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kayteaface's review
4.0
3.5 / 5
Oh man, Levithan's writing. It's kind of beautiful. The way he describes Eli's and Danny's feelings and the places they visit, uh, I can't.
It's really made me want to visit Italy.
It was an enjoyable, light read - definitely something I'd pick up again. Hopefully, next time, I won't want to knock the brothers' heads together as much.
Oh man, Levithan's writing. It's kind of beautiful. The way he describes Eli's and Danny's feelings and the places they visit, uh, I can't.
It's really made me want to visit Italy.
It was an enjoyable, light read - definitely something I'd pick up again. Hopefully, next time, I won't want to knock the brothers' heads together as much.
fluffyllama789's review against another edition
2.0
I don't really know what to say about this book; two brothers who aren't particularly close who go on holiday together pretty much sums it up. I liked the style of writing and the point of view changes but as to the story itself, it just didn't appeal to me. I was disappointed as I usually really enjoy David Levithan books but the characters in this just seemed shallow and hard to connect too.
labunnywtf's review
3.0
Danny dreams of soldiers, and Elijah dreams of wings.
Short, sweet, utterly forgettable.
It was kind of hard to get into this, thus explaining the entire week it took to read 200 some pages. I like that this is a story about the relationship between two brothers, and their extreme disconnect. Their parents "trick" them into going on this 9-day Italian vacation, and they spend most of it apart, and fighting when together.
Such a great premise. But...there is some severe lack here. And the inclusion of Julia. I see why it's necessary for Elijah's arc, but the triangle-y bit is so extra. So much wince.
Not terrible. Just forgettable.
Short, sweet, utterly forgettable.
It was kind of hard to get into this, thus explaining the entire week it took to read 200 some pages. I like that this is a story about the relationship between two brothers, and their extreme disconnect. Their parents "trick" them into going on this 9-day Italian vacation, and they spend most of it apart, and fighting when together.
Such a great premise. But...there is some severe lack here. And the inclusion of Julia. I see why it's necessary for Elijah's arc, but the triangle-y bit is so extra. So much wince.
Not terrible. Just forgettable.
janewhitehurst's review
3.0
I really liked this one, but I never really bonded with either of the characters. The book is about two brothers, who are polar opposites of each other and have grown apart. Their parents arrange for the boys to go on a week-long trip to Italy. Once there, they are forced to bond. If not for David Levithan's writing, it might not have held my interest for as long as it did. That being said, it's worth a read.
missbookiverse's review
4.0
This book is a quick, relaxed read because it doesn't have many pages, because most pages aren't even fully filled and because of the short chapters with the changing points of view.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the language, Levithan is quite a genius when it comes to describing feelings/thoughts/architecture/whatever. His style is so original and poetic without being boring or incomprehensible.
It was funny that Danny's and Elijah's journey took them through almost the same cities I've been to in Italy myself. It was much easier for me to imagine all the places they visited and it was also nice to see them through different eyes. Danny and Elijah are mostly amazed by everything they see while I didn't like much of what I saw when I visited Rome and Florence.
One last thing I liked was the Julia/Danny twist. I really didn't expect that one.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the language, Levithan is quite a genius when it comes to describing feelings/thoughts/architecture/whatever. His style is so original and poetic without being boring or incomprehensible.
It was funny that Danny's and Elijah's journey took them through almost the same cities I've been to in Italy myself. It was much easier for me to imagine all the places they visited and it was also nice to see them through different eyes. Danny and Elijah are mostly amazed by everything they see while I didn't like much of what I saw when I visited Rome and Florence.
One last thing I liked was the Julia/Danny twist. I really didn't expect that one.
thukpa's review
4.0
A nice window into brother a relationship, I can see different bits of each of my boys play out.
leilakrzyzewski's review
3.0
Most siblings have to hug it out or hold hands when they don't get along. These boys get to go to Italy.
jeweleemc's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
ashley_choo's review
5.0
I devoured this in an hour. The story drew me in effortlessly, and the brothers' complex relationship was incredibly relatable. It was brilliant, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.