Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
How is it that a novel that illustrates a brutal practice can be one of triumph and hope? How can one recommend a book about human poaching to children?
Easy. Just read Tara Sullivan's GOLDEN BOY and you'll see.
In this stunning debut novel, Habo is a 13-year-old Tanzanian boy with albinism. As such, he is in constant danger, because witch doctors in that country pay top dollar for body parts of such people. And Habo is hunted by just such a poacher. Habo's journey from frightened child to a boy who takes control of his own fate and creates a new future is a stirring tale no matter what the circumstances, but his specific situation ratchets up the tension in the story at the same time it horrifies the reader in her comfortable American living room.
This is Sullivan's great triumph: that the story which seems so far removed from us can feel so real and immediate. Instead of dwelling on gruesome details (as one could), or getting preachy about what needs to be done to stop these atrocities (for which one could be excused), Sullivan personalizes Habo's story. I had not even heard of this horrific problem in Tanzania, and I've never been to Africa. But I could identify with Habo all the same. He feels isolated in his own family; foreign in his own skin; desperate to find a place of his own in the world. These feelings are universal, and Sullivan brings them so expertly to life that I forgot I was reading about a foreign land. Habo was not just a symbol of suffering; he was a friend.
Young readers are the best audience for such a book. They will be motivated to help, to change. And they will see a little of themselves as well. The next time they judge someone by his odd appearance or her isolation, they might remember Habo and act differently. I know I will not forget him.
DISCLAIMER: This review was written after reading an advanced reviewer's copy (ARC) kindly loaned to me by the author. I received no compensation for the review.
Easy. Just read Tara Sullivan's GOLDEN BOY and you'll see.
In this stunning debut novel, Habo is a 13-year-old Tanzanian boy with albinism. As such, he is in constant danger, because witch doctors in that country pay top dollar for body parts of such people. And Habo is hunted by just such a poacher. Habo's journey from frightened child to a boy who takes control of his own fate and creates a new future is a stirring tale no matter what the circumstances, but his specific situation ratchets up the tension in the story at the same time it horrifies the reader in her comfortable American living room.
This is Sullivan's great triumph: that the story which seems so far removed from us can feel so real and immediate. Instead of dwelling on gruesome details (as one could), or getting preachy about what needs to be done to stop these atrocities (for which one could be excused), Sullivan personalizes Habo's story. I had not even heard of this horrific problem in Tanzania, and I've never been to Africa. But I could identify with Habo all the same. He feels isolated in his own family; foreign in his own skin; desperate to find a place of his own in the world. These feelings are universal, and Sullivan brings them so expertly to life that I forgot I was reading about a foreign land. Habo was not just a symbol of suffering; he was a friend.
Young readers are the best audience for such a book. They will be motivated to help, to change. And they will see a little of themselves as well. The next time they judge someone by his odd appearance or her isolation, they might remember Habo and act differently. I know I will not forget him.
DISCLAIMER: This review was written after reading an advanced reviewer's copy (ARC) kindly loaned to me by the author. I received no compensation for the review.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Absolutely love this book! I chose it at random and I'm so glad I did!
I put this book off for my grad class and at the first it was brutal and difficult to read. Golden Boy refers to an albino boy in Tanzania whose family goes in search of a better life, and takes the reader on an expedition through an elephant hunt for tusks and albino hunting for magical properties and the search for wealth. Fortunately, it settles down when Habo meets a blind, elderly gentleman who teaches him the value of his own life and gifts and teaches him how to take care and save himself.
"What I know or don't know isn't the point. I'm curious to know what it means to you." (Chapter 18)
"Even if no one is hunting you here, you still need to live thoughtfully." (Chapter 19)
"None of them are evil people, but when evil things happened, they looked away and let them happen." (Chapter 19)
"I've been told that I'm priceless. I've been told that I'm worthless. Which, if either, is true?" (Chapter 21)
"What I know or don't know isn't the point. I'm curious to know what it means to you." (Chapter 18)
"Even if no one is hunting you here, you still need to live thoughtfully." (Chapter 19)
"None of them are evil people, but when evil things happened, they looked away and let them happen." (Chapter 19)
"I've been told that I'm priceless. I've been told that I'm worthless. Which, if either, is true?" (Chapter 21)
Pretty good story. Enjoyed the suspense and how Habo grew into loving himself. Great story for youth, knowing that blending in is not necessary to love yourself! It is okay if you don't fit in...be you!!
Sullivan does a wonderful job telling the story of a boy who desperately wants to be normal, to be seen as a regular African boy. It's exciting, heartwrenching, and touching.
Though I want to write a in-depth review of this eventually, I will say this: Highly recommend to anyone who wants to see what albino people in Tanzania have to deal with. This book had me thinking about race relations, racial perception, identity acceptance, and it's all based on true events which Sullivan expands on in the authors note.
One main critique I have (hence the 4 out of 5 stars): the the political and social impact of albino killings drops off drastically (at least in my view), and I wish we learned more about that throughout. The main character sys he learns more and reads information pertaining to the topic, but I wish it went deeper. Really, I chalk it up to thirteen year old focalizer and first person narration.
Additionally, the home-away-home structure remains prominent, yet is seemingly unnecessarily driven home at the end to represent Habo (the protagonist's) change of perception. At this point, I think it was a great idea to show how self-perception can impact an individual's feeling of self worth and identity creation, but the execution seemed forced like the text had to make a point. Read it and decide!
One main critique I have (hence the 4 out of 5 stars): the the political and social impact of albino killings drops off drastically (at least in my view), and I wish we learned more about that throughout. The main character sys he learns more and reads information pertaining to the topic, but I wish it went deeper. Really, I chalk it up to thirteen year old focalizer and first person narration.
Additionally, the home-away-home structure remains prominent, yet is seemingly unnecessarily driven home at the end to represent Habo (the protagonist's) change of perception. At this point, I think it was a great idea to show how self-perception can impact an individual's feeling of self worth and identity creation, but the execution seemed forced like the text had to make a point. Read it and decide!
Oops! I forgo to say that I finished this one. I can't remember when but it was a while ago! Anyway I did enjoy this book. It's a coming of age story. Where the main character learns who they are and what they are worth! Unfortunately it's told about an albino boy in Tanzania. A place where they kill albinos like they kill elephants. Witch doctors use their body parts for luck spells. And even the government is down with it. One official wants Habos legs because if you place them inside the door one on each side he is guaranteed to win the election. So yeah. That's messed up.
One of my favorite YA books by one of my favorite authors. This author really knows how to let you on your toes. It is rare I read books from a male perspective but this book is just terrific. It’s pretty hard to read because it’s a difficult topic. It was the first time I’ve heard of this topic and it was entertaining and educational. Thankfully he had a happy ending but the author reminds us that her story is rooted in reality and that many don’t get such a “happy” ending.
I started reading this book because it is assigned to some of the Social Studies kids. I started it earlier today, and I couldn't stop reading it. This is an amazing book, and I think it may especially appeal to teens and pre-teens, who seem to greatly fear being different. This book increased my knowledge of the horrible practices against albinos, while also being an engaging story. It is both about the physical journey Habo takes, and the mental journey within himself to realize his own value. I want a sequel!
This book brings to light such an important issue I didn't know albinos faced, but it also weaved together a story about a kid just trying to figured out life. For the most part, the story was about Habo finding family, a new one in Kweli, and a friend in Davu, but also discovering the love his family always had for him. The heart of the book was something some characters figured out and others could not : people who look differently than you do are still people. Humanity is the same regardless if you have dark skin or light skin or no pigment at all. People are just people. And you need to treat them kindly. I really enjoyed reading this book, following Habo along, and seeing him unfold into a engaging character, one that I cared about through the whole novel. Just as a side note, I didn't realize how much more common it was to have albinism in Africa; that there are so many eye issues that come along with it; and the alarming frequency of early death due to skin cancer. I am definitely interested now in helping out where I can with this.