Reviews

If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth

dustilane's review against another edition

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I only read 1/4 of this book and I didn't like it soooo.

falconerreader's review against another edition

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5.0

I stayed up until 2 am finishing this. When I started, I was all, "Oh, Part-Time Indian in upstate New York." But no. I still love Alexie's book, but this is no imitation or little brother. If I Ever Get Out of Here stands firmly on its own feet. It is a story of friendship, first and foremost. It's a story of family, school, poverty, standing up for yourself in the face of intense prejudice--but mostly it's about the power of friendship. And music.

Grittier than many MG novels, but solidly PG, with an ending that is realistic yet optimistic. I could read this to a middle school class--porn movies and magazines are alluded to, and a few people who really, really deserve it are called assholes, but that's as far as it goes.

jennybeastie's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this book a little hard to get into, and then impossible to put down. Lewis is growing up on the rez in the 1970s. Really, the crux of the story is that Lewis is living on the rez, and going to school in the gifted class off reservation. He lives an isolated life, finding comfort only in music, until a boy transfers in and won’t let the idea of friendship go.

Lewis’ struggle to remain true to himself and find a way to interact with the off-reservation world makes for a hard read, but an inspiring one. He is a fierce and intelligent, difficult, lonely boy, who takes a stand when he needs to, regardless of the cost.

sunbear98's review against another edition

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3.0

I would give this book 3.5 stars. This book started very slowly for me. I'm afraid it might lose teen readers before they get very far into it. Having said this, by the middle of the book, it had me. Wonderful story of a true teen boy's friendship. I don't think we read enough of this in YA lit. The author gave me a strong vision of place and I could feel the pain Lewis went through. It is a good read.

mxsunny's review against another edition

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5.0

this book was really good. I really think you should read it. it's about growing up poor and Native American in the 1970s. it's also about loving the Beatles and finding your first true best friend. it's about sacrifices, deception, bullying, and families. it's really good y'all.

mnbmprncss's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

3.5

hbkelley's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

momentum262's review against another edition

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4.0

This book lost me a bit in the middle as they transitioned school years, but it redeemed itself in the end and I read the second half a lot faster than the end of the first half. I really enjoyed the narrative style and voice Lewis had in expressing his thoughts and views.

aprilbooksandwine's review against another edition

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4.0

If I Ever Get Out Of Here by Eric Gansworth uses music as a huge theme and is a historical fiction young adult book. These two elements are among my favorite things to read.
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heretherebewhales's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is exactly what I want from YA fiction. The way the conflicts weave together and come to a head all at the same time feels so masterful and satisfying. I love this book and I wish I could have read it as a kid. Lewis is an outsider that so many kids can both relate to and learn from.

One slight issue I had was that George’s dad feels a little white savior-y— he seems a little too good to be true. I do like his more complicated family legacy. Was wondering if anyone else noticed this!