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proudjosh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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
lanica's review against another edition
3.0
SCHOOL LIBRARIAN REVIEW:
By having the name "Gary Paulsen" on the cover, most librarians/readers would assume that this book is another great read for boys. [b:Hatchet|50|Hatchet (Hatchet, #1)|Gary Paulsen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1156871821s/50.jpg|1158125] is one of my go-to books for middle school boys, and if they like that - well there are a ton more where that came from. I say, "Here are the Gary Paulsen books if you want to read more by him." and let them browse.
This book is not meant for middle school boys.
* First off, it's a slow story. There are moments of 'adventure' but for the most part...it's about working at tedious jobs.
* Second, it's not a beginning-middle-end sort of book. As it says on the cove, it's the story of one summer in a boys life. It follows a time line, but there are a lot of questions left unanswered on either end of the summer.
* Third, it's an honest look at life from inside the head of a sixteen year old. Sex. Hints of sex, thoughts of sex, then actual acts of sex. It's very well written, but I wouldn't feel comfortable handing to anyone in middle school.
I would recommend this book to most high school boys.
The writing, and the setting, reminds me of Steinbeck. I love that he takes his time in telling this story. It's not about 'jazzing it up' to keep the kids entertained. It's about telling a tale in a way that kids can relate to and perhaps learn from. It's a great look at the time period and how life was 'back then' without beating it into their heads that they are learning something.
SPOILER:
There are two things about this book that are a bit disturbing. First, the reason he runs away from home is because his mother - when too drunk to know what she's doing - tries to have sex with him. This is hinted at, not mentioned in much detail, but the thought is disturbing.
Second, at the end of the book the boy loses his virginity to a carnival stripper. The strip tease is described in a bit of detail, the sex is pretty tame compared to most, but it's there and teachers should be aware of it before recommending it to any of their students.
By having the name "Gary Paulsen" on the cover, most librarians/readers would assume that this book is another great read for boys. [b:Hatchet|50|Hatchet (Hatchet, #1)|Gary Paulsen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1156871821s/50.jpg|1158125] is one of my go-to books for middle school boys, and if they like that - well there are a ton more where that came from. I say, "Here are the Gary Paulsen books if you want to read more by him." and let them browse.
This book is not meant for middle school boys.
* First off, it's a slow story. There are moments of 'adventure' but for the most part...it's about working at tedious jobs.
* Second, it's not a beginning-middle-end sort of book. As it says on the cove, it's the story of one summer in a boys life. It follows a time line, but there are a lot of questions left unanswered on either end of the summer.
* Third, it's an honest look at life from inside the head of a sixteen year old. Sex. Hints of sex, thoughts of sex, then actual acts of sex. It's very well written, but I wouldn't feel comfortable handing to anyone in middle school.
I would recommend this book to most high school boys.
The writing, and the setting, reminds me of Steinbeck. I love that he takes his time in telling this story. It's not about 'jazzing it up' to keep the kids entertained. It's about telling a tale in a way that kids can relate to and perhaps learn from. It's a great look at the time period and how life was 'back then' without beating it into their heads that they are learning something.
SPOILER:
There are two things about this book that are a bit disturbing. First, the reason he runs away from home is because his mother - when too drunk to know what she's doing - tries to have sex with him. This is hinted at, not mentioned in much detail, but the thought is disturbing.
Second, at the end of the book the boy loses his virginity to a carnival stripper. The strip tease is described in a bit of detail, the sex is pretty tame compared to most, but it's there and teachers should be aware of it before recommending it to any of their students.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know. it's hard to really define this book. It's original, told about one summer. They never reveal the MC name, he's just "the boy" which I think serves to keep him apart from the reader. The writing is sparse, so a little description goes a long way.
I think this was written for middle school boys... but I think it was a bit more sexual than I was expecting.
I think this was written for middle school boys... but I think it was a bit more sexual than I was expecting.
daisyporter's review against another edition
5.0
Shockingly good. Makes me want to read everything Paulsen's ever written.
eberico's review
I have no memory of reading this book - the only Paulsen I've read, despite working at Wonderland for 5 years. Seems like other reviewers found it similarly unmemorable
softcover_sarah's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written, lyrical book with a lot of quiet passion and desperation. What I loved most about this book was what wasn't revealed. All the holes in the narrative and the character were deliberately left unfilled in a way that not only allows the reader to take the place of the nameless main character, but to follow the narrative like retracing the steps of a dream. Lovely read. Great for young boys, as well.
ashrocketship's review against another edition
3.0
My first Gary Paulsen, chosen for taking place in my current home of North Dakota. A nice, quick read with artful and easy rhythmic language. Felt like a book old white guys would be intensely nostalgic about. Enjoyable though.
angelasunshine's review against another edition
3.0
While this book seemed to be written for middle school comprehension, the mature themes were definitely high school appropriate. Strange book.
angelasunshine's review
3.0
While this book seemed to be written for middle school comprehension, the mature themes were definitely high school appropriate. Strange book.
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