Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Small Steps (Holes, Bk 2) (Readers Circle) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Christian C. for TeensReadToo.com
Remember Armpit, from HOLES? It's been two years since he was released from Camp Green Lake Juvenile Correctional Facility, and ever since, he's been trying to stay clean. In order to stay clean, he's established for himself five small steps:
1. Graduate from high school.
2. Get a job.
3. Save his money.
4. Avoid situations that might turn violent.
5. Lose the name Armpit.
(By the way, this is not a sequel to HOLES; you don't need to read HOLES to enjoy this book.)
At first, everything goes smoothly, but, slowly, every single one of those steps will be challenged.
For the past year, Armpit has been working for a landscaping and irrigation company, and he has saved almost a thousand dollars. But one day, his friend from camp, X-Ray, tells him that he has the perfect plan to double his money. Rock singer Kaira DeLeon is going on tour, and her next stop is their own town. X-Ray's plan is to buy twelve tickets and resell them for double the money. But since X-Ray doesn't have any money, he asks Armpit for all his savings. Armpit is not sure that this plan is such a great idea, but he doesn't want to let his friend down. So after giving it a lot of thought, he decides to do it.
When I read that I went: What? Is he stupid or what? Of course he's never going to see his money again! Or is he?
Well, unfortunately that's all I can tell you. Oh, wait! There is something else I can tell you -- somehow, Armpit and his 10-year-old neighbor, who suffers cerebral paralysis, get to meet rock star Kaira DeLeon. But you'll have to read the book to learn how that neat twist unfolds.
To me, SMALL STEPS was like a good meal that left me completely satisfied. The story kept surprising me with its unexpected turns.
There's plenty of action, there are good guys you root for and bad guys you wish the worst for, there are a lot of funny moments, and sad moments, too. SMALL STEPS is very good read. Maybe it's not as strong as HOLES; nevertheless,it's a good story.
Remember Armpit, from HOLES? It's been two years since he was released from Camp Green Lake Juvenile Correctional Facility, and ever since, he's been trying to stay clean. In order to stay clean, he's established for himself five small steps:
1. Graduate from high school.
2. Get a job.
3. Save his money.
4. Avoid situations that might turn violent.
5. Lose the name Armpit.
(By the way, this is not a sequel to HOLES; you don't need to read HOLES to enjoy this book.)
At first, everything goes smoothly, but, slowly, every single one of those steps will be challenged.
For the past year, Armpit has been working for a landscaping and irrigation company, and he has saved almost a thousand dollars. But one day, his friend from camp, X-Ray, tells him that he has the perfect plan to double his money. Rock singer Kaira DeLeon is going on tour, and her next stop is their own town. X-Ray's plan is to buy twelve tickets and resell them for double the money. But since X-Ray doesn't have any money, he asks Armpit for all his savings. Armpit is not sure that this plan is such a great idea, but he doesn't want to let his friend down. So after giving it a lot of thought, he decides to do it.
When I read that I went: What? Is he stupid or what? Of course he's never going to see his money again! Or is he?
Well, unfortunately that's all I can tell you. Oh, wait! There is something else I can tell you -- somehow, Armpit and his 10-year-old neighbor, who suffers cerebral paralysis, get to meet rock star Kaira DeLeon. But you'll have to read the book to learn how that neat twist unfolds.
To me, SMALL STEPS was like a good meal that left me completely satisfied. The story kept surprising me with its unexpected turns.
There's plenty of action, there are good guys you root for and bad guys you wish the worst for, there are a lot of funny moments, and sad moments, too. SMALL STEPS is very good read. Maybe it's not as strong as HOLES; nevertheless,it's a good story.
Shannon Y. (dolphinlover) reviewed Small Steps (Holes, Bk 2) (Readers Circle) on + 209 more book reviews
my sons thoroughly enjoyed this book and the update on Armpit from Holes. They found it entertaining and read it several times each. Great book for younger readers. My kids that read this are 9 and 12 years old.
Tiffany K. (tiffanyak) -
This is a good continuation of the story of Armpit from 'Holes'. While you don't need to read 'Holes' to read this book, it would help you understand the references to Camp Green Lake and help you know about who Armpit and X-Ray are and how they know each other.
Armpit is now home from Camp Green Lake and trying hard to get his life back together. He has an honest job and is going to summer school in order to hopefully graduate someday. Dedicating himself to the philosophy of taking small steps towards a better future, he's doing well. But then, his old friend X-Ray shows up with a get-rich-quick scheme, and the ensuing events will launch Armpit on yet another adventure, and put him in danger of legal trouble once again.
If you liked 'Holes', then this is a good read. While I wasn't happy with the ending, I would recommend this book for young readers.
Armpit is now home from Camp Green Lake and trying hard to get his life back together. He has an honest job and is going to summer school in order to hopefully graduate someday. Dedicating himself to the philosophy of taking small steps towards a better future, he's doing well. But then, his old friend X-Ray shows up with a get-rich-quick scheme, and the ensuing events will launch Armpit on yet another adventure, and put him in danger of legal trouble once again.
If you liked 'Holes', then this is a good read. While I wasn't happy with the ending, I would recommend this book for young readers.
