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lisafweeks's review
3.0
Good, but not as enthralled as my recommenders. Maybe I don't care for one person telling another person's story, even when it means their own story and life is unfolding. I certainly didn't connect with any of the characters.
purpledragonfly25's review
3.0
i think this book overdoes the reality of life. the characters make too many assumptions that make the human nature seem cold and untrusting, always assuming the worst. it was presented in an interesting way with the chapters alternating, sort of counting up and counting down at the same time. it was an overall sad book with a happy sad ending. this book takes you on a journey and emphasizes the importance of not jumping to conclusions.
mellogirl's review
4.0
A good story and well told, alternating narrative between past and present to help us learn about how Smithy came to be the way he is, and why he has to keep riding that bicycle. The book has a Forrest Gump quality -- ride, Smithy, ride! -- a simplicity and sweetness that kept me reading even when I was frustrated with the main character. As the story unfolds, in both past and present, we see how much pain Smithy has swallowed over his lifetime, how much fear he has carried. He sheds it as he travels and meets people and learns that so many of us carry pain yet continue to rely on each other and reach out in kindness. There are many layers here in this seemingly simple story. It's a satisfying read.
larripaz's review
5.0
I really liked this story and how it is told. Equal parts tragedy and self-discovery and travel narrative. Throw in a little love story. Engaging and sad but also hopeful.
grapeapril75's review
5.0
I love and adore this book! Such a terrific read. I have read it several times and like it more with each read.
Very well written story with wonderful pacing. Characters are engaging and relateable. It was a journey in so many ways!
Great style and nonlinear story telling. Chapters volley between present and past. Very easy to follow.
Very well written story with wonderful pacing. Characters are engaging and relateable. It was a journey in so many ways!
Great style and nonlinear story telling. Chapters volley between present and past. Very easy to follow.
conniemarie526's review
4.0
He rides his bike through pain and burns it away along with this fatness. I enjoyed the read.
kmac2k's review
4.0
I loved the audio version of this book, read by the author. He's a great story teller and I found myself lost in they way he wrapped many stories together. It was a great read and left me thinking a lot about the main character's journey: past and present. Really well done. Every book doesn't need to CHANGE YOUR LIFE - they are stories we bring into our life, ponder and go on. It is definitely worth the read and I loved it.
cynragona's review
3.0
This really isn't very good. I would have stopped reading, except that much of the book takes place where I live and that was somewhat interesting to read (except frustrating to find errors).
There are occasional excellent passages--descriptions of a place that made me stop and think how the author nailed a feel or even the smell of a summer day. But overall, the plot was meandering, the character development was thin, and the resolution was trite.
There are occasional excellent passages--descriptions of a place that made me stop and think how the author nailed a feel or even the smell of a summer day. But overall, the plot was meandering, the character development was thin, and the resolution was trite.
readerkt2's review
5.0
It's the best book you've never read. Sometimes, a thrift store pick-up surprises me. I picked up this gem at my local Goodwill. Brand new. It was never cracked open. There were 10 copies of this book. For 1.99, I took a chance. This book has been sitting on my shelves for at least 2 years. I can not believe more people have not read this. It is a Quixote-esque, Forrest Gump (the movie), quest book about family tragedies and mental illness. Extreme mental illness and many tragedies throughout this poor guy, Smithy's life. A few reviewers commented that they didn't like him. But I really did. He was sweet and innocent. Somewhat dimwitted but had such a caring heart. Although the main mental illness featured here is his sister Bethany's, Smithy went into a depressed state as he tried to constantly help his parents navigate his sister's illness. Smith's needs were often ignored except for Norma. Norma had been enamored with Smithy since she was a young girl. But she was ignored by him. Like he was by others. There is a relatively happy ending, but is there ever really with mental illness? READ THIS BOOK.
marydyl's review
4.0
This was a sad story but i couldn't wait to get back to it every time i put it down.