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flyaway's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
The story of A Robot in the Garden is everything including charming, witty, and fun. The mix of downtrodden Englishman and his Robot friend are just great. The books feels oddly real in the way the characters interact with each other and the world. Ben's growth and the realizations about Tang make for a great read with a satisfying ending.
Personally I read Ben as a mix of my boss and Martin Freeman. And Tang as kinda a Wall-E esc with a bit of Beymax thrown in.
Personally I read Ben as a mix of my boss and Martin Freeman. And Tang as kinda a Wall-E esc with a bit of Beymax thrown in.
nevertheless_zero's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.5
syapotter's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating: 3.75
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of honest reviews. All opinions are mine.
In the center of the story, we have Ben, whose relationship with wife Amy is on the brink of destruction due to the fact that he never seems to do anything. One morning, he found Tang in his garden and decided to keep it, even knowing that Amy would get annoyed. In the times when it's normal to use androids to do your household chores or drive you around, a beat-up old robot is definitely not welcomed in the household. When his wife left, that made Ben decide to go on a trip to search for Tang's owner. Along the way, Ben grew up and also grew attached to the robot.
The plot is actually pretty straight forward and easy to follow. However, the pacing is a bit slow and for almost half of the novel, nothing seems to be happening, so it is a bit of a problem for me. It's a short-length book so it was not a very major issue but when Ben went around looking for Tang's owner, and the people he met keep on telling him to go here and there, I had this feeling like they were going on a wild goose chase and that just doesn't bode well with me. There are countless times when I was going 'What the hell is going on here?' The writing did not help either as it is a bit inconsistent because there are times when it felt very flat but there are times when the writing is interesting. I think the best part of the book is definitely when they were in Micronesia because I felt like that is the only part where there are actually some actions happening in the book.
There are a few characters that are involved in this story. However, Ben and Tang are the only two worth mentioning and in my opinion the saving grace for this book. There are times when I found Ben so unrelatable but there are also times when I felt that this journey or trip is good for him and his growing up process. I like his commitment to Tang and how they grew attached to each other. As for Tang, oh my god, he is such an adorable robot! I really like his antics, which is likened to a child, and how his character is developed from a barely functioning robot to something that has 'feelings'. If a robot could have heart, Tang definitely has a lot of heart. Anyway, I love how the writer said in her acknowledgment that she didn't describe Tang too well (as in how he functions, etc etc) to leave a little room for the readers' own imagination. I thought that was a nice touch.
Overall, this book is enjoyable enough if you love road trip kind of book but mostly this book is about friendship and the bond that grows between two unassuming beings and that is definitely a beautiful thing to read.
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of honest reviews. All opinions are mine.
In the center of the story, we have Ben, whose relationship with wife Amy is on the brink of destruction due to the fact that he never seems to do anything. One morning, he found Tang in his garden and decided to keep it, even knowing that Amy would get annoyed. In the times when it's normal to use androids to do your household chores or drive you around, a beat-up old robot is definitely not welcomed in the household. When his wife left, that made Ben decide to go on a trip to search for Tang's owner. Along the way, Ben grew up and also grew attached to the robot.
The plot is actually pretty straight forward and easy to follow. However, the pacing is a bit slow and for almost half of the novel, nothing seems to be happening, so it is a bit of a problem for me. It's a short-length book so it was not a very major issue but when Ben went around looking for Tang's owner, and the people he met keep on telling him to go here and there, I had this feeling like they were going on a wild goose chase and that just doesn't bode well with me. There are countless times when I was going 'What the hell is going on here?' The writing did not help either as it is a bit inconsistent because there are times when it felt very flat but there are times when the writing is interesting. I think the best part of the book is definitely when they were in Micronesia because I felt like that is the only part where there are actually some actions happening in the book.
There are a few characters that are involved in this story. However, Ben and Tang are the only two worth mentioning and in my opinion the saving grace for this book. There are times when I found Ben so unrelatable but there are also times when I felt that this journey or trip is good for him and his growing up process. I like his commitment to Tang and how they grew attached to each other. As for Tang, oh my god, he is such an adorable robot! I really like his antics, which is likened to a child, and how his character is developed from a barely functioning robot to something that has 'feelings'. If a robot could have heart, Tang definitely has a lot of heart. Anyway, I love how the writer said in her acknowledgment that she didn't describe Tang too well (as in how he functions, etc etc) to leave a little room for the readers' own imagination. I thought that was a nice touch.
Overall, this book is enjoyable enough if you love road trip kind of book but mostly this book is about friendship and the bond that grows between two unassuming beings and that is definitely a beautiful thing to read.
timberwolf's review
adventurous
lighthearted
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
5.0
deborah_ann's review against another edition
4.0
Travel quest to fix a cute, injured robot (Tang). Sweet story. Ben (who's having marital troubles) finds a rusted little robot in the garden. The story takes Ben & Tang from England to San Francisco to Houston to Tokyo to the island of Palau and back home again.
Along the way there was a cute little dachshund, a glass bottomed boat tour, an evil scientist, an abandoned Texas town, escapes down trash chutes, a little romance, a little drinking and a few robotic temper tantrums. Everything you need for a good adventure story.
The book is a little bit science fiction and a little bit magical realism. Mostly, it's heart-warming. A story about adventure, friendship and growing up. Liked it a lot.
Along the way there was a cute little dachshund, a glass bottomed boat tour, an evil scientist, an abandoned Texas town, escapes down trash chutes, a little romance, a little drinking and a few robotic temper tantrums. Everything you need for a good adventure story.
The book is a little bit science fiction and a little bit magical realism. Mostly, it's heart-warming. A story about adventure, friendship and growing up. Liked it a lot.
rroushey's review against another edition
5.0
Charming story! A perfect light hearted tale that was just what I needed.
pennyalice17's review against another edition
5.0
If, like me, your geeky and too tender heart skips a beat for E.T., the Ewoks, R2-D2, Johnny-Five, Wall-E, Groot, and BB-8, you will certainly adore Tang the Robot. I loved this book! I laughed out loud so many times, and felt a giddy delight. A wonderfully sweet story, a quick read, and a momentary respite from all the darkness. Recommended for ages 12 - 100!
sabrinag98's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5