Scan barcode
alicebme's review against another edition
4.0
Unique story with multigenerational characters finding family in each other. Fun, wise, and heartfelt. Ready to read anything else this author writes.
tonyanicole's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sunn_bleach's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Child abuse
Moderate: Infidelity, Addiction, and Cursing
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
cafffine's review against another edition
3.5
Loved the way that the characters ‘abilities’ were used as expansive metaphors for their different experiences and positions in society. The low-stakes feeling of the plot was never a hindrance either, you really get into the mindset of an old man who’s just trying to figure out where things went wrong, and if he has time to get better. The only problem was how extensive the exposition could be. The best character moments and plot details happened through dialogue and action, but those were rare until the end, so we spent a lot of time being told, but not shown who people are and what they want. Still, i’m left wanting to know more about this family!
dude_watchin_with_the_brontes's review against another edition
5.0
There are so many things to recommend this book, I'm not sure where to start.
One thing that stood out, is just the fact of having a 72-year-old narrator.
Highly recommended.
One thing that stood out, is just the fact of having a 72-year-old narrator.
Highly recommended.
katkatz's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
caseysw's review against another edition
1.0
One of those not entirely fair reviews, since I couldn't finish the book, but yeah, not up my alley. I didn't find the plot compelling and I didn't find the characters interesting.
blathering's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful, confusing and I want more of this family and their gifts
modeislodis's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. Two stars in Goodreads equates to "it was ok" and The Talented Ribkins was just about that for me. I learned of this book from an NPR librarian review, I believe, and was thrilled to have it in-hand. But alas, it wasn't engrossing, wasn't exciting, and those superpowers that the Ribkins family have? They missed the mark for me. Which is strange, because that's one of the things that made me so excited to read this book. Indeed, the "talents" of the Ribkins are a mantel upon which the book is marketed. But it wasn't a complete stinker of a book..."it was ok".