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3.33 AVERAGE
3.33 AVERAGE
The Contender was another book I read for my summer reading English component. Lipsyte's experience in boxing shows in the way he presents and talks about the sport in his novel. Even though I have no familiarity with boxing at all, I was able to follow the sporty aspect of the plot quite well. However, the personal struggles that the protagonist goes through are compelling and realistic. The depth of his feelings and the way his relationship with James played out was thoughtfully done and well-executed. The theme of new growth and pruning tied together the James plotline and the passing away of the old way of boxing entwined really well.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A gritty urban fiction, Lipsyte's story about one teen trying to make it in a tough world will resonate with young readers.
A friend sent me home with this one and I am so glad it was a quick read. I'm not too interested in boxing, or fighting in general. The story felt very rushed and there was little room for character depth. Overall it was an uplifting and inspirational story about working hard to achieve your goals, as well as standing behind what you believe in.
I didn't do much research, but I believe that the author was once a sports writer in the 60's. That would explain how he described the fight scenes so well. I felt like I was in the ring myself at times.
I was surprised. It was nice to see an example of someone taking things they learned in a sport, like patience and determination, and then applying them to more "productive" areas of their life (like School and work).
I didn't do much research, but I believe that the author was once a sports writer in the 60's. That would explain how he described the fight scenes so well. I felt like I was in the ring myself at times.
I was surprised
Spoiler
Alfred didn't continue down his path to be a fighter
I really liked this book. I'm not usually one for Boxing/Sports stories but this one was really about the boxing. It was about Alfred taking control of his life and learning how to have discipline and reach his goals which carried over into multiple aspects of his life. It also began and ended with his friendship with James, but instead of following him around like a puppy, at the end, Alfred was leading the way for James to find himself again.
The story of Alfred Brooks, a high school dropout who turns to boxing instead of some of the unhealthy behaviors his friends are picking up. Along the way he gets to know people who really provide a positive influence in his life. This was not your typical sports book with a grandiose victory at the end, which I appreciate. Alfred makes mistakes and is not perfect, but he is a character that the reader roots for and wants see succeed. This would be a great book to recommend to boys ages 12-14.
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An excellent YA book, and not just for readers into sports. The story focuses on Alfred's growing boxing career, but it isn't really *about* boxing--it's about Alfred discovering something that motivates him and realizing he wants to do something with his life. I thought it was really interesting how it's clear boxing really isn't Alfred's passion, from Mr. Donatelli outright telling him he's not vicious enough to continue on professionally to Alfred just shrugging when asked if he loves being in the ring. It's obvious from the beginning that winning isn't Alfred's real goal; the theme of being a contender is a bit heavy-handed, but very effective anyway. I loved following Alfred's journey, and him finally being in a place to help James made for a great ending.
My one complaint is that Major's motives are confusing, making him an ineffective villain. His bullying of Alfred, tempting James into drug use, and trying to pal around with Alfred once he's a boxer is all realistic--but the reason why he's friendly to Alfred later on is completely unexplored in the book, as Alfred doesn't even wonder about it. Some sense of Alfred's feelings towards Major, his suspicion (or lack of suspicion) of his "change of heart," would have made Major a more interesting character.
My one complaint is that Major's motives are confusing, making him an ineffective villain. His bullying of Alfred, tempting James into drug use, and trying to pal around with Alfred once he's a boxer is all realistic--but the reason why he's friendly to Alfred later on is completely unexplored in the book, as Alfred doesn't even wonder about it. Some sense of Alfred's feelings towards Major, his suspicion (or lack of suspicion) of his "change of heart," would have made Major a more interesting character.
Not a fan of sports fiction, but...
CHARACTERS and SETTING and DRAMA and PASSION and LOYALTY and...and...and...
The last two chapters made me almost cry, like, for real.
CHARACTERS and SETTING and DRAMA and PASSION and LOYALTY and...and...and...
The last two chapters made me almost cry, like, for real.