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A review by keysmashhh
Golden Boys by Phil Stamper
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Plot: 4/5
Character: 4/5
Relationships: 3.5/5
World-Buiding: 3/5
Genre: 4/5
Plot: I LOVED the plot in the fact that each boy got an equal part of the book and I was equally invested in all 4 plotlines (although truth be told Sal's was the best one - it felt like an episode of West Wing) I liked how the last couple of chapters really wrapped up with all of them figuring things out (but not totally sure on their life plans - relatable being a teenager)
Character: Each character brought something to the novel, my favourites being Heath and Sal. Both were very different but each felt very authentic and had very real characters. Sal brought such an interesting look at college and his enthusiasm was really relatable. Heath was the pacifying part of the book, I found his chapters really relaxing to read. Gabe was comforting to read, his internal monologue was definately the most relatable and Reece was...interesting but I didn't feel much of a connection with him.
Relationships: Sal and Gabe had the most fascinating relationship, and I was glad they finally saw the back of their situationship. Heath and Reece were cute but pining only goes so far and I felt like the drama of Heath kissing the other guy wasn't *enough* I wanted more angst for them to work through. Gabe and the other guy, yes yes yes. They were such a cute couple and you know genuinely supportive and healthy.
World-Buiding: I loved the descriptions of Washington and Paris. And Florida had its charm and Boston was nice to see but only Washinton stuck in my head as the most memorable.
Genre: For a contemporary, coming-of-age book it wasn't groundbreaking but it followed many of the conventions of contemporaries and did them well, not too cliched. I loved the multiple POVs - the book really wouldn't have worked without it. I thought the inclusion of other media (eg. the texts and the sketches)
Character: 4/5
Relationships: 3.5/5
World-Buiding: 3/5
Genre: 4/5
Plot: I LOVED the plot in the fact that each boy got an equal part of the book and I was equally invested in all 4 plotlines (although truth be told Sal's was the best one - it felt like an episode of West Wing) I liked how the last couple of chapters really wrapped up with all of them figuring things out (but not totally sure on their life plans - relatable being a teenager)
Character: Each character brought something to the novel, my favourites being Heath and Sal. Both were very different but each felt very authentic and had very real characters. Sal brought such an interesting look at college and his enthusiasm was really relatable. Heath was the pacifying part of the book, I found his chapters really relaxing to read. Gabe was comforting to read, his internal monologue was definately the most relatable and Reece was...interesting but I didn't feel much of a connection with him.
Relationships: Sal and Gabe had the most fascinating relationship, and I was glad they finally saw the back of their situationship. Heath and Reece were cute but pining only goes so far and I felt like the drama of Heath kissing the other guy wasn't *enough* I wanted more angst for them to work through. Gabe and the other guy, yes yes yes. They were such a cute couple and you know genuinely supportive and healthy.
World-Buiding: I loved the descriptions of Washington and Paris. And Florida had its charm and Boston was nice to see but only Washinton stuck in my head as the most memorable.
Genre: For a contemporary, coming-of-age book it wasn't groundbreaking but it followed many of the conventions of contemporaries and did them well, not too cliched. I loved the multiple POVs - the book really wouldn't have worked without it. I thought the inclusion of other media (eg. the texts and the sketches)