crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Great fun to read. The main character messes up hugely when he drinks and drives, but learns a lot as he is "rehabilitated" in a highly unique way. He has to do community service in a nursing home with a cantankerous man.
embe94'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.
poachedeggs's review against another edition
4.0
This was unashamedly a 'feel-good' young adult novel, and it got me thinking why some feel-good stories make one want to throw up or roll one's eyes, while a few precious others can be so wonderful.
I think it's how Sonnenblick undercuts the tragedy with snarky humour, how his protagnist Alex Gregory is convincingly portrayed as a bit of an insensitive blockhead. The best kind of tears comes with rueful laughter.
I think it's how Sonnenblick undercuts the tragedy with snarky humour, how his protagnist Alex Gregory is convincingly portrayed as a bit of an insensitive blockhead. The best kind of tears comes with rueful laughter.
mjsteimle's review against another edition
4.0
This man can write! I love that Sonnenblick's novels are sweet and real and funny at the same time. In this book, Alex deals with his parents' divorce by acting out, which ends up in an arrest and an assignment to visit a grumpy old man at a nursing home. Through his visits with Sol, Alex learns a lot about himself, how to navigate his relationships with others, and how to improve his jazz guitar skills. The dialogue might be just a little more clever than how actual 16 year olds speak, but he certainly writes in a way that resonates with teenagers. The one criticism I have is that the plot was fairly predictable, but I feel like it's the way Sonnenblick writes about events, rather than putting out a "come out of nowhere" plot, that is important.
jacquelynrovene's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
shrrawat's review against another edition
3.0
Notes from the Midnight Driver is hilarious. There's no doubt about that. The mere premise of a decapitated lawn gnome should clue you in. Yet it's also surprisingly touching. Unlike most humorous books, whose only purpose is to make you chuckle then forget about the plot later on, this particular novel deals with more serious issues, such as death, relationships, and taking responsibility for your actions. The interactions between the characters is enjoyable and believable, and it is hard to not be attached to the main characters.
Yet, like every book, this one too has its flaws. The "big plot twist" is predictable, but I congratulate the author on still giving the reader some bit of satisfaction as it is revealed. One of the major subplots is also left open, never to be finished, which can be frustrating as anything for the reader (i.e. me).
Still, despite its faults, Notes from the Midnight Driver is remarkable because it is memorable. And, unlike other brainless comical novels, this one won't be lost in the great abyss that is the brain.
Yet, like every book, this one too has its flaws. The "big plot twist" is predictable, but I congratulate the author on still giving the reader some bit of satisfaction as it is revealed. One of the major subplots is also left open, never to be finished, which can be frustrating as anything for the reader (i.e. me).
Still, despite its faults, Notes from the Midnight Driver is remarkable because it is memorable. And, unlike other brainless comical novels, this one won't be lost in the great abyss that is the brain.
sofiemichon's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5