Scan barcode
wolfiegrrrl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
The first time I read this book, I was in middle school and I fell in love with it. I loved the underdog story and how all of the plot lines were revealed to be so intricately interwoven. More than a decade later, I uncovered my copy and rereading it still brought me the same feelings of enthusiasm and interest that I remembered from my first experience with it.
Through the story, the author has a lot to say about racism, classism, the prison pipeline, and the exploitative nature of detainment centers. There is also an impressive smattering of commentary about the things adults do and say that (either intentionally or unintentionally) leave a lasting negative impression on how children view themselves. As an adult with a more informed perspective on these topics, I now understand how a story set in Texas turned out to have all of these elements, so I found myself stopping to let certain details sink in that I know I missed as a kid. I think the fact that it isn't preachy, instead painting a straightforward picture for the readers and saying "you decide if this is right or wrong," is what imprinted this story on my heart.
I only recently learned that there is a sequel and I am looking forward to seeing what happened to the other boys from Camp Green Lake!
Through the story, the author has a lot to say about racism, classism, the prison pipeline, and the exploitative nature of detainment centers. There is also an impressive smattering of commentary about the things adults do and say that (either intentionally or unintentionally) leave a lasting negative impression on how children view themselves. As an adult with a more informed perspective on these topics, I now understand how a story set in Texas turned out to have all of these elements, so I found myself stopping to let certain details sink in that I know I missed as a kid. I think the fact that it isn't preachy, instead painting a straightforward picture for the readers and saying "you decide if this is right or wrong," is what imprinted this story on my heart.
I only recently learned that there is a sequel and I am looking forward to seeing what happened to the other boys from Camp Green Lake!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Confinement
Minor: Vomit, Death, Animal death, Fatphobia, Blood, and Murder
sweekune's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.0
Audiobook narrated by Kerry Better.
A fun and thoughtful book. Though clearly a children's book, at no point did I feel it was patronising or childish. The narrator did an amazing job and added to the experience.
The good:
- An interesting and enjoyable story that was encapsulated well.
- There was good character development and growth.
- The switches back to the past were well done and I enjoyed learning the tidbits that then later tied into the story.
- The narrative did an amazing job. I especially enjoyed the way they gave each character their own tone of voice so you knew who was speaking even without being told.
What could have been better:
- Some of the characters lacked depth beyond their immediate purpose to the story. The antagonists were only really that, not people with thought and backgrounds of their own.
Overall I had a really fun time listening to Holes and it was a nice palate cleanser after some heavier books.
A fun and thoughtful book. Though clearly a children's book, at no point did I feel it was patronising or childish. The narrator did an amazing job and added to the experience.
The good:
- An interesting and enjoyable story that was encapsulated well.
- There was good character development and growth.
- The switches back to the past were well done and I enjoyed learning the tidbits that then later tied into the story.
- The narrative did an amazing job. I especially enjoyed the way they gave each character their own tone of voice so you knew who was speaking even without being told.
What could have been better:
- Some of the characters lacked depth beyond their immediate purpose to the story. The antagonists were only really that, not people with thought and backgrounds of their own.
Overall I had a really fun time listening to Holes and it was a nice palate cleanser after some heavier books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Murder, and Child abuse
Minor: Fatphobia
More...