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raohyrule's review against another edition
4.0
I have a massive soft spot in my heart for angsty, philosophical contemporaries with oppositional defiant disorder inflicted teenage boy narrators.
Especially when they have to do with rebelling against organized religion.
This one fell only just a little short for me. Mostly because of the trace amounts of sexism (though I’ve come to expect it when reading within this particular niche genre).
Still fun though and had some good quotes.
Especially when they have to do with rebelling against organized religion.
This one fell only just a little short for me. Mostly because of the trace amounts of sexism (though I’ve come to expect it when reading within this particular niche genre).
Still fun though and had some good quotes.
annakim's review against another edition
3.0
The characters are all in on the joke, until the joke goes way out of control and puts one of them in danger. This is an interesting, humorous, cynical, and even terrifying book about spirituality and religion.
taz3159's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
jimenezmadi's review against another edition
2.0
Jason is sick of his father's rules and restrictions, and decides that the best way to become himself is to rebel against Catholicism and create his own religion. But first, he will need followers. In order to create a religion, you need gullible people to come along and believe in whatever you are willing to preach to them. Jason thinks he has loyal followers, and is beyond happy to have Magda as one of his loyal companions, choosing to ignore his best friend. But, little does he know, his religion will soon crash to the ground, and his followers will quickly turn on him, leaving him to answer for questions and dilemmas he created. Jason is in for a rude awakening and it's not as if he's about to realize his mistakes.
This book was not something I would have originally thought to read for myself. Being religiously affiliated myself I was curious as to how this would read and whether it would be interesting or it would be boring because it's something that doesn't coincide with my faith. After finishing it, I was kind of upset with Jason, but I also wanted him to be loved and needed. I would recommend this book to people who are looking for more of a laugh, certainly not those who are struggling with their own faith. It would be better for high school aged students, and would be great for discussion, as it's unique and a way for young adults to find and understand themselves, be able to express their ideas.
Content Warnings: Atheism/religious misunderstandings, bullying
This book was not something I would have originally thought to read for myself. Being religiously affiliated myself I was curious as to how this would read and whether it would be interesting or it would be boring because it's something that doesn't coincide with my faith. After finishing it, I was kind of upset with Jason, but I also wanted him to be loved and needed. I would recommend this book to people who are looking for more of a laugh, certainly not those who are struggling with their own faith. It would be better for high school aged students, and would be great for discussion, as it's unique and a way for young adults to find and understand themselves, be able to express their ideas.
Content Warnings: Atheism/religious misunderstandings, bullying
maggie_green's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really liked a lot of aspects of this book, but I can’t help but wish that the relationships between the characters were explored more. How does friendship jealousy or romantic jealousy impact the at that we love through faith? The plot was interesting and I enjoyed the premise, but it seemed a little hollow without the reflection on interpersonal relationships.
alyssamasiewicz's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
snowbenton's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book twice in high school, and I keep coming back to it. This time Liebling and I read it together because we constantly discuss religion in terms of the abstract and this book has such a wonderful take on what religion means to people.
I love this book. It's a little sexist and very simple, no zany plot twists and confusing plot lines. It is just a boy, and his friends, and a struggle for faith that results in his invention of a religion that worships water towers. And his joke becomes something more, something bigger, but his snarky humor keeps the story grounded. Highly recommend.
I love this book. It's a little sexist and very simple, no zany plot twists and confusing plot lines. It is just a boy, and his friends, and a struggle for faith that results in his invention of a religion that worships water towers. And his joke becomes something more, something bigger, but his snarky humor keeps the story grounded. Highly recommend.