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A review by protoman21
Paperboy by Vince Vawter
5.0
What an impressive first novel for Vince Vawter! It is obvious that Vawter himself suffered from stuttering as a child, because he perfectly articulates the feeling of being trapped inside your own body like the narrator here. He is such a likeable kid, but you can tell that most people do not give him a chance just because it takes him longer to say what is on his mind. I loved getting this insight into the mind of a child who must choose every single word so carefully. Even as adults, we all throw words around so carelessly to a point where they stop meaning anything, but this child has such maturity that he is able to select each word with practiced care and precision.
Aside from the stuttering, this is still an excellent book. Mrs. Worthington's character is handled very well. The narrator can see several of the issues that she is struggling with, but he sees them like a child would. Adults reading the novel know exactly what is going on, but children still pick up on the mood and can appreciate that other people who may seem like they have everything put together still have their own demons.
Mr. Spiro is a quirky man who has probably faced many hardships in his life because he is different, but he embraces these differences and doesn't let the outside world change who he is. The way he helps and encourages the narrator is very touching and one of the highlights of the book.
Mam might seem to be a bit stereotypical, but I found her to be a warming presence in the book and an excellent moral compass. Ara T is an frightening character because he sneaks up on you. He doesn't seem so bad at the beginning, and despite Mam's warnings, you don't take him that seriously until later in the book when you realize how scary he is and how much danger the narrator was in all along.
This would have been my pick for the Newbery Award this year! I recommend it to everyone!
Aside from the stuttering, this is still an excellent book. Mrs. Worthington's character is handled very well. The narrator can see several of the issues that she is struggling with, but he sees them like a child would. Adults reading the novel know exactly what is going on, but children still pick up on the mood and can appreciate that other people who may seem like they have everything put together still have their own demons.
Mr. Spiro is a quirky man who has probably faced many hardships in his life because he is different, but he embraces these differences and doesn't let the outside world change who he is. The way he helps and encourages the narrator is very touching and one of the highlights of the book.
Mam might seem to be a bit stereotypical, but I found her to be a warming presence in the book and an excellent moral compass. Ara T is an frightening character because he sneaks up on you. He doesn't seem so bad at the beginning, and despite Mam's warnings, you don't take him that seriously until later in the book when you realize how scary he is and how much danger the narrator was in all along.
This would have been my pick for the Newbery Award this year! I recommend it to everyone!