This book is difficult to review. Buck is a very funny character and while I loved the turns the book took, I couldn’t get past some things.
I really enjoyed the idea of this kid who keeps trying to do better for himself and has such ambition. I also liked how when I thought I had the book figured out, it took a new direction. And it ended in a way I didn’t expect. I didn’t like how the racial assumptions (on either side) were depicted. There was language I couldn’t get behind and the use of the word “‘moron” didn’t work for me. I also didn’t like how the boss treated his employees. Even if it was to break them down to bring them up, it was unacceptable and unrealistic to me. I think the themes were great but the execution was not and it missed the mark for me. I would recommend it with a caveat and warning about the language and the harsh tone the book bears.
I really enjoyed the idea of this kid who keeps trying to do better for himself and has such ambition. I also liked how when I thought I had the book figured out, it took a new direction. And it ended in a way I didn’t expect. I didn’t like how the racial assumptions (on either side) were depicted. There was language I couldn’t get behind and the use of the word “‘moron” didn’t work for me. I also didn’t like how the boss treated his employees. Even if it was to break them down to bring them up, it was unacceptable and unrealistic to me. I think the themes were great but the execution was not and it missed the mark for me. I would recommend it with a caveat and warning about the language and the harsh tone the book bears.