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sam_hartwig's review
5.0
What a delightful story! I heard about this book at a presentation night and I have finally got round to reading it. Now I want to get my hands on everything by Rebecca Stead.
Georges and Safer are kids that I'd love to meet. They are witty, caring and totally lovable. I loved getting to know them, and follow them on their spy adventure as they tried to figure out what Mr X was doing with all those suitcases.
There were so many heart warming moments and one of them was when we heard the story of how Safer and his siblings got their interesting names. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though, there were other issues going on at home with both Safer and Georges, which we slowly start to realise what is going on behind the scenes.
This is a story about friendship, families, growing up and discovering yourself. I know this is a middle grade book but adults will enjoy reading this too, share it with your children.
Georges and Safer are kids that I'd love to meet. They are witty, caring and totally lovable. I loved getting to know them, and follow them on their spy adventure as they tried to figure out what Mr X was doing with all those suitcases.
There were so many heart warming moments and one of them was when we heard the story of how Safer and his siblings got their interesting names. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though, there were other issues going on at home with both Safer and Georges, which we slowly start to realise what is going on behind the scenes.
This is a story about friendship, families, growing up and discovering yourself. I know this is a middle grade book but adults will enjoy reading this too, share it with your children.
foxykitty's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
katykelly's review
4.0
A really good end-of-primary book. Would have lapped this up aged 10-12.
Loved the understated feel of the bullying plot, the scrabble messages between mother and son, the storyline with Safer who isn't all he seems.
Preferred When You Reach Me as a mature and beautiful piece of fiction. But this is a thoughtful and non-patronising entry for younger readers.
Loved the understated feel of the bullying plot, the scrabble messages between mother and son, the storyline with Safer who isn't all he seems.
Preferred When You Reach Me as a mature and beautiful piece of fiction. But this is a thoughtful and non-patronising entry for younger readers.
edshara's review
4.0
Liar & Spy was so very good. I'm a big fan of quirky characters and Georges, some of his classmates and Safer fit the description. Georges had a very interesting and open view of the world. I liked seeing how easy he moved through it, even though he was supposed to be the "different" one.
Safer was a bit of a struggle to like at first. He initially seemed like a bit of a jerk and too pushy. However, I liked his imagination and how easily he and Georges became friends. In the end, I felt like the explanation made sense.
The story is well crafted and the author keeps you on your toes. Even though I was able to partially figure out one aspect of the story, their were still other aspects that I completely missed and didn't see coming. While it was nice to see things get resolved, it also felt like an abrupt rush to the finish. I will say, this is definitely worth a read.
Safer was a bit of a struggle to like at first. He initially seemed like a bit of a jerk and too pushy. However, I liked his imagination and how easily he and Georges became friends. In the end, I felt like the explanation made sense.
The story is well crafted and the author keeps you on your toes. Even though I was able to partially figure out one aspect of the story, their were still other aspects that I completely missed and didn't see coming. While it was nice to see things get resolved, it also felt like an abrupt rush to the finish. I will say, this is definitely worth a read.
frenchleigh's review
3.0
cute but it went nowhere. It’s a slice of life marketed as something much more dramatic.
paige_is_me's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bmpolito's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
gmamartha's review
4.0
Rebecca Stead does not disappoint.
What is the difference between lying and playing a game?
What is the difference between pretending and avoidance?
Realistic fiction at its best.
What is the difference between lying and playing a game?
What is the difference between pretending and avoidance?
Realistic fiction at its best.
agmcculloch1's review
5.0
A great story of taking care of each other and accepting what others are struggling with.