Scan barcode
actuallyidontreallycare's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
addison_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
bronn's review against another edition
4.0
I found this memoir very engaging, a great read to enjoy over a summer holiday. I loved the detailed descriptions of each character and setting, no matter how small a part they played in the story. The book was in turns welcoming, harrowing and exciting and carried rich themes of friendship, loyalty and bravery.
tonii113's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
michaelbtice's review against another edition
4.0
I saw the movie based off of this book in theaters back in 1996. I remember enjoying the movie, but also hearing about the controversy surrounding it. I decided it was finally time to give the book a read.
There wasn't much changed between the two mediums, however the book definitely explores more the boys' lives in Hell's Kitchen and goes into more detail about the happenings at the upstate penitentiary.
However, knowing the controversy, and reading more into it after I finished the book last night, I definitely have to call into question whether this actually is a non-fiction book, as stated by the author. I don't feel that that detract's from the quality of the book, when viewed as a novel.
It is definitely worth a read, if fake true-crime is something you enjoy.
There wasn't much changed between the two mediums, however the book definitely explores more the boys' lives in Hell's Kitchen and goes into more detail about the happenings at the upstate penitentiary.
However, knowing the controversy, and reading more into it after I finished the book last night, I definitely have to call into question whether this actually is a non-fiction book, as stated by the author. I don't feel that that detract's from the quality of the book, when viewed as a novel.
It is definitely worth a read, if fake true-crime is something you enjoy.
daylily_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Fantastic novel. It’s one of those books that shows you just how much a good group of friends can mean to you and get you through tough shit.
The book is considered non-fiction as its a retelling of the author’s traumatic childhood along with his three best friends. Made me cry at the end as he wrapped up the story and where each of the characters are now. It’s one of those books that make you reflect on life and how cruel the world is. That there’s so much awful and cruel people out there but there’s also some really beautiful ones too that make living a little more worthwhile.
The book is always better than the movie; but the movie for this is good too.
The book is considered non-fiction as its a retelling of the author’s traumatic childhood along with his three best friends. Made me cry at the end as he wrapped up the story and where each of the characters are now. It’s one of those books that make you reflect on life and how cruel the world is. That there’s so much awful and cruel people out there but there’s also some really beautiful ones too that make living a little more worthwhile.
The book is always better than the movie; but the movie for this is good too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Death, Murder, Violence, Pedophilia, Torture, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Racism, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Classism, Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Drug use, Blood, Addiction, Confinement, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Addiction, Homophobia, Abandonment, Ableism, and Child death
emilija_kava's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.5
megsy13's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn’t put it down. Harrowing tale, a lot more graphic than I anticipated - but it was needed to get the full story.
raniadivine's review against another edition
5.0
This book broke my heart into pieces .
After finishing it I just sat in bed trying to absorb all that I read . Truly heartbreaking. I watched the movie as a child . It ended up destroying me. The movie has stuck with me since then. Just recently found out it was a book and I decided to crush my heart one more time for "Sleepers".
It is one of the few books that held my attention. Highly recommend it.
After finishing it I just sat in bed trying to absorb all that I read . Truly heartbreaking. I watched the movie as a child . It ended up destroying me. The movie has stuck with me since then. Just recently found out it was a book and I decided to crush my heart one more time for "Sleepers".
It is one of the few books that held my attention. Highly recommend it.