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catie_naber's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
osborne's review
3.0
This is a book that I picked up in the thrift store because it looked familiar. Maybe I read it in high school, but if I did, I forgot most of it and it was like reading a new book. I was expecting a light and happy story, but oh boy, that's not at all what it was. The story deals with some pretty heavy stuff. It was an engrossing read, and I finished it in a couple days. I'd recommend the book.
beatricehill's review
5.0
2018: This book is seriously good. I forgot that a certain character dies and it punched me in the gut! Stanley Gordon West is a true artist when it comes to pacing. Everything comes full circle.
2016: My co-workers told me this book would be an "absolute treat!" They were right. This book is part of my reading challenge this year--"a book you should have read in high school." Stanley Gordon West nails the pacing of this novel. Just when you needed to know more about Gretchen, he would take Cal to a dance. You absolutely had to read more to find out about Gretchen. Cal is such a kind and generous character--one of the best I've come across. I loved one of Cal's final reflections: "I remembered what Pastor Ostrum had said one Sunday that fall: that love wasn't a warm feeling, something that just happens to you, but a decision you make, something you do."
2016: My co-workers told me this book would be an "absolute treat!" They were right. This book is part of my reading challenge this year--"a book you should have read in high school." Stanley Gordon West nails the pacing of this novel. Just when you needed to know more about Gretchen, he would take Cal to a dance. You absolutely had to read more to find out about Gretchen. Cal is such a kind and generous character--one of the best I've come across. I loved one of Cal's final reflections: "I remembered what Pastor Ostrum had said one Sunday that fall: that love wasn't a warm feeling, something that just happens to you, but a decision you make, something you do."
coraj's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Incest, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Body shaming, Bullying, and Grief
Minor: Cursing, Death of parent, and Suicidal thoughts
hlalhamad's review
5.0
This was a truly excellent book and one that I never expected to love so much. The fact that this was set in the area of Saint Paul by St. Thomas was especially impactful for me. I highly recommend giving this a read, especially if you’re from Minnesota.
hinniger's review
4.0
Typical Stanley Gordon West and he did NOT disappoint! This Minnesota author has such an amazing way of writing! I love recognizing the various settings mentioned throughout the novel! Although every book I have read of his is slow to start, they never disappoint me nor am I ever reluctant to read another one! Love him!!!
kailynpaig's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
rachelsbookishlife's review
5.0
What a powerful book. I remember reading this in high school, and it stuck with me all these years. But I felt a need to reconnect to the characters that changed the way I viewed a lot in life. This book outlines abuse from an outsider's point of view. And how he struggles with how to help with out putting her in any further danger. It is a hard read, but man does it hit you in the gut. Not to mention, the way it showed a family that felt the negative side effects from the demise of the streetcars in lue of busses. You might not think the two topics have anything to do with one another, but the have one common factor, Cal, our narrator. And how both changed his life, for the good and the bad.