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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
I read this book as a child, and multiple times since then. I feel like it’s just amazing, it changed who I am. The plot isn’t boring, the characters aren’t flat, and the writing style emphasizes small details and makes it seem so much more realistic. However, every book has its flaws, and this one has a big one. The main character gets everything he wants, he’s not a normal kid. It’s almost like he’s special. Everything he wants he gets, but he also gets hurt just enough to push the plot more. He’s made to be the hero, made for you to forgive him. I love when characters are complicated and you can easily point out how you hate parts of them, but Holling seems to have so little faults, he’s always portrayed as the good guy. It also seems like everything all at once. so much is in this book, and it’s debatable what’s at the core. Ms baker? The war? Who really can tell. So much is happening, with his love life, his family fighting (his parents are so unrealistic btw like idk how they were in the 60s but they gave this man the most neglectful parents to make Ms.Baker seem more like a parental figure), and the Shakespeare. No kid likes shakespeare, but i swear this book had an ad for the man or something. However, everything is taken slow, it’s all connected and pieced together, there are little plot holes. I feel like the writing is just amazing and moves you, it brings you in and makes you keep reading, it makes the plot flow. But thats it. Go read it.
I didn’t care for the beginning, but when Shakespeare’s plays made an appearance, everything got better. In the end, I really loved this book.
I have heard how great this book is for years. I even bought a copy from scholastic books with the intention of reading it. It just took me a few years more to actually get to it. I'm glad I finally did. It was a great story with many great messages.
I loved seeing how the main character, Holling, was able to learn life lessons while reading Shakespeare. I also liked seeing how a great teacher can be so influential on her students. This young adult book would be a great choice for book club. I think there is a lot that could be discussed.
I loved seeing how the main character, Holling, was able to learn life lessons while reading Shakespeare. I also liked seeing how a great teacher can be so influential on her students. This young adult book would be a great choice for book club. I think there is a lot that could be discussed.
I enjoyed this book so much that when we started a book club at my kids elementary school this year, I choose it to have the students read. I must admit that I didn't enjoy it quiet as much the second time because I was so worried how the 5th and 6th graders would react to it. Was it too dull? Have enough excitement? I'm happy to report that I need not have worried. All of the kids enjoyed it and we had a great discussion. We were able to show them a few clips of Walter Cornkite's famous newscasts that were mentioned in the book. We also had cream puffs as a treat since they were discussed so much in the book. My two 6th grade sons are addicted to cream puffs now. This book is full of things to discuss and gives good insights into the late 1960s. It was very enjoyable though we were very frustrated with Holling's father! He was too MIA. How could he not attend a play that Hollings was in or not take him to a Yankee baseball game? Not cool!
I really enjoy how the characters of the other books keep popping up. It's as if you get a glimpse of them after the novel has ended.
4.5 stars. Loved this perspective of life through the eyes of a 13yo. Equal parts heartwarming and heart wrenching, I cared so much about the characters and loved or hated or feared them all deeply. The story is funny and sweet, and offers poignant insight into parenting or mentoring a child or young teen. I listened to some of the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration, too.
I will never get tired of this book. It is stunning in every way and builds my hope and love for humanity. You know a book is good when you learn something new every time you read it, even on your 6th read through. Might name my child Holling because I love him so much.
I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t read anything that was surrounded by the Vietnam War before and having a kid’s perspective was fun. There were parts where I laughed out loud and others where I just wanted to yell at his family.
I loved Holling! I highly doubt I’ll forget “let me tell you,” I very much enjoyed the book and it was by far the best part of it. Just swell, actually. Anyways, the book starts out extremely slow which is where I deduct stars, but once it gets going, it really gets going! I love all the stop Holing gets up to in just a shirt 265 pages.
emotional
funny
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