Reviews

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

katykelly's review against another edition

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4.0

A really good end-of-primary book. Would have lapped this up aged 10-12.
Loved the understated feel of the bullying plot, the scrabble messages between mother and son, the storyline with Safer who isn't all he seems.
Preferred When You Reach Me as a mature and beautiful piece of fiction. But this is a thoughtful and non-patronising entry for younger readers.

edshara's review against another edition

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4.0

Liar & Spy was so very good. I'm a big fan of quirky characters and Georges, some of his classmates and Safer fit the description. Georges had a very interesting and open view of the world. I liked seeing how easy he moved through it, even though he was supposed to be the "different" one.

Safer was a bit of a struggle to like at first. He initially seemed like a bit of a jerk and too pushy. However, I liked his imagination and how easily he and Georges became friends. In the end, I felt like the explanation made sense.

The story is well crafted and the author keeps you on your toes. Even though I was able to partially figure out one aspect of the story, their were still other aspects that I completely missed and didn't see coming. While it was nice to see things get resolved, it also felt like an abrupt rush to the finish. I will say, this is definitely worth a read.

frenchleigh's review against another edition

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3.0

cute but it went nowhere. It’s a slice of life marketed as something much more dramatic.

paige_is_me's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

marinar's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.0

bmpolito's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

gmamartha's review against another edition

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4.0

Rebecca Stead does not disappoint.
What is the difference between lying and playing a game?
What is the difference between pretending and avoidance?
Realistic fiction at its best.

agmcculloch1's review against another edition

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5.0

A great story of taking care of each other and accepting what others are struggling with.

sammybee's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Enjoyable.

alidottie's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved this book. I have to say though that because I am also listening to The Goldfinch in my car--and I am only on disc 8 of 26 and the main character is still a young boy--and they are both living in NYC, I kept mixing up the stories in my head! Both are great though this one is ten times short and is appropriate for 10 and up to read!