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danoreading's review against another edition
4.0
Really very good - another possible Printz winner that I'd be very happy about.
angevba's review
4.0
I was gonna give this 3 stars but damn, it has a REALLY great message and I can't stop thinking about it. This is the kind of book that makes you think, and I really like that.
The "Vagina Monologues" thing is GOLD, btw.
The "Vagina Monologues" thing is GOLD, btw.
neensobeens1's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I don’t know that I want to read it again, so it’s not a 5 ⭐️. The characters and the development of Lucky’s character were so good. It was weird, but it applies to everyone who has any struggles in their life, so everyone
sarahtribble's review
4.0
I love this. I love this so much. But I think 15-year-old me liked it more? And that kinda hurts. Might write more on that later, but right now: READ THIS BOOK. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK.
miffyf's review against another edition
5.0
This was GREAT!!!
Lucky Linderman is my new hero. Smart, funny and an emotional young man. I do love a book with a male character that can articulate his feelings in an authentic way. Lucky is a total dude. Can totally recommend as a great read for young people and adults.
Lucky Linderman is my new hero. Smart, funny and an emotional young man. I do love a book with a male character that can articulate his feelings in an authentic way. Lucky is a total dude. Can totally recommend as a great read for young people and adults.
lorilaws's review against another edition
5.0
A.S. King was quickly added to my favorite authors list with Please Ignore Vera Dietz. I adored The Dust of 100 Dogs and Vera blew me away, so you could say my expectations were a little high for this one and it did not disappoint.
Lucky was an incredible character. He was very, very real. Bullying is something that I didn't see in school. I'm certain that it went on, but it was behind closed door. Bullying has always seemed horrifying to me. The helplessness of Lucky's situation is so very believable. He's just a normal boy, but he doesn't have anyone in his corner. There's no one to stand up for him. It's impossible not to relate to him in some way. I just wanted to take care of him. I wanted to kick that kid Nadar's ass. I wanted to shake his mom and dad to get them to snap out of it and take care of their kid properly. I couldn't, though. Because this is a book. It's not real. It's so well written that I felt like it was. These characters and situations evoked a lot of emotions in me. That is the mark of a incredible book.
King has a style that is completely different than any other YA author out there. It's strange and quirky. It's poignant and heartbreaking. She really has an amazing talent. There's these completely real aspects of book. Things that will ring true with lots of people. Then there's this alternate reality with ants and dreams of Vietnam. Was it real? Was it all in Lucky's head? I think everyone that reads will be able to take away something different. I think you should just read it and find out what it is for you.
Really, read this. If you haven't read her other books read those too. A.S. King's spot on my top favorite authors list is now set in stone. She's one of the most creative writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Do yourself a favor and read her books.
Lucky was an incredible character. He was very, very real. Bullying is something that I didn't see in school. I'm certain that it went on, but it was behind closed door. Bullying has always seemed horrifying to me. The helplessness of Lucky's situation is so very believable. He's just a normal boy, but he doesn't have anyone in his corner. There's no one to stand up for him. It's impossible not to relate to him in some way. I just wanted to take care of him. I wanted to kick that kid Nadar's ass. I wanted to shake his mom and dad to get them to snap out of it and take care of their kid properly. I couldn't, though. Because this is a book. It's not real. It's so well written that I felt like it was. These characters and situations evoked a lot of emotions in me. That is the mark of a incredible book.
King has a style that is completely different than any other YA author out there. It's strange and quirky. It's poignant and heartbreaking. She really has an amazing talent. There's these completely real aspects of book. Things that will ring true with lots of people. Then there's this alternate reality with ants and dreams of Vietnam. Was it real? Was it all in Lucky's head? I think everyone that reads will be able to take away something different. I think you should just read it and find out what it is for you.
Really, read this. If you haven't read her other books read those too. A.S. King's spot on my top favorite authors list is now set in stone. She's one of the most creative writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Do yourself a favor and read her books.
suspencebooks's review against another edition
4.0
“Everybody sees the ants?"
He looks at me and says, "Well, how many people do you think live perfect lives, son? Aren't we all victims of something at some time or another?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is my first novel I've read by A.S. King, and I can say with full confidence that this won't be my last. Everybody Sees the Ants is a coming of age-novel that is insanely cool, insanely funny, sad at times, and insane in all the best ways.
1) The Plot
Lucky, our main character, lives in Pennsylvania and just asked one stupid question. "If you were going to commit suicide, how would you do it?" He was only joking, but things quickly escalated. He lost friends and suffered from bullying. To get away, he and his mom go to Arizona. That's where the story picks up. It might sound a little sad, but I was like this throughout the book...
And then one time, I was like this...
I don't know what's wrong with my emotions. I used to be a seldom book cryer, but now it's like every book hits me with tears. I think I now have the emotional capacity of a 12 year old girl or a newborn baby.
2) The Writing
Her writing is AWESOME! She describes things so well that it feels like you're in the story. I think she just has a way with words.
3) The Characters
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE LUCKY!
I really love the mom and Ginny.
I am conflicted about Dave.
Nader ...
4) Overall Thoughts
I really liked it.
★★★★✩ 4/5
stressiex's review
3.0
These books are so strange but in a way so lovely to read. The characters in her books have certain ideals that I can agree with. And I guess I liked this one a lot because it reminds of of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock. There's an average kid who's beaten down by society, he loves a girl he can't have and his grandfather who was in a war has died(?). I can clearly see the parallels and there are more, including the short chapter parts from dreams or letters from the future in the two books. However FM,LP does have a much deeper meaning to it and is on the topic of actual suicide, Everybody Sees the Ants is a book that incorporates magical realism and bug personification (is that a thing?), all around lovely read for something strange and relaxing.
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
4.0
During his freshman year and the summer after, Lucky Linderman recounts his experiences at the hands of a bully, his thoughts on suicide, and his attempts to rescue his grandfather, who has been MIA in Vietnam since 1972. A Greek chorus of ants helps him get through the moments that his world is at its most ridiculous. Each one of [a:A.S. King|1651879|A.S. King|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1323437957p2/1651879.jpg]'s novels stands so uniquely on its own and breaks new ground; their commonality lies in wonderfully drawn main characters you come to care deeply about. I just love her.