Scan barcode
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.
———
TLDR : My expectations were too high I think and I was just disappointed. It’s a fine book but not anything astounding.
———
However!!! Audiobook was 2 stars by itself due to the occasional accents which felt in bad taste
———
TLDR : My expectations were too high I think and I was just disappointed. It’s a fine book but not anything astounding.
———
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.
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. I read this book because it was the only one from Hannah's collection that looked remotely interesting. I wanted to see what kind of books she's been diving into. I only got two things from the book:
The kids were weird.
The ending with the mom was rushed.
The kids were weird.
The ending with the mom was rushed.
hello_sunshine's review against another edition
5.0
Quirky characters, heart-warming story, and a mystery afoot. Loved it!
in_and_out_of_the_stash's review against another edition
3.0
Not as good as When You Reach Me as that was an enjoyable read for all ages. This is for the aimed age group.
johnnymacaroni's review against another edition
4.0
began july 20. finished on 23. from netgalley
I really enjoyed this! Once again Stead has pulled me into her world. Especially with the character development. Everyone is so *real* and I found myself getting very attached and emotional. So attached that at a bbq on a beautiful summer day I was wishing I had brought my book and could sneak off to a corner or onto the hammock and read for awhile!
Anyway, I don't have much more to say, I just really love Stead's writing. This one had it all...small mysteries, friendship, humor, depth. <3
I really enjoyed this! Once again Stead has pulled me into her world. Especially with the character development. Everyone is so *real* and I found myself getting very attached and emotional. So attached that at a bbq on a beautiful summer day I was wishing I had brought my book and could sneak off to a corner or onto the hammock and read for awhile!
Anyway, I don't have much more to say, I just really love Stead's writing. This one had it all...small mysteries, friendship, humor, depth. <3
cathyatratedreads's review against another edition
4.0
I hate to say anything about this book because any "clue" about it would spoil it; everything means something. I can just say that I adore Rebecca Stead's writing. I love her voice. I love how she can put together a story and young characters you can't help but identify with. I enjoyed all the little quirks (the "bohemian family" and their style of living was great). Above all, Stead just manages to make me smile and tug just a bit at my heart all at the same time in a satisfying conclusion. She does it with such a deft touch. Bravo!
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/liar-and-spy-clean-young-adult-book-review/
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/liar-and-spy-clean-young-adult-book-review/