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azu_rikka's review against another edition
It is a bit too fluffy for me and the 'hinted at' disaster was quite obvious (I skimmed through the end) from the start.
katykelly's review against another edition
3.0
Some rave reviews for this, but I didn't find is exceptional.
A man who has lost his family applies for a job as a carer to a disabled teenager. We know that Ben is estranged from his wife after the death of their two young children, is refusing her a divorce and just generally not coping all that well. Trev is stuck in his wheelchair and also stuck in a bit of a rut, but sees something in Ben and hires him as his carer, even if he's not properly qualified.
Partway through the book, after Trev's deadbeat dad drops into his life again, Trev and Ben end up on a road trip. Yes, it turns into a road trip book. I was listening to an audio version of the book and actually started tuning out a bit from this point onward, I just didn't find it as interesting. They travel over large parts of America and meet various quirky and unusual people, with a few funny scenes but forced quirkiness, in my opinion.
Ben and Trev have a nice easy relationship, Ben makes a chatty and likeable narrator, but the story just didn't grip me as they got into Ben's clapped-out car.
I spent most of the book longing to know what had happened to Ben's kids, hints of the past creep in throughout, Ben's wife sends in someone to force him to sign their divorce papers and we see their happier times. But I never found out what happened to the children. Reading reviews, it sounds like I tuned out for two vital lines that explained it all. And now I can't find them again (if you know what did happen, please send me a private message!!).
At the end I was left feeling that I've read (and seen) this kind of redemptive plot done before, but better. Such as the wonderful French film Untouchable.
Left feeling frustrated that I didn't catch the vital sentences , but wonder if they would justify the build-up anyway.
A man who has lost his family applies for a job as a carer to a disabled teenager. We know that Ben is estranged from his wife after the death of their two young children, is refusing her a divorce and just generally not coping all that well. Trev is stuck in his wheelchair and also stuck in a bit of a rut, but sees something in Ben and hires him as his carer, even if he's not properly qualified.
Partway through the book, after Trev's deadbeat dad drops into his life again, Trev and Ben end up on a road trip. Yes, it turns into a road trip book. I was listening to an audio version of the book and actually started tuning out a bit from this point onward, I just didn't find it as interesting. They travel over large parts of America and meet various quirky and unusual people, with a few funny scenes but forced quirkiness, in my opinion.
Ben and Trev have a nice easy relationship, Ben makes a chatty and likeable narrator, but the story just didn't grip me as they got into Ben's clapped-out car.
I spent most of the book longing to know what had happened to Ben's kids, hints of the past creep in throughout, Ben's wife sends in someone to force him to sign their divorce papers and we see their happier times. But I never found out what happened to the children. Reading reviews, it sounds like I tuned out for two vital lines that explained it all. And now I can't find them again (if you know what did happen, please send me a private message!!).
At the end I was left feeling that I've read (and seen) this kind of redemptive plot done before, but better. Such as the wonderful French film Untouchable.
Left feeling frustrated that I didn't catch the vital sentences , but wonder if they would justify the build-up anyway.
ambermarie's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
angelamichelle's review against another edition
3.0
(Down and out sahd lands job as caretaker to young man w ms-type disorder. They end up on a road trip. Highjinks and self-awareness ensue.)
teresaalice's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Characters are sympathetic and engaging, but nothing actually happens in this novel.
wiki765's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
akshim's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
holly_keimig's review against another edition
4.0
This book surprised me. The cover and title kept catching my eye, so I finally gave in and read it. Its a story about digging yourself out of a hole. There is enough suspense to keep you reading and the ending is not saccharine but it also does not leave you wanting. I would recommend this book to others who need an escape without much actual escaping. Parts of the book give you the "my life is at least better than that" feeling which can be helpful if you're having a rough day. (Will be a movie in 2016)
janewhitehurst's review against another edition
5.0
Thoroughly enjoyable. I would say this one skirts the line between adult and teen and would be a good crossover recommendation. It tells the story of Ben, a caregiver and his employer, Travis, a young man with MS. The two become friends and eventually take a road trip across the country. I love a good road trip novel and this one didn't disappoint. Ben has a tragic event in his past that has taken over his life and kept him from living fully. Travis has become obsessed with routine and due to his physical limitations, has not seen the world. The two help each other, but not in a hokey way, to move forward. This book had the possibility of falling into a cheesy redemption story category, but it never did. It gave just enough for readers to love the characters and also cringe at them. Just enough to be believable, humorous, and touching.
saracook's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
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