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Summary: this is good stuff
Review: after i read this book, i had to look myself in the mirror to make sure that i wasnt in fact gay
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Summary: Where was this when I was growing up?
Review: Aidan Chambers has created in Hal Robinson an acerbic, charismatic wit who speaks for us as Holden Caulfield spoke for so many generations of dissolute teenagers before Hal. This book made me cry, made me laugh, made me dream and wish; after all these many years, it's still as strong in its emotional power, and I recognise more than a little of my own personality in the infatuation and pain that Hal suffers. Where was this when I was growing up? I'm in my 20s now, and if I'd had this as a touchstone, perhaps I'd be a little more mature, a little more aware before now. What a thought-provoking and magical book; I thank fate that brought me to this and to the wonderful Britflick "Get Real", finally providing me with some characters with whom I can identify. Read this, see "Get Real" and begin to make sense of your life.
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Summary: A great young adult book to read
Review: I first read this book when I was a freshman in high school. It couldn't have come along at a better time on my life...and I"m rereading it again and finding new stuff all the time. The hardest part of the book is getting used to the different words and phrases that someone young in America might not be used to. But that shouldn't trip the reader up terribly to enjoy the central theme of the story. Chambers writes about a boy who comes to love another boy. What is interesting is how he understands the underlying newness that Hal feels towards Barry, and how Hal deals with his feelings towards Barry. The book never takes a high road on the subject of being gay, but tells it matter of factly, the story about a boy falling in love with another boy. Readers will know they are not alone in how they feel. I read this from an isolated high school in rural Iowa and this book certainly helped me get through some rough times. I'd recommend it to young and old.
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Summary: A great young adult book to read
Review: I first read this book when I was a freshman in high school. It couldn't have come along at a better time on my life...and I"m rereading it again and finding new stuff all the time. The hardest part of the book is getting used to the different words and phrases that someone young in America might not be used to. But that shouldn't trip the reader up terribly to enjoy the central theme of the story. Chambers writes about a boy who comes to love another boy. What is interesting is how he understands the underlying newness that Hal feels towards Barry, and how Hal deals with his feelings towards Barry. The book never takes a high road on the subject of being gay, but tells it matter of factly, the story about a boy falling in love with another boy. Readers will know they are not alone in how they feel. I read this from an isolated high school in rural Iowa and this book certainly helped me get through some rough times. I'd recommend it to young and old.
Rating:
Summary: A great young adult book to read
Review: I first read this book when I was a freshman in high school. It couldn't have come along at a better time on my life...and I"m rereading it again and finding new stuff all the time. The hardest part of the book is getting used to the different words and phrases that someone young in America might not be used to. But that shouldn't trip the reader up terribly to enjoy the central theme of the story. Chambers writes about a boy who comes to love another boy. What is interesting is how he understands the underlying newness that Hal feels towards Barry, and how Hal deals with his feelings towards Barry. The book never takes a high road on the subject of being gay, but tells it matter of factly, the story about a boy falling in love with another boy. Readers will know they are not alone in how they feel. I read this from an isolated high school in rural Iowa and this book certainly helped me get through some rough times. I'd recommend it to young and old.
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Summary: Amazing Book
Review: I see this book as a must read. its incredibly written, and takes the reader on the main charecters roller-coaster of emotions. the writter has a great sense of rythem in his writting style and uses it well by keeping it fresh for the reader. It is not a happy story, its not a heart renching story either... this book absorbed me, and took me along with the main charecters, Hal's, emotions and thought process.. sometimes intense, and sometimes bubbling with subtle humor, its a great story. ive brought myself to read more than once.
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Summary: Dance on my Grave - that's all that happens
Review: I wish my friend hadn't told me that this was a book made him cry his heart out. It made me expect a real tearjerker, some really heartbreaking material.Unfortunately not. Maybe it's because I couldn't relate to the character, who always tended to get himself into unrealistic Looney Tunes style fiascos, maybe it's because it should be for, as the book states, 'teenagers and young adults' (but I'm 22!), or maybe it's because there's lots of pontificating and not much else. There's not much of a story to this book, but if you like reading "me and my thoughts" books, then this is it. Personally, I need a book which keeps you more on edge. My friend liked it a lot though.
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Summary: a real "TIME SLIP" !
Review: It must be (al least) the fifth time I'm reading this novel, since the first time I bought it, some five years ago, and each time I'm struck by its vividness and honesty: real people trying to meet each other, in a real world where feelings and yearning may find an answer one never imagined possible. As one of the other reviewers already mentioned, I too, coming from Holland and having worked in the States, need a dictionary to savour this book's english intricacies, but then the real gourmet doesn't go to a restaurant to still his hunger or to quench his thirst, but comes to satisfy his senses and enjoy the cheer of good company !
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Summary: aidan: i must meet you?
Review: this book has meant so much to me...i finished it in two days after purcahsing it about 8 years ago. aidan has created a masterpiece; more importantly, it has expressed exactly how i feel about a soul mate and the idea of a soul mate overriding the actual 'soul mate'. reading thsi book is like reading my own diary, only it is expressed a lot clearer because i have not written it...and minus the gay sex. thank u for the fond memories aidan. this is my bible matthew silences@netspace.net.au
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Summary: Review: Dance on my grave/by Aidan Chambers
Review: This book is, as you know, a story about life and death. Hal is the one who is telling us about the hole story: about how he met Barry, what they did in the 7 weeks they spended together before Barry died and the most important, THE PROMISE: The one who lives longer than the other most dance on his friend's grave. Then Barry dies, right after a fight, about a girl. And Hal loses the control over himself but had to keep his promise... This is a great book, that you all schould read if you get a chance.
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