Helpful Score: 5
One of the best books I've ever read, this novel is beautiful in a quiet, unassuming way. Subtle but powerful. It's sort of a 'coming of age' novel about a young girl who is learning to cope with the end of her innocence in the wake of her uncle's death (due to AIDS) in the 1980's. Brunt writes in a way that shows both the misunderstandings and frustrations in the thoughts of this girl, as well as the truth that she's unable to see. As the reader, we see this girl embark on a journey that changes her from a little girl into a woman, both the good and the bad.
Though I admit the first few pages dragged just a little, the rest of the story was enchanting, haunting and tear-jerking. I cried so hard at times, I had to put the book down and walk away for a while. It's breathtaking, sad, charming, unique...I could go on and on. Unlike anything I've read before. It's a book that, for me, spoke of intense love and cruelty, selfishness and sacrifice. How misunderstandings can be so far-reaching, how fear of things misunderstood can cause heartbreak, and how love may not be able to conquer all, but can help heal even the deepest wounds. How simple kindnesses can change everything. Delightful characters, captivating but simply written, a unique storyline...this book is one that will stay in my permanent collection.
I don't think the cover does the book justice--it's not a children's book (though I think it appears that way). I think some readers may be turned off by some of the subject matter (discusses gay relationship and death from AIDS) but I felt it was handled well, showing the reader a love that may not have been accepted by the general population at the time (or even now), but was strong, true, real and enduring. No smut, no bad language, no violence...just an amazing story presented in an effortless, alluring package. It's a story that left me raw and heart broken at times, but also comforted. Satisfied. I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Though I admit the first few pages dragged just a little, the rest of the story was enchanting, haunting and tear-jerking. I cried so hard at times, I had to put the book down and walk away for a while. It's breathtaking, sad, charming, unique...I could go on and on. Unlike anything I've read before. It's a book that, for me, spoke of intense love and cruelty, selfishness and sacrifice. How misunderstandings can be so far-reaching, how fear of things misunderstood can cause heartbreak, and how love may not be able to conquer all, but can help heal even the deepest wounds. How simple kindnesses can change everything. Delightful characters, captivating but simply written, a unique storyline...this book is one that will stay in my permanent collection.
I don't think the cover does the book justice--it's not a children's book (though I think it appears that way). I think some readers may be turned off by some of the subject matter (discusses gay relationship and death from AIDS) but I felt it was handled well, showing the reader a love that may not have been accepted by the general population at the time (or even now), but was strong, true, real and enduring. No smut, no bad language, no violence...just an amazing story presented in an effortless, alluring package. It's a story that left me raw and heart broken at times, but also comforted. Satisfied. I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 2
Sometimes it's difficult to write about a book you became so immersed in that you felt like you know the characters. Such was my experience with this novel. I chose to read it because I like the title (odd, eh) and because it was a GR read along. However, I finished it before the discussion began. So what's it about?
Fourteen-year-old June Elbus adores her uncle, Finn Weiss, who is also her godfather as well as a famous artist. He is the only one who really understands her. When he dies she misses him so much. Who can be her buddy, her friend, and her confidante now? She encounters a strange man who was at the funeral who seems scary. He is named Toby and her family refers to him as Uncle Finn's special friend who "killed" him. Yet as June gets to know Toby she finds he is special, too. And, he brings her special gifts from Finn.
I'm amazed at how this author could get into the skins of June and her sister, Greta. The emotional seesaw that both experience when their uncle dies is so realistic one feels like crying and I did. I have to keep telling myself that this is a story I am reading. As Greta leaves the stage of South Pacific and disappears into the woods, June is grounded. She fears what might happen to Greta if she can't meet her in the woods so calls on Toby.
If you haven't guessed yet you will soon recognize the cause of Finn's death and the illness of his "special friend", Toby. For me, this was a special read that overcomes one's fear of disease. It's all about caring and love for those who are important in our lives.
Fourteen-year-old June Elbus adores her uncle, Finn Weiss, who is also her godfather as well as a famous artist. He is the only one who really understands her. When he dies she misses him so much. Who can be her buddy, her friend, and her confidante now? She encounters a strange man who was at the funeral who seems scary. He is named Toby and her family refers to him as Uncle Finn's special friend who "killed" him. Yet as June gets to know Toby she finds he is special, too. And, he brings her special gifts from Finn.
I'm amazed at how this author could get into the skins of June and her sister, Greta. The emotional seesaw that both experience when their uncle dies is so realistic one feels like crying and I did. I have to keep telling myself that this is a story I am reading. As Greta leaves the stage of South Pacific and disappears into the woods, June is grounded. She fears what might happen to Greta if she can't meet her in the woods so calls on Toby.
If you haven't guessed yet you will soon recognize the cause of Finn's death and the illness of his "special friend", Toby. For me, this was a special read that overcomes one's fear of disease. It's all about caring and love for those who are important in our lives.
Helpful Score: 2
Wow!!!! What an emotional ride!!! I laughed, I got mad, I cried, I felt anchious, I was mad again and again. I was sad again and again and I laughed some more. I cried my eye out. I truely did. I fell in love with Junie and her dad, Finn, and Toby. I was mad as a wet hen through 99 % of the book at Junie's sister and I wasn't sure I liked her mom. But by the end of the first chapter I was living in Junie's life and as with all families there you are. Like it or not. This is a story about so many things, love, truth, secrets, trust, and aids. By the last page I was sobbing once again and drained. My life had been changed. The family I had lived with was over at the close of the cover of the book. But then I realized this isn't true. As I've said my prayers since then I've asked that each aids patient never have to be alone. So this story is never ending for me and I like that. I never want it to end. I never want to forget it. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. Refreshingly different writing. Loved the main character as she navigated her young life, secrets, loss and the complexities of family.
Helpful Score: 1
Utterly charming. About the relationship between a young girl and her uncle, who is a painter and who dies of AIDS in the 1980s. There is lots about art and families in it that is fresh and surprising, and the characters are wonderful. Haunting and memorable. Can't wait for more books from this author.
