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susannembryhni's review against another edition
5.0
The best book I have ever read. It is funny and touching and everything you could ever wish from a book. It brings up various important topics without shoving it down your throat, and gives you a perspective on other people's lives. I once read that booklovers are more empathic than non-readers, and I think books like this is the reason for that.
In my opinion, this book contains one of the most powerful and touching paragraphs ever written. A paragraph on page 128-129 is so depressing, though optimistic: I cried, and so did my brother when I read him this paragraph. The fact that some people out there might feel like that is truly saddening. Anyway, here goes:
"Today was a good day at school. Mr. Delancey had us do a group science project in experimental bio where we tested how flammable candy. That means that before first period was even over, I'd talked to four people in my group. That means that I talked to one more person than I needed to, and if only two people talked to me tomorrow, it's all right, because I'll just use that extra one from today to make up for it."
In my opinion, this book contains one of the most powerful and touching paragraphs ever written. A paragraph on page 128-129 is so depressing, though optimistic: I cried, and so did my brother when I read him this paragraph. The fact that some people out there might feel like that is truly saddening. Anyway, here goes:
Spoiler
"Today was a good day at school. Mr. Delancey had us do a group science project in experimental bio where we tested how flammable candy. That means that before first period was even over, I'd talked to four people in my group. That means that I talked to one more person than I needed to, and if only two people talked to me tomorrow, it's all right, because I'll just use that extra one from today to make up for it."
4saradouglas's review against another edition
4.0
I really don't have much to say about this book. I thought the plot was good, I liked the characters... it was just a good book. I didn't quite understand the father and wish he was explained a bit more, but otherwise, no complaints here!
justlily's review against another edition
4.0
This was so unbelievably good. Horrendously sad and gut wrenching and very realistic in the way it portrayed emotions. But so good.
I picked it up about a couple hours ago and didn't put it down until I was finished.
I picked it up about a couple hours ago and didn't put it down until I was finished.
kricketa's review against another edition
2.0
I'm reviewing this book for work, which means it will end up being written up something like, "Donnie knows there is something terribly wrong with his sister. But as his fractured family attends to healing Karen's disease, Donnie feels himself growing more and more invisible. Will their father come home so they can be a family again before it's too late?"
But since I'm not at work NOW: it was only ok. Everything about this boy's life is a disaster: no friends, parents breaking up, dying sister. Somehow, though, it still focuses on the sister. Donnie wants to share the story of what happened to Karen, and in the end realizes that he got shoved aside during all this and needs to learn how to...function. Vrettos throws a lot in there and it's just a bit hefty. And when she tries to balance it out with humor, that doesn't go so well either.
But since I'm not at work NOW: it was only ok. Everything about this boy's life is a disaster: no friends, parents breaking up, dying sister. Somehow, though, it still focuses on the sister. Donnie wants to share the story of what happened to Karen, and in the end realizes that he got shoved aside during all this and needs to learn how to...function. Vrettos throws a lot in there and it's just a bit hefty. And when she tries to balance it out with humor, that doesn't go so well either.
charlee_12's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
3.0
maryam162424's review against another edition
4.0
This is an amazing book that literally will break your heart. I LOVED the perspective of this book, especially since it's different compared to others. It's so sad, messed up, relatable, real and upsetting that made it more appealing for me. Great great great read!
angelreadsthings's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 Stars. This had a great plot and pretty good characterization; however, I felt that it moved too fast for me to be able to fully experience all the emotions that it aroused within me.
zoebird81's review against another edition
5.0
Not really counting this as a 2023 read because I've lost track of how many times I've torn through it. And not writing a real review either because- reasons!
I can only say two things: 1. There is nothing like crying on the M train, and 2. I am so glad I walked out of The Awty International School's library with this in the 9th grade and never brought it back.
I can only say two things: 1. There is nothing like crying on the M train, and 2. I am so glad I walked out of The Awty International School's library with this in the 9th grade and never brought it back.
drakean8's review against another edition
4.0
Had to read this one again. Told from the younger brother's point of view, life as he knows and is comfortable with is falling apart at the seams. No friends at school, his parents constantly fighting and on the verge of divorce, and his sister is developing an eating disorder. While all the attention remains on Karen to get her to eat, Donnie tries to keep his family together as best as he can, while slipping through the cracks.
estyslapo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0