conunhumdrum's review
2.0
I read this book before reading any reviews or looking at the star rating. Having now finished the book I don't understand the hype around this AT ALL.
I absolutely despised Alex, the stereotypical useless, emotionally devoid dad who passes off all parenting responsibilities to his partner while he is busy at 'work'. Predictably, his work is a dead end job that he doesn't enjoy but that he isn't doing anything to change. Cue the inevitable end of the marriage amid calls from his wife that he needs to be better.
After 8 years of having a son I expect him to already be better. Yes, yes, this is a work of fiction, but I can't get on board with feeling any kind of empathy for an adult who shunned all parenting responsibilities due to feeling overwhelmed. We're all overwhelmed. That's what parenthood is.
The ending was all too nice and neat, good things appearing out of thin air and Alex coming out on top and completely mentally stable despite only one counselling session following a lifetime of trauma. I'm not buying it.
I absolutely despised Alex, the stereotypical useless, emotionally devoid dad who passes off all parenting responsibilities to his partner while he is busy at 'work'. Predictably, his work is a dead end job that he doesn't enjoy but that he isn't doing anything to change. Cue the inevitable end of the marriage amid calls from his wife that he needs to be better.
After 8 years of having a son I expect him to already be better. Yes, yes, this is a work of fiction, but I can't get on board with feeling any kind of empathy for an adult who shunned all parenting responsibilities due to feeling overwhelmed. We're all overwhelmed. That's what parenthood is.
The ending was all too nice and neat, good things appearing out of thin air and Alex coming out on top and completely mentally stable despite only one counselling session following a lifetime of trauma. I'm not buying it.
naomi_henry's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nicolepeck's review
5.0
This book drew me in from the very beginning. This story is told from Alex's point of view, the dad, after being kicked out of his home to start a trial separation between him and his wife so he can deal with and come to accept things in his life, not just how to cope with Sam's autism but also Alex's own past. The narrative is funny, insightful, and beautiful on many levels; and it moves the story along well, with humor, anger, frustration, personal introspection.
Yes, Alex is an idiot when we join him in the story, but we are right there with him on every step of his journey to come to terms with life and what it has thrown at him. The inclusion of the game "Minecraft" and the roles it plays in the characters' lives is very well woven into the story line and added a very interesting depth and, of course, leads to the title of the book.
I was cheering for Alex and Sam from the beginning and completely drawn into their lives, watching the progress they make with each other, as well as others around them. Each character is well developed and adds their own element to what is going on throughout the book. Emma and Dan, Clare and Matt, Emma and Alex's mum, and Jody, Alex's wife and Sam's mom, even the peripheral, smaller-role characters in the cafe, the pub, Alex's friends, etc., all blend together perfectly to tell Alex and Sam's adventure.
By the end of the book, I was in tears and then back to laughing again. This is a novel, but in his acknowledgements at the end, the author states what aspects of the story he drew from personal experience; and it shows because the story is completely believable and had such incredible depth of emotion. I have not dealt with autism to the degree that a parent would and Sam is high-functioning on the spectrum, but it helped give me an insight into what these parents battle every day, not just with their child but also how it affects their mentality and how they deal with others as a result.
Absolutely incredible book.
Content: lots of F bombs
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
Yes, Alex is an idiot when we join him in the story, but we are right there with him on every step of his journey to come to terms with life and what it has thrown at him. The inclusion of the game "Minecraft" and the roles it plays in the characters' lives is very well woven into the story line and added a very interesting depth and, of course, leads to the title of the book.
I was cheering for Alex and Sam from the beginning and completely drawn into their lives, watching the progress they make with each other, as well as others around them. Each character is well developed and adds their own element to what is going on throughout the book. Emma and Dan, Clare and Matt, Emma and Alex's mum, and Jody, Alex's wife and Sam's mom, even the peripheral, smaller-role characters in the cafe, the pub, Alex's friends, etc., all blend together perfectly to tell Alex and Sam's adventure.
By the end of the book, I was in tears and then back to laughing again. This is a novel, but in his acknowledgements at the end, the author states what aspects of the story he drew from personal experience; and it shows because the story is completely believable and had such incredible depth of emotion. I have not dealt with autism to the degree that a parent would and Sam is high-functioning on the spectrum, but it helped give me an insight into what these parents battle every day, not just with their child but also how it affects their mentality and how they deal with others as a result.
Absolutely incredible book.
Content: lots of F bombs
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
crystxlxsxd's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? No
4.75
kathrynallen's review
4.0
Bought in Cork. This was so sweet and made me tear up and then sob at the end because it was so lovely to have a happy ending- even if Alex was a twat at parts
mariaccowle's review
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
uptoolatereading's review
5.0
What a lovely read. Touching and insightful portrayal of a father and son relationship. As well as learning more about autism I also learned things about Minecraft I didn't know. Wonderful book.
digitalnomadgirl's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Not a super memorable or unusual book but a cosy enjoyable read with a sweet ending.