lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
Good book about how we can try to change who we are but it doesn't always happen with the ease we expect. Joey/Freddy can teach a lot of us about life.
mon_ique's review
1.0
I can't believe the mother is marrying the dad again! He isn't even on his meds! They never learn. I think Joey had more sense than the mother in this book. She's now my least favorite character.
dee21's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
4.5
abiforslin's review
3.0
Talk about a "took forever to finish." That's what happens when you slack off, kiddies. Make summer COUNT.
nanette_zorn's review
4.0
Another installment in the much beloved (by me) Joey Pigza series. This tale follows the life of the newly reinvented Pigza a.k.a Heinz family after the father reunites with Joey's mom following a financial windfall. Joey, the main character that suffers from ADD and a less than stable family, is on a wild journey that brings him to forgiveness and confusion all over again. We listened to this as an audiobook read by the author. It had some truly unforgettable and poignant moments that led me to an even deeper appreciation for dear Joey. I don't think I will ever forget his private moment in the cemetery with his grandma's tombstone. The author's metaphors open my imagination and enrich the story and my adoration for he main character. I am quite grateful that I can read more about him in the next book, "The Key that Swallowed Joey Pigza."
library_brandy's review
4.0
Joey's back in a fourth installment! He's still struggling with severe ADD, only this time it's made much, much worse by his father's return and a general upheaval of everything in Joey's life. His father comes back following a lottery win, and wants the whole family to leave their old lives behind--to the extent of renaming themselves, opening a diner, and winning a second lottery. Joey tries to keep it together, and he's really struggling--but it's really difficult when your parents are as f'ed up as Joey's.
Gantos is still in form here--the long, quick sentences really capture Joey's struggles, and when Joey complains that his "insides are buzzing like bees" the reader really has a sense of what he means. It's been a long time since I've read the other Joey Pigza books, but from what I remember, Joey's voice hasn't changed at all.
Gantos is still in form here--the long, quick sentences really capture Joey's struggles, and when Joey complains that his "insides are buzzing like bees" the reader really has a sense of what he means. It's been a long time since I've read the other Joey Pigza books, but from what I remember, Joey's voice hasn't changed at all.
pussreboots's review
4.0
Listening to in the car.
Saw the ending coming... although I was expecting even more trouble. Felt that some things were left up in the air like Joey's truancy, the debt and the cafe.
Saw the ending coming... although I was expecting even more trouble. Felt that some things were left up in the air like Joey's truancy, the debt and the cafe.
readerpants's review against another edition
3.0
I just don't believe it. I think his mom was completely out of character and just wouldn't have made the choices she made in this book. I was with Joey and especially with his mom through the other books, but this one lost me.
heathertruett's review against another edition
My kids loved this book. It stressed me out. The name changing and money-spending and drinking while pregnant. I know, it's supposed to be over-the-top silly. So, perfect for my 11 and 8 year old boys. But I think I'll skip the other Joey books.