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bookish_by_elle's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shyfroglet's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
sadiesarrah's review
3.0
The Talented Ribkins is a heartfelt read about an aging man coming to terms with past events and the consequences they spawned, all while reconnecting with family. I really loved the voice of Johnnie Ribkins and the humor he brought to this story. But I was especially interested in the idea of this group of oddly-talented individuals banding together as superheros during the Civil Rights movement to enact change, and I wish we could have seen more of this action firsthand. Instead, it was mostly discussed in hindsight or reminisced upon in memories between characters. Less a superhero story than I had anticipated, it was more about a man learning to come to terms with failure and answering the call to be a superhero to his family.
buttercupita's review
4.0
This book felt like just the right kind of story to be set in Florida. At times, it reminded me of Carl Hiassen books -- offbeat characters, a slightly kooky shady crime plot. The fun was in always being a little off balance. The book was well paced and the dialogue was often funny to read (definitely could be played for a lot of laughs by the right cast of film actors.). At the same time, there were some powerful and touching themes. A nice surprise.
alicebme's review
4.0
Unique story with multigenerational characters finding family in each other. Fun, wise, and heartfelt. Ready to read anything else this author writes.
tonyanicole's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sunn_bleach's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
3.75
This was a surprise hit for me for the 2023 r/fantasy bingo. One of the squares was for "superheroes". Generally speaking, I find superheroes boring - and as much as I like "Watchmen" and "The Boys", I'm kind of sick of the also-rans that followed them.
This is not your typical superhero story; it's a family story. It's about superheroes far past their prime and well-aware of it; it's also about a family who hasn't really had much to say to each other in a while. Boy, do I feel that. The main character is in his seventies - how many books do that, let alone books about superheroes?
I grew up in north Florida. Hubbard captured the syntax of that area perfectly. I can hear every single one of these family members' speech patterns - and she perfectly evoked the dynamics of the Deep South, from the understated mocking of the haughty brother archetype to the "mad at you but because I love you" of the matriarch. It's amazing how someone writing about a place you know can make a good book even better.
This is not your typical superhero story; it's a family story. It's about superheroes far past their prime and well-aware of it; it's also about a family who hasn't really had much to say to each other in a while. Boy, do I feel that. The main character is in his seventies - how many books do that, let alone books about superheroes?
I grew up in north Florida. Hubbard captured the syntax of that area perfectly. I can hear every single one of these family members' speech patterns - and she perfectly evoked the dynamics of the Deep South, from the understated mocking of the haughty brother archetype to the "mad at you but because I love you" of the matriarch. It's amazing how someone writing about a place you know can make a good book even better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Gun violence
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, and Infidelity
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
cafffine's review against another edition
3.5
Loved the way that the characters ‘abilities’ were used as expansive metaphors for their different experiences and positions in society. The low-stakes feeling of the plot was never a hindrance either, you really get into the mindset of an old man who’s just trying to figure out where things went wrong, and if he has time to get better. The only problem was how extensive the exposition could be. The best character moments and plot details happened through dialogue and action, but those were rare until the end, so we spent a lot of time being told, but not shown who people are and what they want. Still, i’m left wanting to know more about this family!
dude_watchin_with_the_brontes's review against another edition
5.0
There are so many things to recommend this book, I'm not sure where to start.
One thing that stood out, is just the fact of having a 72-year-old narrator.
Highly recommended.
One thing that stood out, is just the fact of having a 72-year-old narrator.
Highly recommended.