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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book is about a signer father who is trying to survive after his wife died. I really enjoyed the story arc. I found the characters funny, unique and personable. It really showcased the importance of fathers and male friendships. I finished this book within 24 hours
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
Danny Malooley’s world shattered one year ago when his wife was killed in a tragic accident, leaving Danny to parent their 11-year-old son Will on his own. Will, devastated by the loss of his mother, has not spoken a word since her death and Danny aches to reconnect with his son. To make matters worse, Danny has been fired from his construction job, he’s behind on his rent, and his cruel landlord is threatening bodily harm if Danny doesn’t pay up quickly.
The answer to all of Danny’s woes comes in the surprising form of a panda suit when, after observing the success of street performers in a local park, Danny decides to join them. While performing one day in his tattered panda costume, Danny is approached by Will, who begins to speak for the first time since his mother’s death. Without disclosing his identity, Danny settles into his position as Will’s friend and confidant. But Will still isn’t opening up at home, and Danny’s finances are still a mess; things are looking up, but is it all too little and too late?
I was introduced to this book through the Currently Reading Indie Press List, and I have no idea how the book hasn’t received more attention. I was captivated from the very opening lines (the introductory paragraph is a masterpiece), and the book just got better, evolving into an unexpected, uplifting, and delightfully endearing story that hits that sweet spot of heartwarming, funny, and unpretentiously thoughtful. I adored the dynamic between Danny and Will and was deeply moved by the lengths Danny took to connect with his son; his father’s heart is simply beautiful.
I appreciated the novel’s tone: lighthearted and approachable while still acknowledging the heaviness of its themes. The writing is quick and witty, reminding me a lot of J. K. Rowling’s style in the Harry Potter series. Though the moralizing is a tad overwrought in places, and circumstances within the story are indeed absurd, I had no problem overlooking these flaws for the sake of a beautiful tale, sweetly told. Unfortunately the unnecessary profanity keeps this from being a great story to share with a younger audience, but as an adult reader I found much to love. I did this on audio and the narrator is fantastic!
My Rating: 4.25 Stars // Book Format: Audiobook
The answer to all of Danny’s woes comes in the surprising form of a panda suit when, after observing the success of street performers in a local park, Danny decides to join them. While performing one day in his tattered panda costume, Danny is approached by Will, who begins to speak for the first time since his mother’s death. Without disclosing his identity, Danny settles into his position as Will’s friend and confidant. But Will still isn’t opening up at home, and Danny’s finances are still a mess; things are looking up, but is it all too little and too late?
I was introduced to this book through the Currently Reading Indie Press List, and I have no idea how the book hasn’t received more attention. I was captivated from the very opening lines (the introductory paragraph is a masterpiece), and the book just got better, evolving into an unexpected, uplifting, and delightfully endearing story that hits that sweet spot of heartwarming, funny, and unpretentiously thoughtful. I adored the dynamic between Danny and Will and was deeply moved by the lengths Danny took to connect with his son; his father’s heart is simply beautiful.
I appreciated the novel’s tone: lighthearted and approachable while still acknowledging the heaviness of its themes. The writing is quick and witty, reminding me a lot of J. K. Rowling’s style in the Harry Potter series. Though the moralizing is a tad overwrought in places, and circumstances within the story are indeed absurd, I had no problem overlooking these flaws for the sake of a beautiful tale, sweetly told. Unfortunately the unnecessary profanity keeps this from being a great story to share with a younger audience, but as an adult reader I found much to love. I did this on audio and the narrator is fantastic!
My Rating: 4.25 Stars // Book Format: Audiobook
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Ableism, Homophobia, Racism, Car accident
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Bullying
I laughed so much throughout reading this. And cried too. Definitely a new favorite.