Helpful Score: 3
A well-written story, yes, but I detested it because of the ending, which I only wish I could forget. I would never read the book again, as it adds nothing to my knowledge, my inner peace and happiness, or my hopes for mankind. IMHO, there is enough misery in the world without young people having their noses being rubbed in it in the name of growing up and of being realistic.
Helpful Score: 2
I hated this book. To me, it is an example of one modern approach to children's books that finds value in depicting ugly and cruel things in the name of realism. True to some people's lives, it may be, but the ending, which I presume the author and some others consider to be a fine resolution, made me almost sick. I read the book too long ago to recall many details, but whenever I see it mentioned, I feel sadness, anger, and disdain.
Helpful Score: 1
Oh you know whats going to happen a few pages in, but think maybe not! I love books about families struggling to get by, but they never see it as struggling. My 15 yr old daughter also read this, and really enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 1
This simply-written Young Adult story is a good read for any age. The first person perspective puts the reader inside the mind of a 12-year-old boy growing up on a Vermont farm. The matter-of-fact transparency of the narration portrays innocence, humor, and the character's journey from boy to responsible "grown-up."
Helpful Score: 1
I first read this book back when I was in the seventh grade for an English assignment. I really enjoyed it! I cried in the end. It was very touching. Then many years later, in my twenties, I thought of this book. I remembered I had like it, but couldn't really remember what happened so I went out, bought it, and reread it. I still found it enjoyable. A good book for young adults and up.
