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pminkler's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
4.0
aruejohns's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. It offered an interesting perspective on invisible diseases, and although I didn't like any of the characters, I liked the progression of the story and the ideas behind the book.
evanliddiard's review against another edition
4.0
This book alternated between angering, frustrating, and intriguing me. I hardly put it down. I have seen comparisons between this and Hornby's About a Boy. The comparisons are understandable, although I didn't enjoy this quite as much as Hornby's work. I would recommend.
dlberglund's review against another edition
3.0
I like Stein's writing style, and his grounding of his stories in the Pacific Northwest. (In both books of his that I've read, however, there are plot points that confound me or don't ring true for me.)
Evan is an adult who's still a teenager in a lot of ways. He has epilepsy, which is a huge secret he keeps from nearly everyone in his life. (With sometimes predictable consequences.) He is getting to know his 14-year old son for the first time, following the boy's mother's death. Evan's story includes overbearing parents, a rock band and some not-quite-believable romance. Overall an enjoyable read.
Evan is an adult who's still a teenager in a lot of ways. He has epilepsy, which is a huge secret he keeps from nearly everyone in his life. (With sometimes predictable consequences.) He is getting to know his 14-year old son for the first time, following the boy's mother's death. Evan's story includes overbearing parents, a rock band and some not-quite-believable romance. Overall an enjoyable read.
bookhawk's review against another edition
3.0
Stein delivered a masterful work in The Art of Racing in the Rain. There are moments where Stein similarly captures that magical style in How Evan Broke His Head. Unfortunately, this book was melancholy far too much without consistently providing the writing depth displayed in Stein’smost prominent work. The book remains a good read and remains time well spent with an interesting premise and multiple twists.
feralreader's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, and was very fond of the main character. Sometimes, excessive, very specific Seattle references can be a bit grating, but it worked here - I loved the very familiar setting.
However, after thinking if over, I'm a little bummed to realize that Evan's girlfriend, Mica, was a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, sans the manic pixie part. She aggressively pursues Evan, despite being miles out of his league. Evan pushes her away at every turn, but she patiently waits for him to come around, because she's wealthy, successful, drop dead gorgeous, wise, has zero needs of her own and is too zen and secure to be hurt by his behavior. She's highly sexual, but undaunted by Evan's impotence. She argues naked to prove a point and is just thrilled with the possibility of inheriting a troubled, sullen teenage stepson (nothing against poor Dean - he has every reason to be troubled and sullen). She's mature and together because she's 38, but she doesn't look it, because EW! So as well done as it is, she's ultimately a girlfriend who exists only to teach our hero how to live.
I still loved the book, I just feel a little duped.
However, after thinking if over, I'm a little bummed to realize that Evan's girlfriend, Mica, was a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, sans the manic pixie part. She aggressively pursues Evan, despite being miles out of his league. Evan pushes her away at every turn, but she patiently waits for him to come around, because she's wealthy, successful, drop dead gorgeous, wise, has zero needs of her own and is too zen and secure to be hurt by his behavior. She's highly sexual, but undaunted by Evan's impotence. She argues naked to prove a point and is just thrilled with the possibility of inheriting a troubled, sullen teenage stepson (nothing against poor Dean - he has every reason to be troubled and sullen). She's mature and together because she's 38, but she doesn't look it, because EW! So as well done as it is, she's ultimately a girlfriend who exists only to teach our hero how to live.
I still loved the book, I just feel a little duped.
hlerner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
craftyreader14's review against another edition
This book was so intricate and interesting to read. The characters drew me in and kept me going on.