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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
The book tells the story of two boys, one of them 12 years old, the other 36. 12-year-old boy is Marcus. He lives with his single suicidal mother. He's a bit... eccentric, and struggles in his school and family life. 36-year-old boy is Will Freeman. He's "cool". He's rich without having to do anything. He likes women, luxury, having a lot of CDs. He doesn't like taking responsibilities. Lives of these two boys cross in a strange way, when Will's single mother girlfriend has to baby-sit Marcus. The book is set in London in 90s, and the title is a reference to the famous Nirvana song "About A Girl".
Through the book, Marcus learns how to be a child, and Will learns how to be an adult. And what makes their story special is that they learn these from each other. They make such a cute couple.
Nick Hornby succeeded at narrating the story from two different point of views. While you read the book, you really understand the minds of Marcus and Will. Also, they're really interesting and lovable characters, despite their seemingly not-very-appealing attitudes. You know they're not evil, they just behave like that because they don't know any better. But they start to learn, and that's why you're loving them.
The book doesn't get boring at any point. The turn of events are carefully planned and almost always surprising and enjoyable. It's a really good read if you want a modern fiction book.
Through the book, Marcus learns how to be a child, and Will learns how to be an adult. And what makes their story special is that they learn these from each other. They make such a cute couple.
Nick Hornby succeeded at narrating the story from two different point of views. While you read the book, you really understand the minds of Marcus and Will. Also, they're really interesting and lovable characters, despite their seemingly not-very-appealing attitudes. You know they're not evil, they just behave like that because they don't know any better. But they start to learn, and that's why you're loving them.
The book doesn't get boring at any point. The turn of events are carefully planned and almost always surprising and enjoyable. It's a really good read if you want a modern fiction book.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
a lighthearted book about not-so-lighthearted issues (so i can’t tell if the "lighthearted"-tag is warranted).
it ends with a realistic yet disappointing change in marcus, an intelligent autistic boy with a suicidal mother and no stable support system. will, a rich sexist asshole of a person (though he would agree) stayed unlikeable for me from start to finish. that’s mostly why i can’t rate this any higher, i didn’t get very emotionally invested. cleverly written. i enjoyed how as a reader, you could really grasp the way of thinking and self-concepts of the two protagonists, they felt alive. amazing read during public transit rides because of the easy language, short chapters and simple plot (which i love).
it ends with a realistic yet disappointing change in marcus, an intelligent autistic boy with a suicidal mother and no stable support system. will, a rich sexist asshole of a person (though he would agree) stayed unlikeable for me from start to finish. that’s mostly why i can’t rate this any higher, i didn’t get very emotionally invested. cleverly written. i enjoyed how as a reader, you could really grasp the way of thinking and self-concepts of the two protagonists, they felt alive. amazing read during public transit rides because of the easy language, short chapters and simple plot (which i love).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
laughed out loud many times. a very human and fun read. marcus broke my heart, my sweet boy, i love you so. a wonderful story about the complexities of life’s relationships and learning that you don’t know anything at all.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Very sweet - but in a very subtle (very British) - way. I do have a niggling feeling about the inference that you have to have the 'right' haircut/taste in music/clothes to fit in, but I can understand that that's about surviving high school.
What a book!
Had a lot of hype starting this book because I’ve seen the movie before and liked it tons.
And you know what?
This book is even better! Had so many laughs and so many great insights on life. Everything was neatly wrapped in deliciously enjoyable British wit.
Had a lot of hype starting this book because I’ve seen the movie before and liked it tons.
And you know what?
This book is even better! Had so many laughs and so many great insights on life. Everything was neatly wrapped in deliciously enjoyable British wit.