Scan barcode
shaleen64's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
The book is split into two halves and reads like two different books. Whilst I have to say I didn’t really enjoy the first half it was certainly necessary to building the picture of Tully and James’s friendship. For those who better relate to the era it would be more engaging.
However, the second half is beautifully written and is overwhelmingly emotional, forcing you to feel such a range of emotions in relatively few pages. This alone, in my opinion, makes it a four star read.
However, the second half is beautifully written and is overwhelmingly emotional, forcing you to feel such a range of emotions in relatively few pages. This alone, in my opinion, makes it a four star read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Drug abuse, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Mental illness, Sexism, and Vomit
itsredandread's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
itsccreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, and Terminal illness
linci's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
Dear Matija, this was painful to read. The first two thirds because I didn't get the references and couldn't connec to the story or characters, and last third of the book because I couldn't see the pages from my tears. I hope nothings remotely similar ever happens to us and I hope we live a long and happy life full of music and movies and friendships, without Ulysses. I love you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Suicide
gritsgritsgrits's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Suicide
Moderate: Drug use and Suicidal thoughts
crypticmetall's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
I picked this book up because I wanted to understand men... soft gently complex and utterly nuance men. Male friendship with a deep innate love for one another that isn't normalized in media. Seeing their story fleshed out in a way that felt genuine, understood and with a bittersweet end was a wonderfully sad experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Suicide, Grief, and Death of parent
eabhawall's review
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book was a tale of 2 halves. Exploring friendship between a group of Scottish lads, both in the 80s as teens and then in their middle age.
I thought the novel was interesting, but I wasn't as blown away as many other reviewers. It is a beautiful depiction and exploration of ageing, male friendship and terminal illness. Jimmy and Tully's connection was great, but most of the supporting characters were underdeveloped in the first half. Therefore I didn't much care where their stories had gone once the time had jumped.
I thought the novel was interesting, but I wasn't as blown away as many other reviewers. It is a beautiful depiction and exploration of ageing, male friendship and terminal illness. Jimmy and Tully's connection was great, but most of the supporting characters were underdeveloped in the first half. Therefore I didn't much care where their stories had gone once the time had jumped.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Suicide
Moderate: Cancer
rach's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.0
This is really two books in one. The first half is a story of friendship, chosen family, and the reckless fun of youth. The second half, while still focusing on friendship, is much more complicated and sad. Death of a parent, cancer, and assisted suicide are tough topics to read about, and I can’t say I enjoyed where this book went, but all the discussions were thoughtful and respectful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, and Suicide
annatroughton's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, and Medical trauma
Minor: Death of parent
ktcaudle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide