Helpful Score: 5
16 yr old Earl Gunderman reminded me of Forrest Gump. His perceptions about life are very funny and had me laughing out loud a few times. It's a fast read with a cast of enjoyable characters.
The story, narrated by Earl, is written in a style that reminded me of The Memory Keepers Daughter written by Kim Edwards.
My FIL served during WWII. This book also reminded me we should not forget the sacrifices Americans made fighting or supporting that horrible war.
The story, narrated by Earl, is written in a style that reminded me of The Memory Keepers Daughter written by Kim Edwards.
My FIL served during WWII. This book also reminded me we should not forget the sacrifices Americans made fighting or supporting that horrible war.
Helpful Score: 5
This book was one of the best I have ever read. It was such a touching, inspiring story that I just can't stop thinking about. Read this book and read it now!
Helpful Score: 4
I absolutely fell in love with all the characters in this book, but none more than Earwig. He is what his family refers to as 'simple-minded' but I think he has a lot more insight and definitely more compassion than most 'normal' people. I never wanted this book to end. I keep wondering how they are doing now, like the people were real and like I actually knew them. I can't wait to see what Sandra Kring will come up with next!
Helpful Score: 3
I LOVED this book! I fell in love with Earwig and his blunt way of telling it like it is. This book had me laughing and getting choked up at times too. An easy, enjoyable read. This was my first one by this author and I just ordered two more. I recommend!
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. You can't help but fall in love with 17 year-old "Earwig" as he has to grow up fast as the country is plunged into World War II. Though heart-wrenching at times, this story of family love will stay with you well after you finish this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Many people loved this book and wrote good reviews, so if you start reading and maybe the first 46 pages dont quiet make you fall in love with the book, just keep going. It gets even better. Earwig, is simple minded due to an illness not a birth defect. He behaves in many ways like a downs syndrome person, in that he was literal, and direct about things. For instance when he thinks that others at a memorial funeral have forgotten why they are all there, he stands up and SAYS ____ is Dead, .... We are hear to remember him. Earwig often speaks his mind. But by the author doing that she speaks some real truths that a person not simple minded would just sound preachy saying. A great author can do that. This is a great author. Read on my dear friends read on.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my favorite read this summer. Great book and well written. I laughed out loud and teared up at times. The main character was so charming. I highly recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the best reads of the year for me. Ms. Kring tells a story like no one else can.
Once I started this book I felt like I was standing next to Earwig, his character was one of the best things to be put on paper in a long time.
Family, love, friendships that last a lifetime. That's what this book is about. If you have not yet read one of Ms. Kring's books do yourself a favor and do so starting with this one
Once I started this book I felt like I was standing next to Earwig, his character was one of the best things to be put on paper in a long time.
Family, love, friendships that last a lifetime. That's what this book is about. If you have not yet read one of Ms. Kring's books do yourself a favor and do so starting with this one
One of the best books I've read in a while.
Such a great book and really brings to light what life was like during and after WWII. Earwig is a very likeable character who brings out the best in those around him. I didn't know a lot about the POW camps during that war and this book makes you understand what some of the soldiers went through and how difficult things were for them upon coming home. A great, easy read.
Sweet, nostalgic coming of agg for a simple minded kid called Earwig.
A touching story of a man who returns from WWII with PTSD and finds how to live again with help from his brother and friends.
