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winemakerssister's review
5.0
There's a bit of Jane Austen's Persuasion in this sweet, funny espistolary novel from Meg Cabot. The 2nd Chances trope is not one of my favorites, but I loved it here. Written over 10 years after the previous book in the series, The Boy is Back is told exclusively in phone texts, emails, letters, product reviews, and recorded transcripts. I found it to be charming, warm, and really funny.
A note about the edition: I read the paperback version - it was the first time in years that I read a paper book! The first three in the series were available on audiobook from the library but this was never recorded on audio. The Kindle version was $9.99 so I purchased a very gently used paperback for about half the price. And after reading the reviews about the Kindle version on amazon, I'm so glad I made that choice. Apparently the Kindle version consists of screenshots of the hardcopy version. And they're really hard to read. So make sure to read the reviews before you purchase this!
A note about the edition: I read the paperback version - it was the first time in years that I read a paper book! The first three in the series were available on audiobook from the library but this was never recorded on audio. The Kindle version was $9.99 so I purchased a very gently used paperback for about half the price. And after reading the reviews about the Kindle version on amazon, I'm so glad I made that choice. Apparently the Kindle version consists of screenshots of the hardcopy version. And they're really hard to read. So make sure to read the reviews before you purchase this!
kmthomas06's review against another edition
I think what I love most about this series is the use of all the different ways we communicate to tell the story from text messages and emails to the transcript of an interview where the journalist doesn't realize it's still recording. And, per usual, Cabot does kooky families really well. Lots of laugh out loud moments in this one.
kdap94's review against another edition
2.0
I read the whole book and found it fairly entertaining but really there was no true conflict or problem. And the struggle that the main characters faced was just silly and ridiculous in my opinion. I wouldn’t recommend it.
xtinareally's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
I always love Meg Cabot's format using messages and emails and newsletters, etc. It feels chaotic but it grows on you and becomes a fun puzzle. Cabot is very good at conveying feelings through the short messages, and always delivers on the hilarious banter and moments. I didn't truly know what I was getting into regarding the Stewart family affairs but I'm so happy I picked up this book and gave it a chance. It was cathartic as I go through being a caregiver for my older parents as well, and this helped me see the uplifting sides.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I've had a lot going on in my life, and this book was just perfect for right now. It was a light, easy read that had me laughing out loud at times. I've loved this Boy series by Meg Cabot, and although I borrowed this one from the library, I'll most likely be buying it in the future (I have the rest of them in my collection).
I enjoy the email, text, etc. form in this book, but I don't think I could read books in this format too often. It's really fun every once in awhile, but it would get old. I also have to suspend disbelief sometimes when they're having whole long conversations over texts. Sometimes I do feel like it would be nice to read these stories in regular format, because I'd like to read actual, real conversations and stuff. But it's always nice to have a change of pace.
I enjoy the email, text, etc. form in this book, but I don't think I could read books in this format too often. It's really fun every once in awhile, but it would get old. I also have to suspend disbelief sometimes when they're having whole long conversations over texts. Sometimes I do feel like it would be nice to read these stories in regular format, because I'd like to read actual, real conversations and stuff. But it's always nice to have a change of pace.
booklovershangout's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, I will be honest in saying that this is the first book I have read in this series. I will definitely go back and read the rest. That being said, however, the format definitely took me some getting used to as it is not written like a regular novel. It is told through many different mediums, such as text messages, diary entries, amazon reviews, newspaper clippings. It is really interesting though how this is actually all pulled together and works as a story. So, while it was new to me and definitely took some adjusting, I did enjoy it by the end of the story. I loved the story itself. It was very sweet and fun and a great light read. I would read more from this author and will be reading.
hdbblog's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a newbie to the "The Boy" series, which I honestly feel may have contributed to why this book and I didn't click as much as I wanted it to. I fully admit that I didn't do my research to find out that this book was the fourth in a series so, although Meg Cabot does do a valiant job of trying to bring new readers in, I spent the first few chapters feeling a little bit lost. Becky and Reed's story took off right from the beginning, which I'm certain is going to make fans of this series extremely happy. There isn't a moment to waste, as Meg Cabot dives into these characters and their own particular brands of quirkiness.
Now let me say that Meg Cabot's writing always shines, no matter what book she is writing. She has this uncanny ability to write stories that are equal parts melodramatic and heartbreaking. This book was no exception. Although a majority of this story is written through text messages, email threads, online reviews and journal entries, I could still feel the personalities of the characters shining through. They were funny, a bit cliche at times, but always felt like real, genuinely flawed people. I admit, it made me want to go back and read the first books in this series. My need to know their backstory is strong.
On the flip side, my gripe with this method of story telling is that the scenes themselves didn't get as much love. While Cabot was able to show the personalities of the characters through their digital banter, the important scenes in this story didn't get the same benefit. These exchanges were short, and flew by, making it so that there wasn't as much depth as I would have liked. The idea here was wonderful. Two old flames, rediscovering one another. I'm a sucker for that type of story. Unfortunately, although I loved their exchanges, I didn't feel the same kind of love for their actual physical relationship. I wanted that sappy, descriptive kind of writing that makes you want to swoon. I missed that here.
So, The Boy Is Back fell right on that middle line for me. I enjoyed the characters, despite feeling lost at first, but I really wanted more from the overall story. I've heard that the first books in this series were more focused on emails, versus today's use of social media, and that makes me want to go back and compare. I feel like the difference is in the amount of emotion that can be poured into a more lengthy exchange, like an email, versus a short text. So I'm definitely wanting to go out and see if I'm right.
If you're a fan of this series though, I'm sure you'll love this installment! Like I said above, it takes off instantly, so you won't have to wait long to see what your favorite characters are up to now.
Now let me say that Meg Cabot's writing always shines, no matter what book she is writing. She has this uncanny ability to write stories that are equal parts melodramatic and heartbreaking. This book was no exception. Although a majority of this story is written through text messages, email threads, online reviews and journal entries, I could still feel the personalities of the characters shining through. They were funny, a bit cliche at times, but always felt like real, genuinely flawed people. I admit, it made me want to go back and read the first books in this series. My need to know their backstory is strong.
On the flip side, my gripe with this method of story telling is that the scenes themselves didn't get as much love. While Cabot was able to show the personalities of the characters through their digital banter, the important scenes in this story didn't get the same benefit. These exchanges were short, and flew by, making it so that there wasn't as much depth as I would have liked. The idea here was wonderful. Two old flames, rediscovering one another. I'm a sucker for that type of story. Unfortunately, although I loved their exchanges, I didn't feel the same kind of love for their actual physical relationship. I wanted that sappy, descriptive kind of writing that makes you want to swoon. I missed that here.
So, The Boy Is Back fell right on that middle line for me. I enjoyed the characters, despite feeling lost at first, but I really wanted more from the overall story. I've heard that the first books in this series were more focused on emails, versus today's use of social media, and that makes me want to go back and compare. I feel like the difference is in the amount of emotion that can be poured into a more lengthy exchange, like an email, versus a short text. So I'm definitely wanting to go out and see if I'm right.
If you're a fan of this series though, I'm sure you'll love this installment! Like I said above, it takes off instantly, so you won't have to wait long to see what your favorite characters are up to now.
leerinder's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
3.25