mkday82's review against another edition
3.5
Book #21 - 2023
Title: Boy’s Life
Author: Robert McCammon
Pages: 536
Started: 16/10/2023
Finished: 16/11/2023
🌟🌟🌟🌗
I’ve been delaying this review as I was struggling to decide on what to rate it; I finally settled on 3.5 stars. I initially read this book probably around 15-20 years ago but I didn’t recall the story. I don’t generally do many rereads as I have way too many books I’m yet to read. I chose to reread this one because it ticked off my final reading challenge of “an award winning book”. Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1992. Many people have sung this book praises and rated it 5 stars but it just didn’t get there for me. As the title suggests it follows a boy’s life; 11yo Cory Mackenson. It is set in 1964, back in a time when most white people looked down upon coloured people. Based on the synopsis and the start of the book I presumed it was going to be more of a mystery story/who done it. Whilst the story touched on this throughout the book and it came together at the end it definitely was not the main focus. However, I enjoyed the story but did find it a little slow moving at times and feel that it could have been a slightly shorter story.
wildguitars's review against another edition
4.0
A great coming of age story.
4.5 stars
Reminded me of steven king in his prime.. great writing and characters, has that nostalgia feel for sure..
I only wish the book had more creepy moments..
4.5 stars
Reminded me of steven king in his prime.. great writing and characters, has that nostalgia feel for sure..
I only wish the book had more creepy moments..
mkean's review against another edition
4.0
A nice, solid, chill dose of magical realism. It wasn't too intense; rather, the magic and mace was a warm molasses--which, in this case, is a good thing. It was a nice change of pace from hectic college life.
traktor's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.5
prond's review against another edition
5.0
Наверное лучший представитель национального американского жанра "Дети и ЗЛО в провинциальном американском городке". Здесь есть все что положено в таком жанре, невероятно увлекательно замешанное: друзья на велосипедах, летние каникулы, труп в озере, злобные хулиганы, мистические персонажи, ежегодная ярмарка, злая учительница, одиозные священники, призраки, бандиты, бывшие стрелки дикого запада и взросление главного героя на фоне происходящего.
leannaaker's review against another edition
5.0
What a great story to get lost in...for no other reason to get lost in a story about a little boy growing up in Zephyr, Alabama. I don't know anyone who wouldn't relate to these childhood tales and love the writing style. A must read.
ktxx22's review against another edition
4.0
I originally gave this 5/5 but really this is more like a 4/5 so I adjusted my rating. While this story is good and deep and filled with a lot of good pacing it isn’t one that I think I’ll revisit in the future or really think on again. It’s a great read and a good time to be had but it’s definitely not favorite book material for me. I’m glad I read it and will recommend it in the future because I think it’s one of those books that walks a really fabulous fine line of paranormal and realism. Light on the spooky stuff and heavy on the believability.
dkeeney95's review against another edition
2.0
This is my first review and I just feel its necessary to voice this. This book is WONDERFULLY written! Robert McCammon is a tremendous writer and I think he is heavely slept on. However, I gave this a 2 star rating simply because this just isnt my cup of tea. The writing is fantastic, the characters are loveable and really just come to life on the page.
It's a masterful coming-of-age tale and it is a MUST READ if that is what you are into. Like I said, I loved the writing but just got a little bored because this just isn't a style of story I seek out. Please, read this or listen to it!
It's a masterful coming-of-age tale and it is a MUST READ if that is what you are into. Like I said, I loved the writing but just got a little bored because this just isn't a style of story I seek out. Please, read this or listen to it!
nalian's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
medium-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? No
4.5