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caffeineaddict980's review against another edition
3.0
'We are the sum of our choices'
Overall I'd give this book 3.5 stars.
Good:
Structre of the story is good, I like the interview layout and the way the chapters are different questions based on the interview.
Well-rounded character personalities.
The conversations between everyone
Bad:
A bit slow to start with, takes a few chapters before it really kicks in.
Even when it did kick in it was slow majority of the time.
Some of the character's decisions that they made were stereotypical.
The Characters:
Uman:
Pretty sassy, but gives off a cocky impression at the same time, understandable why Gloria likes him.
He is charismatic as hell.
Gloria:
Gloria is one of the pretty innocent main characters, the typical innocent girl drawn to a bad boy. Although, she does stick out in a lot of chapters
Tierney:
Eh.
Bit of a background character.
Would've liked to potentially see more of her in the book as it went on.
Overall I'd give this book 3.5 stars.
Good:
Structre of the story is good, I like the interview layout and the way the chapters are different questions based on the interview.
Well-rounded character personalities.
The conversations between everyone
Bad:
A bit slow to start with, takes a few chapters before it really kicks in.
Even when it did kick in it was slow majority of the time.
Some of the character's decisions that they made were stereotypical.
The Characters:
Uman:
Pretty sassy, but gives off a cocky impression at the same time, understandable why Gloria likes him.
He is charismatic as hell.
Gloria:
Gloria is one of the pretty innocent main characters, the typical innocent girl drawn to a bad boy. Although, she does stick out in a lot of chapters
Tierney:
Eh.
Bit of a background character.
Would've liked to potentially see more of her in the book as it went on.
mathildeliva's review against another edition
2.0
Probably more like a 1.5 because what was the point of this?
joyousreads132's review against another edition
4.0
Gloria is a 15-year-old girl suffering from an early onslaught of ennui from life. Her parents didn’t seem to care one way or another about her. And though they would protest otherwise, their actions speak to the contrary. Some days, Gloria didn’t care. But lately, she’s been having a difficult time ignoring the resounding loneliness that echoed in the hallways of their home.
Then Uman showed up; a mysterious specimen of a boy. Tall, lanky, and handsome in an effeminate way. Intelligent with charisma that puts everyone in some sort of spell. It just so happens that he seemed to have taken an interest in her as well. For days he hounded her until he inexplicably lost interest. Arbitrarily, that’s when Gloria’s fascination with him grew, and their friendship took a new form. When Uman suggested leaving everything behind, Gloria didn’t even flinch. With a tent, a few quids, and a deck of cards to guide their way, Gloria and Uman embarked on a journey to free themselves from their shackles: Uman, to a tremulous past. And Gloria, to an unremarkable existence.
Twenty Questions for Gloria throws you into a shroud of secrets and mysteries right from the get-go. When Uman walked into the picture, my thoughts quickly veered towards paranormal persuasion because his charm and wit were unusual for his age. It doesn’t help that he can’t seem to say a single truth about himself, and has an uncanny ability to persuade everyone around him to do his bidding. It was as if everyone was under a spell. But as you delve deeper into the story, you’ll learn why he is what he is.
The storytelling followed the questions being asked by the detective inspector in charge of investigating the disappearance of Uman. There was some British colloquialism used but they barely impede the rhythm of the story. When Gloria came back (relatively in one piece), she knew that she’ll never be the same person she once was. Throughout the exposition, Gloria and her mother would face some home truths about each other and their family as a whole. While Uman was judged as the instigator in the beginning, some light would be shed as to just how much involvement Gloria contributed to the events that happened in days that they disappeared. Each question is answered in a form of revelation; exposing the parts of Gloria and Uman no one knew – not even themselves.
There are so many reasons why this book had me in its trance. Uman is a very charming character. He was fascinating in such a way that one would be fascinated by a sociopath. I also needed to know where he ended up, and how Gloria found her way back home. The life of a vagabond is full of strife. Even more so when you’re only 15.
Then Uman showed up; a mysterious specimen of a boy. Tall, lanky, and handsome in an effeminate way. Intelligent with charisma that puts everyone in some sort of spell. It just so happens that he seemed to have taken an interest in her as well. For days he hounded her until he inexplicably lost interest. Arbitrarily, that’s when Gloria’s fascination with him grew, and their friendship took a new form. When Uman suggested leaving everything behind, Gloria didn’t even flinch. With a tent, a few quids, and a deck of cards to guide their way, Gloria and Uman embarked on a journey to free themselves from their shackles: Uman, to a tremulous past. And Gloria, to an unremarkable existence.
Twenty Questions for Gloria throws you into a shroud of secrets and mysteries right from the get-go. When Uman walked into the picture, my thoughts quickly veered towards paranormal persuasion because his charm and wit were unusual for his age. It doesn’t help that he can’t seem to say a single truth about himself, and has an uncanny ability to persuade everyone around him to do his bidding. It was as if everyone was under a spell. But as you delve deeper into the story, you’ll learn why he is what he is.
The storytelling followed the questions being asked by the detective inspector in charge of investigating the disappearance of Uman. There was some British colloquialism used but they barely impede the rhythm of the story. When Gloria came back (relatively in one piece), she knew that she’ll never be the same person she once was. Throughout the exposition, Gloria and her mother would face some home truths about each other and their family as a whole. While Uman was judged as the instigator in the beginning, some light would be shed as to just how much involvement Gloria contributed to the events that happened in days that they disappeared. Each question is answered in a form of revelation; exposing the parts of Gloria and Uman no one knew – not even themselves.
There are so many reasons why this book had me in its trance. Uman is a very charming character. He was fascinating in such a way that one would be fascinated by a sociopath. I also needed to know where he ended up, and how Gloria found her way back home. The life of a vagabond is full of strife. Even more so when you’re only 15.
debi_g's review against another edition
4.0
What an enjoyable story. The pacing is excellent, up to the final pages. The narrative lenses play off one another, blurring before focussing, with pinches of mystery wrapped in a patient and detailed disclosure. What's more, nearly early every character is sympathetic and authentic, no matter how marginal, and the narrative somehow manages to strike me as original yet vaguely familiar.
Great book. I'll recommend it to many.
Great book. I'll recommend it to many.
sc104906's review
2.0
Gloria ran away with Uman and was missing for two weeks. Her parents and police believe that she was kidnapped and abused, but as Gloria participates in the investigation to find Uman she explains the true nature of her relationship with Uman. This beautiful new boy offered Gloria a change from her dreary depressing life. He challenged authority and the status quo, and in turn, encouraged Gloria to do the same. Through twenty questions, the reader and officials learn what happened in the two weeks Gloria was missing.
I am having trouble rating this title. The writing was pretty great, and beautiful. However, the characters annoyed me. I just wanted Gloria and Uman to stop talking. I liked the lead detective, just not the main characters. I did find several parts of the story interesting, especially the interview portions (which were funny). I am just on the fence.
I am having trouble rating this title. The writing was pretty great, and beautiful. However, the characters annoyed me. I just wanted Gloria and Uman to stop talking. I liked the lead detective, just not the main characters. I did find several parts of the story interesting, especially the interview portions (which were funny). I am just on the fence.
kba76's review against another edition
3.0
Gloria has been missing from home for a couple of weeks. Having become enthralled by the new boy, Uman, she takes off one day. Nobody is sure why, or whether she went willingly. We meet her after her return when she is being interviewed by the police to establish what happened.
Gloria is incredibly selfish and Uman is pretentious.
The interview format is interesting, but we never really find out what we want to know.
A curious read-potentially great, but not quite there.
Gloria is incredibly selfish and Uman is pretentious.
The interview format is interesting, but we never really find out what we want to know.
A curious read-potentially great, but not quite there.
stephee's review against another edition
4.0
Gloria has returned home after being missing for two weeks. She took off with the new boy at school who has a mysterious past. What follows is a police interview of twenty questions, which slowly uncovers what happened over the missing 15 days and reveals Uman's past and his secrets.
I loved the structure of this novel. It kept me engrossed and turning pages quickly so that I could find out "the truth".
I loved the structure of this novel. It kept me engrossed and turning pages quickly so that I could find out "the truth".