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analyticali's review against another edition
3.0
I might describe this book as charming if I didn't live in Addis. Instead, it's given me a fresh perspective on all the levels of poverty in Ethiopia. Addis is a world with many many tiers, and while nothing is zoned (and cows meander down my street) people can live simultaneously in completely different worlds. It's a thoughtful and insightful book by an outsider who clearly loves Ethiopia. Best of all (compared to plenty of serious Africa books that I find myself reading) it has a happy ending.
janebranson's review against another edition
5.0
I recently had the privilege of hearing Elizabeth Laird speak at a conference. What a woman. She had her audience spellbound with stories of her life and times in virtually every war-torn corner of the globe. When she recounted her meeting with Karate, the boy who didn't know his own name, the room teared up and I left with a signed copy of The Garbage King, in which Karate plays a minor but important role. It's a great story, managing to combine a moving exploration of some of the most challenging issues of our world - child slavery and kidnap, prostitution, AIDS, poverty - without at any time feeling like an issues-led book. The plot cracks along at an exciting pace, the interwoven narratives mirror each other most satisfyingly, and despite the horror, there is hope and an upbeat ending.
stephb413's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautiful story inspired by actual kids living on the streets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Worlds of two different boys merge as they work together to survive. Running away, families, finding and using skill-sets, joining family, poverty, and human trafficking are all themes, and although mature are still appropriate for young-ish readers. A page turning and gripping read for any age. I will certainly seek out more books by Laird. Highly recommended.
etu_e's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lydia_reads's review against another edition
3.0
This was quite a sweet book, endearing, moving and enjoyable. It does us good sometimes to realise stuff like this does actually happen in the world...
larissa_rowan's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED THIS BOOK! Awesome drawing together of plot line and makes for a quite interesting read.
deb_reads_books's review against another edition
4.0
Moving story about two boys, one rich and one poor who end up on the streets of Addis Ababa trying to survive. A story about exploitation, fate, love and trust. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
musa_style's review against another edition
4.0
This book is great, just great. It keeps you at the edge of your seat in a very weird way, and there are moments in which you just want to jump and walk around due to what’s happening. A heartwarming story with a neutral ending, a story that shows how life is in Addis Ababa from two polar opposite perspectives. I’d recommend it all the way.
lilacorr's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
lostbetweenpages's review against another edition
4.0
4.5*!!
I couldn't put it down for very long!! I was very invested in the story and the ending was very realistic. The characters were also relatable and made you feel for them. The afterword was very strong too :)
I couldn't put it down for very long!! I was very invested in the story and the ending was very realistic. The characters were also relatable and made you feel for them. The afterword was very strong too :)