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clevergirl216's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Started off slow, but kept getting better the further I got. The ending wasn’t really a surprise, but I like the way it was brought about.
britainmic's review against another edition
3.0
I was disappointed. But perhaps my sights were too high. I’ve read two of Flinn’s books before, both from a different genre though. I flew through both. They took me a day each to finish. So I expected the same with this one, where I wouldn’t want to put it down. But it was kind of boring at times. It wasn’t bad, it was just... okay. Maybe I’ll just stick to her fantasy retellings instead.
aprater's review against another edition
3.0
When it all goes wrong, I often say I want to join the circus. This is what happens when the circus brings you back.
catladyreba's review against another edition
3.0
While I did enjoy this, I feel like there was so much build-up and the resolution and end came so quick. I mean, there was a resolution, and it was mostly satisfying, but it seemed so abrupt. The characters were well-written and believable, and I loved the glimpse into the Carnie life. I actually would have loved some more story and detail around the lifestyle, but I know it wasn't the main point of the story, so I can settle with it as just a setting.
dgodek's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely my favorite book by Flinn. It has a then/now format and a surprise/twist ending. Again, the theme of abuse surfaces and with it what one will do to stop the abuse. It also deals with the sacrifices parents will make for their children and the idea that the truth will set you free.
ahamburger's review against another edition
5.0
This was a nice change from the dystopian, futuristic novels that I've been reading recently. I found the new perspective refreshing, and enjoyed the realistic plot that came along with it.
The narrations from both the past and the present worked wonderfully to help the story flow, and I found both tales equally interesting. Every character was flawed, and very relatable. The gaps in the narrations fill themselves in as the story progresses, and by the end of the book I had a very clear view of Michael and what he had to live through.
Another thing that I found interesting was the fact that throughout the book, characters were stripped from their initial impressions and peeled apart and examined. The carnies especially filled this role, and it was one of the most intriguing views that a book I've read has ever had.
The titles of the narrations bothered me a bit, as "This Year" and "Last Year" lose the feeling of preciseness and hiding that the rest of the book has.
Nonetheless, this book was a fantastic read, and I couldn't put it down. It was realistic and eye-opening, and nothing about it let me down.
The narrations from both the past and the present worked wonderfully to help the story flow, and I found both tales equally interesting. Every character was flawed, and very relatable. The gaps in the narrations fill themselves in as the story progresses, and by the end of the book I had a very clear view of Michael and what he had to live through.
Another thing that I found interesting was the fact that throughout the book, characters were stripped from their initial impressions and peeled apart and examined. The carnies especially filled this role, and it was one of the most intriguing views that a book I've read has ever had.
The titles of the narrations bothered me a bit, as "This Year" and "Last Year" lose the feeling of preciseness and hiding that the rest of the book has.
Nonetheless, this book was a fantastic read, and I couldn't put it down. It was realistic and eye-opening, and nothing about it let me down.
supermanabi's review
4.0
This is my fourth Alex Flinn book – I started, like most people my age probably did, with her fairytale retellings Beastly and A Kiss in Time, but I quickly stumbled across her realistic fiction. While I loved Breathing Underwater, it took me ages to finally read Nothing to Lose, but I am so glad I finally did. Read the full review here
sarita0115's review
3.0
I want to continuing reading it, but I can't because I have a big History test (ahhhhhhhhhhh) this Friday and I haven't study anything!!!
katemiller41's review against another edition
4.0
A surprisingly good book for picking it up at random.
Heartbreaking, and moving, but not a real downer. That's a hard combination for any book, but this one pulled it off.
It is a classic rite of passage story. The main character is in a horrible family situation, and is forced between a bad decision, and a worse decision. Through this he learns what is really important to him, and what matters in life.
While things turn out to be ok in the end, it isn't tied up with a pretty bow. Flinn leaves you with a feeling of closure, but the knowledge that life is messy, tough, and not always pleasant, but that it can go on, and be worthwhile if you look through the bad times to the potential future you're building.
Heartbreaking, and moving, but not a real downer. That's a hard combination for any book, but this one pulled it off.
It is a classic rite of passage story. The main character is in a horrible family situation, and is forced between a bad decision, and a worse decision. Through this he learns what is really important to him, and what matters in life.
While things turn out to be ok in the end, it isn't tied up with a pretty bow. Flinn leaves you with a feeling of closure, but the knowledge that life is messy, tough, and not always pleasant, but that it can go on, and be worthwhile if you look through the bad times to the potential future you're building.
elephant's review against another edition
5.0
Alex Flinn tackles the tough issues. This time it is that of a child whose mother is being abused. Michael's mom is married to a rich lawyer. A rich, mean lawyer who beats her. Sixteen year old Michael quits the football team so he can be home with his mother at night so she won't be alone with her husband. But, that does not stop the abuse. This is a touching realistic story and I highly recommend it.