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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
The heart of this book is about how a lack of self confidence can affect the teenage mind and make a teenager do things that aren't normal. The decisions Biggie makes, oh these things he does around girls. There were times I wanted to shake him and teach him what is appropriate and not. No, Biggie, it is not okay to tell a girl you have hacked into her account and know things about her that she never shared with you. No, Biggie, having 140+ online girls friends that you talk to every night is not ok. But beyond this, I loved Biggie. I loved how he finally was able to let go of the guilt of living in his father's shadow- the infamous, the legend, the man who wanted nothing to do with his own son. He accept that it was okay not to be like his dad, but instead be himself and play baseball because he wants to not because he is the son of a baseball legend. I also loved how his relationship with his brother and step father developed over the course of the book. I can't wait until this book comes out in a few days and I can recommend it to my students. I think there are many that will gravitate towards Biggie's story.
I read a galley edition of this book that was kindly provided from the publisher through NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
This review was originally posted on The Hardcover Lover.
Biggie by Derek E. Sullivan is a very respectable debut novel about an overweight teenage boy name Henry. Unfortunately for Henry, his size has made his peers call him Biggie, so that's what everyone calls him. In my opinion Sullivan does a good job at capturing the emotional aspect of what it's like to be overweight/obese as a teenager. (I was overweight as a teenager, and it's no picnic.) The book isn't as emotional as I thought it would be but instead, it has a lighthearted humor that captures readers. It's definitely worth a read, especially if you are looking for a book told from the male perspective.
The main character, Biggie (Henry) is definitely an odd character. While reading, I had to shake my head a lot just because of how strange Biggie is. Don't get me wrong... he's interesting and unique, but if he were at my school, I probably wouldn't be friends with him because he's a little freaky. As with all weird kids, there is a story to Biggie that explains some of his odd habits, and eventually, he becomes understandable. I did grow to like him a lot more as the book progressed, and by the end of the book, I probably would have been Biggie's friend. It's all about getting to know a person, right? Well it's all about getting to know Biggie in the case of this book.
The other characters in the book are basically your typical high school kids. Biggie finds himself becoming friends with the jocks, so you get to see what he thinks of them and their popular friends. Even though Biggie is quiet and doesn't talk much to his peers, you'll see him break through his shell and eventually form friendships with these characters. They are Killer, Jet, Kyle, Annabelle, and a few college girls. While reading, you'll meet and learn a little about Biggie's mom, but you will get to know his stepfather and half-brother a little better.
There is one moment, at the end of the book, that made me want to go in and slap a character. I don't want to spoil anyone, but it's just so heartbreaking and sad for Biggie. That one moment really made me think about the emotional aspect of broken families. Sullivan earned all of my respect for including such a sad, but real and truthful moment.
Biggie is an enjoyable read. There were a few times that I questioned some of the medical aspects of the book, especially when Biggie says that he "beat diabetes," but if you look past that and focus on the baseball driven and coming of age plot, it's pretty darn good. The novel is a fresh story in contemporary YA, and I am looking forward to more books from Sullivan in the future.
This review was originally posted on The Hardcover Lover.
Biggie by Derek E. Sullivan is a very respectable debut novel about an overweight teenage boy name Henry. Unfortunately for Henry, his size has made his peers call him Biggie, so that's what everyone calls him. In my opinion Sullivan does a good job at capturing the emotional aspect of what it's like to be overweight/obese as a teenager. (I was overweight as a teenager, and it's no picnic.) The book isn't as emotional as I thought it would be but instead, it has a lighthearted humor that captures readers. It's definitely worth a read, especially if you are looking for a book told from the male perspective.
The main character, Biggie (Henry) is definitely an odd character. While reading, I had to shake my head a lot just because of how strange Biggie is. Don't get me wrong... he's interesting and unique, but if he were at my school, I probably wouldn't be friends with him because he's a little freaky. As with all weird kids, there is a story to Biggie that explains some of his odd habits, and eventually, he becomes understandable. I did grow to like him a lot more as the book progressed, and by the end of the book, I probably would have been Biggie's friend. It's all about getting to know a person, right? Well it's all about getting to know Biggie in the case of this book.
The other characters in the book are basically your typical high school kids. Biggie finds himself becoming friends with the jocks, so you get to see what he thinks of them and their popular friends. Even though Biggie is quiet and doesn't talk much to his peers, you'll see him break through his shell and eventually form friendships with these characters. They are Killer, Jet, Kyle, Annabelle, and a few college girls. While reading, you'll meet and learn a little about Biggie's mom, but you will get to know his stepfather and half-brother a little better.
There is one moment, at the end of the book, that made me want to go in and slap a character. I don't want to spoil anyone, but it's just so heartbreaking and sad for Biggie. That one moment really made me think about the emotional aspect of broken families. Sullivan earned all of my respect for including such a sad, but real and truthful moment.
Biggie is an enjoyable read. There were a few times that I questioned some of the medical aspects of the book, especially when Biggie says that he "beat diabetes," but if you look past that and focus on the baseball driven and coming of age plot, it's pretty darn good. The novel is a fresh story in contemporary YA, and I am looking forward to more books from Sullivan in the future.
I really like when books discuss some teenage problems in a realistic way and I was glad that I could read this, as a review copy received through netgalley.
But I had a big problem with the writing style, because for me it was too detailed when it wasn't necesarry and when it was needed, it wasn't. Plus the characters seemed to blend and mix, and I couldn't keep in mind who was who. I can't read a book that doesn't grip me and make me daydream. But nothing attracted me, just the idea and I read this just because I wanted to finish it and find out how is going to end. But I really disliked the plain and undefinite characters and the simple and predictible plot that was told in a boring manner.
It was just an ok read, but you can check it out just for the idea.
But I had a big problem with the writing style, because for me it was too detailed when it wasn't necesarry and when it was needed, it wasn't. Plus the characters seemed to blend and mix, and I couldn't keep in mind who was who. I can't read a book that doesn't grip me and make me daydream. But nothing attracted me, just the idea and I read this just because I wanted to finish it and find out how is going to end. But I really disliked the plain and undefinite characters and the simple and predictible plot that was told in a boring manner.
It was just an ok read, but you can check it out just for the idea.
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graded By: Jennie
Cover Story: Textual Feeling
BFF Charm: Hell No
Swoonworthy Scale: 0
Talky Talk: Straight Up
Bonus Factor: Sportsball
Relationship Status: Get Some Help
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Textual Feeling
BFF Charm: Hell No
Swoonworthy Scale: 0
Talky Talk: Straight Up
Bonus Factor: Sportsball
Relationship Status: Get Some Help
Read the full book report here.
Henry Abbott , or as everyone calls him , Biggie is the main character of this story , he weighs more than 300 pounds and is the son of one of the most famous athletes on Iowa , does he feel bad about it ? No. And he shouldn’t because his father left him when he was younger.
Biggie is one of the best characters I’ve read about ever because I strongly connected to him, he’s a super smart perfectionist boy that prefers getting good grades instead of doing a good game.
I related so much with his character because he spends most of his night talking with people online and he’s that type of boy that sits at the back of the classroom and doesn’t talk to anyone. The way he sees it is , if a kid stands there and keeps his mouth shut , he deserves an A (oh Biggie , you’re not alone) .
Most of the secondary characters are all people that make fun of Biggie, and he made sure of being obese for people to leave him alone, but there’s one girl called Annabelle and that’s the only girl that he has eyes for.
The writing on this book is what it made it fantastic, it is so well done and contains some slang of nowadays, which I think is totally original and brave . I loved that the author can be so funny naturally and describes it to a point where you can imagine the whole book as a movie being shown on your brain as you read. I love those types of books.
I’ll leave you here with some of my favorite funny quotes: “The words just come out like there’s a man inside of me working my vocal cords. Maybe that’s why I’m so fat; someone is living inside of me.” ; It’s been two months since I’ve been to Molly’s . To be honest, I’m shocked the place is still open without my daily food purchases.” This is just a little sample of the author’s humorous writing that will make you laugh out loud.
Overall, I gave this book 4.5/5 stars and I wish that this book was more known , I guess that’s my job now :D I hope for the best for the author and everyone should read this amazing debut novel.
GOT THIS BOOK FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE OF A REVIEW !
Biggie is one of the best characters I’ve read about ever because I strongly connected to him, he’s a super smart perfectionist boy that prefers getting good grades instead of doing a good game.
I related so much with his character because he spends most of his night talking with people online and he’s that type of boy that sits at the back of the classroom and doesn’t talk to anyone. The way he sees it is , if a kid stands there and keeps his mouth shut , he deserves an A (oh Biggie , you’re not alone) .
Most of the secondary characters are all people that make fun of Biggie, and he made sure of being obese for people to leave him alone, but there’s one girl called Annabelle and that’s the only girl that he has eyes for.
The writing on this book is what it made it fantastic, it is so well done and contains some slang of nowadays, which I think is totally original and brave . I loved that the author can be so funny naturally and describes it to a point where you can imagine the whole book as a movie being shown on your brain as you read. I love those types of books.
I’ll leave you here with some of my favorite funny quotes: “The words just come out like there’s a man inside of me working my vocal cords. Maybe that’s why I’m so fat; someone is living inside of me.” ; It’s been two months since I’ve been to Molly’s . To be honest, I’m shocked the place is still open without my daily food purchases.” This is just a little sample of the author’s humorous writing that will make you laugh out loud.
Overall, I gave this book 4.5/5 stars and I wish that this book was more known , I guess that’s my job now :D I hope for the best for the author and everyone should read this amazing debut novel.
GOT THIS BOOK FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE OF A REVIEW !
I have mixed feelings about Biggie, which is a great sign of a well written character: he's what the internet refers to as a 'Nice Guy' (definitely not comfortable with the invasion of Annabelle's privacy), he has unrealistic expectations, he has some serious self-loathing issues. But he's also recognizes his wrongs, is motivated to improve his health by will-power and by the end of book, is a lot more grounded in reality.
The personal growth aspect of Biggie was explored very well, as was his initial status as a judgmental outsider - and Biggie is a genuine outsider as readers recognize that he's not very well socialized - but it's to Sullivan's credit that he can take a character I would well have laughed at and explain his inner thoughts in a way that doesn't make me want to punch him. If there is one true fault here, it is that I haven't thought too much of it since I finished reading - light on the memorable scale, heavy on the angst. 2.6 stars.
I received this galley thanks to Netgalley and Albert Whitman & Company. All opinions are my own.
The personal growth aspect of Biggie was explored very well, as was his initial status as a judgmental outsider - and Biggie is a genuine outsider as readers recognize that he's not very well socialized - but it's to Sullivan's credit that he can take a character I would well have laughed at and explain his inner thoughts in a way that doesn't make me want to punch him. If there is one true fault here, it is that I haven't thought too much of it since I finished reading - light on the memorable scale, heavy on the angst. 2.6 stars.
I received this galley thanks to Netgalley and Albert Whitman & Company. All opinions are my own.
I’m not sure what originally drew me to this book. I can’t really relate to Henry (aka Biggie) at all. I’ve been tiny for as long as I can remember, and I’m certainly not coordinated enough for any sports. But it’s refreshing to read a book so completely out of my comfort zone, and that’s exactly what this was.
There were parts of it that made me so extremely uncomfortable, but not for the reason you would think. Henry is so emotionally enclosed within himself, and sometimes his behavior left me feeling embarrassed for him. I really wanted to root for him, but I also wanted for him to be rightfully put in his place. The story would not have rung true if he had simply strolled through this book without learning from his mistakes. This story was never about Henry’s attempt to pitch a perfect game. It was all about how he changed and grew on his journey to get there.
This is why it is my pleasure to report that Henry DOES learn, and he DOES grow! And the best part of all? I didn’t want it to end! I felt like if this story could keep going, I would keep reading. I wanted to know where he would go from here. Would he succeed in life? Would his journey of personal growth continue or stagnate?
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
There were parts of it that made me so extremely uncomfortable, but not for the reason you would think. Henry is so emotionally enclosed within himself, and sometimes his behavior left me feeling embarrassed for him. I really wanted to root for him, but I also wanted for him to be rightfully put in his place. The story would not have rung true if he had simply strolled through this book without learning from his mistakes. This story was never about Henry’s attempt to pitch a perfect game. It was all about how he changed and grew on his journey to get there.
This is why it is my pleasure to report that Henry DOES learn, and he DOES grow! And the best part of all? I didn’t want it to end! I felt like if this story could keep going, I would keep reading. I wanted to know where he would go from here. Would he succeed in life? Would his journey of personal growth continue or stagnate?
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.