Yes, this book is written like a typical 9th grade boy.
Yes, this book was easy to follow.
Yes, this book dealt with some very real subjects.
NO, I didn't enjoy it much.
Here's why:
If I got a dollar every time the main character - Charlie, or any of his friends got drunk or high, I would have around 50 dollars. Or so it seemed.
YES, I understand kids play around with that stuff. However, I also understand that not EVERY kid does. Every kid in this story does.
This book is a "coming of age" novel, which is great. In most contexts. But most of the time I felt that Charlie's musings were going faster than he felt comfortable. Okay, so the kid's a wallflower. Nothing wrong with that. But I believe he has the right to his own thoughts. Goodness.
The end of the book was a little disappointing. Charlie hasn't changed much in the course of this book, which is usually my favorite thing about books. The journey the main character makes EMOTIONALLY. Don't get me wrong, Charlie experienced quite a few experiences. A lot happened to the boy. But he didn't let it change him much.
We get a cute story, a funny writing style that makes you chuckle, and a lot of real subjects high schoolers deal with on a normal basis. Those are all positives. But the negative side includes a miserable main character, a whole lot of drinking, and a so-so emotional journey.
Hopefully my review will help someone else in their decision on choosing this book. BUT REMEMBER - my opinion is only my own, and I encourage you to get more than just my opinion on this book. Everyone likes different things :)
~ Victoria
Yes, this book was easy to follow.
Yes, this book dealt with some very real subjects.
NO, I didn't enjoy it much.
Here's why:
If I got a dollar every time the main character - Charlie, or any of his friends got drunk or high, I would have around 50 dollars. Or so it seemed.
YES, I understand kids play around with that stuff. However, I also understand that not EVERY kid does. Every kid in this story does.
This book is a "coming of age" novel, which is great. In most contexts. But most of the time I felt that Charlie's musings were going faster than he felt comfortable. Okay, so the kid's a wallflower. Nothing wrong with that. But I believe he has the right to his own thoughts. Goodness.
The end of the book was a little disappointing. Charlie hasn't changed much in the course of this book, which is usually my favorite thing about books. The journey the main character makes EMOTIONALLY. Don't get me wrong, Charlie experienced quite a few experiences. A lot happened to the boy. But he didn't let it change him much.
We get a cute story, a funny writing style that makes you chuckle, and a lot of real subjects high schoolers deal with on a normal basis. Those are all positives. But the negative side includes a miserable main character, a whole lot of drinking, and a so-so emotional journey.
Hopefully my review will help someone else in their decision on choosing this book. BUT REMEMBER - my opinion is only my own, and I encourage you to get more than just my opinion on this book. Everyone likes different things :)
~ Victoria