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protoman21's review against another edition
4.0
Joey Pigza is a great kid and I don't know how he survives with the terrible example his parents set for him. He is very resilient and I think this is true of a lot of kids who grow up with parents who are more concerned with themselves than they are their kids. Sadly not all kids are like Joey, but it's great to see him as an example of a kid who does well in spite of his parents.
kidclamp's review against another edition
4.0
I am having a hard time thinking of what to say about this book. Firstly, I probably shouldn't have skipped the middle of the series, I jumped straight from Swallowed the Key to this one. Picking up what happened in between wasn't too hard, but reading through this book is. Much like the first book it does really well with the subject matter, but this portrait of a dysfunctional family is just sad, flat out sad, non-stop. I might have given it a 5 had it not left me so bummed out and flat.
readerpants's review against another edition
3.0
I just don't believe it. I think his mom was completely out of character and just wouldn't have made the choices she made in this book. I was with Joey and especially with his mom through the other books, but this one lost me.
dancingprince's review
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
Good book about how we can try to change who we are but it doesn't always happen with the ease we expect. Joey/Freddy can teach a lot of us about life.
mon_ique's review
1.0
I can't believe the mother is marrying the dad again! He isn't even on his meds! They never learn. I think Joey had more sense than the mother in this book. She's now my least favorite character.
dee21's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
4.5
abiforslin's review
3.0
Talk about a "took forever to finish." That's what happens when you slack off, kiddies. Make summer COUNT.
nanette_zorn's review
4.0
Another installment in the much beloved (by me) Joey Pigza series. This tale follows the life of the newly reinvented Pigza a.k.a Heinz family after the father reunites with Joey's mom following a financial windfall. Joey, the main character that suffers from ADD and a less than stable family, is on a wild journey that brings him to forgiveness and confusion all over again. We listened to this as an audiobook read by the author. It had some truly unforgettable and poignant moments that led me to an even deeper appreciation for dear Joey. I don't think I will ever forget his private moment in the cemetery with his grandma's tombstone. The author's metaphors open my imagination and enrich the story and my adoration for he main character. I am quite grateful that I can read more about him in the next book, "The Key that Swallowed Joey Pigza."