I was mostly in it for the illustrations; they are fantastic. I'm tempted to quit my job, go back to London, and live it up until I run out of money....moreI was mostly in it for the illustrations; they are fantastic. I'm tempted to quit my job, go back to London, and live it up until I run out of money. It may affect children in the same way--beware. (less)
This reads like a flowery Wikipedia entry (this happened and then this happened, etc.). I was hoping for something that might offer some true and/or p...moreThis reads like a flowery Wikipedia entry (this happened and then this happened, etc.). I was hoping for something that might offer some true and/or provocative insights on anything (such as race or love or art or sex or gender). Alas. I should probably read some Jean Rhys or Maryse Conde to cleanse my brain. (less)
I keep reading so many new books that have the potential to be good/great with a little editing here and there. The problems in this novel could have...moreI keep reading so many new books that have the potential to be good/great with a little editing here and there. The problems in this novel could have been so easily fixed. Are there real, old timey, hard ass editors anymore? Maybe not!
And on a side note, most novels really don't need to be any longer than 200 pages.
Anyway, I did love where this book started, if not where it ended up.(less)
I never ever get tired of these (especially the Gatsby ones!). And it's nice to have them all collected in a book. Teachers should use these. There ar...moreI never ever get tired of these (especially the Gatsby ones!). And it's nice to have them all collected in a book. Teachers should use these. There are comics mocking Lewis & Clark and Mr. Rochester! It would make school more fun.(less)
La crème de la crème. Such good storytelling. Beautiful writing. This book is art, the kind of art that explores identity and society and love and hum...moreLa crème de la crème. Such good storytelling. Beautiful writing. This book is art, the kind of art that explores identity and society and love and humanity in a way that only great literature can. And it's a pleasure to read. I really wish that it was required reading in American high schools (up with The Great Gatsby and such). It doesn't read like a lesson, but like life and because of that I learned. It stays with you.(less)
Hmmm, people seem to love this book, but it just gave me the heebie jeebies (and not in a good way). Maybe I should read it to some children, though....moreHmmm, people seem to love this book, but it just gave me the heebie jeebies (and not in a good way). Maybe I should read it to some children, though. See what they think.(less)
This is the most fun, insightful, and helpful book that I have ever read on reading. Then again, it might be the only book that I have ever read on re...moreThis is the most fun, insightful, and helpful book that I have ever read on reading. Then again, it might be the only book that I have ever read on reading. Regardless, I recommend it to anyone who wants to inspire a love of reading in others (or themselves!).(less)
From the buzz, I thought that this was going to be a dark and clever book. Instead, it was like a season of Melrose Place (which probably means I shou...moreFrom the buzz, I thought that this was going to be a dark and clever book. Instead, it was like a season of Melrose Place (which probably means I should have liked it more! If only someone had ripped off a wig). There was a very brief moment when I thought that I was going to love Amy, but she turned out rather ordinary. I did find the last couple of chapters sort of hilarious, which I enjoyed.(less)
I've quite liked other books by Levithan, so I was excited to read this one (especially since I love stories abroad). Only instead of Italy, this one...moreI've quite liked other books by Levithan, so I was excited to read this one (especially since I love stories abroad). Only instead of Italy, this one took me to Dullsville. It felt a bit like reading a diary in the sense that I can imagine real people going through the story, but also in the sense that most real people are too boring to read about.
As a side note, I'm tired of the overuse of dated pop culture references in YA. A little here or there, and you are quirky (if that's your thing), but too much and you are just out of date. I mean, I miss the 90's too, but they are ovah! There are worse offenders than this book (and this was published in '05), but it's a continuing problem.
And why is the movie star favorite of teens who like old movies always Audrey Hepburn? That doesn't make a character quirky it makes them just like everyone else (which could be interesting if that was the statement writers ever try to make, but it is not). Pick Jayne Mansfield or, I don't know, Shelley Winters if you want to be different than thou.
All of that said, I'll keep reading his books,(less)
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