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jenmangler's review against another edition
2.0
I've finally got around to reading a few of the Big Nate books and am going to review them together with one review. My biggest sticking point is that I don't particularly like Nate. He's a bit of a jerk. I get not every kid likes school, or likes his teachers, but Nate really goes over the top in his disdain for school and for adults that never seems to go away. I have a problem with that. While it's not up my alley, I can see why this would be a book that middle school students would enjoy and I can think of several students who might like the series.
mehsi's review
5.0
Mud Bowl, comics, a new crush, say hello to Nate as he navigates school, friendship, love, and more!
So, this is my very first Big Nate novel. I have read a few Big Nate comic books, but never managed to read any of the novels. I have to say that I really loved this one. It is a mix of text + comics, so a graphic novel, which fits perfect with the character.
I feel like Nate has a lot to learn about his comics. I agree with the principal and other characters. Nate's comics are quite often about making fun of people, in a mean and rude way. And sorry, I get that he isn't happy with these people, but making fun of them makes you just as bad as they are (especially in case of Randy). I do hope that Nate learns to make comics that are fun for everyone, without hurting anyone.
I loved that Nate has another crush! Yep, no more Jenny. Thank heavens. I was already not seeing that having a future, and I was hoping that Nate would also see it. In this one Jenny clearly has found another guy she likes (and we also see how they met up). Thankfully, there are more fish in the sea, as Nate meets with Ruby. It was enormously adorable to see them get closer. Even if that got him into trouble with Randy, who also likes Ruby.
Randy was a terrible character, and frankly, I just couldn't care about his sobsobstory that we learn about later on in the book. I guess we are supposed to feel sympathetic because his life sucks, but sorry that just doesn't excuse you from being a crappy person and all the bullying you do, and have done, throughout the years. Because this isn't the first time he and Nate go head to head, apparently it has been going on for years. :|
The Mud Bowl? I just love it, plus the revelation of Nate's father about it. I wish I could participate in Mud Bowl. Frisbee is fun, and not caring about cleanliness is also fun at times.
Then there is the newspaper and Nate's feelings on it. I can understand his feelings, that newspaper does sound extremely dull. And who decided it should be a named Weekly Bugle when it is only monthly? :P
Of course, there is also enough friendship. Nate has some terrific friends, even if one of them *looks at Dee Dee* has a lot to learn about secrets and not spreading them around.
There was also some stress for Nate regarding his family. I won't spoil what is going on, but dang. Poor Nate.
Also nice that Nate's comics and the normal illustrations differ. It took me a bit to get used to them though, but after a while I could appreciate it.
All in all, I definitely want more of these Big Nate novels! They are just too much fun to read, I had quite a few laughs, and I also flew through the book. Before I knew it I finished the book! I would recommend it to everyone looking for a fun book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So, this is my very first Big Nate novel. I have read a few Big Nate comic books, but never managed to read any of the novels. I have to say that I really loved this one. It is a mix of text + comics, so a graphic novel, which fits perfect with the character.
I feel like Nate has a lot to learn about his comics. I agree with the principal and other characters. Nate's comics are quite often about making fun of people, in a mean and rude way. And sorry, I get that he isn't happy with these people, but making fun of them makes you just as bad as they are (especially in case of Randy). I do hope that Nate learns to make comics that are fun for everyone, without hurting anyone.
I loved that Nate has another crush! Yep, no more Jenny. Thank heavens. I was already not seeing that having a future, and I was hoping that Nate would also see it. In this one Jenny clearly has found another guy she likes (and we also see how they met up). Thankfully, there are more fish in the sea, as Nate meets with Ruby. It was enormously adorable to see them get closer. Even if that got him into trouble with Randy, who also likes Ruby.
Randy was a terrible character, and frankly, I just couldn't care about his sobsobstory that we learn about later on in the book. I guess we are supposed to feel sympathetic because his life sucks, but sorry that just doesn't excuse you from being a crappy person and all the bullying you do, and have done, throughout the years. Because this isn't the first time he and Nate go head to head, apparently it has been going on for years. :|
The Mud Bowl? I just love it, plus the revelation of Nate's father about it. I wish I could participate in Mud Bowl. Frisbee is fun, and not caring about cleanliness is also fun at times.
Then there is the newspaper and Nate's feelings on it. I can understand his feelings, that newspaper does sound extremely dull. And who decided it should be a named Weekly Bugle when it is only monthly? :P
Of course, there is also enough friendship. Nate has some terrific friends, even if one of them *looks at Dee Dee* has a lot to learn about secrets and not spreading them around.
There was also some stress for Nate regarding his family. I won't spoil what is going on, but dang. Poor Nate.
Also nice that Nate's comics and the normal illustrations differ. It took me a bit to get used to them though, but after a while I could appreciate it.
All in all, I definitely want more of these Big Nate novels! They are just too much fun to read, I had quite a few laughs, and I also flew through the book. Before I knew it I finished the book! I would recommend it to everyone looking for a fun book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
mrsandwitch77's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kirbymetoo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
4.0
*Guest review by the 11 year old*
Audio: This was my first Big Nate audiobook. I liked the narrator, he did a really good job.
Story: I've enjoyed all of the other books in the series. In this one, Nate and Randy both like Ruby and they get in trouble for fighting over her. They have to go to peer counseling and are stuck being partners for different activities. In the end, they aren't really friends, but they do figure out how to get along with each other.
Audio: This was my first Big Nate audiobook. I liked the narrator, he did a really good job.
Story: I've enjoyed all of the other books in the series. In this one, Nate and Randy both like Ruby and they get in trouble for fighting over her. They have to go to peer counseling and are stuck being partners for different activities. In the end, they aren't really friends, but they do figure out how to get along with each other.
miketheboy89's review against another edition
4.0
It's always fun to come back to this series. It's fun, it's juvenile, and yeah, sometimes Nate is actually kind of an asshole, but I was pleasantly surprised here. He actually has to deal with some of his assholery. Not only that, but there's a really sweet plotline of conciliatory friendship between former enemies that took me by surprise. It probably doesn't go into depth as much as it could, but what more do you expect from this book? Relatively mature themes and emotional highs and lows really raise the Big Nate bar here. I loved it.
raeesa's review against another edition
5.0
literally dont ask me why i cried the entire way through like he's my son and best friend and annoyance all in one..
thisiswhy_wecanthavenicethings's review against another edition
3.0
It’s a pretty good book, but I don’t like how much nate bodyshames mrs Godfrey. It also showed struggles middle schoolers have and how it affects their life.
gudzilla's review against another edition
5.0
Before reading
Just placed the order, eagerly waiting....
After reading
This book was perfect! I was bit let down by last installment but this one was awesome!
Seriously at one point, I choked out with emotions and wanted to cry *tiny sob*. It was heart touching, heart warming, cute over the top book.
And we have new character in this one as well - Ruby <3
Just placed the order, eagerly waiting....
After reading
This book was perfect! I was bit let down by last installment but this one was awesome!
Seriously at one point, I choked out with emotions and wanted to cry *tiny sob*. It was heart touching, heart warming, cute over the top book.
And we have new character in this one as well - Ruby <3
rainbow_reader's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Big Nate is just such a classic and I still love these books every time I read them, even as a high schooler.