the story overall, and honestly, I probably would have missed it if I hadn't known what this book was banned and challenged for in the first place.

Quite honestly, I only think this is on people's radar because they are getting it confused with Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen, which is, in fact a kids book. Like, maybe do your research before picking up a book for your kid? Is that too much to ask?

Outside of all of these factors, this was just an okay story for me. Definitely very character driven, definitely hitting a lot of key issues and kind of nailing what it can feel like when you're in your early 20s and don't know what to do with your life. Mike isn't the most likeable character, or the most reliable narrator, and that's part of what makes this book engaging. I can see why it won the Alex Award, because it's themes are relatable to teens that might pick it up.

Does it mean I'll pick up other books by Jonathan Evison? Probably not. Will it lead to an interesting book club discussion? Absolutely.

Content Warnings

andersonh92's review

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

I put this book on hold from my local public library after seeing that it was one of ALA’s top 13 most challenged books of 2022.

The whole duration of the novel, I kept wondering why this was on the list. Aside from one short and mildly explicit flashback from when the main character was a child at the beginning of the novel, some (hilarious) profanity, and some racist ideals of other characters; I doubt it quite entertaining and perfect for the YA reader.

I found it funny, insightful, intelligent, and a great take on how difficult it can be to be poor, live in poverty, and try to make something of yourself in this country.

I was pleasantly surprised, and I really enjoyed this novel! Definitely not one I would consider banning from public school libraries! (Even though there aren’t many books that I would support banning.)

Content Warnings

stephrenaud's review

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hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Content Warnings

professor_jango's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-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

4.25

Content Warnings

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