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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
This book started off as just a mediocre high school novel. The only thing making it stand out and that kept me reading was the back stories of the characters and the setting. I was intrigued enough to keep reading, I had to see how it all played out into the book that everyone says is a must read because I wasn’t seeing why it was so hyped.
Then I got 2/3’a of the way through the book and it decided to rip out my heart. I honestly did not see the final events of the book playing out as they did. It was like the author lulled you into believing this was just an ordinary high school story, then wham.... feelings.
It is safe to say I cried through the entire last third of the book. Both happy and sad tears. I understand why people rave about this book but I just wish it hadn’t taken so long to get to the good parts.
Then I got 2/3’a of the way through the book and it decided to rip out my heart. I honestly did not see the final events of the book playing out as they did. It was like the author lulled you into believing this was just an ordinary high school story, then wham.... feelings.
It is safe to say I cried through the entire last third of the book. Both happy and sad tears. I understand why people rave about this book but I just wish it hadn’t taken so long to get to the good parts.
Okay, okay. Here I am, reading along, really enjoying this novel. Not exactly a groundbreaking text, but a pretty good story with some memorable characters. And then, dang you Jeff Zentner, cue the ugly crying. This isn't going to be a spoiler alert or anything, but this particular event that inspired my crying jag did not seem necessary, it actually kind of brought the book to a halt for me. I wasn't ready for it, and it really threw me. I'm still mad, and I don't know how to fully process all that happened.
It's weird, the first 2/3 of the book and the last 3/3 almost seem like different stories, with a different feel. Not necessarily bad, just interesting.
It's weird, the first 2/3 of the book and the last 3/3 almost seem like different stories, with a different feel. Not necessarily bad, just interesting.
"I am tired of many things," Mr. Burston said, fighting for composure. .. "I am tired of watching children perish. I'm tired of watching the world grind up gentle people. I'm tired of outliving those I shouldn't be outliving. I've made books my life because they let me escape this world of cruelty and savagery. I needed to say that outloud to somebody other than my cats. Please take care of yourselves, my young friends. "
I loved this book. The characters were wonderful, people you really wanted to get to know. It was sad and it was heart warming. I think ending high school can be a very scary time. People don't always know what they want to do with their lives or how to do it. But that does not mean they don't have dreams and desires.
“And if you’re going to live, you might as well do painful, brave, and beautiful things.”
This book gave me all the feelings
I really enjoyed this book about three kids in a small town, all different from each other and none seem to fit in, yet they take care of each other.
I think that sometimes there's a fine line between a quiet, slow-paced plot and a directionless plot. I felt like this book often skirted that line. Overall, I thought the writing was beautiful, but there were times when I was just impatient to finish.
I loved this. Yes, it has some story arcs that were reminiscent of other great YA books and I can see why some might not find it that original. But this book got to me. I could so easily relate it was ridiculous. Hmm, maybe because I also grew up in small town Tennessee in a religious home? Yep. That's exactly why. No other book has ever hit this close to my own personal experiences and Jeff Zentner wrote it all out beautifully.
Now I'm kicking myself for missing him at Parnassus last week when he spoke with other Nashville authors.
Now I'm kicking myself for missing him at Parnassus last week when he spoke with other Nashville authors.