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gmamartha's review against another edition
4.0
This book finally made me a believer in magical realism. What could be more fitting than the supernatural in the Everglades?
kellbells's review against another edition
2.0
Tried to do WAY too many things for the space allotted in a middle-grade novel and didn't do any of them real justice. It's a realistic family story! It's a football story! It's Haitian Creole influenced urban fantasy with zombies! It's...Beowulf? (Based on the cover alone I assumed it was about kids who run track! Boy was I wrong.)
story_singer_101's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
By far, Boys of Blur was the best book that I read this month. Not only does the plot fall far outside the realm of stereotypical Christian fantasy, but N. D. Wilson is a master of language. From the first line, Wilson employs literary techniques and devices that prove his grasp of the English language and his ability to manipulate it masterfully while still maintaining an easily accessible tone. Some of the characters and conflicts of the book reminded me very strongly of N. D. Wilson’s trilogy The 100 Cupboards, but Boys of Blur remained a distinct story. The book does imply severe domestic abuse and sex outside of marriage, but N. D. Wilson does not include scenes of either the abuse or the sex, leading it to the reader’s imagination to fill in the gaps. As a result, parents might want to preview the book to make sure it is suitable for younger readers, although I believe most of the content will fly over younger readers’ heads. I personally found the mentions of violence and immorality to be reflections of a cultural moment and a meaningful source of conflict throughout the book. I highly recommend Boys of Blur as a well-written, thoughtful, and engaging summer read.
By far, Boys of Blur was the best book that I read this month. Not only does the plot fall far outside the realm of stereotypical Christian fantasy, but N. D. Wilson is a master of language. From the first line, Wilson employs literary techniques and devices that prove his grasp of the English language and his ability to manipulate it masterfully while still maintaining an easily accessible tone. Some of the characters and conflicts of the book reminded me very strongly of N. D. Wilson’s trilogy The 100 Cupboards, but Boys of Blur remained a distinct story. The book does imply severe domestic abuse and sex outside of marriage, but N. D. Wilson does not include scenes of either the abuse or the sex, leading it to the reader’s imagination to fill in the gaps. As a result, parents might want to preview the book to make sure it is suitable for younger readers, although I believe most of the content will fly over younger readers’ heads. I personally found the mentions of violence and immorality to be reflections of a cultural moment and a meaningful source of conflict throughout the book. I highly recommend Boys of Blur as a well-written, thoughtful, and engaging summer read.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
4.0
There's a lot to like about the writing, setting and realistic elements of Boys of Blur, but I didn't find the fantasy stuff very compelling. Read my full review here.
onceuponacarm's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this a lot more the second time I read it. The language is exquisite, even if the story is a little out there. A family moves back to Florida for the stepfather's job, the protagonist stumbles across a grave robbing and discovers some swamp zombies that make the whole town hate each other, and there's a mix of folklore, sugar cane harvesting, football, and what it means to be family. Complex and poetic, especially given its slimness.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=3631
What I found most intriguing about this book is that Wilson was able to allude to Beowulf in a middle grade book without completely scaring away the reader. Although I have read in multiple reviews that this book will grab reluctant readers’ attention, I think that some of the allusions are hard to grasp without prior knowledge, so reluctant readers may need some assistance understanding thus making the book a great read aloud as it will grab attention and start deep discussion (see Tools for Navigation). In addition to the allusions, there are opportunities to discuss hero’s quest, abuse, and loyalty.
You will also find some beautiful writing in this novel. Wilson has a way with words that made this novel lyrical yet easy to read. From the very first line: “When the sugarcane’s burning and the rabbits are running, look for the boys who are quicker than flame.” I was impressed with how literary the novel was.
What I found most intriguing about this book is that Wilson was able to allude to Beowulf in a middle grade book without completely scaring away the reader. Although I have read in multiple reviews that this book will grab reluctant readers’ attention, I think that some of the allusions are hard to grasp without prior knowledge, so reluctant readers may need some assistance understanding thus making the book a great read aloud as it will grab attention and start deep discussion (see Tools for Navigation). In addition to the allusions, there are opportunities to discuss hero’s quest, abuse, and loyalty.
You will also find some beautiful writing in this novel. Wilson has a way with words that made this novel lyrical yet easy to read. From the very first line: “When the sugarcane’s burning and the rabbits are running, look for the boys who are quicker than flame.” I was impressed with how literary the novel was.
brandypainter's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
have been a huge fan of N.D. Wilson's book since I read his first, Leepike Ridge. I pre-order his books as soon as I can and devour them all. I was so excited when I discovered he had a new stand alone, the first since Leepike Ridge, coming out this year. Then everyone else (who doesn't read their ARCs in order of publication date, or at least doesn't get as behind as I sometimes do) started singing its praises and my excitement and expectations increased. Basically, I had astronomical expectations for this book going into it and it managed to surpass them.
This is a review of an ARC from the publisher.
Boys of Blur is a story of brotherhood, rivalry, football, family, and Beowulf. Yes, Beowulf.
Charlie has a past that haunts him and also fills him with hope and purpose. His mother left his dangerously violent father when he was only five. Charlie remembers the fear and what it was like to be running from him. He has a step-dad now though who is everything that is wonderful and encouraging and an adorable little sister. As the story opens, Charlie's past and present are colliding. Back in the town where both his father and step-father grew up, and where both men currently are working, Charlie is facing a present that is both haunting and hopeful too. This story is about him finding the courage to face the things that frighten him, let go of the things eating at his soul, and learning to run with the best of them-not away from things but toward them. He is a character who pulls at the reader and draws them into the story. His step-second-cousin, Cotton, who claims him as just a cousin, welcomes him to his new home and teaches him a bit about the town and the running. The two boys bond like most boys do: running and getting into trouble together. I really liked this aspect. The cast of other characters are wide and varied. This is a short book, less than 200 pages, and yet the entire town comes to life. Each character has a distinct voice and that includes all of the adults. I particularly liked Mack, Charlie's ex-football star step-father. I also appreciated how the storyline with Charlie's real father was handled.
This sounds like fairly typical MG contemporary realistic fiction at this point, but it isn't. Because there is something not quite alive but not quite dead wreaking havoc in the flats. Old rivalries are tearing the town apart. The little jealousies, bitter musings, and grudges people have cradled in their hearts are taking over their whole souls. Everyone is turning on everyone else. Charlie and Cotton discover it is due to an ancient evil trapped beneath the muck and swamp lands waiting for her time to take over the halls and bodies of men. Soon the boys find themselves having to face this evil and decide what to do about it. They are brave and foolish. Just as 12 year old boys are. And it all works together so well. The plot is a reworking of Beowulf, the evil being the mother who is birthing man devouring monsters. She wants to burn the world. It is up to Charlie to stop it. I really appreciated how he had so much assistance though. This is one thing Wilson always does well in his books. In a world of MG and YA novels where adult supervision and assistance are glaringly, sometimes ridiculously, absent, Wilson never abandons his young protagonists to fight their monsters alone. There are always strong, capable, and loving adults there to help.
The themes explored in this novel are sweeping in scope. For such a short, quick read, the book is brimming with symbolism and thematic greatness. What makes a family, what holding on to the negative aspects of life does to a person, when to stand up for right, having courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and knowing what it is you are living for (so you can know what it is you are willing to die for) are all pulled into Charlie's story. Themes Wilson explores in most of his books, but they all are worth exploring repeatedly and he does it so darn well. There is also a great deal of diversity in the book, a thing we need more of and is always nice to see. Charlie is white, his step-dad is black. I loved how this wasn't a big deal, it just was. They make some jokes about it, but they're jokes that clearly come from a place of comfort and familiarity with each other. A knowledge that they are family no matter.
The imagery and descriptiveness of the book are pretty much perfect. As I read, I felt like I was right there with the boys. I could feel the stifling heat, the burning, the pain. And the words just flow together so well:
The bicycle pegs swayed beneath Charlie's feet. He felt strange moving so quickly while standing so still, like a man on a chariot. Gravel crunched beneath the tires and Cotton's shoulders rocked under his hands. Moonglow loomed on the horizon. or maybe it was the sky-kiss of distant lights. Charlie's skin prickled as night air parted around him. Every bit of him was hungry to feel and to remember.
Florida darkness washed over him, and Charlie Reynolds filled his lungs with it. Maybe he didn't belong in this place, but he belonged in this moment. It smelled like rich earth and hidden water. It smelled like fire.
And if all of this weren't extraordinary enough, Wilson managed to write a small town story that is not over flowing with quirkiness. THANK HEAVENS.
This line is probably my favorite though because it pretty much sums up the south: Football and church don't cancel for nobody.
Boys of Blur is a book that will be an easy sell for any reader, reluctant or book devourer. Football, monsters, boys who are heroes, the fast pace of the writing, and overall shortness are going to make it a hot commodity. If you know a child buy it for them. If you work with children buy more than one to have on hand. My students love Wilson's books and this is going to send some of the boys into a state of pure bliss. I may get trampled when I book talk it.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher, Random House Books for Young Readers, at ALA Midwinter. Boys of Blur is available for purchase on April 8th.
have been a huge fan of N.D. Wilson's book since I read his first, Leepike Ridge. I pre-order his books as soon as I can and devour them all. I was so excited when I discovered he had a new stand alone, the first since Leepike Ridge, coming out this year. Then everyone else (who doesn't read their ARCs in order of publication date, or at least doesn't get as behind as I sometimes do) started singing its praises and my excitement and expectations increased. Basically, I had astronomical expectations for this book going into it and it managed to surpass them.
This is a review of an ARC from the publisher.
Boys of Blur is a story of brotherhood, rivalry, football, family, and Beowulf. Yes, Beowulf.
Charlie has a past that haunts him and also fills him with hope and purpose. His mother left his dangerously violent father when he was only five. Charlie remembers the fear and what it was like to be running from him. He has a step-dad now though who is everything that is wonderful and encouraging and an adorable little sister. As the story opens, Charlie's past and present are colliding. Back in the town where both his father and step-father grew up, and where both men currently are working, Charlie is facing a present that is both haunting and hopeful too. This story is about him finding the courage to face the things that frighten him, let go of the things eating at his soul, and learning to run with the best of them-not away from things but toward them. He is a character who pulls at the reader and draws them into the story. His step-second-cousin, Cotton, who claims him as just a cousin, welcomes him to his new home and teaches him a bit about the town and the running. The two boys bond like most boys do: running and getting into trouble together. I really liked this aspect. The cast of other characters are wide and varied. This is a short book, less than 200 pages, and yet the entire town comes to life. Each character has a distinct voice and that includes all of the adults. I particularly liked Mack, Charlie's ex-football star step-father. I also appreciated how the storyline with Charlie's real father was handled.
This sounds like fairly typical MG contemporary realistic fiction at this point, but it isn't. Because there is something not quite alive but not quite dead wreaking havoc in the flats. Old rivalries are tearing the town apart. The little jealousies, bitter musings, and grudges people have cradled in their hearts are taking over their whole souls. Everyone is turning on everyone else. Charlie and Cotton discover it is due to an ancient evil trapped beneath the muck and swamp lands waiting for her time to take over the halls and bodies of men. Soon the boys find themselves having to face this evil and decide what to do about it. They are brave and foolish. Just as 12 year old boys are. And it all works together so well. The plot is a reworking of Beowulf, the evil being the mother who is birthing man devouring monsters. She wants to burn the world. It is up to Charlie to stop it. I really appreciated how he had so much assistance though. This is one thing Wilson always does well in his books. In a world of MG and YA novels where adult supervision and assistance are glaringly, sometimes ridiculously, absent, Wilson never abandons his young protagonists to fight their monsters alone. There are always strong, capable, and loving adults there to help.
The themes explored in this novel are sweeping in scope. For such a short, quick read, the book is brimming with symbolism and thematic greatness. What makes a family, what holding on to the negative aspects of life does to a person, when to stand up for right, having courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and knowing what it is you are living for (so you can know what it is you are willing to die for) are all pulled into Charlie's story. Themes Wilson explores in most of his books, but they all are worth exploring repeatedly and he does it so darn well. There is also a great deal of diversity in the book, a thing we need more of and is always nice to see. Charlie is white, his step-dad is black. I loved how this wasn't a big deal, it just was. They make some jokes about it, but they're jokes that clearly come from a place of comfort and familiarity with each other. A knowledge that they are family no matter.
The imagery and descriptiveness of the book are pretty much perfect. As I read, I felt like I was right there with the boys. I could feel the stifling heat, the burning, the pain. And the words just flow together so well:
The bicycle pegs swayed beneath Charlie's feet. He felt strange moving so quickly while standing so still, like a man on a chariot. Gravel crunched beneath the tires and Cotton's shoulders rocked under his hands. Moonglow loomed on the horizon. or maybe it was the sky-kiss of distant lights. Charlie's skin prickled as night air parted around him. Every bit of him was hungry to feel and to remember.
Florida darkness washed over him, and Charlie Reynolds filled his lungs with it. Maybe he didn't belong in this place, but he belonged in this moment. It smelled like rich earth and hidden water. It smelled like fire.
And if all of this weren't extraordinary enough, Wilson managed to write a small town story that is not over flowing with quirkiness. THANK HEAVENS.
This line is probably my favorite though because it pretty much sums up the south: Football and church don't cancel for nobody.
Boys of Blur is a book that will be an easy sell for any reader, reluctant or book devourer. Football, monsters, boys who are heroes, the fast pace of the writing, and overall shortness are going to make it a hot commodity. If you know a child buy it for them. If you work with children buy more than one to have on hand. My students love Wilson's books and this is going to send some of the boys into a state of pure bliss. I may get trampled when I book talk it.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher, Random House Books for Young Readers, at ALA Midwinter. Boys of Blur is available for purchase on April 8th.
readwithpassion's review against another edition
4.0
12-year-old Charlie Reynolds' family travels to town of Taper to attend the funeral of a beloved football coach. When Charlie's stepfather is given the opportunity to coach the town's football team, Charlie is not thrilled to learn that they will be living in this creepy town filled with ancient stories of runaway slaves, native tribes, and monsters that rise organically from the murky swamps. He tries to fit into this mysterious place, where boys chase rabbits through burning sugarcane and everything seems to revolve around football. As he comes to learn about this town of secrets, Charlie wonders if he has the courage to uncover the mysteries that surround him.
Set deep in the heart of the Florida Everglades, this text is sure to grip readers with its muck, swords, blood, and gore. Wilson integrates complex allusions to Beowulf , which will compel readers to uncover all of the parallels with the classic legend. The beautifully complex language of this fast-paced story inspires close readings while also teaching readers lessons about evilness, heroism, and family.
Set deep in the heart of the Florida Everglades, this text is sure to grip readers with its muck, swords, blood, and gore. Wilson integrates complex allusions to Beowulf , which will compel readers to uncover all of the parallels with the classic legend. The beautifully complex language of this fast-paced story inspires close readings while also teaching readers lessons about evilness, heroism, and family.
katy_irene's review against another edition
4.0
Zombies, football, and sugarcane. Charlie and his family return to their hometown of Taper for the football coach's funeral. Charlie gets caught up in Taper's mystery. The town reeks of greed, hate, envy, and the supernatural.
The writing is really spectacular. It's gripping and fast-paced. Wilson's language is beautifully descriptive-- "A man stood on the deck of his idling harvester. He had long hair the color of mud, a nose that had been broken more than once, and a blurry blue tattoo of a buccaneer on the back of his hand. A cigarette burned between two thick oil-stained fingers." Speaking of this man, I really enjoyed the way Wilson uses family ties and questions the definition of family. Each character has a personality, from the local police officer to Charlie's mother. It's so good it makes me wonder what I've missed from N.D. Wilson.
What didn't work? Prepare for confusion when the zombies are revealed. Charlie has a habit of asking questions that point to plot or character twists. This book is so masculine I'd have a hard time convincing young girls to pick it up. But it's also unlike anything I've ever read before. A perfect read for the fall. More like a 4.5.
The writing is really spectacular. It's gripping and fast-paced. Wilson's language is beautifully descriptive-- "A man stood on the deck of his idling harvester. He had long hair the color of mud, a nose that had been broken more than once, and a blurry blue tattoo of a buccaneer on the back of his hand. A cigarette burned between two thick oil-stained fingers." Speaking of this man, I really enjoyed the way Wilson uses family ties and questions the definition of family. Each character has a personality, from the local police officer to Charlie's mother. It's so good it makes me wonder what I've missed from N.D. Wilson.
What didn't work? Prepare for confusion when the zombies are revealed. Charlie has a habit of asking questions that point to plot or character twists. This book is so masculine I'd have a hard time convincing young girls to pick it up. But it's also unlike anything I've ever read before. A perfect read for the fall. More like a 4.5.