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kristendom's review against another edition
3.5
This book felt a little like a retelling of Forrest Gump, with a slightly more malicious main character. Not necessarily intentionally malicious - more like not being worried if someone who got in his way got killed. Still, it was a fairly light and entertaining read, a romp through world history in the eyes of one very non-political explosives expert who often ended up in the right place at the right time. Along with that, there was a more modern-day story about his adventures after climbing out the window and disappearing, complete with a new group of friends who range from a petty criminal to an elephant. If it sounds like it's absurd, then you've read it correctly - but it was pretty enjoyable nonetheless.
istrand's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
sally24's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
rb_ravn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
npjones23's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Not what I was expecting at all - not sure what my expectations were to be honest but it wasn’t this and I mean that in a good way. A weird and whimsical tour through around 100 years of random events and Allan’s interactions with them. Good read!
megh_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Good beginning, middle felt a bit long, but made sense and everything tied together nicely at the end
donmgould's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.25
beccablock's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
bookish2024's review against another edition
4.0
I started reading this previously in 2020 and couldn’t finish it. I found it slow and boring. The audio book was so much more fun to listen to. I laughed out loud several times.
sophie42's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Everything that happens in this book is so completely unpredictable and escalates so rapidly, and it is such a delight when it all then ties back together. This was such a gorgeously creative story and I was wrapped up in every minute of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: War, Car accident, and Torture
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Injury/Injury detail