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What Members Thought

I wanted to like this book more. The writing is beautiful and the characters seem interesting. But I just found myself a little bored out of my gourd.
This book is a year in the life of Jason Taylor, a young British boy trapped between being a child and being a teen. He's bullied because he stammers. He writes poetry, but is afraid that others will find out because it's "gay" to enjoy reading or writing. His older sister is moving out of the house and his parents marriage is, unbeknownst to him, ...more
This book is a year in the life of Jason Taylor, a young British boy trapped between being a child and being a teen. He's bullied because he stammers. He writes poetry, but is afraid that others will find out because it's "gay" to enjoy reading or writing. His older sister is moving out of the house and his parents marriage is, unbeknownst to him, ...more

Jul 18, 2019
Nadine in NY Jones
marked it as did-not-finish
This was tedious and I’m just not in the mood for a “sinewy, meditative novel of boyhood,” as read in audiobook with plummy brit accent. Maybe I’m missing out on a great book, I’ll probably never know.

British coming of age novel in which the reader can't help but to sympathize with Jason Taylor, our stammering, 14 year old narrator who is bullied at school and has other troubles at home. Though this could have been terribly depressing, the humor along with Jason's perseverance to overcome his issues resulted in an uplifting and enjoyable novel.
...more

3,5 stars!
A bit slow but very melancholy. Some dark humor here and there. This book feels very personal to David Mitchell and you can't help but notice it.
I love the Black Swan Green setting, cute chapters, and 80s vibes. ...more
A bit slow but very melancholy. Some dark humor here and there. This book feels very personal to David Mitchell and you can't help but notice it.
I love the Black Swan Green setting, cute chapters, and 80s vibes. ...more

Nov 28, 2007
Maggie
marked it as to-read

May 24, 2012
Nicole
marked it as to-read

Jun 26, 2012
Ashley
marked it as to-read

Nov 03, 2012
Melissa
marked it as to-read

Dec 18, 2016
Nicole
marked it as to-read

May 22, 2017
gremlinkitten
marked it as to-read

Mar 05, 2021
Adjrun
marked it as to-read

Jun 22, 2021
Nefret
marked it as to-read

Sep 23, 2021
Steve Sarner
marked it as to-read

May 01, 2023
Melissa
marked it as to-read