Reviews

The June Boys by Court Stevens

jarh198's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

booksreadbyanna's review against another edition

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I will come back I swear. I like it, just not in the mood and haven’t picked it up in days.

bookmotel's review against another edition

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1.0

Don’t know how you’re supposed to get past the first page when the ice-cream scene is that revolting. Could the father have not swallowed his mouthful or even wiped his mouth, before proceeding to talk?

idonttcareeeee's review against another edition

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3.0

*2.8

edit may 29,2020: i added a star because i've been thinking about it, and i really liked the idea and the way that it had the letters throughout the book, but it was executed poorly

gabrielle_erin's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a really interesting mystery that explored a shifting power dynamic where young boys are put at risk in society instead of young girls. The portrayal of the abductor and the eventual reveal were done really well, I didn't see the twist coming. There is nuanced discussion of trauma throughout the book and included thereafter the main body of text as well which I appreciated that Stevens took the time to write a fictional "post-script" section that reflected on the events thoughtfully and realistically.

brittster622's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow... I’m not even sure what to say..
I guess I’ll start with this is not the type of book I usually read. I’m a fantasy girl and this had no fantasy elements. I don’t read much mystery and this was one that had me constantly guessing who did it and constantly changing my mind and also completely wrong in the end.

There was so much about this book that resonated with me and that really surprised me. Without giving spoilers, I could really relate in some very personal ways to the Gemini thief and that was a little intense for me. The prologue also had a unique and satisfying end that talked a lot about trauma and its effect on people. Having recently gone through something that in relation to the rest of the world’s problem is pretty minor, this also feeling resonated with me.

Aside from all my soul searching throughout and after the book, this was a very well written and engaging story. I really enjoyed my time listening to it.

I’ll leave you with this, “trauma is trauma.” No matter how “small.”

ansleyk's review against another edition

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4.0

Up until the last 20% of the book, I was sure it was gonna be a 3 stars. And as I neared to the climax of this story, there were some truly remarkable moments of reading and experiencing this story that had me choked up, ready to cry, feeling all the things. Really quite a beautiful ride and a reading experience I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

shannon_reidwheat's review against another edition

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4.0

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. While I didn't care for a few of the characters, it was a good plot and kept me engaged and guessing until the end.

jessethereader's review against another edition

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originally read: 04/03/2020 - 04/05/2020
*re-read: 05/01/2020 - 05/03/2020

lil1smith's review against another edition

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5.0

This was an exceptional book. I was totally not expecting the way things ultimately turned out, and I was also totally not expecting to tear up at one point. It kept me thoroughly engaged and I had to know what happened next. If you enjoy mysteries or true crime then this is the book for you. Its one of those books that once you finish, you know its going to sit with you for a long while and make you think.