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3.33 AVERAGE
3.33 AVERAGE
I’ve read this more than once, and was happy to introduce my middle school student to it once again. A great book on finding yourself and overcoming.
I enjoyed listening to this book . It’s a hard story in places but a hopeful coming of age story in a bleak ghetto.
A very realistic depiction of life and people. The characters for the most part or engaging and interesting. The fact that adults play a large role in this YA book makes it unique. I like the "nothing's promised you" lesson that sometimes you work incredibly hard for something and don't get it, but still come out ahead just for trying. The very last chapter kind of lost me, it was to unrealistically positive.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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
I just finished this book with my high level English learners....they liked the book, but not the ending. I found the book really well written---and realistic. The message was good for the age....and I think that once we start to discuss the book and its ending some more the students will like the book more.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Contender is a YA, contemporary novel about a teenage boy who begins training to be a boxer in Harlem in the late 1960s.
Things You'll Find:
*Good Times but like....if everything somehow got worse*
*Training session after training session*
*Alfred in constant crisis*
Alfred has recently quit school and is working at the Epstein's grocery store in his neighborhood. Unfortunately for him, some local thugs and his best friend, James, try to rob the store and James is caught and taken to jail. Afterward, Alfred becomes the target of the rest of the gang and after a few days of running, constantly looking over his shoulder, and one rough encounter he stumbles into the gym of Mr. Donatelli and decides he wants to learn to box, not just to defend himself but to "be somebody". Through training and the guidance of his gym friends, Alfred starts down the path of self-discovery and confidence.
Here's the thing; it's not this book's fault that it doesn't appeal to me. It's a sports book, so there's quite a few chapters that only cover training and matches, which left me completely bored because I'm just not interested in boxing (or any sport). The book is INSANELY clear that it's a sports book, I primarily picked it up because I had to. Aside from the subject of the book not appealing to me, I think this is just one of those books that was relevant at the time it was written, but as time has passed, it's become outdated. A lot of the ideas conveyed are very 1960s-1970s and so is a lot of the slang. I'm not sure how much of this is authentic to the time, because it does read a lot like a blaxploitation script, HIGHLY exaggerated. There are other books that give you the setting and the turmoil required for educational purposes.
For most of the novel, it was a firm 1 star for me, until we got to the end. I did like that Lipstye decided to stress the value of education for teens, particularly black teens, giving back, and lifting up the community around them. So, for that reason, the book isn't a total bust.
Overall, if you're into boxing and sports fic, this may still be a fun read, just be mindful of the context.
Things You'll Find:
*Good Times but like....if everything somehow got worse*
*Training session after training session*
*Alfred in constant crisis*
Alfred has recently quit school and is working at the Epstein's grocery store in his neighborhood. Unfortunately for him, some local thugs and his best friend, James, try to rob the store and James is caught and taken to jail. Afterward, Alfred becomes the target of the rest of the gang and after a few days of running, constantly looking over his shoulder, and one rough encounter he stumbles into the gym of Mr. Donatelli and decides he wants to learn to box, not just to defend himself but to "be somebody". Through training and the guidance of his gym friends, Alfred starts down the path of self-discovery and confidence.
Here's the thing; it's not this book's fault that it doesn't appeal to me. It's a sports book, so there's quite a few chapters that only cover training and matches, which left me completely bored because I'm just not interested in boxing (or any sport). The book is INSANELY clear that it's a sports book, I primarily picked it up because I had to. Aside from the subject of the book not appealing to me, I think this is just one of those books that was relevant at the time it was written, but as time has passed, it's become outdated. A lot of the ideas conveyed are very 1960s-1970s and so is a lot of the slang. I'm not sure how much of this is authentic to the time, because it does read a lot like a blaxploitation script, HIGHLY exaggerated. There are other books that give you the setting and the turmoil required for educational purposes.
For most of the novel, it was a firm 1 star for me, until we got to the end. I did like that Lipstye decided to stress the value of education for teens, particularly black teens, giving back, and lifting up the community around them. So, for that reason, the book isn't a total bust.
Overall, if you're into boxing and sports fic, this may still be a fun read, just be mindful of the context.
Another inner-city-kid overcomes the odds story.
Gangs, shootings, drugs, etc. The protagonist fights (ha, pun intended) his way out with the help of caring mentors at a boxing gym.
Gangs, shootings, drugs, etc. The protagonist fights (ha, pun intended) his way out with the help of caring mentors at a boxing gym.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'd never read this classic YA novel and I just happened to pick it up yesterday at work when I was bored during testing. I'm glad I did because it's a really lovely novel about being a man and working hard for what you want. Lipsyte's characters seem very real and he offers hope without any easy answers. The boxing action and strong male protagonist should interest teen guys, and girls will like the focus on relationships.