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carnisht's review against another edition
3.0
Tuesdays with Morrie was a fantastic book. Wait… this wasn’t Tuesdays with Morrie… or was it? Sonnenblick was definitely trying his damndest to make this book that at the very least! The story was, at most points, enjoyable. However, the aspirations to be Albom’s iconic story started to turn this book into more cliches than anyone ever really needs.
I will give the writing some praise, though. I did enjoy the writing style for the most part, and, honestly, I found Alex’s narration to be pretty funny. I caught myself chuckling at some of his commentary, but simultaneously, some of it was a bit too old-fashioned and showed Sonnenblick’s age. For example, Alex would use words like “groovy” or “swell” in his internal dialogue… which was just very cringy.
While on the topic of Sonnenblick’s word choices, some of his usages of cultural vernaculars made me uncomfortable. The nursing home nurses all sounded very stereotypically Hispanic or black, saying “child” or “supper”, or using improper grammar and saying an elongated mmmmmmmmmmmhm. Coming from a white male author, it was a bit off putting. Then there was Sol, who was a very traditional old Jewish man. More and more as the book went on, I was beginning to cringe harder and harder when Sonnenblick would just toss out random basic Yiddish phrases. It didn’t seem to serve a purpose beyond the most mild of attempts (and failure) of cultural diversity.
To read more of my thoughts on this book, check out https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/2022/01/19/notes-from-the-midnight-driver-by-jordan-sonnenblick/
I will give the writing some praise, though. I did enjoy the writing style for the most part, and, honestly, I found Alex’s narration to be pretty funny. I caught myself chuckling at some of his commentary, but simultaneously, some of it was a bit too old-fashioned and showed Sonnenblick’s age. For example, Alex would use words like “groovy” or “swell” in his internal dialogue… which was just very cringy.
While on the topic of Sonnenblick’s word choices, some of his usages of cultural vernaculars made me uncomfortable. The nursing home nurses all sounded very stereotypically Hispanic or black, saying “child” or “supper”, or using improper grammar and saying an elongated mmmmmmmmmmmhm. Coming from a white male author, it was a bit off putting. Then there was Sol, who was a very traditional old Jewish man. More and more as the book went on, I was beginning to cringe harder and harder when Sonnenblick would just toss out random basic Yiddish phrases. It didn’t seem to serve a purpose beyond the most mild of attempts (and failure) of cultural diversity.
To read more of my thoughts on this book, check out https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/2022/01/19/notes-from-the-midnight-driver-by-jordan-sonnenblick/
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Great fun to read. The main character messes up hugely when he drinks and drives, but learns a lot as he is "rehabilitated" in a highly unique way. He has to do community service in a nursing home with a cantankerous man.
embe94's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me cry! To me, it almost had the same kind of vibes as A Man Called Ove. A true teen perspective- the kind in the beginning where he doesn’t realize the full ramifications of his actions all the way until the empathy gained and lessons learned. The plot twist had me SHOUTING- I didn’t guess it until the page before, and had to go back and reread the whole book. Will recommend to many.
poachedeggs's review against another edition
4.0
This was unashamedly a 'feel-good' young adult novel, and it got me thinking why some feel-good stories make one want to throw up or roll one's eyes, while a few precious others can be so wonderful.
I think it's how Sonnenblick undercuts the tragedy with snarky humour, how his protagnist Alex Gregory is convincingly portrayed as a bit of an insensitive blockhead. The best kind of tears comes with rueful laughter.
I think it's how Sonnenblick undercuts the tragedy with snarky humour, how his protagnist Alex Gregory is convincingly portrayed as a bit of an insensitive blockhead. The best kind of tears comes with rueful laughter.
jacquelynrovene's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
shrrawat's review against another edition
3.0
Notes from the Midnight Driver is hilarious. There's no doubt about that. The mere premise of a decapitated lawn gnome should clue you in. Yet it's also surprisingly touching. Unlike most humorous books, whose only purpose is to make you chuckle then forget about the plot later on, this particular novel deals with more serious issues, such as death, relationships, and taking responsibility for your actions. The interactions between the characters is enjoyable and believable, and it is hard to not be attached to the main characters.
Yet, like every book, this one too has its flaws. The "big plot twist" is predictable, but I congratulate the author on still giving the reader some bit of satisfaction as it is revealed. One of the major subplots is also left open, never to be finished, which can be frustrating as anything for the reader (i.e. me).
Still, despite its faults, Notes from the Midnight Driver is remarkable because it is memorable. And, unlike other brainless comical novels, this one won't be lost in the great abyss that is the brain.
Yet, like every book, this one too has its flaws. The "big plot twist" is predictable, but I congratulate the author on still giving the reader some bit of satisfaction as it is revealed. One of the major subplots is also left open, never to be finished, which can be frustrating as anything for the reader (i.e. me).
Still, despite its faults, Notes from the Midnight Driver is remarkable because it is memorable. And, unlike other brainless comical novels, this one won't be lost in the great abyss that is the brain.
sofiemichon's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5