sandra_aec's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
eme20's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me cry! To me, it almost had the same kind of vibes as A Man Called Ove. A true teen perspective- the kind in the beginning where he doesn’t realize the full ramifications of his actions all the way until the empathy gained and lessons learned. The plot twist had me SHOUTING- I didn’t guess it until the page before, and had to go back and reread the whole book. Will recommend to many.
calliiee_'s review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
kishelreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book is unbelievably better than I thought. Whatever positive word of the mouth I write about it will not do justice as to how much this book is brilliantly made. I know that this will be a very humorous read and boy it was! This had me laughing like a mentally derailed patient from wherever asylum land.
I was not surprised by the ending, I actually saw it coming. But the build-up was so canny that my tear ducts forgot its past midnight and everybodys sleeping except for a brawling me. I can't even rad the words properly, I had to stop and wipe the tears away to continue.
I'm not going to say more. I'm going to make a review of this book. Not a mediocre whatever this is I'm doing right now.
I was not surprised by the ending, I actually saw it coming. But the build-up was so canny that my tear ducts forgot its past midnight and everybodys sleeping except for a brawling me. I can't even rad the words properly, I had to stop and wipe the tears away to continue.
I'm not going to say more. I'm going to make a review of this book. Not a mediocre whatever this is I'm doing right now.
hanne's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook on audible, and now I'm gonna buy a copy of the book. Very good
somewheregirl7's review against another edition
4.0
Alex is sentenced to community service at the local retirement home after his one and only drunken car drive ends in garden gnome homicide. Sentenced to spend time with Solomon Lewis, a crotchety old resident Alex learns to curse in Yiddish, play a mean guitar and a million other life lessons.
This book was fantastic from start to finish. It's filled with memorable, vivid characters that climb into your heart and mind and stay firmly lodged there. While it's a quick read, it's a satisfying one as well. The ending is all-to-predictable, but despite that I was utterly charmed by this little book. I loved Laurie, Alex and Sol - each had such a distinctive voice and character it was like spending time with old friends.
This book was fantastic from start to finish. It's filled with memorable, vivid characters that climb into your heart and mind and stay firmly lodged there. While it's a quick read, it's a satisfying one as well. The ending is all-to-predictable, but despite that I was utterly charmed by this little book. I loved Laurie, Alex and Sol - each had such a distinctive voice and character it was like spending time with old friends.
jbojkov's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quirky, fun book with a message. I like this author and think he can be good for both boys and girls to read.
jshorton's review against another edition
4.0
I was fortunate enough to hear this author speak at a library conference. His wry sense of humor is evident in this story about a good kid who makes a poor decision and has to "suffer" the consequences. And yes, the garden gnome figures in.
rebekaha's review against another edition
4.0
LOVE THIS BOOK! Jordan Sonnenblick was our visiting author this year and he was great!