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jenmangler's review against another edition
2.0
This is a collection of amusing stories, but it doesn't really hold together.
ohokaylil's review against another edition
5.0
I’m so glad that my 5th grade teacher still chose to read this out loud to us, all the while ‘bleeping’ out Harris’s particular smart words. This story has stuck with me for almost 10 years. It’s become one of my family’s favorite stories. We all gather around as my dad reads it out loud and laugh till we cry. I would give this a millions stars if I could. Buy it, read it, laugh till you cry.
johnw613's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A utterly charming and hilarious picaresque take on the city mouse/country mouse dynamic. An unnamed narrator from a dysfunctional family spend the summer of his eleventh year with the family of a distant cousin on their farm in rural Minnesota. He spends his time with his cousin, nine year old Harris, whose thirst for adventure and mischief often lands them both in trouble. Through the summer, in between farm chores and dealing with some notably eccentric people, including farm hand Louie who eats like a combine and rarely speaks, and some even more eccentric animals, among them a lynx named Buzzer who, trust me, you don’t want to cross, Harris creates all sorts of wild highjinks, including the reenactment of a scene from a Gene Autry movie, bringing the nameless narrator along for the wildest of rides.
At first the narrator feels very much the outsider, but gradually Harris, who exhibits a rough and tumble yearning to include, brings him into his fantastical world and you can feel their budding lifelong friendship as it forms and solidifies. Sadly the summer comes to an end and “Me” has to return home. Harris tries to create one last adventure that would allow “Me” to stay, in a denouement that had me crying buckets. This is a wonderful book.
At first the narrator feels very much the outsider, but gradually Harris, who exhibits a rough and tumble yearning to include, brings him into his fantastical world and you can feel their budding lifelong friendship as it forms and solidifies. Sadly the summer comes to an end and “Me” has to return home. Harris tries to create one last adventure that would allow “Me” to stay, in a denouement that had me crying buckets. This is a wonderful book.
annaroles's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jwinchell's review against another edition
4.0
I thought so much about Jack Gantos' _The Trouble in Me_ with this one... a great pairing! Modern readers would need some context around "commie Jap" comments and play, probably, but nonetheless a solid read about belonging, rebellion, adventuring spirit, and connection. We all know Harris.
mbrandmaier's review against another edition
5.0
Two boys have adventures on the family farm. Based on an actual summer of Gary Paulsen's life.
saracat's review
1.0
I will start with two points. 1) If the book didn't include a racial slur over and over again, I think I could have rated the book a solid 3 stars. And 2) decided not to finish it because of the racial slurs but go a little over halfway through.
What I did like about the book was the introduction (for me) to a way of growing up that was very different from my own childhood. I think it is interesting to see and be reminded that our experience is by no means the whole experience for people.
I wasn't a huge fan of the character Harris. Even though I know for a lot of children, their reality feels like the whole of reality, it sat uncomfortable with me for him to assume the narrator knew 'nothing about anything' just because he hadn't lived on a farm before and therefore didn't have experience with certain things that Harris did. I can see how this would be a point of humor for many people when reading the book. But for me personally, it just brought up memories of being bullied as a child.
Again, if it weren't for the racial slurs, I think this would have been a book I would have finished. And I am interested in finding a book that is similar in the background of way of life of the characters... just without racist language. So if anyone has recommendations, I would be interested.
What I did like about the book was the introduction (for me) to a way of growing up that was very different from my own childhood. I think it is interesting to see and be reminded that our experience is by no means the whole experience for people.
I wasn't a huge fan of the character Harris. Even though I know for a lot of children, their reality feels like the whole of reality, it sat uncomfortable with me for him to assume the narrator knew 'nothing about anything' just because he hadn't lived on a farm before and therefore didn't have experience with certain things that Harris did. I can see how this would be a point of humor for many people when reading the book. But for me personally, it just brought up memories of being bullied as a child.
Again, if it weren't for the racial slurs, I think this would have been a book I would have finished. And I am interested in finding a book that is similar in the background of way of life of the characters... just without racist language. So if anyone has recommendations, I would be interested.
maddi_was_reborn's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book! My older brother recommended that I read it. It is an easy, upbeat story of a young, adventurous boy. Did I add enough adjectives in the last sentence?
kawaiisheep33's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Easy read and lovable characters