Reviews

Can't Get There from Here by Todd Strasser

elliotism's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

To me, this one is quite interesting. Having read this for school, there certainly was a warp in my perspective and expectations, going into this book and while reading it. I believe it tells a fairly unique tale of a real life topic that while often discussed in media, is never given the attention it actually deserves. Homeless kids on the street are a worldwide issue and I respect this book for approaching it in the way it did. However I still have somewhat of a split opinion on the actual book itself. First of all I love the main character. Maybe is a very loveable narrator and her development throughout the entire story is striking to the core. I believe she's the main point of intrigue here as her struggle with finding value in a world that rejects her as well as a world that she rejects is certainly something I have never before experienced in this way. Though my issue lies with the rest of the cast. In a lot of cases, the side characters end up being very one note and play their gimmick without any sort of intrigue. I feel like an extended version with more actual info on a lot of the tribe members would have helped them to actually be interesting enough to care about what happens to them. That said, I'm quite fond of the overall story and ending even if their value lies in their simplicity and easily relatable/understandable nature. I also did enjoy the reoccuring characters quite a bit, if not all of them. All in all, I think I can say that this is a good, short read for just about anyone. I think people with higher interest in social subjects compared to me might end up getting more out of this than just a story about a girl that learns to accept her own place in this world. Also I did get a bit emotional at the end. Maybe was a really cool mc after all

margarethobbs's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

3.5

bxermom's review against another edition

4.0

A book about an issue we all need to pay more attention to...homeless children. The book tells the story of a group of teens living on the streets in NY. The story is a bit repetitive but, I feel it portrays the life accurately. Its definitely a discussion starter.

mjoylewis's review against another edition

4.0

Once again, Strasser sheds some light on a difficult topic. I had a difficult time reading this book because it provided little to no closure. But I think that is the way that the author meant it to be. Real life is messy and difficult and full of trials. Happy endings don't just appear and Strasser makes sure they don't just appear because the reader has reached the end of the book. It helped to give me a new perspective on some of the struggles that the homeless community faces.

nerfherder86's review against another edition

4.0

A disturbing but compelling book about the lives of homeless teenagers on the streets of New York City. Told by "Maybe," a girl who'd been thrown out by her abusive mother; she scrapes a living out with friends she's met, begging for food, foraging for food, some do drugs or prostitute themselves. It's a raw realistic story, with some hope. Maybe "Maybe" will find a new life in a foster home, if she can survive to tomorrow...

remivfoliage's review against another edition

1.0

"Here is where you are.
There is where you want to be.
But you can't get there from here."
--Harrison Blanchard aka OG

Honestly, I don't like this book at all. It's a waste of my time. Really!

All about homeless kids' own language and lifestyle which I'm not interested in.

Too bad. 1 out of 5 stars.

readitall199's review against another edition

5.0

Maybe is a teen who is homeless and living in New York with a small clan of other homeless teens. Strasser clearly describes the day to day struggles she faces. She does not trust adults, it’s no wonder, since her mother abused her and did not want her around. She has a scar on her back, the imprint of a hot iron from her mom. The statistics about homeless teens actually bear out Strasser’s harsh plot points. Many of her friends die on the streets.

This is a good book for teens to read to begin to have empathy for homeless people. I cringed at memories I have of homeless teens I saw on the streets and did not help.

capricornswiftiereader1's review against another edition

3.0

i had to read this for school. it was actually pretty good, but not really something id seek out myself

cryless_readmore's review against another edition

5.0

"You couldn't live in the streets.
You could only die there."

kimiyamd's review against another edition

emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0