Review of Bellamy

[Laney K]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bellamy" by G. Bradley Davis.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Bellamy by G. Bradley Davis follows the character of Calvin as he grows up in a small town during the 60s. Calvin is an outcast in his family; his stepmother constantly reminds him he will never live up to expectations. He also feels like the third wheel of his friend group. However, Calvin has an imaginary friend, Bellamy, to ease the loneliness. Calvin also befriends the other social outcasts of the town: an African-American girl his age and an older gay gentleman. However, Calvin hides these relationships from everyone else in his life, as he doesn't want those associations to give others more cause to shun him. When a friend of Calvin's is murdered, the town is thrown into chaos, and prejudice runs rampant. How will Calvin's life be impacted by this event? Read Bellamy to find out.

To me, one of the standout features was Davis's ability to transport the reader into the shoes of Calvin. His frustration as a child with ADHD is evident. Each school year Calvin started off great, and a few months in, he ended up doing poorly. However, when interested in a topic, Calvin had no problem learning everything he could. This had his parents and teachers believe that he was simply lazy.

The book also contains commentary on the issues of the time, such as homophobia and racism, through Calvin's friendships. These issues are not an item of the past, and I believe this book could be eye-opening to many. I found it interesting to compare the blatant prejudice that existed then to the prejudices of today. In many ways, society has not come that far since the 60s.

The only minor dislike I had of this book was that I would, on occasion, get a little confused by the time skips. I had a bit of a hard time keeping track of what age Calvin was supposed to be. However, this is an extremely minor detail and did not cause a large interruption to my reading experience.

I award this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is both a thrilling and important story. It teaches of the dangers of prejudice and the devastating reality that stems from it. The book, with its setting in the 60s and 70s, will hold a note of nostalgia for those who grew up during that time period. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a coming-of-age novel that features small-town life, murder, and a reminder of the social struggles of that period. This book captures a childhood that I believe would speak to anyone.

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Bellamy
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[Chandrakant Patel]

Your recognition of the author's ability to immerse readers in Calvin's perspective, particularly his struggles with ADHD and the resulting frustration and misperceptions, highlights the depth of character development in the book.

[Miracle Oge Adaeze]

This book hits close to home, as I had a relative with ADHD when she was much younger. Thankfully, she was able to live through that period because she got support and not judgement from family. It's sad that Calvin didn't get that kind of support from family, and they blacklisted him as lazy. This is an emotional book.

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bellamy" by G. Bradley Davis.]

Bellamy by G. Bradley Davis follows the character of Calvin as he grows up in a small town during the 60s. Calvin is an outcast in his family; his stepmother constantly reminds him he will never live up to expectations. He also feels like the third wheel of his friend group. However, Calvin has an imaginary friend, Bellamy, to ease the loneliness. Calvin also befriends the other social outcasts of the town: an African-American girl his age and an older gay gentleman. However, Calvin hides these relationships from everyone else in his life, as he doesn't want those associations to give others more cause to shun him. When a friend of Calvin's is murdered, the town is thrown into chaos, and prejudice runs rampant. How will Calvin's life be impacted by this event? Read Bellamy to find out.

To me, one of the standout features was Davis's ability to transport the reader into the shoes of Calvin. His frustration as a child with ADHD is evident. Each school year Calvin started off great, and a few months in, he ended up doing poorly. However, when interested in a topic, Calvin had no problem learning everything he could. This had his parents and teachers believe that he was simply lazy.

The book also contains commentary on the issues of the time, such as homophobia and racism, through Calvin's friendships. These issues are not an item of the past, and I believe this book could be eye-opening to many. I found it interesting to compare the blatant prejudice that existed then to the prejudices of today. In many ways, society has not come that far since the 60s.

I don't know why, but this has a "Lincoln Lawyer" feel to it. It also immediately made me think of the "Bellamy Brothers" music (some of my favorite feel good tunes). It's odd what a book title or description gets you to think or feel! I'm always on the lookout for characters that fulfill that "underdog" role; I love rooting for them! It made me a little sad to see that he had to hide those most satisfying connections due to the potential for added shunning. The reality of this is so true though. Having the additional challenge of ADHD and parents who are clearly not supportive adds to the drama of this storyline. The book clearly covers so many issues of the time; nevertheless, you've made a salient point that these are still problems occurring today. Great review, I very much enjoyed reading it. Thanks so much for sharing it, until next time...

[Leen282]

I can understand the nostalgia element of a book that plays in the 60ies. As the reviewer mentioned, topics of racism and homophobia are still alive. It's a book I would like to read with the crime and the small-town setting.

[Harshitha G B]

The review is informative , from the samples and review i feel it's about young person's development, struggle in difficult environment, hoping to achieve something when they robbed out of parental love, how world will turn for them.

[Seetha E]

Growing up can get challenging. Combine that with being sensitive and treated as an outcast. In light of the murder and other complications, I'm curious to see how Bellamy's arrival affects gentle Davis's life. I appreciate your in-depth analysis. Congrats on BOTD.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

This look like my type of book. Nice character development mixed with the drama of murder all brought together nicely in a well written novel. The ambience of the place sets the scene for a juicy and intriguing story.

[Esther Deekor]

It is intriguing that this book bears the name of Calvin's imaginary friend, Bellamy. I wonder how an imaginary friend would ease loneliness when I read this line in the review because an imaginary friend is just an imagination which has personalities that the imaginer gives to it and so I don't think it can ease loneliness. But anyway, congratulations on BOTD!!

[Ifeanyi Nwokike]

Good parental relationship and upbringing has great impact and influence on any growing child. When a child is left unnurtured by immediate family; the society(including friends) builds them to whomever they become. The book has lessons to learn from.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The book also contains commentary on the issues of the time, such as homophobia and racism, through Calvin's friendships. These issues are not an item of the past, and I believe this book could be eye-opening to many. I found it interesting to compare the blatant prejudice that existed then to the prejudices of today. In many ways, society has not come that far since the 60s.

You are completely right. People still hold neurodivergent people at arm's length, and racism and homophobia run rampant. This seems like a thought-provoking mystery. Thank you for your fantastic review.

[Fatola Fatai]

What I appreciate most while reading the book is how the book explores issues of the period like racism, homophobia, and prejudice through Calvin's experiences and relationships.

[Rahul Singh 29]

It’s fascinating how the book draws parallels between the past and present, highlighting that some struggles persist across generations.

[Muna Chisom]

The author has presented such a masterpiece in this work. The pathetic story of Calvin would make you more eager as you journey through the pages. It Is indeed a great work.

[Annabell Samuel]

People who feel like outcasts usually try to find ways to deal with the loneliness and rejection. For Calvin, it was a relationship with his imaginary friend, Bellamy. I also wonder which of his few friends died. I hope Calvin takes it well.