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20gena14's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Homophobia, Racism, Sexual content, Transphobia, Outing, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
betweentheshelves's review
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.
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
Graphic: Cursing, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Ableism, Sexual content, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, and Misogyny
andersonh92's review
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.)
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
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Racism
stephrenaud's review
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
Minor: Ableism, Racism, and Sexual content