dlberglund's review against another edition
3.0
I like Stein's writing style, and his grounding of his stories in the Pacific Northwest. (In both books of his that I've read, however, there are plot points that confound me or don't ring true for me.)
Evan is an adult who's still a teenager in a lot of ways. He has epilepsy, which is a huge secret he keeps from nearly everyone in his life. (With sometimes predictable consequences.) He is getting to know his 14-year old son for the first time, following the boy's mother's death. Evan's story includes overbearing parents, a rock band and some not-quite-believable romance. Overall an enjoyable read.
Evan is an adult who's still a teenager in a lot of ways. He has epilepsy, which is a huge secret he keeps from nearly everyone in his life. (With sometimes predictable consequences.) He is getting to know his 14-year old son for the first time, following the boy's mother's death. Evan's story includes overbearing parents, a rock band and some not-quite-believable romance. Overall an enjoyable read.
bookhawk's review against another edition
3.0
Stein delivered a masterful work in The Art of Racing in the Rain. There are moments where Stein similarly captures that magical style in How Evan Broke His Head. Unfortunately, this book was melancholy far too much without consistently providing the writing depth displayed in Stein’smost prominent work. The book remains a good read and remains time well spent with an interesting premise and multiple twists.
feralreader's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, and was very fond of the main character. Sometimes, excessive, very specific Seattle references can be a bit grating, but it worked here - I loved the very familiar setting.
However, after thinking if over, I'm a little bummed to realize that Evan's girlfriend, Mica, was a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, sans the manic pixie part. She aggressively pursues Evan, despite being miles out of his league. Evan pushes her away at every turn, but she patiently waits for him to come around, because she's wealthy, successful, drop dead gorgeous, wise, has zero needs of her own and is too zen and secure to be hurt by his behavior. She's highly sexual, but undaunted by Evan's impotence. She argues naked to prove a point and is just thrilled with the possibility of inheriting a troubled, sullen teenage stepson (nothing against poor Dean - he has every reason to be troubled and sullen). She's mature and together because she's 38, but she doesn't look it, because EW! So as well done as it is, she's ultimately a girlfriend who exists only to teach our hero how to live.
I still loved the book, I just feel a little duped.
However, after thinking if over, I'm a little bummed to realize that Evan's girlfriend, Mica, was a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, sans the manic pixie part. She aggressively pursues Evan, despite being miles out of his league. Evan pushes her away at every turn, but she patiently waits for him to come around, because she's wealthy, successful, drop dead gorgeous, wise, has zero needs of her own and is too zen and secure to be hurt by his behavior. She's highly sexual, but undaunted by Evan's impotence. She argues naked to prove a point and is just thrilled with the possibility of inheriting a troubled, sullen teenage stepson (nothing against poor Dean - he has every reason to be troubled and sullen). She's mature and together because she's 38, but she doesn't look it, because EW! So as well done as it is, she's ultimately a girlfriend who exists only to teach our hero how to live.
I still loved the book, I just feel a little duped.
hlerner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
craftyreader14's review against another edition
This book was so intricate and interesting to read. The characters drew me in and kept me going on.
jedbird's review against another edition
2.0
I really didn't like this very much. Evan is an epileptic hothead whose only redeeming feature is amazing guitar skills. He spends the entire book flirting with a big, dramatic seizure which...I mean, is he *not* going to have one? Seems unlikely.
His suprise!son Dean is a teenager who has just lost his mother and is tamping down overwhelming grief to an amazing degree. I would have actually liked to know Dean's POV on all the scenes in the book. Like, what about his new Insta-Mom?
Mica latches onto Evan IMMEDIATELY and never lets go. She's all the way in Evan's life, 1000%. It doesn't matter that he's an impotent man-child who doesn't even know his actual-child, she wants to have a baby with him! There's this implication that, among Seattle musicians, Evan is the most viable candidate for breeding, which is really a pretty harsh indictment of Seattle musicians. She lavishes Evan and Dean with gifts and understanding and it makes her seem really damaged and desperate. She should definitely aim higher.
Like, if Evan had characteristics beyond "guitar-playing epileptic asshole," I can't imagine what they were. I didn't get anything else from the text.
No one talks to anyone else. Everyone keeps secrets, even when it's pointless, even when it's harmful. I hate people like this.
I finished the book because it was set in Seattle, where I'm from. It actually didn't seem all that Seattle-y except for mentions of here-is-a-thing-that-exists-in-Seattle every now and then.
His suprise!son Dean is a teenager who has just lost his mother and is tamping down overwhelming grief to an amazing degree. I would have actually liked to know Dean's POV on all the scenes in the book. Like, what about his new Insta-Mom?
Mica latches onto Evan IMMEDIATELY and never lets go. She's all the way in Evan's life, 1000%. It doesn't matter that he's an impotent man-child who doesn't even know his actual-child, she wants to have a baby with him! There's this implication that, among Seattle musicians, Evan is the most viable candidate for breeding, which is really a pretty harsh indictment of Seattle musicians. She lavishes Evan and Dean with gifts and understanding and it makes her seem really damaged and desperate. She should definitely aim higher.
Like, if Evan had characteristics beyond "guitar-playing epileptic asshole," I can't imagine what they were. I didn't get anything else from the text.
No one talks to anyone else. Everyone keeps secrets, even when it's pointless, even when it's harmful. I hate people like this.
I finished the book because it was set in Seattle, where I'm from. It actually didn't seem all that Seattle-y except for mentions of here-is-a-thing-that-exists-in-Seattle every now and then.
tsunanisaurus's review against another edition
3.0
Great author, great writing style, mediocre book at best. I almost gave it two stars but I just like the author too much. It was so much repetitive building up for a very lackluster ending. Very disappointing.
lspell481's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0