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sophietoes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i actually had no idea this was a book until i got it from a friend for my birthday. i’d only seen and known of the movie (which is also fantastic) and i was really excited to read this.
we follow gilbert grape, a 24-year-old from the small town of endora, iowa. he takes care of his younger brother, arnie, who is mentally handicapped and will soon be turning 18. his older sister, amy, does most of the housework for their severely overweight (and sometimes hostile) mother, his little sister, ellen, is stuck up and annoying, and he’s pining for the girl who just moved into town from michigan.
you always hear that the book is better than the movie, and as much as i absolutely love the film adaptation of gilbert grape, i have to say that remains true here. the characters have so much more depth and development, and some of them, such as tucker, gilbert’s best friend, didn’t even make it to the screen.
i love this story. it’s a beautifully written mix of drama, tragedy and a sprinkling of romance. one of my go-to comfort movies and now, one of my favorite books.
we follow gilbert grape, a 24-year-old from the small town of endora, iowa. he takes care of his younger brother, arnie, who is mentally handicapped and will soon be turning 18. his older sister, amy, does most of the housework for their severely overweight (and sometimes hostile) mother, his little sister, ellen, is stuck up and annoying, and he’s pining for the girl who just moved into town from michigan.
you always hear that the book is better than the movie, and as much as i absolutely love the film adaptation of gilbert grape, i have to say that remains true here. the characters have so much more depth and development, and some of them, such as tucker, gilbert’s best friend, didn’t even make it to the screen.
i love this story. it’s a beautifully written mix of drama, tragedy and a sprinkling of romance. one of my go-to comfort movies and now, one of my favorite books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Death of parent
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
nmoriconi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Death of parent
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, Suicide, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Minor: Mental illness and Violence
bethybooevans's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thought I would love this after watching the very relatable and well done movie but found the book to be quite different! Some of the relationships were very enjoyable to witness such as Mr Lambson and Gilbert’s and Amy and Gilbert’s. Others however were uncomfortable and show how depressed and dark humoured Gilbert is. It is strange how he can be so adamant about his principles with food land when he is fine knowing that his 16-year-old sister is sleeping with a 29-year-old and himself with a 15-year-old. The story is meant to be sad and claustrophobic which makes it hard to read. Not may go-to chose of mood but would recommend. Uniquely written novel. Also should make sure that read is old enough for sexual content mentioned.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Death of parent