madelyndamron's review against another edition
4.0
I read this awhile ago but it was really good! Really good storytelling and an eyeopening story about how everyone has a story if you just take the time to talk to them
murffinator's review against another edition
3.0
I'm having a hard time reviewing this book. On the one hand, I loved Denver's story and it shocked me that the horrible situation he grew up in was not only commonplace but occurred in the 1960's. The connections that evolve and the positive things that happen through difficulty and suffering were very real.
On the other hand, I do feel the writers got a bit preachy and were attributing things to God without actually letting the reader decide whether it was God or not, which to me breaks the classic "show don't tell" rule. So while the story itself is moving, I do wish they'd have let the reader draw their own conclusions on how involved God was without trying to tell you that God did this and God did that. I'm a Christian, and I would completely understand how a reader who isn't would feel preached at and told how to interpret the events.
On the other hand, I do feel the writers got a bit preachy and were attributing things to God without actually letting the reader decide whether it was God or not, which to me breaks the classic "show don't tell" rule. So while the story itself is moving, I do wish they'd have let the reader draw their own conclusions on how involved God was without trying to tell you that God did this and God did that. I'm a Christian, and I would completely understand how a reader who isn't would feel preached at and told how to interpret the events.
jbojkov's review against another edition
5.0
Uplifting , engaging story. We read it for book group and it provided some great discussion.
hillarya's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved everything about this book. I still want to know what was in Hershalee's boarded up room, but I guess we'll never find out. :) Such an inspiring story! A very quick, easy read, but I learned so much from it. Any book that makes me want to be a better person deserves 5 stars!
edutt88's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs
krissyronan's review against another edition
3.0
Very nice story. I could tell from the beginning where it was going, but I still enjoyed each author's unique perspective. Religious, but not preachy.
jamie_o's review against another edition
5.0
Denver and Ron's story is beautiful, inspiring, heart-wrenching. Two men living vastly different lives are brought together by a selfless, compassionate, extraordinary woman.
I ADORE Denver. Despite never having gone to school a day in his life, he was full of wisdom. He was also incredibly loyal, humble, and thoughtful. Some of my favorite quotes from Denver (and there were so many good ones):
"If you is lookin for a real friend, then I'll be one. Forever."
"You loved me for who I was on the inside, the person God meant for me to be, the one that had just gotten lost for a while on some ugly roads in life."
I ADORE Denver. Despite never having gone to school a day in his life, he was full of wisdom. He was also incredibly loyal, humble, and thoughtful. Some of my favorite quotes from Denver (and there were so many good ones):
"If you is lookin for a real friend, then I'll be one. Forever."
"You loved me for who I was on the inside, the person God meant for me to be, the one that had just gotten lost for a while on some ugly roads in life."
book_nut's review against another edition
3.0
It's a bit overly evangelical for me (can I get a witness?), but in the end, it's got a good message.
morganmccready03's review against another edition
5.0
This was absolutely amazing!!!!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟