This was our family’s most recent evening read-aloud, and I must say…I think it’s one of the best we’ve read this year, and we’ve had some gems in the lineup! I knew, after reading The Wednesday Wars, that I wanted to read this story, too, but I never suspected the depth and breadth of this story. It was a wild, wonderful ride.

Characters: This book has well-formed, relatable characters. I loved to hate some of them, and I rooted for others about as much as you possibly can with fictional characters. These—well, Doug, especially—drew me into the story and kept me riveted.

Plot: This story kept me guessing! Just when you think you’ve figured out where things are going, something always comes up to change things all over again. This book has a depth I haven’t seen in many stories. Not only does it deal with a dysfunctional family and the historical landscape of the late 1960s, but it’s also a heartfelt story of friendship, discovery, and hope in a life that would be more easily written off than helped.

Storytelling: Schmidt is a genius. He breaks some of the major writing rules (don’t repeat yourself, don’t switch tenses in the middle of the scene, and more), and you don’t even notice because you care too much about what’s going on on the page. He takes you into Doug’s world, and you tend to forget everything else.

If you want your heart to be broken and then stolen by a kid who could easily be the town jerk (and who has relatives who are definitely the town jerks), read this book. If you enjoy stories that deal with the nitty-grittiness of life while still giving some hope for redemption, read this book. And hey, even if you just love birds or Audubon, read this book. You won’t regret it. I finished it nearly two weeks ago, but I still don’t feel totally recovered from it, and I think that’s okay. If I could give this story six stars instead of five, I would—it’s a keeper! ( )

I love this author. I read this book and listened to it twice on audio (Lincoln Hoppe does this read perfectly!). It takes a little to get hooked into this story, but once you are, you find yourself routing for Doug and you can't wait to find out what happens. Laughed out loud and cried so hard I hoped I wouldn't run into anybody as I listened while I walked. I'd put this in my top 20 favorite audiobooks. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grade 4
Awards: 2011 National Book Award Finalist

I liked this better than Wednesday Wars. So many good things! I shall list them for you:

1. You know how it feels when an author doesn't spell things out too much and lets the reader come to her own conclusions? Terrific.

2. You know how much I like it when a writer finds really punchy phrases and uses them over and over again? It's like poetry.

3. Am I a chump for loving it despite the fact that it wasn't exactly completely realistic? Am I?

4. Sometimes everyday life books like this can get boring, but Mr. Fancy Writer Schmidt injected suspense by not giving everything away right away. For example, there was no way I was going to get out of the car until I'd heard what 216 meant.

5. The audiobook narration was awesome. I could really hear the narrator smiling, choking up, getting angry. He read a little slow for my taste, but he made up for it.

The only thing I don't like about this book is the cover. The cover is really terrible. I'm not lying. Please, please let it have a better cover in paperback! ( )

Sequel to the book "The Wednesday Wars"