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bookph1le's review against another edition
5.0
A really good book about family relationships, and the strain it causes a family when one of its members is serving in the armed forces. This is the kind of book that really makes you think about the true cost of war, and whether the sacrifices we are asking our service members--and, by extension, their families--to make are truly worth it.
iceangel32's review against another edition
4.0
As the tears roll down my cheeks I write this review. I feel bad remembering when i was not to far into the book, I told a friend that it was okay but not great and I was not sure that I would recommend it to others. Well I am eating my words. I spoke way to soon. This was an incredible story of two brothers on a journey. One is on a journey to figure out life after war, while the other is figuring out life. The book gives insight into a solider's journey back from war and a boy figuring out life and how he fit into his brother's life. I could not but this book down once I got into it, even though I did not get into it right away. I defiantly have to tell my friend that I spoke too soon and that they should read this book.
caumann's review against another edition
5.0
I could not out this book down. I usually don't like reading from a boys perspective but I really liked Levi. His insight was realistic and honest. You always knew how he felt about everything in his life, especially his odd relationship with Boaz. Hard hitting subject matter, very moving and though provoking. Reinhardt is an excellent writer.
readwithpassion's review against another edition
4.0
When Levi's older brother, Bo, returns from war, he is withdrawn and doesn't leave his bedroom. Everyone claims he is an American hero, and Levi wonders if any of them understand what he is going through.
There isn't a lot of plot in the book, but the writing is fantastic. As with her other books, Reinhardt does a great job showing rather than telling the reader. I tossed between three and four stars, but the book made me cry, so I think that makes it four-star worthy. :)
There isn't a lot of plot in the book, but the writing is fantastic. As with her other books, Reinhardt does a great job showing rather than telling the reader. I tossed between three and four stars, but the book made me cry, so I think that makes it four-star worthy. :)
beths0103's review against another edition
5.0
Levi's brother Boaz returns from Iraq with no physical scars but is looking to escape his mental anguish. A sensitive, realistic look at how families deal with PTSD with a little hero's journey thrown in for good measure as Levi follows Boaz as he walks to Washington, D.C. from Boston because he's afraid to get in a car due to the trauma he endured in war. Reinhardt created some memorable characters in this beautiful, heartfelt novel.
minty's review against another edition
2.0
Well written, but felt more like an exercise than a true emotional journey.
eelsmac's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
When Levi's older brother Boaz returns from war, he doesn't fully return. Boaz is now hiding in his room wasting away, but none of Levi's family is doing anything to change this. When Boaz tells the family that he will be hiking the Appalachian Trail, Levi knows that his brother is lying. Levi follows his brother on his journey to figure out what happened to his brother and know what he is up to.
This seems like an interesting and accurate portrayal of the effects of those returned from war and the impacts on their family. The author peppers in humor alongside a very serious issue.
This seems like an interesting and accurate portrayal of the effects of those returned from war and the impacts on their family. The author peppers in humor alongside a very serious issue.
lumos_libros's review against another edition
4.0
I've always been interested in how the relationship between guys works, especially brothers. It's a relationship I can't experience myself, so my interest is peaked when I see a book about brothers.
In this story we have two brothers, Levi and Boaz. Boaz is the older brother who is perfect in every way, well at least in Levi's eyes. Their family is surprised by Boaz's decesion to join the Marines and fight in the Iraq war. They plead with him not to go, but his mind is set, he's going. It's been a whole year now and Boaz is coming back home. Levi can't help but feel that things won't be the same as they were. Their mother always on edge and Boaz hardly had any contact with them while he was overseas. When Boaz returns he locks himself in his room, and for reasons unknown is planning a trip on foot. Levi has the great need to find out if he can find the brother he used to know, or maybe find out how to live with the new one.
I'm glad the author chose to do it from the younger brother's point of view. It gives the unique view of how much war affects not only the people in the front lines, but also the family and friends they have back home. They all have to deal with the new people they have become when they come back. It's hard for Levi to understand what Boaz has went through because Boaz just clams up, but my hat goes off to Levi because even though it seems like it's hopeless he keeps trying.
The author also did a good job of describing Levi's life: his mom, dad and grandpa, Jewish lifestyle, and loyal friends Pearl and Zim. If you are lookng for a pro or anti-war book, this isn't the book you are looking for. The book doesn't take a stand on either side, but focuses on the relationhip of brothers and how they don't always have to be bonded by blood. Even though Boaz and Levi won't be the same, they'll be ok; it's just one of the things a brother knows.
In this story we have two brothers, Levi and Boaz. Boaz is the older brother who is perfect in every way, well at least in Levi's eyes. Their family is surprised by Boaz's decesion to join the Marines and fight in the Iraq war. They plead with him not to go, but his mind is set, he's going. It's been a whole year now and Boaz is coming back home. Levi can't help but feel that things won't be the same as they were. Their mother always on edge and Boaz hardly had any contact with them while he was overseas. When Boaz returns he locks himself in his room, and for reasons unknown is planning a trip on foot. Levi has the great need to find out if he can find the brother he used to know, or maybe find out how to live with the new one.
I'm glad the author chose to do it from the younger brother's point of view. It gives the unique view of how much war affects not only the people in the front lines, but also the family and friends they have back home. They all have to deal with the new people they have become when they come back. It's hard for Levi to understand what Boaz has went through because Boaz just clams up, but my hat goes off to Levi because even though it seems like it's hopeless he keeps trying.
The author also did a good job of describing Levi's life: his mom, dad and grandpa, Jewish lifestyle, and loyal friends Pearl and Zim. If you are lookng for a pro or anti-war book, this isn't the book you are looking for. The book doesn't take a stand on either side, but focuses on the relationhip of brothers and how they don't always have to be bonded by blood. Even though Boaz and Levi won't be the same, they'll be ok; it's just one of the things a brother knows.