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protoman21's review against another edition
4.0
Gordon Korman is a master storyteller. He takes a lovable character and puts him in a situation that challenges him in physical, emotional and moral ways the reveal the strength of the character underneath while also telling a great story. This is not a purely football book, neither is it only about Alzheimer's. It's a perfect blend of both wrapped up in a simple story of a guy who makes a friend and does whatever it takes to help him.
thebooknerdscorner's review against another edition
5.0
Korman pens a story about a junior football player named Marcus and his unlikely friendship with a retired NFL player.
Marcus has just moved to a new town and he's finding it difficult to make friends over the summer. That is, until he meets Charlie, an eccentric middle-age man with an enthusiasm for tackling and hearing the "pop." Unbeknownst to Marcus, Charlie has some secrets and these secrets end up getting Marcus in a bit of trouble. When Marcus learns Charlie's secret, Marcus is willing to go to great lengths to give Charlie the recognition that he deserves.
I was a bit hesitant about this one. Yes, I have loved most of Korman's books in the past, but this one is centered around sports, so I wary. Despite this, I found great enjoyment from the entire story. Charlie is a character filled to the brim with quirky Korman character vibes, and I just adored him despite his oddness. The fact that he loves pranks, football, and running around town as a fifty something year old is such a joy. Marcus was a likable protagonist from the get-go and I the fact that he rode around on a Vespa made me laugh. Some of his decisions were questionable, but I could always tell that his heart was in the right place.
This book is really hard to discuss without giving away most of the plot. I will say though, that this book tackles some great topics such as mental illness, standing up for what you believe is right, the idea of legacy, and the dangers of sports. The lengths that Marcus goes to help Charlie out is so precious and wholesome; it filled me with so much joy to read about their relationship.
The ending of this book made me feel so many emotions. Once again, I don't want to say too much, but the ending really came out of nowhere and yanked at my heartstrings. I thought this was going to be one of my least favorites of Korman's books, but I ended up really adoring the characters (except for Alyssa; she was creepy) and the messages presented in this one were so good.
Overall, I really enjoyed "Pop" for its eccentric characters, important messages, and rapid pace. This is the first of Korman's teen books that I've read and I think it's the oldest one that I've read thus far, but it still has a feel very similar to his more recent books. I would most definitely recommend checking this one out, especially if you are a sports fan. I'm not and I still loved it, so there is that.
Marcus has just moved to a new town and he's finding it difficult to make friends over the summer. That is, until he meets Charlie, an eccentric middle-age man with an enthusiasm for tackling and hearing the "pop." Unbeknownst to Marcus, Charlie has some secrets and these secrets end up getting Marcus in a bit of trouble. When Marcus learns Charlie's secret, Marcus is willing to go to great lengths to give Charlie the recognition that he deserves.
I was a bit hesitant about this one. Yes, I have loved most of Korman's books in the past, but this one is centered around sports, so I wary. Despite this, I found great enjoyment from the entire story. Charlie is a character filled to the brim with quirky Korman character vibes, and I just adored him despite his oddness. The fact that he loves pranks, football, and running around town as a fifty something year old is such a joy. Marcus was a likable protagonist from the get-go and I the fact that he rode around on a Vespa made me laugh. Some of his decisions were questionable, but I could always tell that his heart was in the right place.
This book is really hard to discuss without giving away most of the plot. I will say though, that this book tackles some great topics such as mental illness, standing up for what you believe is right, the idea of legacy, and the dangers of sports. The lengths that Marcus goes to help Charlie out is so precious and wholesome; it filled me with so much joy to read about their relationship.
The ending of this book made me feel so many emotions. Once again, I don't want to say too much, but the ending really came out of nowhere and yanked at my heartstrings. I thought this was going to be one of my least favorites of Korman's books, but I ended up really adoring the characters (except for Alyssa; she was creepy) and the messages presented in this one were so good.
Overall, I really enjoyed "Pop" for its eccentric characters, important messages, and rapid pace. This is the first of Korman's teen books that I've read and I think it's the oldest one that I've read thus far, but it still has a feel very similar to his more recent books. I would most definitely recommend checking this one out, especially if you are a sports fan. I'm not and I still loved it, so there is that.
hannahb_'s review against another edition
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
librariansrule's review against another edition
5.0
One of my all-time favorites for young adult readers. Timeless, thoughtful, compelling, and inspirational but sad. Excellent read.
kawarwick's review against another edition
4.0
Again...never judge a book by the cover. I would never had read this book but I gave it a shot since it was Lone Star book and I loved it! Great story about football, bullies, and Alzheimer's.
readwithpassion's review against another edition
4.0
Marcus Jordan wants to join the football team in his new town, and he meets Charlie, a quirky, middle-aged man, in the park. He continues to practice with Charlie, despite his odd behavior. I love a good sports book that transcends the positions and game. Marcus makes a lot of really good, selfless decisions that are admirable for a boy his age. This is one that will pull both reluctant and avid readers.
thatmeddlingkid's review against another edition
4.0
I've been a Korman fan for a couple of decades now. I have read a variety of his books from the Everest to the Bruno and Boots and everything in-between. Yet I have never read a book of his like this one. It was amazing and has propelled itself into not only my favorite Korman book, but one of my favorite books period.
pantehnreads's review against another edition
5.0
Woer
I gotta say that I did not feel excited going in cause I am no sports fan and it's a sports book. Also I am reading it for a class and that changes how you approach books. Well I gotta say that this book was absolutely amazing. The characters were well written and the story was touching. The relationship between Marcus and the Popovich family was impactful. Charlie's story is exciting, heart breaking and interesting. The author really did his homework on CRE and how it may look. Absolutely loved it.
I gotta say that I did not feel excited going in cause I am no sports fan and it's a sports book. Also I am reading it for a class and that changes how you approach books. Well I gotta say that this book was absolutely amazing. The characters were well written and the story was touching. The relationship between Marcus and the Popovich family was impactful. Charlie's story is exciting, heart breaking and interesting. The author really did his homework on CRE and how it may look. Absolutely loved it.
jarichan's review against another edition
4.0
Dieses Buch ist eine weitere Challenge-Überraschung. Und je mehr Challenges ein Buch mit und/oder über Football verlangen, desto mehr erfahre ich über diesen Sport (ohne bisher je mehr davon gesehen zu haben, als das, was in amerikanischen Serien gezeigt wird).
In diesem Buch ist der Football-Sport der Treiber und Auslöser. Denn im Mittelpunkt steht die Freundschaft zwischen Marcus und Charlie. Schon der Start mit diesem ungleichen Duo ist irgendwie niedlich, aber schon bald merkt auch der Leser -egal, ob jugendlich oder erwachsen-, dass etwas nicht stimmt.
Damit kommt man dem eigentlichen Thema auf den Grund. Charlies Krankheit ist sehr bewegend geschildert. Es ist ein Thema, das mir selbst bisher eher nebensächlich bewusst war. Nun habe ich jedoch ein genaues Bild im Kopf, wie gefährlich Kontaktsportarten sein können.
Korman schildert in seinem Buch eine tiefe Freundschaft über alle Barrieren hinweg. Er bewegt uns dazu, das Richtige zu tun, auch wenn wir dadurch vielleicht schlecht dastehen mögen. Was Marcus alles auf sich nimmt, um Charlie zu helfen - ich bin tief beeindruckt.
Man wird sich bewusst, dass man stets vor Entscheidungen gestellt wird. Je nachdem sind sie grundlegend verschieden, hängen aber zusammen. Charlies Sohn, Troy, muss sich entscheiden - Sport oder Gesundheit? Troys Schwester möchte irgendwie ihre Familie zusammenhalten und die Mutter muss irgendwann einsehen, dass sie die Situation völlig falsch eingeschätzt hat.
Ich bin wirklich tief in diese Geschichte eingetaucht. Man muss nicht sonderlich Ahnung von Football haben - die Aussage Kormans ist universal.
In diesem Buch ist der Football-Sport der Treiber und Auslöser. Denn im Mittelpunkt steht die Freundschaft zwischen Marcus und Charlie. Schon der Start mit diesem ungleichen Duo ist irgendwie niedlich, aber schon bald merkt auch der Leser -egal, ob jugendlich oder erwachsen-, dass etwas nicht stimmt.
Damit kommt man dem eigentlichen Thema auf den Grund. Charlies Krankheit ist sehr bewegend geschildert. Es ist ein Thema, das mir selbst bisher eher nebensächlich bewusst war. Nun habe ich jedoch ein genaues Bild im Kopf, wie gefährlich Kontaktsportarten sein können.
Korman schildert in seinem Buch eine tiefe Freundschaft über alle Barrieren hinweg. Er bewegt uns dazu, das Richtige zu tun, auch wenn wir dadurch vielleicht schlecht dastehen mögen. Was Marcus alles auf sich nimmt, um Charlie zu helfen - ich bin tief beeindruckt.
Man wird sich bewusst, dass man stets vor Entscheidungen gestellt wird. Je nachdem sind sie grundlegend verschieden, hängen aber zusammen. Charlies Sohn, Troy, muss sich entscheiden - Sport oder Gesundheit? Troys Schwester möchte irgendwie ihre Familie zusammenhalten und die Mutter muss irgendwann einsehen, dass sie die Situation völlig falsch eingeschätzt hat.
Ich bin wirklich tief in diese Geschichte eingetaucht. Man muss nicht sonderlich Ahnung von Football haben - die Aussage Kormans ist universal.