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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
The pacing is impeccable, the level of detail and foreshadowing - sublime, and the story - omfg. I haven't read anything like this for a long time - perhaps since Hunger Games. And it's written in such an accessible way that could hold the attention 10 year old, too.
The story was beautifully crafted. I expected a barren, dark tale of exploitation and suffering. I had instead a beautiful tale of, yes, suffering, but also hope, friendship, redemption, and what it means to be a decent human being.
The friendship between Stanley and Zero was especially poignant. It taught me a lot about what it means to love someone (platonically) and how to properly treat others.
At times the story read like a fairy tale, which surprised me, but I loved it. The sections about Latvia and the people who lived 110 years ago – oh my god.
Bottom line: get this book for your kids. Especially boys who refuse to read, because this would be a perfect way to get them into reading.
And probably get this book for yourself too.
The story was beautifully crafted. I expected a barren, dark tale of exploitation and suffering. I had instead a beautiful tale of, yes, suffering, but also hope, friendship, redemption, and what it means to be a decent human being.
The friendship between Stanley and Zero was especially poignant. It taught me a lot about what it means to love someone (platonically) and how to properly treat others.
At times the story read like a fairy tale, which surprised me, but I loved it. The sections about Latvia and the people who lived 110 years ago – oh my god.
Bottom line: get this book for your kids. Especially boys who refuse to read, because this would be a perfect way to get them into reading.
And probably get this book for yourself too.
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Re-read this while sick to cheer me up with the nostalgia
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
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
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
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
One of the best stories ever written
One of the best books from my childhood, hands down.
I really don't know how to write a review for this because I've read it so many times that I don't know how to put into words how much I love this book.
There's so many character connections. I love the backdrop historical link & it pulls EVERYTHING together. Everything that was presented in the book was relevant to the ending, Characters are great, even the Warden who is definitely viewed as an antagonist. I think the only character I completely hated was Mr. Pandanski, who SEEMED like he would be a really nice guy at first but was the most cruel to Zero, in my opinion. And he wasn't even FUNNY. At least the Warden had personality. Mr. Pendanksi was just a... (insert your favorite insulting phrase). I really did live in this book while reading it, it was such a great story. I think this is one to read to the kids. I had to read this book several times in grade school and it's a great school story. It may be challenged for the fact that it talks about racism & questioning authority, but hey, I'm definitely not the type to discourage reading of any kind and I'm a proud banned books reader, always have been. But yeah.
This book will stay on my shelf for years to come.
ALSO: The ending was beautiful. I love that the narrator is speaking to you, and the quote, "You'll have to fill in the holes for yourself." is.. fantastic. Wonderful. And a great that's what she said joke.
I really don't know how to write a review for this because I've read it so many times that I don't know how to put into words how much I love this book.
There's so many character connections. I love the backdrop historical link & it pulls EVERYTHING together. Everything that was presented in the book was relevant to the ending, Characters are great, even the Warden who is definitely viewed as an antagonist. I think the only character I completely hated was Mr. Pandanski, who SEEMED like he would be a really nice guy at first but was the most cruel to Zero, in my opinion. And he wasn't even FUNNY. At least the Warden had personality. Mr. Pendanksi was just a... (insert your favorite insulting phrase). I really did live in this book while reading it, it was such a great story. I think this is one to read to the kids. I had to read this book several times in grade school and it's a great school story. It may be challenged for the fact that it talks about racism & questioning authority, but hey, I'm definitely not the type to discourage reading of any kind and I'm a proud banned books reader, always have been. But yeah.
This book will stay on my shelf for years to come.
ALSO: The ending was beautiful. I love that the narrator is speaking to you, and the quote, "You'll have to fill in the holes for yourself." is.. fantastic. Wonderful. And a great that's what she said joke.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It's a good read and something I really didnt pay attention to when I read it in school so glad I'm reading it now that my daughter is reading it in school so I can help with homework