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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
This read like an own-brand imitation of Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime[book:The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time|1618]. It centres around a young boy, Alex, who essentially sets out on a quest to get to a space convention (although this is quickly dispensed with to be replaced by his new quest to find his father. Sound familiar?) The problems arise, however, with the amount of belief a reader has to suspend in order to get behind him. Whereas in [i]Curious Incident[/i], the lengths Christopher goes to to fulfil his quest are believable, even courageous, the things we are asked to believe that Alex does (such as travel across half of the country, alone, and then with several adult 'good guy' strangers) just stretch the limits of credibility in my opinion.
The action moves along at a decent enough pace, but becomes confused at times, with sub-plots never really grabbing the attention fully, leaving a sense of impatience and wanting to get on with the 'real' plot. Alex's narrative device is a golden iPod onto which he records virtually everything that is happening, which leads to some fairly awkward sections of dialogue to plow through. The use of an external recording method has striking similarities with how Christopher tells his story in [book:The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time|1618].
Ultimately, it wasn't a terrible book. But I think if the author had been a little more inventive and presented a story which was even a little more believable, he could have done a much better job.
The action moves along at a decent enough pace, but becomes confused at times, with sub-plots never really grabbing the attention fully, leaving a sense of impatience and wanting to get on with the 'real' plot. Alex's narrative device is a golden iPod onto which he records virtually everything that is happening, which leads to some fairly awkward sections of dialogue to plow through. The use of an external recording method has striking similarities with how Christopher tells his story in [book:The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time|1618].
Ultimately, it wasn't a terrible book. But I think if the author had been a little more inventive and presented a story which was even a little more believable, he could have done a much better job.
DANG. THIS IS A GOOD READ.
“Because I realized what Zed meant when he said, You already have it. And I agree.”
I hate it when books end with a simple sentence about the main character's reflection. Because it always makes me tear up. I just love this book so much, like it was written only for my eyes to read.
Thank you, Jack Cheng. Thank you for letting me be the alien to listen to these recordings of an eleven years old.
And answering Alex's question, wonder no more. I can relate to that boy from planet Earth who is trying to be brave and a boy trying to find the truth, and a boy who loves his family and friends and his dog that he named after his hero. I think I have it too.
I'm sorry, I'm crying way too much. I lost my dog the other day, and I'm finding it way too hard to move on. I'm just happy that Alex finally found Carl Sagan—although I'm jealous than mine will never go back. I'm just still afraid to think of my doggo as dead. I can't think about her without crying.
“Because I realized what Zed meant when he said, You already have it. And I agree.”
I hate it when books end with a simple sentence about the main character's reflection. Because it always makes me tear up. I just love this book so much, like it was written only for my eyes to read.
Thank you, Jack Cheng. Thank you for letting me be the alien to listen to these recordings of an eleven years old.
And answering Alex's question, wonder no more. I can relate to that boy from planet Earth who is trying to be brave and a boy trying to find the truth, and a boy who loves his family and friends and his dog that he named after his hero. I think I have it too.
I'm sorry, I'm crying way too much. I lost my dog the other day, and I'm finding it way too hard to move on. I'm just happy that Alex finally found Carl Sagan—although I'm jealous than mine will never go back. I'm just still afraid to think of my doggo as dead. I can't think about her without crying.
Note: Egalley received from netgalley.
I Loved this book! Loved it! From page one you realise it's something a bit different, consisting completely of iPod recordings (interesting idea with purpose). The journey of an 11 year old boy and all the things he learns and deals with are all so heartwarming and the characters are really brought to life by the superb writing. The book also deals with some complicated real life issues like mental health and divorce/separation/loss. Overall a lovely read, thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm kinda sad to leave Alex behind in the book now.
I Loved this book! Loved it! From page one you realise it's something a bit different, consisting completely of iPod recordings (interesting idea with purpose). The journey of an 11 year old boy and all the things he learns and deals with are all so heartwarming and the characters are really brought to life by the superb writing. The book also deals with some complicated real life issues like mental health and divorce/separation/loss. Overall a lovely read, thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm kinda sad to leave Alex behind in the book now.
********Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review******
This didn't quite live up to the hype for me, but I still enjoyed this story about a young robot fanatic with a troubled and chaotic family life on a road trip. I liked the found family elements, I liked the characters, but sometimes I found the narrative style a bit much.
This didn't quite live up to the hype for me, but I still enjoyed this story about a young robot fanatic with a troubled and chaotic family life on a road trip. I liked the found family elements, I liked the characters, but sometimes I found the narrative style a bit much.
(4.5) I wasn’t really sure where this book was going when my daughter and I started reading it, but was pleasantly surprised as the book unfolded. My ten-year-old and I recommend this one.
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm really sad I wasn't able to read this last year, this book is totally worth voting.
I didn't want it to finish, I read few records every day and felt really empty when I was done. The whole time I felt really connected to Alex, like he was recording this for me, and that made me less alone for 11 hard days.
I don't know what to say about the story, but it really has everything; love, family, astronomy, life changing experiences and a main character to fall in love with.
I'm really overwhelmed by the story, it made remember my childhood and how was I at one point inspired by my hobby/passion. It's a different story now, but I'm trying to be brave too.
I didn't want it to finish, I read few records every day and felt really empty when I was done. The whole time I felt really connected to Alex, like he was recording this for me, and that made me less alone for 11 hard days.
I don't know what to say about the story, but it really has everything; love, family, astronomy, life changing experiences and a main character to fall in love with.
I'm really overwhelmed by the story, it made remember my childhood and how was I at one point inspired by my hobby/passion. It's a different story now, but I'm trying to be brave too.
Amazing, perfect, complete. I absolutely adored this novel.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic! Never thought I'd listen to a book narrated by a child and it was so well done.
The story revolves around a lot of interpersonal issues and communication issues. The format is like a transcript of recordings and it was an entertaining way to follow the characters.
The story revolves around a lot of interpersonal issues and communication issues. The format is like a transcript of recordings and it was an entertaining way to follow the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Medical content, Death of parent