Reviews

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys by Chris Fuhrman

jeffmauch's review against another edition

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3.0

I say this ever so rarely, but skip the book and watch the movie. There isn't anything inherently wrong with this authors one and only work, it just comes feels like it comes up shoot in length and light on substance. I normally love books that highlight events that cause adolescents to come of age over the course of a novel. This fits the profile, but it's just missing something. I feel the same way about the movie, but it does a better job of representing what the novel could have been for some reason, not to mention it has a pretty spot on cast that just works.. In it we follow a pack of five 8th graders that all go to the same catholic school through some adventures over the course of a brief few weeks, culminating in and adventure that's both predictable, yet surprising. While the characters are interesting, you don't get to know them with enough depth to relate to them and thus don't feel completely invested in their story.

ericbuscemi's review against another edition

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4.0

This was an nice, quick read that I finshed in one sitting (on a plane). I had seen the movie first, so my perception was admittedly skewed by the impressions the actors had made on the characters, but it did not make the book less enjoyable.

The most impressive aspect of the book was the way the author captured the awkward pre-teen years of the boys' lives.

As always, the book was better than the movie, albeit only slightly (I am a big fan of the movie, that is why I read the book in the first place).

cameronboogieman's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
“People think I’m understanding. I understand little. But I can bear almost anything, and that’s nearly as good” 
Headline: It’s Complicated
I absolutely raced through this, devoured it if you will. It was completely engrossing. And written in a way I loved a lot. Lush with detail yet not flowery or purple. Alternating (and all at once) funny and tragic. The atmosphere and setting are vivid. The main character/narrator’s voice really came through. I feel like I really got to know these characters pretty well. Also Kieran was perfect casting as Tim in the film. 
And then we get to the content. Lots of content here. I already discussed it with Mr. Morris and I don’t think I can unpack it all here so. Yeah it’s complicated. I will say it was interesting to read. But uncomfortable at points. 
Rest in peace <character>

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gwimo's review against another edition

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5.0

A while ago - a long time ago, really - my at-the-time best friend and I held weekly Friday Night Movie-athons in my bedroom as escapism of our freshman year in college. In was in one of these weekly sessions that we came across The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, starring Kieran Culkin, Emile Hirsch and Jena Malone. Because I had a movie with Jena Malone prior to this, I had a sneaky suspicion it might be worth watching. Also, watching one of the younger Culkin siblings act wasn't holding me back either.

Fast forward about six years, I decided that I would read the novel that's set in Savannah, Georgia in the 1970s as seen through the eyes of a young Catholic school boy named Francis Doyle. Heart struck, Francis has fallen in love with the misfit girl, Margie Flynn. His best friend, Tim Sullivan aids him in his romantic aspects. But don't think for a second this is your typical YA, teenage-first-love babble. There is conflict when Father Kavanagh threatens to expose a comic book entitled "Sodom vs. Gomorrah '74," which Francis, Tim and their friends created. Ever smart Tim is quick to come up with a plan that might have deadly consequences.

While I never had the opportunity to risk all danger like Francis and his gang did in the pages, I could easily summon memories of boys like Rusty, Wade, Joey and Tim. Not to mention first loves like Margie Flynn - girls I would've given anything if only to kiss them once upon their lips. In a sense, the book allows my thirteen-year-old self to live vicariously in the 70s. [more]

sianfergs's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow. After watching the movie again, I decided to buy this book, and I read it within a day. It's beautiful and thrilling, and although I was never a teenage boy in Savannah, incredibly relatable in its thoughtful detail. This is my favorite type of book - one that makes you feel connected to someone on the other side of the world, coming to age decades before you did.

courtneygabrielle's review against another edition

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4.0

I actually ordered this book after watching the movie because I really liked it and wanted to also read the book. I love that the book and the movie are both very much alike, I believe everything was included in the movie from the book except the ending bit. The group of friends in this book is what captivates me, they are very different yet you can relate to them. I can see myself in bits of the characters. I think although there were four of them the two main characters are what you really remember and get drawn to. Francis is a normal young man just like everyone else going through puberty with a very extraordinary friend, Tim. Tim is that friend that everyone secretly wants to be, the daredevil and also the brains. I believe Tim is the kind of character that stays with you long after finishing the book. I recommend this book because if you are already past the teenage years then this will make you in a sense relive those days and if you have yet to live through your teenage years this will be a wonderful look into someones perspective of what growing up is like when you are surrounded by the catholic faith while you yourself just want to rebel. There`s friendship, religion and love something for everyone.

wealhtheow's review against another edition

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3.0

I was pretty young when I read this, and I remember being terribly interested in all the tidbits about sex.

lestatmalfoy's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this book because of the movie and I'm glad I did. Worth a read, people.

rosseroo's review

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4.0

Although set much later, in 1974, this largely entertaining and touching book strikes many of the same chords as the movie Stand By Me. The antics of a gang of outcast 13-year-old Catholic-school boys in Savannah involve the usual coming of age subjects: drinking, blaspheming, lusting, trying to escape the parental bonds, etc... This is mostly handled with care and a delicate touch, as is the tension of race relations, and parental abuse. The only part which rings false is a sub-plot involving a young girl with some serious sexual problems which are somewhat difficult to read about. The hero's reaction to this is far too mature to be believable. Other than this slight misstep, the book is an excellent portrait of a time and place. If you like this, check out Tom Perrota's short story collection, Bad Haircut. A very good collection--and interesting contrast--about growing up in South Central LA in the 70s is Living for the City.
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