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sfujii's review against another edition
3.0
This was a 3.5 star for me.
I really liked the overall plot. The story was complex and interesting. I definitely liked how things were revealed slowly and that just when you thought you had all the pieces- you didn't. I think the author did a really good job, specifically with Braden, exploring the psychological struggle that happens in abusive relationships. I felt that was well done and very compelling.
What I struggled with was the religious piece and the baseball piece. I think that having both, in addition to an already complex story, felt forced at times. I always till my eyes at YA that uses a sport as a structure, so I felt that way from the get. But while the religious angle fed more into the struggles of the protagonist, it also felt a bit heavy handed and overdone at times.
There were also a few parts where I felt like Braden was a totally different character- one who didn't fit or match with who his character had been set up to be.
I would definitely recommend this book, though, as I enjoyed the story itself!
I really liked the overall plot. The story was complex and interesting. I definitely liked how things were revealed slowly and that just when you thought you had all the pieces- you didn't. I think the author did a really good job, specifically with Braden, exploring the psychological struggle that happens in abusive relationships. I felt that was well done and very compelling.
What I struggled with was the religious piece and the baseball piece. I think that having both, in addition to an already complex story, felt forced at times. I always till my eyes at YA that uses a sport as a structure, so I felt that way from the get. But while the religious angle fed more into the struggles of the protagonist, it also felt a bit heavy handed and overdone at times.
There were also a few parts where I felt like Braden was a totally different character- one who didn't fit or match with who his character had been set up to be.
I would definitely recommend this book, though, as I enjoyed the story itself!
purplejumping's review against another edition
1.0
There were just so many issues with this book.
The plot was lacking, the characters were flat, the blatant homophobia was unforgivable, and he chose to stay with his abusive father. In the end, I think Braden reconciles his relationship with God, but he still has a broken conception of how God forgives. The flawed theology was what really ruined this book for me.
The plot was lacking, the characters were flat, the blatant homophobia was unforgivable, and he chose to stay with his abusive father. In the end, I think Braden reconciles his relationship with God, but he still has a broken conception of how God forgives. The flawed theology was what really ruined this book for me.
sidneyellwood's review against another edition
3.0
This is good but not great and is probably affected by the fact I just finished reading a sports book that was a lot better so.
_mak's review against another edition
5.0
THIS WAS SO GOOD!! like literally i love this author she slays. and like ugh their dynamics were cray cray like the dad INSANE like fuck him. and like his brother i feel so bad
molly_dettmann's review against another edition
5.0
Man, this book was something else. I was completely wrapped in the mystery of what really happened the night that puts Braden's father on trial for murder, and I ached and felt Braden's pain as he struggled with so many things. From his relationship with his father and estranged older brother, to his faith, to his feelings of inadequacy and fear, I thought Braden was a believable teen character. This was just a beautifully written book and I cannot wait to see what else this author can come up with. Even the baseball stuff didn't take me out of it (and guys, I am NOT a sports person and hate reading about sports even more than the occasional game I have to endure).
crystal_reading's review against another edition
This is a book that has layers on top of layers. Gilbert definitely made me want to keep reading to find the answers to my questions. There is an intensity throughout that made this a page turner.
I appreciated that the book delved into religion since there aren't that many young adult books doing that outside of the Christian publishing houses. The characters showed a variety of beliefs even within Braden's own church.
Some of the beliefs and statements expressed by a few characters were hateful towards people who were perceived as different, for example, Latinos or homosexuals. That was hard to read, but unfortunately seemed all too realistic. It was balanced a little, but still left me with a slightly icky taste in my mouth.
It's hard to give this a rating. I liked the book in that it kept my attention and made me think. I also found the family dynamics to be very interesting, but some of the characters and situations were very frustrating to read. It was an uncomfortable book. I'm going to leave off the stars at least for now.
As a side note, I was a bit confused by the main character being a pitcher familiar with the pressure of being on the mound when he was in first grade and only six years old. I don't know of little leagues or teams that allow or encourage that so young, but they may exist. Perhaps this was a sign of how much his father was pushing him, but as the mother of a former little league player, it popped me out of the story as I wondered how that was possible.
I appreciated that the book delved into religion since there aren't that many young adult books doing that outside of the Christian publishing houses. The characters showed a variety of beliefs even within Braden's own church.
Some of the beliefs and statements expressed by a few characters were hateful towards people who were perceived as different, for example, Latinos or homosexuals. That was hard to read, but unfortunately seemed all too realistic. It was balanced a little, but still left me with a slightly icky taste in my mouth.
It's hard to give this a rating. I liked the book in that it kept my attention and made me think. I also found the family dynamics to be very interesting, but some of the characters and situations were very frustrating to read. It was an uncomfortable book. I'm going to leave off the stars at least for now.
As a side note, I was a bit confused by the main character being a pitcher familiar with the pressure of being on the mound when he was in first grade and only six years old. I don't know of little leagues or teams that allow or encourage that so young, but they may exist. Perhaps this was a sign of how much his father was pushing him, but as the mother of a former little league player, it popped me out of the story as I wondered how that was possible.
blakehalsey's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my god oh my god this book, y'all this book. So beautiful. So...jeez. Honest. Heartbreakingly honest.