Review by Emma Lanz -- A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen
-
Emma Lanz
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 12 Jul 2018, 06:34
- Currently Reading: Sigfried’s Smelly Socks!
- Bookshelf Size: 2
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-emma-lanz.html
- Latest Review: A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen
Review by Emma Lanz -- A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Bloody Book" by Chris Bowen.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
'A Bloody Book', by Chris Bowen, portrays the young life of a thirteen year old boy called Maxx. The story is seen through the eyes of Maxx; where Maxx writes a book about some quite serious events in his life. Maxx also shares his feelings regarding his thoughts on the adults in his life. These include his teachers, Ms. Spencer, Mr.Foxx, and also his alcoholic father.
This book was a page turner for me. It was written well, and I didn't quite know where the story was going to take me, until the end. The story certainly kept me guessing throughout the book, and I would actually enjoy reading it again.
Maxx has a very dry wit and sarcasm about his nature, and I did chuckle at times, at this character's comments. However, Maxx uses sarcasm because of his upbringing. He questions everything about everyone, in his mind. He even questions his drug dependent mother's mentality. What sort of a woman, stays with a violent partner?
A positive, and more uplifting side to the story begins with Mr.Foxx. At first, he appears like all the other grown ups, in Maxx's life, only, his teaching methods do take a strange twist. Then there's a seemingly eccentric teacher called, Ms.Spencer, who really does appear to have had a tough life herself. She relates to the kids in, 'Reading Hell', and opens up to the class by saying that she would rather spend her final working day with the kids, rather than go to the 'lame' party in the staff room.
Although I mention that I did chuckle at times, when reading the story, the lifestyle of Maxx, and not forgetting his younger sister Rosie, is a very sad one. There are dark elements in this book, elements that I did not expect to happen. There was a part in the story where Maxx stabs the drug dealer in the eye, and I felt that the story was good enough, without adding this.
What I would like to see, is a follow up of the story. What happens to Maxx? To Rosie? Do they grow up to become decent human beings, who live a relatively normal life? I guess not!
I have decided to rate this book four out of four stars. The author was able to tap into my feelings of laughter, sadness, and anger. And although I was reading a fictitious book, it appeared very true to life. This story would also suit quite an age range of reader, from young adult and up. The story represents some unfortunate young people, who are let down by the education system, and local authorities. Well done Chris Bowen
******
A Bloody Book
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Emma Lanz's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
'A Bloody Book', by Chris Bowen, portrays the young life of a thirteen year old boy called Maxx. The story is seen through the eyes of Maxx; where Maxx writes a book about some quite serious events in his life. Maxx also shares his feelings regarding his thoughts on the adults in his life. These include his teachers, Ms. Spencer, Mr.Foxx, and also his alcoholic father.
This book was a page turner for me. It was written well, and I didn't quite know where the story was going to take me, until the end. The story certainly kept me guessing throughout the book, and I would actually enjoy reading it again.
Maxx has a very dry wit and sarcasm about his nature, and I did chuckle at times, at this character's comments. However, Maxx uses sarcasm because of his upbringing. He questions everything about everyone, in his mind. He even questions his drug dependent mother's mentality. What sort of a woman, stays with a violent partner?
A positive, and more uplifting side to the story begins with Mr.Foxx. At first, he appears like all the other grown ups, in Maxx's life, only, his teaching methods do take a strange twist. Then there's a seemingly eccentric teacher called, Ms.Spencer, who really does appear to have had a tough life herself. She relates to the kids in, 'Reading Hell', and opens up to the class by saying that she would rather spend her final working day with the kids, rather than go to the 'lame' party in the staff room.
Although I mention that I did chuckle at times, when reading the story, the lifestyle of Maxx, and not forgetting his younger sister Rosie, is a very sad one. There are dark elements in this book, elements that I did not expect to happen. There was a part in the story where Maxx stabs the drug dealer in the eye, and I felt that the story was good enough, without adding this.
What I would like to see, is a follow up of the story. What happens to Maxx? To Rosie? Do they grow up to become decent human beings, who live a relatively normal life? I guess not!
I have decided to rate this book four out of four stars. The author was able to tap into my feelings of laughter, sadness, and anger. And although I was reading a fictitious book, it appeared very true to life. This story would also suit quite an age range of reader, from young adult and up. The story represents some unfortunate young people, who are let down by the education system, and local authorities. Well done Chris Bowen
******
A Bloody Book
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Emma Lanz's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen
