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charms1976's review
2.0
I wasn't sure what to think going into this book. I had heard mixed reviews on it, but I still didn't know much about it. It wasn't a greatly hyped up book, which I think is what caught my attention when I saw it. I thought that if there isn't much talk about the book, then maybe I could enjoy it without getting my hopes to high.
It focus' on adoption and the turmoil the secrets of adoption can cause in a family. It also touches on the subject of how a boy could finally get the nerve to talk to a girl he has been crushing on and how it might have been the family circumstance's that finally give him the push he needed to do it.
While the writing was just okay, and the characters weren't as great as I was hoping, it was a fairly quick read. I did enjoy how it is from a boys perspective instead of a female for a change. Nick was a character that I though was okay, but at times I thought he could have been much more. His mind kind of wandered too much for me. He would be focused on Eden and then he would switch gears and think about Sam. He seemed to be pushy for answers as well when speaking with his Father. I can understand the curiosity of adoption and the history behind what happened, but I felt that he should have just asked his Father to explain things all in one conversation. I didn't like how he would just change subjects at whim and throw a question out there at his Father. I also would have liked to have seen more of his Mother involved in the discussions and her feelings on the history.
The book had a believable plot, but the ending was lacking in closure as well. It is left open ended in a way for you to come to your own conclusions for the story. Personally, I like my books to have closure at the end. If I spend my time reading a book, I want to know that the author had an ending in mind that would finish it up. When the final chapter is left like that, I get the feeling that the author didn't feel like completing the story and just gave up.
Overall if you are a big fan of touchy subjects that involve the family, then give it a try. Personally, it is not one I would read again in the future.
It focus' on adoption and the turmoil the secrets of adoption can cause in a family. It also touches on the subject of how a boy could finally get the nerve to talk to a girl he has been crushing on and how it might have been the family circumstance's that finally give him the push he needed to do it.
While the writing was just okay, and the characters weren't as great as I was hoping, it was a fairly quick read. I did enjoy how it is from a boys perspective instead of a female for a change. Nick was a character that I though was okay, but at times I thought he could have been much more. His mind kind of wandered too much for me. He would be focused on Eden and then he would switch gears and think about Sam. He seemed to be pushy for answers as well when speaking with his Father. I can understand the curiosity of adoption and the history behind what happened, but I felt that he should have just asked his Father to explain things all in one conversation. I didn't like how he would just change subjects at whim and throw a question out there at his Father. I also would have liked to have seen more of his Mother involved in the discussions and her feelings on the history.
The book had a believable plot, but the ending was lacking in closure as well. It is left open ended in a way for you to come to your own conclusions for the story. Personally, I like my books to have closure at the end. If I spend my time reading a book, I want to know that the author had an ending in mind that would finish it up. When the final chapter is left like that, I get the feeling that the author didn't feel like completing the story and just gave up.
Overall if you are a big fan of touchy subjects that involve the family, then give it a try. Personally, it is not one I would read again in the future.
missprint_'s review
2.0
This wasn't the greatest story for me and Nick isn't always the most charming narrator. But there is something about Sheinmel's writing that is really appealing and very striking even with those small drawbacks. Ultimately an enjoyable, fast, read.
heykellyjensen's review
3.0
I didn't believe the male voice at all (and given it takes you more than one chapter to figure out what the gender is is a problem, too) and I thought the fact the entire plot hinged on a landline phone call/the inconsistencies therein were thin.
That said, I really like Sheinmel's voice in writing. It's clear and smooth, as well as quiet. It's a slower paced book but it's purposeful in being that way.
Full review here: http://stackedbooks.blogspot.com/2011/05/lucky-kind-by-alyssa-b-sheinmel.html
That said, I really like Sheinmel's voice in writing. It's clear and smooth, as well as quiet. It's a slower paced book but it's purposeful in being that way.
Full review here: http://stackedbooks.blogspot.com/2011/05/lucky-kind-by-alyssa-b-sheinmel.html
bethanymiller415's review
4.0
High school junior Nick Brandt has every reason in the world to be happy. He has two parents who love him and each other. He goes to an exclusive Manhattan private school, and he’s finally gotten up the nerve to talk to Eden, the girl he’s had a crush on for the past two years. Then one day his father gets an unexpected phone call, and Nick, who always believed that he was an only child, finds out that he has an older brother. Nick’s father and his high school girlfriend had had a child when they were both in college and decided to give him up for adoption. At first, Nick does not have a strong reaction to the news, but this revelation about his father’s past plants a seed of doubt that grows over the next few months. He wonders how his father, who has always seemed so solid and dependable could have done something so irresponsible. He also begins to resent the fact that his father hid this secret from him for so long. Meanwhile, his relationship with Eden has grown more serious, and when they have sex for the first time using a condom of unknown expiration date, Nick begins to wonder if he is destined to repeat his father’s mistakes. This causes him to withdraw from Eden without fully understanding why. Nick’s growing resentment and anxiety come to a head when he finally comes face to face with the brother he never knew he had.
The beauty of The Lucky Kind lies in its simplicity. Many of the books, television shows, movies and video games directed towards a teen audience are so filled with “drama” that they become unrealistic. In this novel, Sheinmel depicts a relatively ordinary family dealing with an unusual (but not unrealistic) problem. The characters are well-developed, and the family dynamics and interactions are realistic. Though they are going through a tough time, it is clear that Nick has loving and attentive parents especially by comparison to Eden’s parents, who seem to be on the brink of divorce, and Stevie’s parents, who don’t seem to have time for their son. Teens will be able to relate to these three realistic family situations. The book’s resolution is well done, providing closure without tying everything up too neatly.
The beauty of The Lucky Kind lies in its simplicity. Many of the books, television shows, movies and video games directed towards a teen audience are so filled with “drama” that they become unrealistic. In this novel, Sheinmel depicts a relatively ordinary family dealing with an unusual (but not unrealistic) problem. The characters are well-developed, and the family dynamics and interactions are realistic. Though they are going through a tough time, it is clear that Nick has loving and attentive parents especially by comparison to Eden’s parents, who seem to be on the brink of divorce, and Stevie’s parents, who don’t seem to have time for their son. Teens will be able to relate to these three realistic family situations. The book’s resolution is well done, providing closure without tying everything up too neatly.
jenilyn's review
3.0
A quick read, Sheinmel still does a more than adequate job dealing with some big issues for young adults: first love, disillusionment, family bonds, etc. Very enjoyable.
mctmama's review
3.0
OK - I did finish it, but did not enjoy it as much as other romances I have read recently. A little more gritty and true to life.
athomewithbooks's review
3.0
The Lucky Kind is a young adult novel written from the perspective of a high school junior named Nick. It was a nice change to read a young adult book from a boy’s point of view since most of the YA books I read have female main characters. This book was written by a woman, and while I thought she did a decent job getting inside a boy’s head I really am not an expert judge, being a girl myself. I would be curious to hear a guy’s perspective on this book as to how realistic her characterization was.
In The Lucky Kind Nick is faced with two problems: figuring out how to approach the girl that he has a crush on, and discovering what secret his parents are hiding from him. Once he finds out the secret it wreaks havoc on the rest of his life, and causes him to reexamine how he sees himself and his parents.
I have to admit that reading this book was a lot like watching an after-school special. You don’t know quite how the character is going to mess things up, but you’re pretty sure he’s going to learn some life lessons about relationships in the process. This is great for me because I’ve always enjoyed after-school specials. On the flip side, I have to wonder how much this story would really appeal to teenage boys.
Some young adult books have crossover appeal to the adult audience, but I think this is one that is going to appeal mostly to a younger crowd. I should also mention that the following issues play a role in the book: teenage sex, drinking, and smoking. More than anything else though, it is a story about the difficulties of keeping open and honest relationships between teenagers and parents.
In The Lucky Kind Nick is faced with two problems: figuring out how to approach the girl that he has a crush on, and discovering what secret his parents are hiding from him. Once he finds out the secret it wreaks havoc on the rest of his life, and causes him to reexamine how he sees himself and his parents.
I have to admit that reading this book was a lot like watching an after-school special. You don’t know quite how the character is going to mess things up, but you’re pretty sure he’s going to learn some life lessons about relationships in the process. This is great for me because I’ve always enjoyed after-school specials. On the flip side, I have to wonder how much this story would really appeal to teenage boys.
Some young adult books have crossover appeal to the adult audience, but I think this is one that is going to appeal mostly to a younger crowd. I should also mention that the following issues play a role in the book: teenage sex, drinking, and smoking. More than anything else though, it is a story about the difficulties of keeping open and honest relationships between teenagers and parents.
allzen_nochill's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well-written, like everything Alyssa Sheinmel puts out is. I guess I just didn't really get what the point of it all was? Definitely a "bunch of shit that happens" book without a lot of growth during the bunch of shit. Okay yeah, Nick kinda realizes he's been an asshole, but that's about it. Could have been WAY more exploration of the family dynamics and analyzing the facade of a "perfect family."
howifeelaboutbooks's review
4.0
Nick is a high school junior who has never had a problem with his parents, and never had a girlfriend. Then a phone call sets off a chain of events that changes both of those truths - he realizes his parents have been keeping a major secret from him for years, and the unsteadiness of his life inspires him to shake it up further by finally pursuing the girl he's crushed on for years. As he copes with falling in love and dealing with his new family situation, he has a lot to learn. This book is well-written, thought-provoking, and (though I hate how condescending this sounds, it must be said -) sweet.