Helpful Score: 36
This was a fantastic Christmas story. I wish I could give it more than 5 STARS!!
It grabbed me from the start, and I couldn't put it down. The style is quite readable, the characters believable, the story riveting.
When I finished, I passed it along to my Mom, who also couldn't put it down ...
For those of you who've watched Glenn Beck on CNN or listened on the radio, his humor comes through, but without any political overtones. Don't let his politics keep you from reading this fabulous story!!
It grabbed me from the start, and I couldn't put it down. The style is quite readable, the characters believable, the story riveting.
When I finished, I passed it along to my Mom, who also couldn't put it down ...
For those of you who've watched Glenn Beck on CNN or listened on the radio, his humor comes through, but without any political overtones. Don't let his politics keep you from reading this fabulous story!!
Helpful Score: 24
First of all, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy reading this book. But when I saw how many people had it on their wish list, I thought I'd do the right thing and read it before I posted it. Also, it was a Christmas gift from my best friend.
Having said all that, I started reading this before I went to work yesterday (1/19/09). The chapters are fairly short and it's an easy read. I have to say I was pulled right in by the characters and the plot. And since it is autobiographical in nature, I knew that some if not most of the experiences were real. When I got home from work, I continued reading when I went to bed. I finally finished it around 4 a.m. this morning.
While I might agree with some that the writing is not as experienced as other authors (such as Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Clancy, Tolstoy or others), it nevertheless did strike a few chords in my own experiences. I seriously doubt that Mr. Beck wrote this book entirely for the profit, therefore I couldn't actually agree with one member stating not to buy this book.
Mr. Beck truly makes a statement in the book that most of us should heed. We should be grateful for what we have and cherish those that we're close to. Too many people are self absorbed, greedy, selfish and discontented. This should be a wake up call for all of us.
I'd planned to post this book when I finished with it. However, this has become one of my most cherished possessions - mainly due to the person who gave it to me (thanks, Marcia!). Yes, I am a conservative. Yes, I am a Christian. But I wouldn't say that Mr. Beck bashes people over the head with his beliefs. This is truly a remarkable book, especially in its simplicity.
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. And people should be more open minded when reading books. I've read alot of "trash" in my lifetime, but this one is definitely NOT on that list.
Having said all that, I started reading this before I went to work yesterday (1/19/09). The chapters are fairly short and it's an easy read. I have to say I was pulled right in by the characters and the plot. And since it is autobiographical in nature, I knew that some if not most of the experiences were real. When I got home from work, I continued reading when I went to bed. I finally finished it around 4 a.m. this morning.
While I might agree with some that the writing is not as experienced as other authors (such as Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Clancy, Tolstoy or others), it nevertheless did strike a few chords in my own experiences. I seriously doubt that Mr. Beck wrote this book entirely for the profit, therefore I couldn't actually agree with one member stating not to buy this book.
Mr. Beck truly makes a statement in the book that most of us should heed. We should be grateful for what we have and cherish those that we're close to. Too many people are self absorbed, greedy, selfish and discontented. This should be a wake up call for all of us.
I'd planned to post this book when I finished with it. However, this has become one of my most cherished possessions - mainly due to the person who gave it to me (thanks, Marcia!). Yes, I am a conservative. Yes, I am a Christian. But I wouldn't say that Mr. Beck bashes people over the head with his beliefs. This is truly a remarkable book, especially in its simplicity.
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. And people should be more open minded when reading books. I've read alot of "trash" in my lifetime, but this one is definitely NOT on that list.
Helpful Score: 20
At first I wanted to read this book because I was a long time Glenn Beck fan. I thought laughter would be in store while I read. To my surprise, I didnt laugh at all while reading this book. That is not to say that this was not an excellent read, but if you are looking for the critical, in your face, "Beck", then be cautioned. Having stated that, this is a wonderful tapestry of teenage suffering and trials, which lead to an outcome, that is somewhat pedictable. I am not sure that I would read this book again, but I would recomend it to fellow readers. This book is somewhat spiritual, but not in the bible thumping way. This book reminds you of childhood feelings, brings up sad feelings, feelings of remorse, and then feelings of triumph, and warmth.
Helpful Score: 19
Irregardless of who wrote this book, it is a book anyone can relate to.
It's mostly autobiographical about a boy who has to cope with losing most of what means most in his life as a child. His last hope is a bicycle, but receiving a special home made gift from his mother sparks the same bad attitude that many of us have shown and many have had to deal with.
Some parts of this book were based on events that happened later in his life, but the boy and his reactions to how life takes us on a ride we can't always control, how we take the people who love us most for granted, and how there's always hope.
It's an easy-to-read story, not so long as to get tiresome, and I really enjoyed it. My local waiting list grows as friends discuss it.
It's kinda like watching the Hallmark channel!
p.s. reads almost identical to the live production, which I also saw.
It's mostly autobiographical about a boy who has to cope with losing most of what means most in his life as a child. His last hope is a bicycle, but receiving a special home made gift from his mother sparks the same bad attitude that many of us have shown and many have had to deal with.
Some parts of this book were based on events that happened later in his life, but the boy and his reactions to how life takes us on a ride we can't always control, how we take the people who love us most for granted, and how there's always hope.
It's an easy-to-read story, not so long as to get tiresome, and I really enjoyed it. My local waiting list grows as friends discuss it.
It's kinda like watching the Hallmark channel!
p.s. reads almost identical to the live production, which I also saw.
Helpful Score: 15
It was a very quick read about a teenager's actions and the consequences of those actions. Sweet read at Christmas.
