Reviews

Boo by Neil Smith

mbenzz's review against another edition

5.0

Well, this was a sad little book, yet it was an interesting journey to go on with 13-year-old Boo (Oliver) while he discovers exactly what happened to land not only himself but his classmate Johnny in 13-year-old 'heaven.'

Numerous times I thought I had the story figured out, but there were a few surprises here and there that I didn't see coming, and boy, were they sad.

This is a story about mental illness, bullying, and the effects it has on a young child, and learning to forgive when forgiveness seems impossible.

While I loved this book and highly recommend it, I do so with care. Parents, I would suggest reading this yourself and talking to your child about some of the gritter subjects in this novel. I would not recommend this for a child or teen who suffers from depression as I don't think the subject matter would be entirely helpful to their psyche.

Overall, though, I got way more than I expected when I picked this book up on a whim, and I'm very glad I read it. Little Boo will be with me for quite some time, and though his parents are never shown in the novel (the entire book is a letter Boo is writing to his parents), as the mother of a 14-year-old boy, I find myself thinking of them often, as well as the many other parents out there who had to say goodbye to their children far too soon.

josiannedufour's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad slow-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? No

4.0

dphillips's review against another edition

5.0

I do not save many books. The majority I donate to the library after reading but, this one I'll be saving. I can't wait to share Boo the book & character with the people I know. A truly touching read.

papertraildiary's review against another edition

5.0

LOVED IT. Full review at http://papertraildiary.com/book-review-boo-by-neil-smith/

djali84's review against another edition

The audiobook in french is just not working for me. I'll read it physically instead.

bobbiecabrera's review against another edition

5.0

So rarely do I come across a book so strange and so humbly profound. It's not my usual gore, thriller, or horror, but it held me captive. Each page begged to be read and turned. I never expected I'd enjoy this book, much less love it as much as I did. It is set in a fictional heaven called Town where Boo woke up after dying. As he grows accustomed to living his afterlife, he learns the merits of friendship, forgiveness, and healing--things that were obscure to him when he was still living.

Smith delivered an emotionally-charged book told from the perspective of an emotionally 'challenged/disabled' boy. How absolutely clever is that? Boo might as well be one of the most important books of this generation.

makaylariley's review against another edition

5.0

I honestly don't know if I'll ever be whole again.

fiestada's review against another edition

4.0

4.5. Really good.

kschmoldt's review against another edition

4.0

This was good book with a killer ending. Parts of this book dragged a bit, but the ending made the whole book worth it. General synopsis is this: 13 year old boy goes to heaven in the wake of a school shooting, where he comes to terms with his life/death, makes friends, has adventures and such. It is certainly worth a read.

commiebeatle's review against another edition

5.0

LOVED LOVED LOVED ”Boo”! So charming and witty, but most importantly heart-achingly tragic and touching. I loved the characters, loved Boo’s character development, loved the blendship between Boo and Johnny, loved everything about it.

At times, it brought me to tears, making me almost want to close the book and never pick it up again, in denial.

I found the treatment of the touchy subject of Gunboy and mental illness really really well done.

I kind of wish there was more, but I also wish the ending hadn’t been so bittersweet. I wish I wish I wish...

Basically, GO READ IT!