Rating: 
Summary: You must get this book...
Review: I bought this book because I read a review in "The Philadelphia Inquirer" that was good. I also grew up 10 minutes from the neighborhood described in the book and was the same age as the main character Henry in 1984 so I was curious to see how the author describes this part of Northeast Philly. It was dead on. The book made me laugh out loud, feel sad and optimistic at the same time and late for work, since I stayed up all night to read it and overslept. I have not done that in a long time; only the really good books will I do that for!(Which says a lot since I read about 2 books a week) It is a book I wish I had written. The rampant curse words take some time to get used to, but I don't think Henry would be Henry without it. It reminds you of "The Catcher in the Rye" but a 100 times better. The only bad part about it was that it had to end. You will cheer for this 13 year old boy who tries in his own unique way to mend his family's problems. You will love his tough attitude that hides a tender heart. You will get a laugh out of his friends. You will admire how each character is written so well that it seems like you know them somehow. You will laugh at the way Henry knows the cup size of every woman's chest in the area and describes the hairstyle of every man he knows since he is very fond of his own hair. You will be Henry's biggest supporter. The writing is sharp, descriptive without being overkill and some lines seem like poetry. I could go on and on about "Green Grass Grace", but I want you to buy it now and experience it for yourself. It truly is that good.
Rating:
Summary: You must get this book...
Review: I bought this book because I read a review in "The Philadelphia Inquirer" that was good. I also grew up 10 minutes from the neighborhood described in the book and was the same age as the main character Henry in 1984 so I was curious to see how the author describes this part of Northeast Philly. It was dead on. The book made me laugh out loud, feel sad and optimistic at the same time and late for work, since I stayed up all night to read it and overslept. I have not done that in a long time; only the really good books will I do that for!(Which says a lot since I read about 2 books a week) It is a book I wish I had written. The rampant curse words take some time to get used to, but I don't think Henry would be Henry without it. It reminds you of "The Catcher in the Rye" but a 100 times better. The only bad part about it was that it had to end. You will cheer for this 13 year old boy who tries in his own unique way to mend his family's problems. You will love his tough attitude that hides a tender heart. You will get a laugh out of his friends. You will admire how each character is written so well that it seems like you know them somehow. You will laugh at the way Henry knows the cup size of every woman's chest in the area and describes the hairstyle of every man he knows since he is very fond of his own hair. You will be Henry's biggest supporter. The writing is sharp, descriptive without being overkill and some lines seem like poetry. I could go on and on about "Green Grass Grace", but I want you to buy it now and experience it for yourself. It truly is that good.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: I couldn't believe how hard I was laughing the minute I picked up this book. The author's humor is unprecedented and genuine. His portrayal of row-home life in Philadelphia is uncanny and especially entertaining to someone familiar with the area. Even though it is hilarious, it also has depth and the cocky 13-year-old really touches you. Apparently I'm related to the author, so if you're reading this, I'm dieing to meet you.
Rating:
Summary: Green Grass Grand Slam
Review: I decided to read Green Grass Grace for three reasons; my parents grew up in Philly, I've lived my entire life in NJ a stones throw from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and the "Philadelphia Inquirer" gave it rave reviews. How incredible that a first time author should hit a grand slam on his first at bat! And as with any grand slam, Shawn McBride touches all the bases. This book is hilarious, sad, poignant, touching and always refreshing. We quickly fall in love with the hero of this book, Henry Toohey. Henry is a typical 13 year old--he tries to be cool, agonizes over his hair, hangs out with his buddies, loves sports, describes every woman by her cup size, worries about his dysfunctional family and is in love with a neighborhood girl. Henry also possesses a heart of gold and a garbage mouth. We follow Henry through three days of late summer as he hatches a plan to propose marriage to his girlfriend and at the same time, save his sorry family from themselves. He is a naive romantic who believes in "happily ever after." Although Henry's scheme doesn't go as planned, the end results are satisfying and touching nonetheless. The events in these three short days also prove to have a maturing influence on the young Henry and he ends the book much closer to manhood than at the beginning. Although the book itself was thoroughly enjoyable, it was made even more so for those of us who recognize the neighborhoods, the parks, the churches, the neighborhood games (stickball and freedom), the sports teams and the houses complete with statues of assorted saints. It was also nice that this book was published first in paperback, thus making it more affordable for the average reader. I gave a number of them as gifts for Easter--something I couldn't have done if they were hardbacks. So, to Mr. McBride, congratulations and here's hoping that this is just the beginning of a long and distinguished literary career. It is truly a delight to read a new, fresh and young voice in the publishing world.
Rating: 
Summary: Skip this one...
Review: I grew up in NE Philly, and can identify every single place this author writes about (the only reason it gets 2 stars from me). But the thrill wears off quickly, and you're left with a stale, repetitive contrived book with only a few funny scenes. The language is overused, the plot is flat, the characters predictable. I kept reading thinking that it was going to get better but it doesn't. It evokes those fond memories of bikerides through the park, and spending all summer out with your friends, ending your nights with games of Freedom. But unless you're overly nostalgic, there are much better books to devote your time to that are actually stimulating.
Rating:
Summary: buy it now!
Review: I have to admit that I'm slightly embarrased, and totally thrilled, to write a completely positive review. But, read the book and just try to disagree. I was basically demolished by the huge hearted exuberance of this astounding novel. Reading "Green Grass Grace" actually approaches a physical event: you're gonna laugh like crazy (real live tears) and cry like crazy (again, obviously, tears), reluctantly finish the damn thing (exhausted) and go back and read it again because you're just that in love with the whole messy, disasterous, beautiful world McBride creates (at least that's what I did.) Mr. McBride might restore your faith in humanity - he might even make you believe in God (although I'm sure that's the furthest thing from his mind.) But you're sure as hell going to have a great time.
Rating:
Summary: Green Grace GREAT!!!
Review: I just finished this book today. My husband is a Philly native, growing up now far from here. His descriptions are dead on. But even more that capturing the essence of the Philly neighbor, there is a sad, hopeful, funny, optimistic and poignant story about the traumas that any family any where can experience. It speaks volumes about love and hope and the human spirit without a really sappy ending, but one that is satisfying nonetheless. I recommend this book to anyone!
Rating:
Summary: Aamazing Book
Review: I was very impressed by this book. I grew up in Kensington in Philly and it absolutely captured the essence of the neighborhoods when I was growing up. I think I laughed through most of the book, relating it to experiences I have had. Go by the book, it's definately worth it even if you are not a Philly native.
Rating:
Summary: Keep Writing, Mr. McBride!!!
Review: I'm about the same age as Kevin McBride and got a real kick out of the 1984 setting of his first novel. This is a great story about love, family, dreams and just plain getting by.
Rating:
Summary: Phunny in Philly
Review: It's always a great day when you find a book by a first time author, read it, and enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed this first book. The author is not of my generation, but I well remember playing variations of the same street games he describes. I found the constant profanity a bit unsettling, but perhaps that's how kids in his old neighborhood spoke, and their easy familiarity with adults was something we would never have attempted. That being said, the characters well exceedingly well-drawn, and this is the type of book that you wish would continue, so that the further lives and adventures of the characters can be followed. I can only hope that, someday in the future, there is a sequel.
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