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alewo27's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the Downsiders and yet again, I'm amazed by Mr. Shusterman. It wasn't my favorite of his books that I've read so far but only because his other novels have been phenomenal. Yet again he uses a fantasy situation to get a message to his readers. And unlike many authors, he doesn't spoon-feed his beliefs to you. He lets you see from all sides and provides no concrete right and wrong. I think that makes him more brilliant still. While reading this I couldn't decide if these 2 worlds should ever know about each other, who should "win", or which was better. With characters that you can relate to and pull for, you can't help but get caught up in their journeys. Don't look to Neal for a "happily ever after" ending because in his writing, like life, it's never that simple. I can't wait to continue reading his work.
kaylielongley's review against another edition
3.0
I've read many Shusterman books in different stages of my life, and it seems fitting to end my 2016 reviews with him. He's dependably funny and insightful and casually dark. Accepting this book at face value, it's one of the author's earlier works, intended for a younger audience. Consequently, the plot of star-crossed lovers, Talon from underground city "downside" NY and Lindsay from "topside" NY is quick to form, naturally easy. Yet it is precisely Shusterman's world building that sets him apart from other middle grade authors. Though interpersonal relationships make most of his works relatable, his imagination sets him apart. Within Downsiders, he creates a city life beyond skyscrapers, comparing towers to tunnels and highlights the transformation process from trash into treasure. Socks, for example, are downsider currency. Shusterman's clever and knows it, saying demolition is a growth industry, and in so doing gives context to the hidden, not so obvious New York life. Though he missed some opportunities in examining the characters in his world, such as mysterious Champ who lives in between the 2 sides, this book kicks off a series, and I hope the rest of it is just as fun.
dreamyday's review against another edition
5.0
I had to read this for school but unlike the other books I was forced to read, I absolutely loved this one. This story was so creative and I've never read anything like it. I really recommend reading this book.
wrenl's review against another edition
4.0
Good read if you like new worlds. Read with caution because Shusterman puts in love (hint: Talon and Lindsay! *spoiler!*)
mb101's review against another edition
5.0
So this book took me by suprise. I could tell I would enjoy the book because a) Neal Shusterman wrote it and he is one of my favorite authors, and b) the topic. The idea of an entire society thriving below New York City facinates me! Talon was relatable. His problems and responsibilities, though obviously different from my own, were easy to connect to and emphasize with. The ending, though not the one I wanted or expected, fit in its own way.
firstrosegirl's review
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
I’d recommend this to my younger siblings, Schusterman’s early stuff that I’ve read is just fun clean fiction. A little slow for me but I think it would have been fascinating in middle school.
dunnalotofreading's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
blaarrosir's review against another edition
3.0
I read Downsiders because I'd enjoyed other books by Neal Shusterman like Bruiser and Unwind. Bruiser and Unwind are both books that have a strong moral to tell. I like how the author goes about it telling it. Downsiders wasn't bad, but it deviated from the way he'd written in the other two. For me it fell flat. It was interesting, but it wasn't great.
vance_31's review against another edition
3.0
The concept of the book is not that interesting, but it's still a fun read.
whenlexiemetbooks's review against another edition
4.0
It lets our imaginations soar. I kind of relate this book to Schooled. A new kid in a different world that he doesn't know and finds he doesn't like it.