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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
The first time I read this I liked it but it didn't make much of an impression on me.
I reread it this weekend
and oh halp guys
I'm in love with M.T. Anderson.
I reread it this weekend
and oh halp guys
I'm in love with M.T. Anderson.
So after I write this review, I shall be sending myself along the proclivity to determine henceforth the reasons as such that this novel hath received so many awards.
I found the writing annoying. The story/plot was interesting as a concept but I felt not executed well. I think this is supposed to be a young adult novel but there is no way either of my kids would enjoy reading this book and would likely miss a lot of the story due to the language and style. I’m surprised if it is written for young adults. Otherwise, I found myself skipping through much of the second half of the book so I could be finished with it. The last 5 pages were my favorite part. I always find it interesting when so many people rate a book so highly but I differ significantly in opinion. To each their own!
I found the writing annoying. The story/plot was interesting as a concept but I felt not executed well. I think this is supposed to be a young adult novel but there is no way either of my kids would enjoy reading this book and would likely miss a lot of the story due to the language and style. I’m surprised if it is written for young adults. Otherwise, I found myself skipping through much of the second half of the book so I could be finished with it. The last 5 pages were my favorite part. I always find it interesting when so many people rate a book so highly but I differ significantly in opinion. To each their own!
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
At long last, you may no longer distinguish what binds you from what is you.
dark, slow, and wonderfully challenging. I think if this was released today it would not be labeled YA. I only wish it ended in a stronger place, it feels like it ends in the middle of the story (I don't like having to jump immediately into a sequel to get a conclusion).
So....I'm so conflicted about this one.
On the upside:
- interesting time/place
- some pretty vivid images
- non-standard writing (I don't know what's this called, there were letters, bits with crossed out writing and dripping ink and made up newspaper bits)
On the downside:
Despite the poignancy of some individual bits, the characters turned out to be mostly flat and didn't spring to life until the very damn end - the whole book essentially felt like an introduction. I don't think the author quite decided who's he writing for either, because on one end the period-style writing and a serious topic and on the other is the rather simple story and characters, some of them being verbose and not too necessary (Private Goring really had to take up a solid 100 pages with that annoying capital-letter bubbling?).
I'm afraid the golden platter of shit is all that I'll remember this book by.
On the upside:
- interesting time/place
- some pretty vivid images
- non-standard writing (I don't know what's this called, there were letters, bits with crossed out writing and dripping ink and made up newspaper bits)
On the downside:
Despite the poignancy of some individual bits, the characters turned out to be mostly flat and didn't spring to life until the very damn end - the whole book essentially felt like an introduction. I don't think the author quite decided who's he writing for either, because on one end the period-style writing and a serious topic and on the other is the rather simple story and characters, some of them being verbose and not too necessary (Private Goring really had to take up a solid 100 pages with that annoying capital-letter bubbling?).
I'm afraid the golden platter of shit is all that I'll remember this book by.
It was very slow at first, but as it continued it became incredible!!! Yet again M.T. Anderson creates a incredible story. I loved it!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A well-done historical fiction. Dense but packed with information and immersion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Classism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
adventurous
emotional
informative
Admittedly it took me a while to get into this book. I found the language rather off-putting and I wasn't completely sure what was happening at first. I wasn't that interested. I am so grateful that I kept reading! AMAZING! Just AMAZING! I thought this book was absolutely fascinating. What a tremendous effort! I can't praise it highly enough, I'm recommending it to several people.
I'm NOT recommending it to the junior high kids I know and not even to the high school kids I know. I just don't know many kids mature enough to wade though the language to get to the excellent story. And this is a story that is well worth the effort... I just don't think that at that age they'll be willing to put the effort forth. I don't blame them. I really don't. Like I said before, I had problems getting into the book at first and it's been a LONG time since I was in high school.
Reading this as a freshman in college would be perfect, I think.
I'm NOT recommending it to the junior high kids I know and not even to the high school kids I know. I just don't know many kids mature enough to wade though the language to get to the excellent story. And this is a story that is well worth the effort... I just don't think that at that age they'll be willing to put the effort forth. I don't blame them. I really don't. Like I said before, I had problems getting into the book at first and it's been a LONG time since I was in high school.
Reading this as a freshman in college would be perfect, I think.
If I could give this book more stars, I would. The writing is a little heavier and more complex than your average YA book, but it's worth it. You truly feel like you get to know this boy and share his disbeliefs as he experiences his strange life as a science experiment. Oh, and if you think The Hunger Games is violent, just wait until you read this. Oh, wait, except that it's based on historical events rather than a futuristic society. Hands down, the best book I've read in a while.