Reviews with content warning for Bullying - The Best Man

Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

The Best Man by Richard Peck

4 reviews

journey2's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I found The Best Man to be a Charming story.
Told by a young boy; Archer, as he grows up over a span of about 5 years. He has important men in his life that he looks to as role models with great respect. His grandfather, his father, and his uncle Paul. Also eventually his student teacher Mr McLeod who will become his uncle as well when he marries Uncle Paul.
Archer lives his life observing the world around him and learning about who he wants to be, based on the examples around him and the friends that shape him.
This is a pleasant, easy to read story. I found Archer endearing, and his connection to his family quite lovely.
The book calls itself a story about gay marriage, but the wedding of his uncle was really only a tiny part of it and it was more about him growing up and learning about the world around him. One of those things being that his beloved Uncle Paul was gay and learning to understand what that meant as well as being a big part of their relationship to each other and close connection. I don't think that it could be called a book about gay marriage, but rather a book that includes a gay wedding. Instead I would say this is a lovely story about positive male role models in a young boy's life and the lasting and important impact they can have.
Some of the things that happened in the story were a bit outlandish but there were some moving moments as well. You can tell that Archer will grow up to be a kind and well-rounded person.
Overall this book would be a nice read for the 8 to 12 year old reader in your life.

Content Warnings