Review of Bellamy

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 08 Sep 2024, 09:33

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

5 out of 5 stars

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Bellamy is not like one of those TV series where you stay up all night binge-watching it, but it is one where you will reluctantly decide to read just one more chapter and be able to stick to that plan. The author, G. Bradley Davis, skillfully ended each chapter with just the right amount of closure and curiosity. The chapters, although they are arranged chronologically and cover the coming-of-age saga of the protagonist, could function as stand-alone short stories.

Readers will experience detailed accounts of a young boy trying to grow up. I was amazed at how specific the author was. Davis covered all the sensory elements and also captured the emotional highs and lows. I enjoyed feeling happiness and remorse with all the good and bad choices that Cal, the protagonist, made. This passage is an example of the figurative language used, "The smell of popcorn was replaced by the redolent, yet distinctive, odor of old musty tent canvas and Ben Gay. The evening was warm and still, the type of night that makes one's neck pasty with sweat."

The cultural references from the 70's era in Bellamy added to my reading pleasure. I reminisced about eating snacks such as cheese doodles and potato stix. I remembered sitting in an aluminum webbed lawn chair listening to songs from that era. There were even some references to literary works that made me happy.

Originally, I was hesitant to choose this book because of the blurb's mention of an imaginary friend, but Bellamy became one of my favorite characters. His relationship with Cal is wholesome and compassionate. Bellamy is there for Calvin when things go bad. The blurb also alludes to topics such as bullying, murder, and prejudice, but they were delicately handled and the lessons that Cal learned were poignant.

Because of the overall themes of angst and alienation, I would have liked to recommend this book to young adults. However, unlike Holden in Catcher in the Rye and Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird, the characters in this tale are involved in some mature situations that might be too much for that audience. The only negative for me was my increased anxiety as I approached the end of the book, and I was unable to quit reading. My rating is five out of five stars for readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, historical fiction, and humorous reminders of what it is like to be a teenager.

******
Bellamy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Yasmine ZM · Post by **Yasmine ZM** » 10 Sep 2024, 07:44

I enjoyed reading this insightful review. The author is very talented, he can transport the reader in the story to the point that you feel what the character feels. It doesn't seem to be a fast-paced adventure, but it is interesting enough to make you want to keep reading. It is captivating and offers a good reading experience. I will add this book to my shelves.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 10 Sep 2024, 11:39

Yasmine ZM wrote: ↑10 Sep 2024, 07:44 I enjoyed reading this insightful review. The author is very talented, he can transport the reader in the story to the point that you feel what the character feels. It doesn't seem to be a fast-paced adventure, but it is interesting enough to make you want to keep reading. It is captivating and offers a good reading experience. I will add this book to my shelves.

Thank you, Yasmine. I appreciate your comments.

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 13 Sep 2024, 23:15

As a child of the 70s, I'm instantly attracted to this book. A trip down memory lane is sure to come. I like how you said each chapter could almost be like a short story. I'm keen to read this one now, thanks for introducing it to me.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 14 Sep 2024, 12:27

Diana Lowery wrote: ↑08 Sep 2024, 09:33 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bellamy" by G. Bradley Davis.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Bellamy is not like one of those TV series where you stay up all night binge-watching it, but it is one where you will reluctantly decide to read just one more chapter and be able to stick to that plan. The author, G. Bradley Davis, skillfully ended each chapter with just the right amount of closure and curiosity. The chapters, although they are arranged chronologically and cover the coming-of-age saga of the protagonist, could function as stand-alone short stories.

Readers will experience detailed accounts of a young boy trying to grow up. I was amazed at how specific the author was. Davis covered all the sensory elements and also captured the emotional highs and lows. I enjoyed feeling happiness and remorse with all the good and bad choices that Cal, the protagonist, made. This passage is an example of the figurative language used, "The smell of popcorn was replaced by the redolent, yet distinctive, odor of old musty tent canvas and Ben Gay. The evening was warm and still, the type of night that makes one's neck pasty with sweat."

The cultural references from the 70's era in Bellamy added to my reading pleasure. I reminisced about eating snacks such as cheese doodles and potato stix. I remembered sitting in an aluminum webbed lawn chair listening to songs from that era. There were even some references to literary works that made me happy.

Originally, I was hesitant to choose this book because of the blurb's mention of an imaginary friend, but Bellamy became one of my favorite characters. His relationship with Cal is wholesome and compassionate. Bellamy is there for Calvin when things go bad. The blurb also alludes to topics such as bullying, murder, and prejudice, but they were delicately handled and the lessons that Cal learned were poignant.

Because of the overall themes of angst and alienation, I would have liked to recommend this book to young adults. However, unlike Holden in Catcher in the Rye and Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird, the characters in this tale are involved in some mature situations that might be too much for that audience. The only negative for me was my increased anxiety as I approached the end of the book, and I was unable to quit reading. My rating is five out of five stars for readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, historical fiction, and humorous reminders of what it is like to be a teenager.

******
Bellamy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Your review tells me that this story was a real page-turner. So many interesting elements: chapters that could stand alone as short stories, the chronological ordering of Cal's growing up years, the author's strong figurative language, nostalgia from the 70s, and Cal's imaginary friend, Bellamy. I want to read this book! By the way, were you holding a small transistor radio while listening to the music as you lay on the aluminum webbed lawn chair? I was!

Adrian Bouknight · Post by **Adrian Bouknight** » 15 Sep 2024, 20:56

Diana Lowery wrote: ↑08 Sep 2024, 09:33 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bellamy" by G. Bradley Davis.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Bellamy is not like one of those TV series where you stay up all night binge-watching it, but it is one where you will reluctantly decide to read just one more chapter and be able to stick to that plan. The author, G. Bradley Davis, skillfully ended each chapter with just the right amount of closure and curiosity. The chapters, although they are arranged chronologically and cover the coming-of-age saga of the protagonist, could function as stand-alone short stories.

Readers will experience detailed accounts of a young boy trying to grow up. I was amazed at how specific the author was. Davis covered all the sensory elements and also captured the emotional highs and lows. I enjoyed feeling happiness and remorse with all the good and bad choices that Cal, the protagonist, made. This passage is an example of the figurative language used, "The smell of popcorn was replaced by the redolent, yet distinctive, odor of old musty tent canvas and Ben Gay. The evening was warm and still, the type of night that makes one's neck pasty with sweat."

The cultural references from the 70's era in Bellamy added to my reading pleasure. I reminisced about eating snacks such as cheese doodles and potato stix. I remembered sitting in an aluminum webbed lawn chair listening to songs from that era. There were even some references to literary works that made me happy.

Originally, I was hesitant to choose this book because of the blurb's mention of an imaginary friend, but Bellamy became one of my favorite characters. His relationship with Cal is wholesome and compassionate. Bellamy is there for Calvin when things go bad. The blurb also alludes to topics such as bullying, murder, and prejudice, but they were delicately handled and the lessons that Cal learned were poignant.

Because of the overall themes of angst and alienation, I would have liked to recommend this book to young adults. However, unlike Holden in Catcher in the Rye and Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird, the characters in this tale are involved in some mature situations that might be too much for that audience. The only negative for me was my increased anxiety as I approached the end of the book, and I was unable to quit reading. My rating is five out of five stars for readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, historical fiction, and humorous reminders of what it is like to be a teenager.

******
Bellamy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Diana, thank you for this review! I tend to enjoy 70s nostalgia, and will certainly keep an eye out for this book! The book sounds like it is well written and organized, having a chronological order to it, as well as engaging with topics such as bullying, murder and prejudice. I appreciate your review and will add this one to my bookshelf!

Thank you!

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 16 Sep 2024, 10:28

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑13 Sep 2024, 23:15 As a child of the 70s, I'm instantly attracted to this book. A trip down memory lane is sure to come. I like how you said each chapter could almost be like a short story. I'm keen to read this one now, thanks for introducing it to me.

Thank you, Stephen, I hope you enjoy it.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 16 Sep 2024, 10:34

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑14 Sep 2024, 12:27
Your review tells me that this story was a real page-turner. So many interesting elements: chapters that could stand alone as short stories, the chronological ordering of Cal's growing up years, the author's strong figurative language, nostalgia from the 70s, and Cal's imaginary friend, Bellamy. I want to read this book! By the way, were you holding a small transistor radio while listening to the music as you lay on the aluminum webbed lawn chair? I was!

Of course, Gerry, how could I forget the modern wonder - the transistor radio.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 16 Sep 2024, 10:40

Adrian Bouknight wrote: ↑15 Sep 2024, 20:56

Diana, thank you for this review! I tend to enjoy 70s nostalgia, and will certainly keep an eye out for this book! The book sounds like it is well written and organized, having a chronological order to it, as well as engaging with topics such as bullying, murder and prejudice. I appreciate your review and will add this one to my bookshelf!

Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to read my review.