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gmamartha's review against another edition
3.0
I'm glad we see into these characters so well. Good ending to this series.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
3.0
So, there are good books that are objectively good books, but that aren't good for everyone. This is one of those for me. It was better after he found his meds, but the wired Joey was way too much for me to enjoy reading, and it was difficult to read about the horrible situations he ends up in.
Reading other reviews, I wonder how much this novel stands alone. It seems others who feel like I do haven`t read the rest of the series either, but those who love Joey Pigza love it. Or maybe it's just that much of a book that you have to be the right reader for, and those who love Joey Pigza have read the others.
Reading other reviews, I wonder how much this novel stands alone. It seems others who feel like I do haven`t read the rest of the series either, but those who love Joey Pigza love it. Or maybe it's just that much of a book that you have to be the right reader for, and those who love Joey Pigza have read the others.
storywarden's review against another edition
3.0
I read this for Battle of the kids books, and really, my only problem with it is that I don't feel that it stands alone. Not having read the previous 4 books I kept feeling like I was missing pieces of character information.
dancingprince's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
yapha's review against another edition
3.0
In this fifth and final book about Joey Pigza, he and his mother and his new baby brother are back in the house that Joey grew up in with his grandmother. Joey is still struggling with managing his meds (his mother has hidden them) and stopping himself from spinning out of control. When his mother checks herself into the hospital because of postpartum depression, Joey is left alone to take care of the baby. Luckily, Olivia, the meanest blind-girl in the world and Joey's former girlfriend, shows up to lend a hand. As they try to survive one day at a time, Joey is ever watchful for his unbalanced father, both fearing that he will return and hoping that he does. Will Joey ever have the stable family that he longs for? An emotional roller coaster of a book. Recommended for fans of the series, grades 5-8.
piratelibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Last in the series; disturbing, laugh-out-loud funny at times, tragic, hopeful
caryleliza's review against another edition
3.0
So strange and surprising and fun, but I felt like I was missing something. I think I need to go back to the beginning and read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key. Loved the word-play.
voya_k's review against another edition
3.0
Joey, you are a mess. But a loveable one. You sure do try your best.
What is up with the depression and anxiety metaphorical black box inside of your mean blind girlfriend? That is extremely intense.
These books are more out there character-wise and emotionally honest about mental illness than most stuff for adults. Do kids like them? Do Joey-type kids like them?
What is up with the depression and anxiety metaphorical black box inside of your mean blind girlfriend? That is extremely intense.
These books are more out there character-wise and emotionally honest about mental illness than most stuff for adults. Do kids like them? Do Joey-type kids like them?
nanette_zorn's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this last touching view into Joey's life. We listened to this installment, read by the author. I enjoyed the authors comments at the end of disk 3 as well as his plea to people everywhere to give children with ADD a chance, a second chance, a third chance...
I was moved by the main character's relationship with the people in his life, from his neglectful dad, his hardened blind girlfriend - jaded but so incredibly insightful about her own disability - his helpless but "perfect" baby brother, even the pizza delivery man. I learned so much from Gantos's portrayal of Joey and I will strive to live by the moral unearthed in the conclusion of this series. Thank you, Jack Gantos, for introducing Joey into our lives. I feel a better person for having known him.
I was moved by the main character's relationship with the people in his life, from his neglectful dad, his hardened blind girlfriend - jaded but so incredibly insightful about her own disability - his helpless but "perfect" baby brother, even the pizza delivery man. I learned so much from Gantos's portrayal of Joey and I will strive to live by the moral unearthed in the conclusion of this series. Thank you, Jack Gantos, for introducing Joey into our lives. I feel a better person for having known him.
sentunderscore's review against another edition
4.0
The final book!!!
Even though I know all stories don't have picture-perfect endings, I was disappointed in this one.I was hoping for a brighter future for Joey. At least get him away from his parents! Where this ended, it seemed like the cycle was just going to start all over again. :/
Even though I know all stories don't have picture-perfect endings, I was disappointed in this one.