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m00plays's review against another edition
4.0
I received a review copy of this book from netgalley. This doesn't affect my view or rating in any way!
Full Review here: https://thebookmoo.wordpress.com/2016/08/27/review-time-a-boy-made-of-blocks-by-keith-stuart
I was interested in this book as I work closely with autistic children and wondered what this book would be like. I was pleasantly surprised! The first few chapters were a little bit depressing, i'll be honest but it really picks up when we dig deeper into the family dynamics.
I enjoyed this book and it definitely gave me a few tips on understanding and helping autistic children in my job as a teaching assistant, so thank you very much Keith Stuart!
Full Review here: https://thebookmoo.wordpress.com/2016/08/27/review-time-a-boy-made-of-blocks-by-keith-stuart
I was interested in this book as I work closely with autistic children and wondered what this book would be like. I was pleasantly surprised! The first few chapters were a little bit depressing, i'll be honest but it really picks up when we dig deeper into the family dynamics.
I enjoyed this book and it definitely gave me a few tips on understanding and helping autistic children in my job as a teaching assistant, so thank you very much Keith Stuart!
noodlerabbit88's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
A warm read about family, autism and Minecraft!
It felt very like Jem Lester's 'Shtum' for a few chapters. In Shtum, a couple 'pretend' to break up to assist in their severely autistic son's chances in gaining a place in a specialist school, the father has always taken a back seat in looking after his son and when forced to play primary carer, struggles to manage.
In A Boy Made of Blocks, dad Alex and mum Jody are also struggling with an autistic son and their family trials have led to a relationship breakdown, with Jody the main caretaker and Alex feeling little connection with his growing son Sam. By chance, Alex stumbles upon a potential communication tool - Minecraft. He finds his son opens up a lot more in the computer world of building and Sam and he begin to open up to each other and find connection.
Based on the author's own experiences within his family, this is a feel-good story that gives some insights into living with an autistic child. I felt for Alex and Jody, parents a little too young and early in their relationship, and for Sam who is a high-functioning autistic who has his own way of viewing the world and turns into a brave and loveable young man, the more we see of him.
The climax of the story is moving and very engaging, as Alex tries to make the most of Sam's passions and shows how he has grown as a father, a man in love with his son, no matter what.
This would make a lovely film, and has the potential to appeal to a wide audience, including young people for whom Minecraft may also prove to them a way to understanding other children with autism.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy, sent for review purposes.
It felt very like Jem Lester's 'Shtum' for a few chapters. In Shtum, a couple 'pretend' to break up to assist in their severely autistic son's chances in gaining a place in a specialist school, the father has always taken a back seat in looking after his son and when forced to play primary carer, struggles to manage.
In A Boy Made of Blocks, dad Alex and mum Jody are also struggling with an autistic son and their family trials have led to a relationship breakdown, with Jody the main caretaker and Alex feeling little connection with his growing son Sam. By chance, Alex stumbles upon a potential communication tool - Minecraft. He finds his son opens up a lot more in the computer world of building and Sam and he begin to open up to each other and find connection.
Based on the author's own experiences within his family, this is a feel-good story that gives some insights into living with an autistic child. I felt for Alex and Jody, parents a little too young and early in their relationship, and for Sam who is a high-functioning autistic who has his own way of viewing the world and turns into a brave and loveable young man, the more we see of him.
The climax of the story is moving and very engaging, as Alex tries to make the most of Sam's passions and shows how he has grown as a father, a man in love with his son, no matter what.
This would make a lovely film, and has the potential to appeal to a wide audience, including young people for whom Minecraft may also prove to them a way to understanding other children with autism.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy, sent for review purposes.
chessrose's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
look, if this was just based off of the storyline strictly it would have received a higher star rating, but Alex's character was just so despicable at points that it knocked off some stars. How did he think he could swear and shout at his 8 year old (with autism or not, totally inappropriately) multiple times essentially, and expect us to just go 'oh okay!', but as a minecraft lover myself and a person who cries every time family moments occur in a book, it doesn't rate awfully.
Also i actually really enjoyed the progression and the pace of the book, was very easy to read and I read it all in one day because it was just an enjoyable read overall! I would recommended.
Also i actually really enjoyed the progression and the pace of the book, was very easy to read and I read it all in one day because it was just an enjoyable read overall! I would recommended.
beth_pattison's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
goatfarmer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
calturner's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well, what can I say? I adored this book! Its realistic portrayal of life as the parent of a child with autism is nothing short of astounding. Beautifully written and moving, this is a book I will be recommending to everyone! If you loved 'Shtum' by Jem Lester, this book will blow you away in much the same way.
A brilliant and moving 5 stars.
Well, what can I say? I adored this book! Its realistic portrayal of life as the parent of a child with autism is nothing short of astounding. Beautifully written and moving, this is a book I will be recommending to everyone! If you loved 'Shtum' by Jem Lester, this book will blow you away in much the same way.
A brilliant and moving 5 stars.
michalice's review against another edition
4.0
A Boy Made of Blocks was a book I wanted to read for a variety of reasons. The subject of this book really struck a cord with me, as a nursery nurse I have worked with children on the spectrum, with various degrees of severity. I have work colleagues and friends who also have children on the spectrum, even looking after one of them and having first hand experience of the emotional ups and downs.
A Boy Made of Blocks is initially a slow start, and I did find myself struggling to read this, especially as the beginning of the book was more about the breakdown of the relationship rather than the boy himself. But as the book progressed and we see more of this family it did get interesting.
I love how a computer game was able to bring a Father and Son closer, to find that bond again and develop an understanding. Video games have been slated for children playing on them rather than going out (my own Nephew is guilty of this most days) and to have this game help this family so much was remarkable. The emotions that I experienced reading this book were unexpected. I cried, I smiled, I felt happy and also hopeful, but amongst those were sadness and loss too.
A Boy Made of Blocks is more than struggling, more than trying to find a way to communicate. It's about hope, and belief, it's about fighting for what you want and taking on new challenges. It's a book that makes you stop and take a look, that makes you think about what you see and how you judge others by thier children's actions (I do this even though I know what children are like).
Final Verdict
A Boy Made of Blocks is a book that has to be read by anyone looking to understand autism, it explains the experiences in a real way, with no sugar coating anything. It's pure and honest and I am glad I took a chance on this one.
A Boy Made of Blocks is initially a slow start, and I did find myself struggling to read this, especially as the beginning of the book was more about the breakdown of the relationship rather than the boy himself. But as the book progressed and we see more of this family it did get interesting.
I love how a computer game was able to bring a Father and Son closer, to find that bond again and develop an understanding. Video games have been slated for children playing on them rather than going out (my own Nephew is guilty of this most days) and to have this game help this family so much was remarkable. The emotions that I experienced reading this book were unexpected. I cried, I smiled, I felt happy and also hopeful, but amongst those were sadness and loss too.
A Boy Made of Blocks is more than struggling, more than trying to find a way to communicate. It's about hope, and belief, it's about fighting for what you want and taking on new challenges. It's a book that makes you stop and take a look, that makes you think about what you see and how you judge others by thier children's actions (I do this even though I know what children are like).
Final Verdict
A Boy Made of Blocks is a book that has to be read by anyone looking to understand autism, it explains the experiences in a real way, with no sugar coating anything. It's pure and honest and I am glad I took a chance on this one.
librarystax's review against another edition
4.0
I’m a sucker for a good family story. I love the arch of the main character and how real the story feels. I laughed, I cried, I felt I knew them all.