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writesdave's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kandicez's review
5.0
I think I read all of Tabby's books in the 90's, but it was before GR and I don't remember much about most, so recently ordered copies of all of them. I want to protest the fact that some of her books are out of print and were not that easy to find. This and two others were only available as "retired" library books. This is a travesty. I am actually angry on her behalf.
I want to point out, first of all, that this book was littered with typos. This is not the writer's fault. Dutton published the book and it was their job to get it copy edited. What the hell? They didn't care enough to hire someone to do a good job? I can overlook one or two. It happens. But I stopped counting at 23. TWENTY THREE typos in a professionally published book. Back to the fact that this book is out of print. This book is phenomenal. The reviews here on Goodreads support this. Clearly Dutton didn't publicize it enough. Let's forgive them that ridiculous mistake. I know that YA was not really a thing in 1993, but it damn well is now. They are missing a golden opportunity to reprint this book in an affordable Mass Media Paperback and market it as YA. They could even make use of the idea that the book was written 30 years ago and is as relevant today as it was when published. They missed a very profitable boat!
Now the story. I played a little basketball in middle and high school. Tabby knows the sport. Inside and out. Front ways and back ways. The descriptions of practices and games are breathtaking. They are realistic and accurate, do not talk down to the uninitiated and are thrilling despite being long and mostly play by plays. She infuses emotion and mood into the descriptions and I think even those who know nothing about the sport will be swept away.
The relationship between Sam and Deanie, the main characters, is beautifully built. They are one of those mismatched pairs that work not despite their differences, but because of them. There is very little sweetness and light in their story, but what is there is told in such a way that the impact is far greater than it would be if King had written a traditional romance. Knowing some of what I know about her, she is no shrinking violet herself, knows what she needs and wants, and is willing to go about the hard work of getting it. Her characters do the same. Because she is writing what she knows it comes across as very believable and genuine. Truth oozes from the pages. Even, if not especially, the ugly truth.
The book opens on a night of revelry and we are given a glimpse of Sam being reckless, a bit irresponsible and celebratory in a way that is very out of character for him. It may seem odd to introduce a character like this, but it's actually genius because King then uses the rest of the book to show us the real Sam. I love Sam. How could you not?
Deanie, AKA "The Mutant" is introduced and described throughout with very little insight. We are seldom told how she is feeling, or what she thinks, and yet King shows us in undeniable ways. Showing instead of telling is one of King's strengths. Deanie's life is hard and hurtful and instead of writing a pity party, King decides instead to tell it like it is, show us Sam's reactions and allow the chips to fall where they may. As readers we become more deeply invested because we are forced to really think about what Deanie means by her words and actions. Just like real people, Deanie and Sam seldom say what they mean, do what they really want or wax poetic about love. People rarely do and King knows this.
The one flaw, and the beauty of the rest of the book more than makes up for it, is the epilogue. I could have done without it. I am not a reader that requires a neat, tidy ending. I am happy left to ponder what I think happens after the last page. The epilogue here attempts to make straight and even edges of Sam and Deanie's lives. Almost as if King was told to add it. I didn't need it. This is a very small mistake in what is otherwise an ocean of all that is good about brilliant writing. I can skip the epilogue when I reread, and I WILL be rereading.
I want to point out, first of all, that this book was littered with typos. This is not the writer's fault. Dutton published the book and it was their job to get it copy edited. What the hell? They didn't care enough to hire someone to do a good job? I can overlook one or two. It happens. But I stopped counting at 23. TWENTY THREE typos in a professionally published book. Back to the fact that this book is out of print. This book is phenomenal. The reviews here on Goodreads support this. Clearly Dutton didn't publicize it enough. Let's forgive them that ridiculous mistake. I know that YA was not really a thing in 1993, but it damn well is now. They are missing a golden opportunity to reprint this book in an affordable Mass Media Paperback and market it as YA. They could even make use of the idea that the book was written 30 years ago and is as relevant today as it was when published. They missed a very profitable boat!
Now the story. I played a little basketball in middle and high school. Tabby knows the sport. Inside and out. Front ways and back ways. The descriptions of practices and games are breathtaking. They are realistic and accurate, do not talk down to the uninitiated and are thrilling despite being long and mostly play by plays. She infuses emotion and mood into the descriptions and I think even those who know nothing about the sport will be swept away.
The relationship between Sam and Deanie, the main characters, is beautifully built. They are one of those mismatched pairs that work not despite their differences, but because of them. There is very little sweetness and light in their story, but what is there is told in such a way that the impact is far greater than it would be if King had written a traditional romance. Knowing some of what I know about her, she is no shrinking violet herself, knows what she needs and wants, and is willing to go about the hard work of getting it. Her characters do the same. Because she is writing what she knows it comes across as very believable and genuine. Truth oozes from the pages. Even, if not especially, the ugly truth.
The book opens on a night of revelry and we are given a glimpse of Sam being reckless, a bit irresponsible and celebratory in a way that is very out of character for him. It may seem odd to introduce a character like this, but it's actually genius because King then uses the rest of the book to show us the real Sam. I love Sam. How could you not?
Deanie, AKA "The Mutant" is introduced and described throughout with very little insight. We are seldom told how she is feeling, or what she thinks, and yet King shows us in undeniable ways. Showing instead of telling is one of King's strengths. Deanie's life is hard and hurtful and instead of writing a pity party, King decides instead to tell it like it is, show us Sam's reactions and allow the chips to fall where they may. As readers we become more deeply invested because we are forced to really think about what Deanie means by her words and actions. Just like real people, Deanie and Sam seldom say what they mean, do what they really want or wax poetic about love. People rarely do and King knows this.
The one flaw, and the beauty of the rest of the book more than makes up for it, is the epilogue. I could have done without it. I am not a reader that requires a neat, tidy ending. I am happy left to ponder what I think happens after the last page. The epilogue here attempts to make straight and even edges of Sam and Deanie's lives. Almost as if King was told to add it. I didn't need it. This is a very small mistake in what is otherwise an ocean of all that is good about brilliant writing. I can skip the epilogue when I reread, and I WILL be rereading.
csprfamily's review
4.0
The whole series of her books are full of characters that are truly unique and yet, you recognize them. Everyone has their own story.
mcallima's review
4.0
I first read this book in high school, and I read it several times. I recently purchased a copy and finished it again. I will agree with some other reviewers and say that the story does drag a bit at the end. But I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK! I love Deanie, and how real and raw she is. As the story unfolds, you can understand exactly why she is the way she is, and why she makes the (poor) decisions she makes. And Sam is a classic hero- honorable and moral but with this own flaws and weaknesses that make him so real and likeable. I would have to say this is one of my favorite books. This is one of those books I love to read again and again. It's just a really good love story full of hope and redemption.
bobareann's review
3.0
After initially rating my first Tabitha King Survivor rather low, I had to boost the star count as I continue to think about the book and her characters live on. I decided to give this one a safe three stars and I will have to ruminate on this one to see if it goes down or up in my estimation with time.
bandherbooks's review
3.0
Basketball superstar of a State Champion winning team decides to make sure the girls' team also wins a State Title but ends up lusting over (and loving) a girl called "The Mutant." Deannie, "The Mutant," comes from an awful family. Her step-dad verbally, physically, and sexually abuses her, her mother is in a drug-addled stupor, and she barely has enough to eat. She doesn't trust that Sam actually might like her, nose ring, face chains, tattoos, and all.
This book made me uncomfortable, but I think in a good way. VERY sexual, but not really in a sexy way, and very frank. Deannie was used to sex as a means to end, a punishment, something to check out during. Sam wants to please her (good for him). A lot of this book deals with sex, a lot with basketball, and a lot about family. This book made me think of Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, but a far uglier and grittier version of that tale.
A bit overly long with an anti-climatic ending for me, but still an intriguing read and a great example of an adult book that would probably be marketed as YA today (originally published in the 1990s).
This book made me uncomfortable, but I think in a good way. VERY sexual, but not really in a sexy way, and very frank. Deannie was used to sex as a means to end, a punishment, something to check out during. Sam wants to please her (good for him). A lot of this book deals with sex, a lot with basketball, and a lot about family. This book made me think of Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, but a far uglier and grittier version of that tale.
A bit overly long with an anti-climatic ending for me, but still an intriguing read and a great example of an adult book that would probably be marketed as YA today (originally published in the 1990s).
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