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stephxsu's review against another edition
3.0
Rebecca Stead, whose previous book, [b:When You Reach Me|5310515|When You Reach Me|Rebecca Stead|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320395542s/5310515.jpg|6608018], I loved (and, apparently, so did a lot of other people, as it won the Newbery), is back with another middle grade novel, LIAR & SPY. Different in feel and content from [b:When You Reach Me|5310515|When You Reach Me|Rebecca Stead|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320395542s/5310515.jpg|6608018], it nevertheless pays homage to the intelligence and subtleties possible for middle grade literature.
Georges and other characters of LIAR & SPY are fairly average in terms of memorability, but wicked smart in terms of intelligence for characters their age. It’s not every day you get to read a middle-grade novel that involve the attempted English spelling reform movement and the umami taste (that’s the one that recognizes delicious or savory foods). Knowledge can come whenever and wherever, in all forms, as Rebecca Stead proves over and over again.
Safer’s suspicious and passive-aggressive behavior did get on my nerves pretty quickly, as they did Georges’, but the characters’ insecurities, actions, and feelings are all very genuine to the physical and emotional turmoil of middle school. And, as always, Stead writes a killer of an ending, one that nearly singlehandedly bumped my rating of this book up a whole star. Alas, the rest of LIAR & SPY didn’t capture my affections the way [b:When You Reach Me|5310515|When You Reach Me|Rebecca Stead|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320395542s/5310515.jpg|6608018] did—the pacing was slower and the characters not as easily likable. Nevertheless, despite the lack of emotional connection on my part, it is a touching and impressive work of literature that fans of middle grade and young adult literature alike should consider reading.
Georges and other characters of LIAR & SPY are fairly average in terms of memorability, but wicked smart in terms of intelligence for characters their age. It’s not every day you get to read a middle-grade novel that involve the attempted English spelling reform movement and the umami taste (that’s the one that recognizes delicious or savory foods). Knowledge can come whenever and wherever, in all forms, as Rebecca Stead proves over and over again.
Safer’s suspicious and passive-aggressive behavior did get on my nerves pretty quickly, as they did Georges’, but the characters’ insecurities, actions, and feelings are all very genuine to the physical and emotional turmoil of middle school. And, as always, Stead writes a killer of an ending, one that nearly singlehandedly bumped my rating of this book up a whole star. Alas, the rest of LIAR & SPY didn’t capture my affections the way [b:When You Reach Me|5310515|When You Reach Me|Rebecca Stead|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320395542s/5310515.jpg|6608018] did—the pacing was slower and the characters not as easily likable. Nevertheless, despite the lack of emotional connection on my part, it is a touching and impressive work of literature that fans of middle grade and young adult literature alike should consider reading.
lyctors's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
samabenamer's review against another edition
3.0
this was okay. not as good as rebecca stead's other works.
4saradouglas's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. It's one of those where not a lot happens, but the characters are just great and I didn't get bored. The pages literally flew by, and I wonder if I took my time more if I would have seen the twist at the end coming sooner than I did. Either way, Stead tells one heck of a story. I'll be interested to see if others enjoy the ending or wish that part had come sooner and have been focused more upon. I really liked the way she did it, but I suppose it's not for everyone. I'll say it one more time... I loved the characters. Each one was very realistic and thought out.
craftylou's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
zanm's review against another edition
3.5
This is, weirdly enough, NOT Stead’s first book, though it certainly feels like one. It’s jumbled as far as plot and character development, with progress being made then undone almost immediately. I feel like Georges didn’t really change as a character and I have a very weak grasp on who he is as a person. Additionally, he was right to be mad at Safer for lying, and his (Georges’) dad seemed to diminish that, which made me frustrated. However, the plot twist with the mother being in the hospital was set up well, and really one of the best parts of the book. Otherwise, it was just kind of lacking that charm from Stead’s other novels and the main characters don’t read like 7th graders (at least, not any I’ve met). I also couldn’t pin the decade this took place in, and the whole thing seemed not just unrealistic but dumbed down in a way I can’t quite put my finger on.
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TLDR : My expectations were too high I think and I was just disappointed. It’s a fine book but not anything astounding.
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However!!! Audiobook was 2 stars by itself due to the occasional accents which felt in bad taste
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TLDR : My expectations were too high I think and I was just disappointed. It’s a fine book but not anything astounding.
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However!!! Audiobook was 2 stars by itself due to the occasional accents which felt in bad taste
laila4343's review against another edition
4.0
Really good middle-grade novel about a seventh-grader named Georges (after the painter Seurat) who’s lost his best friend to the cool kids’ table and lost his home because his dad lost his job. Now in a new NYC apartment he meets this kind of oddball kid named Safer who enlists him to spy on his neighbors. Meanwhile, his Mom is gone all the time working double shifts as a nurse. This felt realistic and hopeful and satisfying, about dealing (or not dealing) with some big life changes. Would recommend to 3-7 graders who like realistic fiction.
readingjag's review against another edition
3.0
Nice contemporary story. Not as beloved as When You Reach Me. I think Stead might be known as a "twist ending" author and the twists were more forced than her last book which was like a perfect puzzle coming together. Still, lots to talk about and would be a good choice for a children's book club.
ocurtsinger's review against another edition
4.0
One of the many middle reader books that teaches in a very real-world way that things are not always what they seem. Not a very exciting or mysterious story, but the narration is witty and curious enough to keep you turning the pages. I haven't read When You Reach Me but I'll bet it's pretty darn good.