snoakes7001's review against another edition
5.0
I'm definitely not the target audience for this book. But no matter - Alex Wheatle is one of my favourite authors (you know, the ones who could write the blurb on the back of a cereal packet and you'd have to read it) so I was always going to enjoy it.
Liccle Bit is a great character - I'm not so old as I can't remember the turmoil of growing up, feeling like everyone is on your case and that nothing in life is fair. His relationships with his family and his mates (sorry, I'm far too white to get away with bredren) are realistically drawn and it has a great plot. I'm looking forward to reading Crongton Knights now.
Thanks to Atom Books for the copies I won in a Twitter competition.
Liccle Bit is a great character - I'm not so old as I can't remember the turmoil of growing up, feeling like everyone is on your case and that nothing in life is fair. His relationships with his family and his mates (sorry, I'm far too white to get away with bredren) are realistically drawn and it has a great plot. I'm looking forward to reading Crongton Knights now.
Thanks to Atom Books for the copies I won in a Twitter competition.
sammyx's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is for a younger age demographic but still good nonetheless!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Grief, Toxic relationship, Violence, Child death, Physical abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Bullying
nyashatarlia's review
3.0
When reading please acknowledge my grammar is not the best as I am dyslexic.
Im not the biggest fan of this book, I didn’t really like the writing style, I hate when it reads like an adult trying to speak like a teen. However this may be due to me not being the target audience.
I also didn’t really like the ending, I think the story ended abruptly.
However I understand the message the book was trying to deliver. I think this book would be better enjoyed by a younger person.
Im not the biggest fan of this book, I didn’t really like the writing style, I hate when it reads like an adult trying to speak like a teen. However this may be due to me not being the target audience.
I also didn’t really like the ending, I think the story ended abruptly.
However I understand the message the book was trying to deliver. I think this book would be better enjoyed by a younger person.
kba76's review against another edition
4.0
Lemar lives on a rough estate, and dreams of making it big one day. He has a strong group of friends around him-and the events of this novel help him see just how strong they are.
This reminded me of 'Pigeon English' and I felt it portrayed some of the experiences someone like Liccle Bit might have with humour. While events are dramatic, the narrator's outlook is not exaggerated. He is realistic about what he can hope to achieve, but he is not afraid to hope for better!
The ending felt like there might be more to come, but it made sense.
This reminded me of 'Pigeon English' and I felt it portrayed some of the experiences someone like Liccle Bit might have with humour. While events are dramatic, the narrator's outlook is not exaggerated. He is realistic about what he can hope to achieve, but he is not afraid to hope for better!
The ending felt like there might be more to come, but it made sense.
stephee's review against another edition
3.0
Gangsters or family? #3wordbookreview
3.5 stars
This will be good for the reluctant readers at school. Short. Drugs. Gangs. Colloquial language. But will also keep their teachers happy with themes of family, friendship, loyalty, facing challenges, and making difficult choices.
3.5 stars
This will be good for the reluctant readers at school. Short. Drugs. Gangs. Colloquial language. But will also keep their teachers happy with themes of family, friendship, loyalty, facing challenges, and making difficult choices.
gemmalise's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
deborahbee's review against another edition
3.0
Started reading this for tutor-time and got caught up in it. Slightly slow at first but then becomes easy to read. The author lets you in Lemar’s thoughts as he struggles to avoid getting involved in the new gang-war. It made me realise how lucky I was to have the childhood I had.
pear_treee's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
theenwabisa's review against another edition
This was the first book that I ever read by Alex Wheatle and it was amazing! Alex Wheatle came to our school and he is such a great person
bookwormbev17's review
5.0
Great characterisation, believable setting and humorous narrative makes this tale of urban teen life a gripping read. The main character, Lemar, is really likeable and I enjoyed spending time with him as he struggled to make difficult choices. Definitely give it a try - you won't regret it!