Scan barcode
plcbaker's review
dark
emotional
slow-paced
3.0
I wanted to like this more but it was mostly just depressing. It bothered me that there was a co-author but it was unclear how he contributed. Especially considering the subject matter.
haramis's review
3.0
Library Book Discussion Group - August 2015
Which means, I didn't select this, which is important to know, because I didn't want to read it. I loooooooove library group, but I didn't pick it up to read until I was sure that I had someone to watch my daughter so that I could go. That means that I didn't start this until late Saturday night and had to read until early Monday morning to squeeze it in. I think I may have read it faster, but I had some trouble with the writing in the early chapters (a few other people mentioned this in group, so it wasn't just me). It probably took me a couple of hours of stops and starts to get through the first 20% of the book. After that, I think the writing did improve, but it still took a long time to read for what is a pretty short book.
Almost everyone in the group loved and enjoyed it, and I didn't do either. I didn't love the book. I didn't hate it either, but I certainly didn't enjoy it. It was really, really depressing and emotionally draining to read about Fisher's childhood. Then when he finally breaks out into success in the Navy and his subsequent careers, I found it at turns cheesy and mildly obnoxious (keep dropping those names, Fish). I thought the poetry was underwhelming and the vocabulary amusing.
I'm delighted that Fisher found a way out, but I didn't need an expose that childhood can suck. I wouldn't read this again, and I wouldn't recommend it either.
Which means, I didn't select this, which is important to know, because I didn't want to read it. I loooooooove library group, but I didn't pick it up to read until I was sure that I had someone to watch my daughter so that I could go. That means that I didn't start this until late Saturday night and had to read until early Monday morning to squeeze it in. I think I may have read it faster, but I had some trouble with the writing in the early chapters (a few other people mentioned this in group, so it wasn't just me). It probably took me a couple of hours of stops and starts to get through the first 20% of the book. After that, I think the writing did improve, but it still took a long time to read for what is a pretty short book.
Almost everyone in the group loved and enjoyed it, and I didn't do either. I didn't love the book. I didn't hate it either, but I certainly didn't enjoy it. It was really, really depressing and emotionally draining to read about Fisher's childhood. Then when he finally breaks out into success in the Navy and his subsequent careers, I found it at turns cheesy and mildly obnoxious (keep dropping those names, Fish). I thought the poetry was underwhelming and the vocabulary amusing.
I'm delighted that Fisher found a way out, but I didn't need an expose that childhood can suck. I wouldn't read this again, and I wouldn't recommend it either.
ashleyreads88's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I remember reading Finding Fish in, I think high school and have maybe re-read it a few times since and then watching the movie. I think that this is a story that needs to be read. It’s raw, heartbreaking, but at its core, it’s hopeful. It’s also at its core, a coming of age story about growing up in a system that more often than not fails. Finding Fish touches on some tough topics that are an integral part of Antwone’s story. This is an emotional but great read, and I’m glad I re-read it again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death
lexi_kohnke's review against another edition
1.5
Narrative of Fish's life; didn't find it super engaging and wouldn't read again. Sad story but definitely informative and makes you impressed with where he got in life.
blueranger9's review against another edition
5.0
I remember I had to read this for Risk and Opportunity Factors in Childhood and Adolescence. Not only was the class magnificent, I remember being astounded reading this book. My heart broke in a million pieces but I was always touched that Antwone Fisher was so resilient and he took advantage of those opportune moments to make something of himself. The movie, however, was a tad disappointing, especially given it was Denzel Washington's directorial debut. What a let down.
bayoumuddah's review
5.0
I read this a while back I back in the early 2000s. A fantastic,touching reread. It def touched on some topics that we could relate to. The favoritism of the lighter skinned brother. I really enjoyed reading this beautiful memoir again.
neil_yazzie's review against another edition
5.0
"All I knew was that I loved words and what I could do with them--to make people think and feel and see."
Heartbreaking, Moving and Inspiring. I will definitely be on the lookout for his book of poems.
Heartbreaking, Moving and Inspiring. I will definitely be on the lookout for his book of poems.