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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
Starting this book, I immediately fell for the format.
Our MC, Charlie, has written letters starting near the end of 1991 to a, to us, unknown receiver. Although we don't know who this is exactly, it doesn't ruin the story at all. I did, however, caught myself being curious about who it was and wondered what they did with all Charlie's letters.
The writing itself felt disconnected to say the least. That might be a problem in other novels, but for this one? I'm convinced it fits perfectly. You simply know and feel that Charlie isn't just a regular kid that goes through the motions of growing up, discovering life and trying out new things. There's more to him than that. You honestly don't need to read far into the novel to realize that.
To find out the reason he's like that? Well, that's something you only find out on the last couple of pages. I honestly didn't have a clue. I couldn't even think of a way this book would end with a bang. But it did. It ended with a giant bang that had me staring at the wall for about five minutes.
5 / 5
Kathy
I paid full-price for this book. All opinions are entirely my own. I'm not being compensated in any way.
Our MC, Charlie, has written letters starting near the end of 1991 to a, to us, unknown receiver. Although we don't know who this is exactly, it doesn't ruin the story at all. I did, however, caught myself being curious about who it was and wondered what they did with all Charlie's letters.
The writing itself felt disconnected to say the least. That might be a problem in other novels, but for this one? I'm convinced it fits perfectly. You simply know and feel that Charlie isn't just a regular kid that goes through the motions of growing up, discovering life and trying out new things. There's more to him than that. You honestly don't need to read far into the novel to realize that.
"Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve."
To find out the reason he's like that? Well, that's something you only find out on the last couple of pages. I honestly didn't have a clue. I couldn't even think of a way this book would end with a bang. But it did. It ended with a giant bang that had me staring at the wall for about five minutes.
5 / 5
Kathy
I paid full-price for this book. All opinions are entirely my own. I'm not being compensated in any way.
Meh, it was ok. I heard reasonable things about the movie, but thought I'd read the book first (or instead). I can see the appeal for a particular audience, but found myself just getting frustrated with all the characters for various reasons. There weren't any consequences for actions, the parents never seemed to suspect a thing, there were too many contradictions in the characters. Perhaps someone who had a difficult teenagehood might identify better with it than me, but I just felt it was going for realism and missing out on the basics. Although entirely in first person there was something missing from the narrative, perhaps a plot device considering his inability to 'participate' in life.
Still, it passed the time, I wanted to finish it to see how it ends, and I'd quite like to know what happens to Charlie next.
Still, it passed the time, I wanted to finish it to see how it ends, and I'd quite like to know what happens to Charlie next.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel infinite. Charlie will live in my soul forever now.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Charlie was written so well. His uncertainty, need to belong, and newness to life are quite endearing.
nothing to say here except this was a phenomenal book and represented mental illness in a very raw and accurate way. i like especially how it didn't sugarcoat anything and kept true to charlie's actual thoughts. beautiful story :)