Reviews

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

100bookgoal's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

deschatjes's review against another edition

3.0

What I liked about the book is what also disturbs me. It's great that the life of a folk artist is brought alive for a YA audience, it's also a great story of a youngster making a stupid mistake that nearly defines him but is redeemed and set back on track by a combination of support and self volition.
What disturbs me is that some reviewers already cast this as historical fiction when it's not. It's supposition and literary device blending just enough fact with a huge dollop of what the author wants to say. And the real hero of the story, the landlord- is made out to be a slimy money grabbing villain - not cool.
So 3 stars.

annagonzalez26's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

beckyb16's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of those books that I loved everything about. It left me only wanting more. What a great story that will appeal to boys and girls alike. It is the story of Arthur, a 13 year old, who takes a rock and throws it at an elderly man because he is dealing with his father's death and he is angry - angry that this man has his father's hat on. What comes of that rock is a court detention of serving time for this elderly man - a man who collects junk. That is Arthur's new job - collecting junk - or better yet, the 7 most important things. I love how this tale unfolds - it is one where you will laugh and possibly even cry - it's perfect!

(Wish so much symbolism for great discussions as well!)

fernthepanda's review against another edition

3.0

I was a bit torn with how much I enjoyed this. I devoured it one sitting, but it still left me a bit underwhelmed (yet enthralled in a way). I can't explain it, but there is something about this book that will definitely hit home with many readers.

luvbookz's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

jennrocca's review against another edition

4.0

Good - particularly for middle school ages. Darker than I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a lighthearted relationship but the book deals heavily with coping with loss.

sophiesaur's review against another edition

inspiring lighthearted fast-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

3.0

Still enjoyable coming back to it years later

gmamartha's review against another edition

3.0

Based on a real work of art, this fictionalized story of how a boy got involved with the trash man shows how "where there is no vision the people perish" helps him change his life.

khalvorson07's review against another edition

emotional 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

4.25