Reviews

Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks

ari__s's review against another edition

4.0

I actually really enjoyed this book. I also really enjoyed Catcher in the Rye, and there were a lot of similar themes. While some of this book was a little hard to take - believability-wise - Bone was such a misfit endearing character that it made the story seem almost like a memoir. And the points where I thought the story was going to focus, it didn't, and focused on unexpected events instead. It was subtly outside the norm in that respect. Overall, very enjoyable.

chelsea_anne's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

mbhernandez's review against another edition

4.0

Very enjoyable book about a troubled teenaged boy finding his way. While there were a few moments that seemed to stretch the bounds of reality a little too far, the majority of the book was very good. This book has been compared to a modern day Huck Finn, which I could definitely see.

jadedaly's review against another edition

4.0

Rule of the Bone is the perfect example of what Stephen king said in Hearts in Atlantis
" There are also books full of great writing that don't have very good stories. Read sometimes for the story, Bobby. Don't be like the book-snobs who won't do that. Read sometimes for the words - the language."
This book was a hard read for me written/grammar wise. But the story was captivating, and defiantly worth the bit of struggle i had in the beginning. This is a book you should read for the story.

mattbeatty's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book. Banks is a very versatile and passionate writer.

cryingmysadriver's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

lorimichelekelley's review

4.0

Audio version: This is the third Russell Banks book I've listened to now. While it is my least favorite of the three, it was still an enjoyable listen. This one tells the story of a couple of years in the life of teenager Chappie, soon to rename himself as Bone. He's had a tough life and it shows in his decisions. But it also shows how he keeps trying to make things better with his mother, but she just doesn't listen. It's sad when stories like this show just how easy it might be to turn things around, but the complexities of all the lives interacting with each other and the resistances the characters have built up around themselves just make it impossible for them to see beyond their own noses. I read to broaden my perspectives, but sometimes, what I read brings me right back to myself, and this one did that. It made me see where I've alienated people in my past because of my own inability to just stop for a minute and actively listen without letting my own agenda get in the way. And this one also provided a character who is an example of someone who knows how to listen. The narration was spot on.

niftygal's review against another edition

reflective

2.5

william_attia's review

adventurous emotional reflective

3.0

lalla_the_midwife's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective medium-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

3.0