norna28's review against another edition
4.0
This book by Gary Schmidt is about a young boy named Doug who comes from a "broken" family. He has an abusive father as well as two older brothers who aren't the best examples or very loving towards him. The book tells of how Doug comes to know who he through art as well as the friends he makes.
I really enjoyed this book. Doug is a funny and strong character who tells it as it is. Schmidt's writing is a fun and different style that just added to his story. I definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Doug is a funny and strong character who tells it as it is. Schmidt's writing is a fun and different style that just added to his story. I definitely recommend this book.
harkless's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hgranger's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t know what to think about this book and for a good part of it, I just wanted to quit. It’s gut-wrenching and heart-breaking and I hate reading books like that because it’s just too real and awful. Regardless, the writing was beautiful, and so well done that I felt like I was there watching it all happen. The characters came to life on the pages! I was so angry at Doug’s father, at the town people, at the tragedy that is poverty and poor circumstances. I wanted to cry over Doug’s reality. And then Schmidt manages to throw in little glimpses of light and hope. As the book wrapped up, I was left feeling emotionally exhausted, happy and sad at the same time. The book ends the way real life happens—some good, some sadness, and uncertainty.
imbos's review against another edition
5.0
A book for Middle Schoolers that contains all the basics for a great book: Audubon’s Birds of America, an emotionally abusive father, a Vietnam veteran brother, Jane Eyre, the New York Yankees, an eccentric playwright, first love, orchids, Broadway, small town America, and mostly great characters and a great story. If you read The Wednesday Wars you will love this sequel. If you haven't, you will love it anyway. I enjoyed it almost as much as Julia did.
internationalkris's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this coming-of-age story. An excellent pick for MS readers.
v_eda's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
peachykeenebooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
heidimrogers's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. Yet ANOTHER great book off the Beehive Book Awards Nominee shelf at the library. I would have given this 5 stars, but I don't think I'd read it again.
aasplund's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nikkid810's review against another edition
5.0
I recently re-read this book with my daughter. I remembered really enjoying it the first time I read it and thought I’d try it again with her to see her thoughts (she’s currently in 6th grade). I love Doug! He starts out with this very dark and cynical view of life and slowly as the story progresses his views begin to shift because of the people he meets a long the way. I love the sense of humor and the many characters throughout the book that shape Doug’s new perspectives. I really do love this story!