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skoot's review
2.0
I listened to the audio book for this one, and I really disliked the choice the Reader chose for the character voices. The pitch was to high, and took away from the otherwise laid back and jovial vibe. However, I enjoyed riding along on this road trip. I think this would make a really lovely feel good movie.
smalltownbookmom's review
3.0
Was a cute little story. The one narrator’s voice was kind of grating. If you like the 100-year-old man book it’s kind of similar. Funny old people adventures with important First Nations issues.
ellenmc07's review
5.0
This novel is simply spectacular. If you want to laugh, cry and have authentic voices, look no further. I will certainly be reading more of Gray Smith's work and the messages from this will never leave me. We can only hope to one day have such a network of people as Tilly does. Put this on your TBR pile people!! You won't regret it!
emjay2021's review
5.0
I’m looking forward to using this with my students. It’s sweet, funny, and moving. Plenty of stuff to discuss regarding Indigenous identity and trauma, history and healing.
tennisgirl27's review
3.0
The was a new section added to Overdrive at my library for books nominated for the Canada Reads awards. It sounded like a good story so checked it out. The story itself had so much potential but fell short on a few levels. I’m not sure if this is a young adult read which would explain the simpler text of the book but it just seemed the author was pressed for time and brushed over a lot of things that could have made this a really good read. Secondly this book would have been a great opportunity to educate about the history of Residential schools for the Indigenous population in Canada but it was mentioned several times in passing and lead to no emotional connection. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy this book but it was a bummer bc it could have been a very very good book. 3.5/5
vickie101101's review
4.0
I picked this book up to read since I recently finished "Tilly" from the same author. I found this book to be an easy read that made me laugh, cry and deepened my understanding of current Indigenous issues in Canada. I found this book to be profoundly moving in sections and has left a lasting impact on me. I waited to write this review for a while after I had finished the book because I was so in awe of what I had read.
As previous reviews mentioned, there are predictable sections of this book. I also was able to pick up the plot twist early in the book. These reasons are the reason why I deducted a star from my overall rating.
As previous reviews mentioned, there are predictable sections of this book. I also was able to pick up the plot twist early in the book. These reasons are the reason why I deducted a star from my overall rating.
linda_elaine's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Such a wholesome read! Absolutely loved it! 💕
khcarson's review
3.0
This character-driven story, filled with Indigenous humour and wisdom, takes readers on a journey of healing across the United States. When Tilly is dragged on the cross-country journey with eight eccentric elders, she leaves behind her unsatisfying marriage to think about her future - and whether divorce may be the answer. Though the journey challenges Tilly, through the wisdom of the elders around her, she finds clarity on her marriage and returns home to make the best choice for herself.
While Tilly's story is heartwarming, nothing about it resonated with me enough to make me fall in love, leading to its mediocre rating. The book is a short journey story where each character undergoes a personal transformation that reflects back on Tilly's struggle with her marriage. Despite it being a bit predictable, the characters are presented with an authenticity to them that helps the story stick its landing. The characters appear a bit flat at the beginning, but as the journey unfolds, their bucket list experiences reveal more depth and open opportunities for reader identification.
The book is comprised of short chapters (sometimes only 2 pages), which does jolt readers out of the story. Just as a scene gets going, it stops and the book moves to a completely different scene with other characters. While this is disjointing, it does create a snapshot atmosphere that reminds me of vacation photos. The story also doesn't focus on one character and spends equal time exploring each elder's personal journey, which can make the story feel scattered. Each elder's journey is largely separate from the rest and feels loosely connected to Tilly's struggle, which is supposed to serve as the emotional throughline. The writing is straight to the point and doesn't linger on poetic language, but does contain some solid metaphoric descriptions.
Tilly and the Crazy Eights is a cute journey story with some poignant wisdom, but it just failed to connect with me in a meaningful way. Because the characters deal with issues like empty nest syndrome and physical aging, older readers may have an easier time relating to the story if they've experienced similar life events.
TL:DR: 3/5 stars. A cute story about healing that feels a little scattered.
While Tilly's story is heartwarming, nothing about it resonated with me enough to make me fall in love, leading to its mediocre rating. The book is a short journey story where each character undergoes a personal transformation that reflects back on Tilly's struggle with her marriage. Despite it being a bit predictable, the characters are presented with an authenticity to them that helps the story stick its landing. The characters appear a bit flat at the beginning, but as the journey unfolds, their bucket list experiences reveal more depth and open opportunities for reader identification.
The book is comprised of short chapters (sometimes only 2 pages), which does jolt readers out of the story. Just as a scene gets going, it stops and the book moves to a completely different scene with other characters. While this is disjointing, it does create a snapshot atmosphere that reminds me of vacation photos. The story also doesn't focus on one character and spends equal time exploring each elder's personal journey, which can make the story feel scattered. Each elder's journey is largely separate from the rest and feels loosely connected to Tilly's struggle, which is supposed to serve as the emotional throughline. The writing is straight to the point and doesn't linger on poetic language, but does contain some solid metaphoric descriptions.
Tilly and the Crazy Eights is a cute journey story with some poignant wisdom, but it just failed to connect with me in a meaningful way. Because the characters deal with issues like empty nest syndrome and physical aging, older readers may have an easier time relating to the story if they've experienced similar life events.
TL:DR: 3/5 stars. A cute story about healing that feels a little scattered.
benrogerswpg's review
4.0
Enjoyed this great Indigenous book.
I found it pretty funny at times, but also quite an interesting and important read.
Would recommend!
3.9/5
I found it pretty funny at times, but also quite an interesting and important read.
Would recommend!
3.9/5