itadakinasu's review
5.0
This book has one of the cheesiest titles ever, but don't let that stop you from reading this messed up, amazing little book.
Lutzke has become one of my favorite authors recently (and by accident). I love his writing style and how it subtly shifts to fit the context of each story he tells.
At first, I wasn't sure about this one. The main character is just a 6th grader, but somehow he spouts nuggets of wisdom incomprehensible to children his age. Not to mention that he has a master vocabulary befitting a college professor rather than a grade-school kid. However, this grew on me as we learn that he loves reading as an escape from his terrible home life, and he's studying to prepare for a spelling bee.
The longer I read, the more deeply I could notice the brilliance in Lutzke's writing. The main character's inner monologue reads like an adult's sometimes. As you read, you can notice that it sounds like passages from various classics intermixed with age appropriate (although more advanced than average) thoughts/feelings.
The pacing was a little slow in some parts compared to the shock and horror that is the theme in this story, but I still felt that the MC was able to achieve significant character development in that short time. Best of all, I felt satisfied with the ending!
Lutzke has become one of my favorite authors recently (and by accident). I love his writing style and how it subtly shifts to fit the context of each story he tells.
At first, I wasn't sure about this one. The main character is just a 6th grader, but somehow he spouts nuggets of wisdom incomprehensible to children his age. Not to mention that he has a master vocabulary befitting a college professor rather than a grade-school kid. However, this grew on me as we learn that he loves reading as an escape from his terrible home life, and he's studying to prepare for a spelling bee.
The longer I read, the more deeply I could notice the brilliance in Lutzke's writing. The main character's inner monologue reads like an adult's sometimes. As you read, you can notice that it sounds like passages from various classics intermixed with age appropriate (although more advanced than average) thoughts/feelings.
The pacing was a little slow in some parts compared to the shock and horror that is the theme in this story, but I still felt that the MC was able to achieve significant character development in that short time. Best of all, I felt satisfied with the ending!
reads_vicariously's review
5.0
Shining a light in a dark place
I had zero expectations going into this book, and I think that's the best way to go. This is a different kind of horror story; one about repressed grief, loneliness, uncertainty, and absent parents. But it's also a heartfelt tale of one young boy finding hope, gratitude, and friendship in his darkest moments. I don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling anything.
I love coming-of-age stories and this one was fantastic! It's short (about an hour read), but it will stay with you long after you're done. This is my first time reading Chad Lutzke and I can't wait to dig into his other works!
I had zero expectations going into this book, and I think that's the best way to go. This is a different kind of horror story; one about repressed grief, loneliness, uncertainty, and absent parents. But it's also a heartfelt tale of one young boy finding hope, gratitude, and friendship in his darkest moments. I don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling anything.
I love coming-of-age stories and this one was fantastic! It's short (about an hour read), but it will stay with you long after you're done. This is my first time reading Chad Lutzke and I can't wait to dig into his other works!
rheynir's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kinzythefreak's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
tokujoe's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
_evs_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Amazing. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Amazing. This story is so unusual & unique. I can't say enough about it. I will be searching for more books by this author!! I have a feeling this book will stick with me for a longtime.
paulataua's review
4.0
Love this Lutzke guy who writes stories about things that you don’t usually read. This one is about a boy who is going to do everything he can to make sure he takes part in the local spelling bee competition even if it means not reporting his mother’s death. Great read, but giving it four and not five stars because the ending seemed a little weak.
alicia88's review against another edition
4.0
Quick read, dark & sad. I felt a lot of different things throughout the story, mostly just worry about how Denny was going to explain all of this, but I could see this happening in real life.
thenorwegianprince's review against another edition
5.0
A fascinating story of loss and hope. I went through a whole menagerie of emotions over the course of the book. I read it all in one session and I can promise that I'll be thinking about this book a lot for a long time.
sday157's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great story!!!!! Definitely checking out more by this author! ⭐️⭐️⭐️