boleary30's review
3.0
I think it is very tough to tell a story from a 12 year old's point of view when dealing with adult topics. Authors rarely pull this off, this book does a few times, but for the most part misses the target.
karreaderwriter's review
5.0
I always recommend this book to middle schoolers looking for realistic fiction with heart. A family story with a tragedy that will have you weeping and filling your heart.
thomasmannia's review
2.0
Charlie's character was poorly developed along with the emotions of every character, with the exception of Fern before the ending. This leads the overall plot and message to collapse.
marjorielight's review
5.0
SEE YOU AT HARRY'S is a book with so much heart. With this one, I knew Jo must have had family experience with a diner because it is so realistically told. Her characters are well-developed and complex. Each time Jo Knowles comes out with a new novel, I am excited because I know my students and I are going to love it. Joy, tears, and surprises await you!
crizzle's review
2.0
I put this on my to-read shelf when it came out in 2012 and a friend on goodreads said she cried buckets; ten years later I got around to it. Pick this if you enjoy reading the whining arguments of an entitled group of bratty, spoiled siblings, clueless parents who are dumb as rocks (of course), and a death that is so emotionally manipulative that I wasn’t crying but a tad disgusted.
1.5 stars but I did round up because of parts from the last fourth of the book. The whole dance scene, the students forming a protective circle around the only two openly gay boys who danced together. The dad who worried about his gay son, “he’s still young, how can he decide, how does he know?” and his daughter’s reply that, “It’s who he is now. Can’t he be who he wants to be now?” Wonderful reminder worthy of a star promotion.
P.S. I do agree with the dad that 17 is way too old for 14. That means there’s something wrong with the 17 year old.
1.5 stars but I did round up because of parts from the last fourth of the book. The whole dance scene, the students forming a protective circle around the only two openly gay boys who danced together. The dad who worried about his gay son, “he’s still young, how can he decide, how does he know?” and his daughter’s reply that, “It’s who he is now. Can’t he be who he wants to be now?” Wonderful reminder worthy of a star promotion.
P.S. I do agree with the dad that 17 is way too old for 14. That means there’s something wrong with the 17 year old.
drpschmidt's review
5.0
Loved this story!!! It will make you laugh and cry; your heart will break just a crack for the quirky family created by Jo Knowles.
That being said, I will warn you not to read this in public - you will need a bit of privacy to let the emotional story take over.
That being said, I will warn you not to read this in public - you will need a bit of privacy to let the emotional story take over.
bethreadsandnaps's review
4.0
Wonderful book with great characters. My only complaint is that Holden and Fern seemed 2-3 years older than they were.