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philibin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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? No
4.75
(4.75 Stars)
Simply put... I loved this book. Yes, it had some sad moments, but overall it was a heartwarming tale.
Ernest Cline is a master story teller. And the narrator, Felicia Day is, not surprisingly, an amazing voice actor.
Simply put... I loved this book. Yes, it had some sad moments, but overall it was a heartwarming tale.
Ernest Cline is a master story teller. And the narrator, Felicia Day is, not surprisingly, an amazing voice actor.
brunchua's review
0.25
Ernest Cline can summarize the first paragraph of Wikipedia pages of famous people from Austin with all the skill of ChatGPT, and he’ll throw in a half-assed story about a family to tie it all together, sort of. The only thing this book is missing is a variety of ‘80s dance moves.
sewnerdybookworm's review
2.5
A big old pile of disappointment. I’m confused on who this book was written for. It’s labeled a middle grade novel but I can’t picture many middle graders enjoying this book. Like Cline’s other novels this one is filled with 80s pop culture, political and other music era references. Unless you’re a 8-12 year old that is familiar with Buddy Holly, Willie Nelson and various other musicians from the 50s-80s no middle grader is going to get any of the references. Cline dumbed this down to an insulting level to kids, it read at times like an early reader book. The story was interesting with the bats and the real story of the bats. I liked the message that being weird and different is ok and cool. This book is perfect for adults wanting some nostalgia or a retro loving middle grader.
andiesmith's review against another edition
5.0
This book may be a middle-grade book, but it was on my “must-read in 2024” list. It is a tall tale about how the famous bats came to live under the Congress Bridge in Austin. Opal B Flats moves to Austin with her uncle after her mom passes away, and her uncle loses the family farm. They bring the bats with them from the Hill Country. So many famous Austinites and landmarks are mentioned. It was a fun, quick listen while driving around Austin.
therearenobadbooks's review
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was fun. Although it starts with the loss of a parent, it starts a new life for Opal in a new location with her uncle. Southern Farm, the uncle, is a computer nerd and fun when he meets someone who doesn't find him weird. Making new friends: not just humans, they make friends with a colony of bats, saving them (she also can communicate with them). The bats also love country music, and there's a lot of information about Austin, musicians, singers, and music. The bats control the mosquito population, so it's a win-win when they find a new home. Love drawing and activism, changing people's opinions, and prejudice with information.
"The bats belong beneath the bridge!"
Fun.
The narrator or the audiobook has a great Southern accent.
"The bats belong beneath the bridge!"
Fun.
The narrator or the audiobook has a great Southern accent.
arp363's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
3.5