Scan barcode
johnw613's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
A utterly charming and hilarious picaresque take on the city mouse/country mouse dynamic. An unnamed narrator from a dysfunctional family spend the summer of his eleventh year with the family of a distant cousin on their farm in rural Minnesota. He spends his time with his cousin, nine year old Harris, whose thirst for adventure and mischief often lands them both in trouble. Through the summer, in between farm chores and dealing with some notably eccentric people, including farm hand Louie who eats like a combine and rarely speaks, and some even more eccentric animals, among them a lynx named Buzzer who, trust me, you don’t want to cross, Harris creates all sorts of wild highjinks, including the reenactment of a scene from a Gene Autry movie, bringing the nameless narrator along for the wildest of rides.
At first the narrator feels very much the outsider, but gradually Harris, who exhibits a rough and tumble yearning to include, brings him into his fantastical world and you can feel their budding lifelong friendship as it forms and solidifies. Sadly the summer comes to an end and “Me” has to return home. Harris tries to create one last adventure that would allow “Me” to stay, in a denouement that had me crying buckets. This is a wonderful book.
At first the narrator feels very much the outsider, but gradually Harris, who exhibits a rough and tumble yearning to include, brings him into his fantastical world and you can feel their budding lifelong friendship as it forms and solidifies. Sadly the summer comes to an end and “Me” has to return home. Harris tries to create one last adventure that would allow “Me” to stay, in a denouement that had me crying buckets. This is a wonderful book.
annaroles's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jwinchell's review
4.0
I thought so much about Jack Gantos' _The Trouble in Me_ with this one... a great pairing! Modern readers would need some context around "commie Jap" comments and play, probably, but nonetheless a solid read about belonging, rebellion, adventuring spirit, and connection. We all know Harris.
mbrandmaier's review
5.0
Two boys have adventures on the family farm. Based on an actual summer of Gary Paulsen's life.
saracat's review against another edition
1.0
I will start with two points. 1) If the book didn't include a racial slur over and over again, I think I could have rated the book a solid 3 stars. And 2) decided not to finish it because of the racial slurs but go a little over halfway through.
What I did like about the book was the introduction (for me) to a way of growing up that was very different from my own childhood. I think it is interesting to see and be reminded that our experience is by no means the whole experience for people.
I wasn't a huge fan of the character Harris. Even though I know for a lot of children, their reality feels like the whole of reality, it sat uncomfortable with me for him to assume the narrator knew 'nothing about anything' just because he hadn't lived on a farm before and therefore didn't have experience with certain things that Harris did. I can see how this would be a point of humor for many people when reading the book. But for me personally, it just brought up memories of being bullied as a child.
Again, if it weren't for the racial slurs, I think this would have been a book I would have finished. And I am interested in finding a book that is similar in the background of way of life of the characters... just without racist language. So if anyone has recommendations, I would be interested.
What I did like about the book was the introduction (for me) to a way of growing up that was very different from my own childhood. I think it is interesting to see and be reminded that our experience is by no means the whole experience for people.
I wasn't a huge fan of the character Harris. Even though I know for a lot of children, their reality feels like the whole of reality, it sat uncomfortable with me for him to assume the narrator knew 'nothing about anything' just because he hadn't lived on a farm before and therefore didn't have experience with certain things that Harris did. I can see how this would be a point of humor for many people when reading the book. But for me personally, it just brought up memories of being bullied as a child.
Again, if it weren't for the racial slurs, I think this would have been a book I would have finished. And I am interested in finding a book that is similar in the background of way of life of the characters... just without racist language. So if anyone has recommendations, I would be interested.
maddi_was_reborn's review
4.0
I loved this book! My older brother recommended that I read it. It is an easy, upbeat story of a young, adventurous boy. Did I add enough adjectives in the last sentence?
kawaiisheep33's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Easy read and lovable characters
davidseverns's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-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
4.5
I looooove this book. It is such comfort food, and incredibly funny. I didn’t expect it to pull on my heartstrings like it did.
phunter22's review against another edition
5.0
Read for the "book you loved as a child" prompt of the 2017 PopSugar reading challenge.
This book is the story of the kind of summer that every kid should be able to experience. I remember reading this book as a kid and remember enjoying it. But reading it again now, I think I appreciate it even more. I actually laughed out loud picturing the narrator's adventures with Harris. As an adult, I understand much more how precious this time in a kid's like is and how magical it can be. I also understand much more when Harris talks about Knute being so quiet because he's worried about things on the farm. I wish every kid, especially boys, would take the opportunity to read this book. It's just so much fun. I can't wait until my sons, and daughter if she wants, get to read it.
This book is the story of the kind of summer that every kid should be able to experience. I remember reading this book as a kid and remember enjoying it. But reading it again now, I think I appreciate it even more. I actually laughed out loud picturing the narrator's adventures with Harris. As an adult, I understand much more how precious this time in a kid's like is and how magical it can be. I also understand much more when Harris talks about Knute being so quiet because he's worried about things on the farm. I wish every kid, especially boys, would take the opportunity to read this book. It's just so much fun. I can't wait until my sons, and daughter if she wants, get to read it.