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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
I found this to be a slow and often difficult book to read. I’m glad I finished it even though I thought several times I would return it unfinished.
dark
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Alcohol
Moderate: Death, Fatphobia, Violence
Minor: Racial slurs, Vomit, Murder
Whether its films like Ace in the Hole, The Sweet Smell of Success, or the recently released Nightcrawler I've always been interested in the more seedy side of the news media. I've always thought that the prospect of individuals who are in charge of informing the public are actually misleading them, there is something very science fiction about the idea and I think that it can lead to the creation of some really interesting story-lines.
The Paperboy first came to my attention when Lee Daniels adapted the book into a film a couple of years ago, I was very interested upon seeing the trailers and made it a point to see the film. I never got a chance to see the movie due to a limited release but when I figured out it was based on a novel it immediately went onto my to-reads shelf.
For those that do not know The Paperboy is all about the idea of investigative journalism during its height in the 1960's. The Protagonists brother Ward James comes back to their home town in order to investigate the murder and ensuing trial of the small towns local sheriff. Ward learns of the case through a series of letters by a woman who is engaged to marry the convicted killer, pleading with Ward to prove her betrothed's innocence.
The Paperboy may be an investigation on the surface level but its really best described as a character study of people in and out of the news. Each character is radically different from one another and each really represent a different time in human life. Whether its the time of confusion and innocence, professionalism and compulsion, arrogance and cockiness, or loneliness and longing; every character embodies a different idea or time of our lives as humans and its seeing those different personalities clash that make the book so interesting.
The writing has a very sparse tone to it, I never got the impression that it was being padded or lengthened just because Mr. Dexter wanted a higher page count. Instead it comes across like a neat package full of great English and absolutely superb dialogue. Each character has a very distinct voice and its that distinction that lends to making all the interactions between these characters all the more interesting.
When all is said and done The Paperboy is less about the seedy side of the news industry and more about humans. What it is that we all want out of life, what our experiences make us into, and what separates us from the rest of the crowd. It feels like a time capsule from an era when investigative journalism still existed but its the characters that ultimately elevate this book to the four stars it deserves.
The Paperboy first came to my attention when Lee Daniels adapted the book into a film a couple of years ago, I was very interested upon seeing the trailers and made it a point to see the film. I never got a chance to see the movie due to a limited release but when I figured out it was based on a novel it immediately went onto my to-reads shelf.
For those that do not know The Paperboy is all about the idea of investigative journalism during its height in the 1960's. The Protagonists brother Ward James comes back to their home town in order to investigate the murder and ensuing trial of the small towns local sheriff. Ward learns of the case through a series of letters by a woman who is engaged to marry the convicted killer, pleading with Ward to prove her betrothed's innocence.
The Paperboy may be an investigation on the surface level but its really best described as a character study of people in and out of the news. Each character is radically different from one another and each really represent a different time in human life. Whether its the time of confusion and innocence, professionalism and compulsion, arrogance and cockiness, or loneliness and longing; every character embodies a different idea or time of our lives as humans and its seeing those different personalities clash that make the book so interesting.
The writing has a very sparse tone to it, I never got the impression that it was being padded or lengthened just because Mr. Dexter wanted a higher page count. Instead it comes across like a neat package full of great English and absolutely superb dialogue. Each character has a very distinct voice and its that distinction that lends to making all the interactions between these characters all the more interesting.
When all is said and done The Paperboy is less about the seedy side of the news industry and more about humans. What it is that we all want out of life, what our experiences make us into, and what separates us from the rest of the crowd. It feels like a time capsule from an era when investigative journalism still existed but its the characters that ultimately elevate this book to the four stars it deserves.
I enjoyed the book, but I was surprised at how quick the ending was compared to how drawn out the book was. Looking forward to the movie.
The Paperboy was an ok book. I never really felt a connection to any of the characters in the novel, because none of them were very likable. I read the novel, because I wanted to watch the movie. However, after reading the novel I do not feel that I really want to see the movie. I am extremely happy that I checked this one out from the library.
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated