anya_doesntmatter's review
5.0
This book is dear to my heart. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and planned to review it immediately after reading until I saw a negative reviews citing plagiarism of a movie. Needless to say, I held off reviewing b/c I never saw the movie. Now that I have I will state this: While I did enjoy the movie Shelter. It simply doesn't hold a candle to BOATK. The differences between Shelter and BOATK are what makes this book awesome. One of the main differences is exemplified on the book's cover: The Kid, (a character that practically does not exist in the movie) is what makes the book so special. The Kid is the glue of this book and is just as important as the principle characters. Every scene he's written in, he effortlessly steals the spotlight. He is the driving force throughout the story. He delivers all the pearls of wisdom and keeps everyone grounded. My opinion ultimately is read the book, watch the movie then judge for yourself. I highly recommend reading the book first. I loved the book and I got introduced to a great movie in the bargain which is a win / win for me.
Just an FYI, Who We Are (Bear, Otter and the Kid 2) is a phenomenal follow up in what is shaping up to be a promising series.
Just an FYI, Who We Are (Bear, Otter and the Kid 2) is a phenomenal follow up in what is shaping up to be a promising series.
nnof's review
There’s so much self-hatred about the MC not being completely straight here that I just can’t read this.
thisgayreads's review
5.0
I'm not a huge reader and actually I only listen to audio books when I'm working out. NEVER have I finished a book in 24 hours but I just had to keep going with this one. I laughed out loud and even had tears well up in my eyes with this one many many times. On to the next book!
cfk95's review
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
readingsunflower's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
reesiereads's review
3.0
Too much angst and I love angst so that's saying something. Did I read a romance novel or watch a telenovela? I just couldn't deal with Bear's lack of spine much longer and the weird Manufactured Drama that appeared about 75% in ended up being completely pointless and really annoying. I loved Kid, even though precocious children exhaust me. He exhausted me much less than his adult brother! I liked Otter, in theory but I'm not sure I really felt the love connection between him and Bear.
I'm really drained from reading this but I may read the second one, since perhaps Bear now has his head out of his ass.
I'm really drained from reading this but I may read the second one, since perhaps Bear now has his head out of his ass.
duncandahusky's review
5.0
4.5 out of 5 because I spent most of the book wanting to smack Bear upside the head (I understand where he's coming from, but still...)
I should know by now that T.J. is going to run us through the emotional wringer, and he certainly succeeded here. It's a great book, though, with a strong cast of characters. I did feel at times that Ty was a little too wise beyond his years, but dammit someone has to be the voice of sanity here!
And enjoyable and satisfying read. The sequel is already in my queue!
I should know by now that T.J. is going to run us through the emotional wringer, and he certainly succeeded here. It's a great book, though, with a strong cast of characters. I did feel at times that Ty was a little too wise beyond his years, but dammit someone has to be the voice of sanity here!
And enjoyable and satisfying read. The sequel is already in my queue!
readingcavern's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
lizyrdlips's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
dylan_wilder's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
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
4.25
4.25 / 5
Bear, Otter, and the Kid is one of those books I'd consider a 'guilty pleasure' read. It's flawed, it definitely has some controversy (controversy that I think is a bit overdramatized and inflated, personally). It's got a whole lotta angst, but like any other T.J. Klune book, it's overflowing with emotion and lovable characters.
Once I really let myself become immersed in the story, I found sooo much heart. Bear (Derrick), Otter (Oliver), and Kid (Ty) are all fully realized characters with wells of emotions and histories that run DEEP. I could relate to a lot of the familial dysfunction in this which only endeared me to Bear and Ty even more.
I will say: this book is definitely of it's time (the ancient late 2000's/early 2010's). There are crude jokes and language that likely wouldn't sit well with some today, but it never detracted from the story for me. I found myself genuinely laughing out loud with most of the dialogue. I got all teary eyed during the emo bits, and I was anxious as hell and angry along side Bear during the last third as certain events unfolded. I'm invested and will be continuing.
Bear, Otter, and the Kid is one of those books I'd consider a 'guilty pleasure' read. It's flawed, it definitely has some controversy (controversy that I think is a bit overdramatized and inflated, personally). It's got a whole lotta angst, but like any other T.J. Klune book, it's overflowing with emotion and lovable characters.
Once I really let myself become immersed in the story, I found sooo much heart. Bear (Derrick), Otter (Oliver), and Kid (Ty) are all fully realized characters with wells of emotions and histories that run DEEP. I could relate to a lot of the familial dysfunction in this which only endeared me to Bear and Ty even more.
I will say: this book is definitely of it's time (the ancient late 2000's/early 2010's). There are crude jokes and language that likely wouldn't sit well with some today, but it never detracted from the story for me. I found myself genuinely laughing out loud with most of the dialogue. I got all teary eyed during the emo bits, and I was anxious as hell and angry along side Bear during the last third as certain events unfolded. I'm invested and will be continuing.