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Goodbye Bellmont
Was im Leben wirklich zählt
Der Tag, an dem Russ Allen kommt, ist der Tag an dem Finleys Traum von einer besseren Zukunft platzt. Er muss fürchten, das einzig wirklich Wichtige in seinem Leben – Basketball und seine Freundin Erin – zu verlieren. Doch Russ Allen steckt voller Überraschungen.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
567 people are currently reading
10297 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Quick
10 books5,176 followersMatthew Quick is the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Linings Playbook—which was made into an Oscar-winning film—and eight other novels, including We Are the Light, a #1 Indie Next Pick and a Book of the Month selection. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages, received a PEN/Hemingway Award Honorable Mention, was an LA Times Book Prize finalist, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, a #1 bestseller in Brazil, a Deutscher Jugendliteratur Preis 2016 (German Youth Literature Prize) nominee, and selected by Nancy Pearl as one of Summer’s Best Books for NPR. The Hollywood Reporter has named him one of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors. Matthew lives with his wife, the novelist Alicia Bessette, in Beaufort, South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,914 reviews
March 15, 2012
As seen on The Readventurer
There is not nearly enough YA books about friendships. For some strange reason, romantic relationships are promoted as more important. While I agree that at some point in life you do meet that special person who becomes your partner in everything, up until that point it is friends that help you out, support you, accompany you through life.
Friendship, the healing, supporting, non-judgmental type of friendship, is what Boy21 is about. Or is supposed to be about.
I love the idea of this novel. Imagine Finley, a reserved high school senior with some serious darkness in his past, whose only friend is his girlfriend/soulmate Erin. Finley's most favorite occupation, his therapy of sorts, is basketball. His goal for his last school year is just to be on the team and play well. Enter Boy21, another damaged young boy, a rising basketball star, who suffers from a mental breakdown after the death of his parents. Finley is entrusted to guard and partner with Boy21 in school. And also guide him back into playing basketball, because, among other things, what Boy21 had lost is his passion for the game.
There is a very interesting conflict here: Should Finley encourage Boy21 to play, knowing that he will for sure take his place on the team? Should he sacrifice his own dreams in order to save his new friend, because maybe basketball indeed has a power to heal Boy21, bring him back from the imaginary escape world he exists in now? What is more important - your friend's well-being or your own ?
To my disappointment, this conflict never really comes to the front of this novel, never develops to its full potential, never impacts the characters as strongly as it could and should have. The book that was supposed to be about Boy21 (you would assume, judging by the title) and about the friendship bonds between the two boys is diluted and often overshadowed by the side plots - Irish mob, Finley's girlfriend and family problems. In the end, only maybe 25% of the book is about friendship, and the rest - just everything else. I feel like Boy21 is a case of the writer having his fingers in too many (idea) pots. The main point of the story is just lost.
I do not want to take away from the merits of this novel. I admire Quick and some passages in Boy21 made my eyes tingle. But I do think this books lacks clearer focus and a better overreaching story arc.
As often is with these things, I am a little baffled by the overwhelmingly positive critical reception of Boy21. It has already received some serious starred reviews from several major professional publication. His previous YA novel - Sorta Like a Rock Star is a much more accomplished work, in my opinion, and yet it went almost unnoticed.
Do I recommend Boy21? Yes, but with some reservations. However, I do wholeheartedly recommend Matthew Quick's Sorta Like a Rock Star.
There is not nearly enough YA books about friendships. For some strange reason, romantic relationships are promoted as more important. While I agree that at some point in life you do meet that special person who becomes your partner in everything, up until that point it is friends that help you out, support you, accompany you through life.
Friendship, the healing, supporting, non-judgmental type of friendship, is what Boy21 is about. Or is supposed to be about.
I love the idea of this novel. Imagine Finley, a reserved high school senior with some serious darkness in his past, whose only friend is his girlfriend/soulmate Erin. Finley's most favorite occupation, his therapy of sorts, is basketball. His goal for his last school year is just to be on the team and play well. Enter Boy21, another damaged young boy, a rising basketball star, who suffers from a mental breakdown after the death of his parents. Finley is entrusted to guard and partner with Boy21 in school. And also guide him back into playing basketball, because, among other things, what Boy21 had lost is his passion for the game.
There is a very interesting conflict here: Should Finley encourage Boy21 to play, knowing that he will for sure take his place on the team? Should he sacrifice his own dreams in order to save his new friend, because maybe basketball indeed has a power to heal Boy21, bring him back from the imaginary escape world he exists in now? What is more important - your friend's well-being or your own ?
To my disappointment, this conflict never really comes to the front of this novel, never develops to its full potential, never impacts the characters as strongly as it could and should have. The book that was supposed to be about Boy21 (you would assume, judging by the title) and about the friendship bonds between the two boys is diluted and often overshadowed by the side plots - Irish mob, Finley's girlfriend and family problems. In the end, only maybe 25% of the book is about friendship, and the rest - just everything else. I feel like Boy21 is a case of the writer having his fingers in too many (idea) pots. The main point of the story is just lost.
I do not want to take away from the merits of this novel. I admire Quick and some passages in Boy21 made my eyes tingle. But I do think this books lacks clearer focus and a better overreaching story arc.
As often is with these things, I am a little baffled by the overwhelmingly positive critical reception of Boy21. It has already received some serious starred reviews from several major professional publication. His previous YA novel - Sorta Like a Rock Star is a much more accomplished work, in my opinion, and yet it went almost unnoticed.
Do I recommend Boy21? Yes, but with some reservations. However, I do wholeheartedly recommend Matthew Quick's Sorta Like a Rock Star.
October 6, 2019
Great! I read this in just one sitting!
July 4, 2016
I think this is now my second favorite Matthew Quick book behind Silver Linings Playbook. The last one of his I read was so weird (The Good Luck of Right Now) that I don't even remember what it was about. This one had a great story and an interesting message. If you have just finished a monotonous read and need a quick pick me up (only 5 hours unabridged audio), this is worth giving a try.
It has some light-heartedness. I has some despair. It has comedy. It has tragedy.
Side note: I finished this book in the middle of a 6 mile 4th of July race (time - 1:07:22)
It has some light-heartedness. I has some despair. It has comedy. It has tragedy.
Side note: I finished this book in the middle of a 6 mile 4th of July race (time - 1:07:22)
May 21, 2015
What a peculiar book. I'm not saying it was necessarily too offbeat but it was different in a way I didn't expect it to be. In a good way. In an excellent way actually.
Finley is heading into his senior year. Things look good for the most part. As good as things can be with living in Belmont--a town run by the Irish mob. He's been training all summer with his girlfriend Erin for basketball season. They both are on basketball teams. Erin is a star on the girls’ team and is pinning her hopes on getting a basketball scholarship. Finley would follow her anywhere. He is the point guard on the boys’ team, and though he's not good enough to get into a college team he needs basketball like air. One day his coach asks him a favor, to become friends from a boy out of state. Finley always listens to the coach, so he does what he says. The new guy only goes by Boy21. Boy21 used to play basketball but his parents have been murdered and real life is too hard for him right now. Together Finley and Boy21 slowly but surely become friends, and this friendship changes both of them for the better.
Quick did, quite frankly, fantastic with the characterization of each character in this story. It's a short book but I grew to love the characters fast. What also is done well is the setting. It's told through Finley's point of view so he sees his surroundings as something normal. I can only describe it as gritty but not in your face gritty. Finley has come to accept his situation and doesn't moan and groan about it. He is a quiet character and it's cool to see how much he is thinking about while everyone else is talking. Boy21 has such a great character arc in this story. He goes from being fragile to strong and becomes an important person in Finley’s life. It was interesting to see the correlation between Finley and Boy21 characters. Their friendship is odd, but it works for them. The writing style is so unique and gives the perfect atmosphere for this story.
I can see how the cover could be off putting to some people because it's not that appealing, but I would have to say it fits the story. I wouldn't change it. I was sure this book was going to become a new favorite, but the book took a turn I didn't expect. It wasn't bad, but I wish I had seen if the story had panned out another way. I know I'm being ambiguous, but I don't want to give anything away.
I think I need to re-read this, scratch that I know I should re-read this. It's a book about unlikely friendships, overcoming obstacles, and seizing hope. Most of all it’s about how the most important thing you need to hold on to is people.
Finley is heading into his senior year. Things look good for the most part. As good as things can be with living in Belmont--a town run by the Irish mob. He's been training all summer with his girlfriend Erin for basketball season. They both are on basketball teams. Erin is a star on the girls’ team and is pinning her hopes on getting a basketball scholarship. Finley would follow her anywhere. He is the point guard on the boys’ team, and though he's not good enough to get into a college team he needs basketball like air. One day his coach asks him a favor, to become friends from a boy out of state. Finley always listens to the coach, so he does what he says. The new guy only goes by Boy21. Boy21 used to play basketball but his parents have been murdered and real life is too hard for him right now. Together Finley and Boy21 slowly but surely become friends, and this friendship changes both of them for the better.
Quick did, quite frankly, fantastic with the characterization of each character in this story. It's a short book but I grew to love the characters fast. What also is done well is the setting. It's told through Finley's point of view so he sees his surroundings as something normal. I can only describe it as gritty but not in your face gritty. Finley has come to accept his situation and doesn't moan and groan about it. He is a quiet character and it's cool to see how much he is thinking about while everyone else is talking. Boy21 has such a great character arc in this story. He goes from being fragile to strong and becomes an important person in Finley’s life. It was interesting to see the correlation between Finley and Boy21 characters. Their friendship is odd, but it works for them. The writing style is so unique and gives the perfect atmosphere for this story.
I can see how the cover could be off putting to some people because it's not that appealing, but I would have to say it fits the story. I wouldn't change it. I was sure this book was going to become a new favorite, but the book took a turn I didn't expect. It wasn't bad, but I wish I had seen if the story had panned out another way. I know I'm being ambiguous, but I don't want to give anything away.
I think I need to re-read this, scratch that I know I should re-read this. It's a book about unlikely friendships, overcoming obstacles, and seizing hope. Most of all it’s about how the most important thing you need to hold on to is people.
April 7, 2015
Q, is for Quick
1.5 Stars
You can lose yourself in repetition – quiet your thoughts; I learned the value of this at a very young age.
Boy21 is my second Matthew Quick novel, and as far as comparability goes I have to say that I liked Silver Linings Playbook much more than this one.
I mentioned in a recent review (The Knife of Never Letting Go, I believe) that there is a timeframe within a story where a telegraphed secret has to be shared – a writer can either win me over or lose me entirely based on this timing. Quick lost me entirely. By the time he got around to sharing the "big reveal" I no longer gave a shit about it, it was too little too late by that point.
This book failed to garner any emotional attachment from me; and while I found Boy21 himself very interesting I could not deal with the fact that it felt like this book wanted to be all things to all people. I’m completely lost as to what genre this story falls under… is it a love story? A mystery? A coming of age tale? Who even knows.
I initially felt it was a journey of friendship and self-discovery (and I was pretty keen to see how Quick would play that male bonding relationship), but the ending destroyed any likelihood of that. As I said, I’m unsure what exactly this was and for that alone this story failed me.
January 14, 2015
Going into this book I thought it was going to be a story about friendship, and how that changes each boy's life, but I was very disappointed. It felt like the friendship was never given the chance to develop, and was almost an afterthought, and not the central theme of the story like the synopsis seemed to suggest.
I liked Finley, and I felt for his struggles, and his work ethic. I liked that not being a star basketball player didn’t keep Finley from working harder than the anyone else on the team. I liked how basketball was his refuge, and seeing him honestly deal with his jealousy of Russ, and his desire to keep his position on the team. His family was interesting, and well developed, but I spent most of the book wondering what had traumatized him, and when it was finally revealed it felt a bit too soap opera to be believed.
I wasn't a fan of the romance either. I liked his girlfriend, but their relationship seemed to dominate the story, and overshadow the friendship plot which was a shame. I think it was how his girlfriend's family played into the mafia story that really didn't work for me.
I liked the role the Irish Mafia played in the beginning of the book. The threat Finley, and his family felt, and the fear they had felt real. Closer to the end things sort of fell apart. Nothing that happened in the ending felt natural, or honest to the story that was told so far. Like Finley’s tragedy, things just felt overdone, and the motivations of the players was unclear. They were willing to do terrible things, and that just didn’t fit with the resolution of the story. It was almost a miracle sort of ending, and I didn’t like that.
I found Russ to be very interesting, and I would have liked to see him and Finley develop a stronger bond of trust and friendship. I wanted that plot to develop, but it never really did. I wanted to see them get to know each other better, and watch their friendship grow, and I didn’t like that I felt cheated of that opportunity. I liked how Finley grew to understand Russ better, and see how the world Russ built helped him deal with the world, but I felt like that moved a bit too quickly, and was just sort of dropped.
Overall it wasn't bad, but it felt like I never got the book the synopsis promised. The plot that I found most interesting seemed to be be dropped in favor of what I felt were the weaker aspects.
I liked Finley, and I felt for his struggles, and his work ethic. I liked that not being a star basketball player didn’t keep Finley from working harder than the anyone else on the team. I liked how basketball was his refuge, and seeing him honestly deal with his jealousy of Russ, and his desire to keep his position on the team. His family was interesting, and well developed, but I spent most of the book wondering what had traumatized him, and when it was finally revealed it felt a bit too soap opera to be believed.
I wasn't a fan of the romance either. I liked his girlfriend, but their relationship seemed to dominate the story, and overshadow the friendship plot which was a shame. I think it was how his girlfriend's family played into the mafia story that really didn't work for me.
I liked the role the Irish Mafia played in the beginning of the book. The threat Finley, and his family felt, and the fear they had felt real. Closer to the end things sort of fell apart. Nothing that happened in the ending felt natural, or honest to the story that was told so far. Like Finley’s tragedy, things just felt overdone, and the motivations of the players was unclear. They were willing to do terrible things, and that just didn’t fit with the resolution of the story. It was almost a miracle sort of ending, and I didn’t like that.
I found Russ to be very interesting, and I would have liked to see him and Finley develop a stronger bond of trust and friendship. I wanted that plot to develop, but it never really did. I wanted to see them get to know each other better, and watch their friendship grow, and I didn’t like that I felt cheated of that opportunity. I liked how Finley grew to understand Russ better, and see how the world Russ built helped him deal with the world, but I felt like that moved a bit too quickly, and was just sort of dropped.
Overall it wasn't bad, but it felt like I never got the book the synopsis promised. The plot that I found most interesting seemed to be be dropped in favor of what I felt were the weaker aspects.
March 3, 2022
Rating: 3.39 stars
Matthew has become a favorite author due to his unique characters, unusual plots and inspirational themes that lift the reader's spirits among other things. Renown for the film adaptation of "Silver Linings Playbook", he's an under the radar type and extremely talented storyteller.
We first meet Finley McManus, a 17 year old living with his father and Pop, his wheelchair bound grandfather in a modest home in the Philadelphia area. A decent student, his passion is basketball and works diligently at it year round. Fascinated by the star of the girl's team, he develops a close knit friendship with Erin and over time, love blossoms. One day after a practice session, Coach summons him and assigns an unusual task; meeting a star player originally from L.A. living with his grandparents. What follows is classic Matthew Quick.
Having lost his parents, Russ suffers from post traumatic stress and decides he's an alien named Boy21. As one might imagine, this is a bit hard for Finley to swallow. In spite of Boy21's insistence he'll be joining 'his people from another world' they become friends. With parallel plots of Finley/Erin, Finley and Russ, mysteries unfold with themes of loss, redemption and truth.
While many prefer to give details and plot points, I prefer leaving them out. Of all books Quick has written this is far from his best effort, yet worth reading if you enjoy evocative, engaging tales. For those who have yet to read his stories, I'd recommend starting with Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, The Good Luck of Right Now or Sorta Like a Rock Star instead!
Matthew has become a favorite author due to his unique characters, unusual plots and inspirational themes that lift the reader's spirits among other things. Renown for the film adaptation of "Silver Linings Playbook", he's an under the radar type and extremely talented storyteller.
We first meet Finley McManus, a 17 year old living with his father and Pop, his wheelchair bound grandfather in a modest home in the Philadelphia area. A decent student, his passion is basketball and works diligently at it year round. Fascinated by the star of the girl's team, he develops a close knit friendship with Erin and over time, love blossoms. One day after a practice session, Coach summons him and assigns an unusual task; meeting a star player originally from L.A. living with his grandparents. What follows is classic Matthew Quick.
Having lost his parents, Russ suffers from post traumatic stress and decides he's an alien named Boy21. As one might imagine, this is a bit hard for Finley to swallow. In spite of Boy21's insistence he'll be joining 'his people from another world' they become friends. With parallel plots of Finley/Erin, Finley and Russ, mysteries unfold with themes of loss, redemption and truth.
While many prefer to give details and plot points, I prefer leaving them out. Of all books Quick has written this is far from his best effort, yet worth reading if you enjoy evocative, engaging tales. For those who have yet to read his stories, I'd recommend starting with Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, The Good Luck of Right Now or Sorta Like a Rock Star instead!
May 1, 2012
4.5 Stars
“You don’t always get to pick the role you’re going to play in life, but it’s good to play whatever role you got the best way you can.”
Fate and its fun little twists can bring people together. When we need a push or hand, life seems to provide inspiration or help in one form or another. I believe with all my heart that we bump into and find people in this world when we need them the most. No matter how far we have to go—through time, land, space, or high school. In Matthew Quick’s Boy 21, two lost souls meet and help guide each other through loss, pain, competition, basketball, and so much more.
Finley McManus’s life revolves around basketball. He lives ands breaths b-ball in a town that supports it with a girlfriend who loves the game just as much as he does. Basketball and Erin came into Finley’s life when he needed them the most. The rhythm of the game and Erin’s love made the noise and pain go away—go silent. With their senior year about to start, Erin and Finley are training and hoping for starting positions and winning seasons that could get them out of Bellmont’s beat up streets and crime. But everything changes when Boy 21 lands in town, threatening to crash down Finley’s season and his wall of silence that hides all sorts of family skeletons and history.
Boy 21 (Russ) is trying to survive and grieve the loss of his parents. The way Finley listens, connects, and supports Russ’s quirks and style made my heart very happy. He cares and shows it. That might sound simple, but also very rare and huge in life! I adored both boys immediately! With silence, shrugs, nods, a “calming presence”, and the stars up above, these boys forge a friendship that changes and impacts both of their worlds forever. Worlds filled with pain and secrets too hard to face straight on. They dodge and throw up defenses that made me giggle and my heart ache. Both Finley and Russ hide within themselves, but communicate and show their emotions in different ways.
”You ever feel like you’re not the person on the outside that you are on the inside?”
Matthew Quick’s cut-straight-to-the-heart style, words, and characters captured my attention and heart from the opening quote. The use and power of silence in this story was what amazed and hit me the hardest though. Merely sitting and sharing space with Erin or Boy 21, Finley could project such emotion and peace on the page and in my heart. The force was pure, awe inspiring and dazzling! Every character—Finley, Boy 21, Erin (LOVED you girl! Let’s hang out!), Pop, The Allens, Coach, Wes, and even Mr. Harry Potter himself—all came together to add layers, dimension, humor, pain, and love to this story! In a town torn and roughed up with violence, silence, drugs, and racial tensions-- perhaps a little dose of magic and wonder is just what they need to heal and show them what truly matters on the court and off.
I wish I could say more about--why Russ goes by Boy 21 or why Finley is so quiet, but that would spoil everything! Just know though, I spent the last thirty pages in tears. A very powerful read filled with the magic of friendship, basketball, healing, and glow in the dark stars! Finley and Boy 21 taught me to support and hold tight to the people in my life. It can change in an instant.
I hope you let this story into your heart and life. It is one I will not forget any time soon.
Added bonus:
I love when one book inspires me to read another book! :D
This book inspired me to finally pick up Harry Potter. I know, I know! How I made it this far in life without reading Harry Potter amazes me too.
Cara! Thank you once again! It was your lovely review that inspired me to pick this book up. Along with Janfra’s push to read it now! :) Thank you so much, Ladies.
“You don’t always get to pick the role you’re going to play in life, but it’s good to play whatever role you got the best way you can.”
Fate and its fun little twists can bring people together. When we need a push or hand, life seems to provide inspiration or help in one form or another. I believe with all my heart that we bump into and find people in this world when we need them the most. No matter how far we have to go—through time, land, space, or high school. In Matthew Quick’s Boy 21, two lost souls meet and help guide each other through loss, pain, competition, basketball, and so much more.
Finley McManus’s life revolves around basketball. He lives ands breaths b-ball in a town that supports it with a girlfriend who loves the game just as much as he does. Basketball and Erin came into Finley’s life when he needed them the most. The rhythm of the game and Erin’s love made the noise and pain go away—go silent. With their senior year about to start, Erin and Finley are training and hoping for starting positions and winning seasons that could get them out of Bellmont’s beat up streets and crime. But everything changes when Boy 21 lands in town, threatening to crash down Finley’s season and his wall of silence that hides all sorts of family skeletons and history.
Boy 21 (Russ) is trying to survive and grieve the loss of his parents. The way Finley listens, connects, and supports Russ’s quirks and style made my heart very happy. He cares and shows it. That might sound simple, but also very rare and huge in life! I adored both boys immediately! With silence, shrugs, nods, a “calming presence”, and the stars up above, these boys forge a friendship that changes and impacts both of their worlds forever. Worlds filled with pain and secrets too hard to face straight on. They dodge and throw up defenses that made me giggle and my heart ache. Both Finley and Russ hide within themselves, but communicate and show their emotions in different ways.
”You ever feel like you’re not the person on the outside that you are on the inside?”
Matthew Quick’s cut-straight-to-the-heart style, words, and characters captured my attention and heart from the opening quote. The use and power of silence in this story was what amazed and hit me the hardest though. Merely sitting and sharing space with Erin or Boy 21, Finley could project such emotion and peace on the page and in my heart. The force was pure, awe inspiring and dazzling! Every character—Finley, Boy 21, Erin (LOVED you girl! Let’s hang out!), Pop, The Allens, Coach, Wes, and even Mr. Harry Potter himself—all came together to add layers, dimension, humor, pain, and love to this story! In a town torn and roughed up with violence, silence, drugs, and racial tensions-- perhaps a little dose of magic and wonder is just what they need to heal and show them what truly matters on the court and off.
I wish I could say more about--why Russ goes by Boy 21 or why Finley is so quiet, but that would spoil everything! Just know though, I spent the last thirty pages in tears. A very powerful read filled with the magic of friendship, basketball, healing, and glow in the dark stars! Finley and Boy 21 taught me to support and hold tight to the people in my life. It can change in an instant.
I hope you let this story into your heart and life. It is one I will not forget any time soon.
Added bonus:
I love when one book inspires me to read another book! :D
This book inspired me to finally pick up Harry Potter. I know, I know! How I made it this far in life without reading Harry Potter amazes me too.
Cara! Thank you once again! It was your lovely review that inspired me to pick this book up. Along with Janfra’s push to read it now! :) Thank you so much, Ladies.
October 24, 2016
After reading Matthew Quick's amazing novel Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock earlier this year I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review the author's latest release in the UK, now aimed at a younger audience.
After being so impressed by the first book I read from Quick, I admit I had incredibly high expectations for this one and because of this it was hard to give it a fair shot - as it simply wasn't quite as good as Leonard Peacock. Don't get me wrong, this was still an excellent piece of writing, particularly aimed at this age group, but it wasn't one of those novels I can't stop thinking about and I find myself recommending extensively to everyone who is looking for a new read.
In fact, while I was impressed by the writing whilst reading, I kept putting off publishing my review as I found it difficult to think of something defining to say about the novel. What made it stand out from other reads and why should people pick it up when dozens of new books get published each week?
The story centers on Finley, a bit of a misfit he lives for the game of basketball, a passion he shares with his one and only friend, also his girlfriend, Erin. The two are glued at the hip during off-season, though they have a rule that they take a break during b-ball season - so they can fully focus on the sport and their roles in their respective teams.
As the only white player in his team, Finley is used to being an outcast but he is okay with that because he has Erin, his dad and Pop. However, his role in the team and the fact that he's somewhat removed from his team mates make him (according to his coach) the perfect person to befriend a new kid qho is about to join the same high school, one who goes by the name of Boy21.
Boy21, formerly known as Russell, was a basketball wunderkind who hasn't played since his parents were murdered. Now having moved in with distant relatives, his family hopes that he can make a fresh start at a new school and perhaps even snap out of his obsession with outer space. They think that with a kindhearted friend like Finley this may be possible. The only problem is, that Boy21 was one of the best basketball players of his age in the country and if Finley does help him and he gets his mojo back, then they'll be competing for the same spot in the team.
With big letters, a slightly simplistic form of storytelling and a low page number this is definitely a novel aimed at a younger audience, but that doesn't make the themes of acceptance and friendship that run through it any less valid. In fact, aimed at such an impressionable audience it's even more important to show what a difference a kind word and an offer of friendship can bring to the life of someone who is traumatised and broken.
I loved seeing the dynamic between Finley and Boy21, and in a smaller way Erin, change throughout the course of the novel. Yes, there were up and downs as neither of the characters were selfless angels, but in the end they knew what was right and what was wrong, and it's their unusual bond that gets them through the toughest of times when a secret from Finley's past comes back to make his life miserable.
While Boy21 had a gentle start of hesitating friendship and loyalty, it burst into a roller-coaster ride of revelations towards the end. And it was heartwarming to read how even the most unlikeliest of people can form such meaningful relationships and change the course of another person's life.
After being so impressed by the first book I read from Quick, I admit I had incredibly high expectations for this one and because of this it was hard to give it a fair shot - as it simply wasn't quite as good as Leonard Peacock. Don't get me wrong, this was still an excellent piece of writing, particularly aimed at this age group, but it wasn't one of those novels I can't stop thinking about and I find myself recommending extensively to everyone who is looking for a new read.
In fact, while I was impressed by the writing whilst reading, I kept putting off publishing my review as I found it difficult to think of something defining to say about the novel. What made it stand out from other reads and why should people pick it up when dozens of new books get published each week?
The story centers on Finley, a bit of a misfit he lives for the game of basketball, a passion he shares with his one and only friend, also his girlfriend, Erin. The two are glued at the hip during off-season, though they have a rule that they take a break during b-ball season - so they can fully focus on the sport and their roles in their respective teams.
As the only white player in his team, Finley is used to being an outcast but he is okay with that because he has Erin, his dad and Pop. However, his role in the team and the fact that he's somewhat removed from his team mates make him (according to his coach) the perfect person to befriend a new kid qho is about to join the same high school, one who goes by the name of Boy21.
Boy21, formerly known as Russell, was a basketball wunderkind who hasn't played since his parents were murdered. Now having moved in with distant relatives, his family hopes that he can make a fresh start at a new school and perhaps even snap out of his obsession with outer space. They think that with a kindhearted friend like Finley this may be possible. The only problem is, that Boy21 was one of the best basketball players of his age in the country and if Finley does help him and he gets his mojo back, then they'll be competing for the same spot in the team.
With big letters, a slightly simplistic form of storytelling and a low page number this is definitely a novel aimed at a younger audience, but that doesn't make the themes of acceptance and friendship that run through it any less valid. In fact, aimed at such an impressionable audience it's even more important to show what a difference a kind word and an offer of friendship can bring to the life of someone who is traumatised and broken.
I loved seeing the dynamic between Finley and Boy21, and in a smaller way Erin, change throughout the course of the novel. Yes, there were up and downs as neither of the characters were selfless angels, but in the end they knew what was right and what was wrong, and it's their unusual bond that gets them through the toughest of times when a secret from Finley's past comes back to make his life miserable.
While Boy21 had a gentle start of hesitating friendship and loyalty, it burst into a roller-coaster ride of revelations towards the end. And it was heartwarming to read how even the most unlikeliest of people can form such meaningful relationships and change the course of another person's life.
May 9, 2012
Finley's entire life is basketball and he trains tirelessly even though he's nowhere near the best player on the team. As his dad says, effort can outwork talent. Basketball consumes his every waking thought and he wouldn't have it any other way. Without basketball and the team he'd have too much time to remember all of the things he's desperate to forget. Russ is new to town, a basketball phenom who's love of the game died with his parents. Now he's calling himself Boy21, saying he's an alien life form and obsessed with outer space. Can Finley do as his coach asks and somehow help Russ, even if it means giving up his hard earned starting spot?
"Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team." --Scottie Pippen
"No matter how good one player is defensively, he's only as good as his help defense." (source)
And that is exactly what Boy21 is about---except Matthew Quick isn't talking about basketball. He's talking about life. Sure, basketball brings Finley and Russ together and at different times and in different ways it acts as a savior for both boys. But as all consuming and amazing and beautiful as it can be, both Finley and Russ are forced to experience how tragedy can make anything insignificant--even your heretofore reason for living. Sometimes it doesn't matter how much you love something. Real life has a way of changing your priorities and when it does, it's the team you have around you that counts.
All of Matthew Quick's trademarks are here: rough neighborhood, sad histories, finding (non-romantic) love in a hopeless place, unconventional friendships and support systems, a tragic event, and behind it all a hope so earnest it's almost hard to endure.
There's a shift in direction between the first and second half and I think the book suffers from some confusion with the focus of the second half. Some decisions and conclusions seem very abrupt. Still, there's much to love about Boy 21, especially the relationships between Finley, his dad and Pops and Finley and Russ. Like Sorta Like a Rock Star, the ending is a little too convenient to seem wholly realistic but by the time you get there you are so won over by the protagonists that you are willing to forgive just about anything to believe good things can happen for them.
You might not know this about me but I'm a huge basketball fan. Obviously I loved reading such a well done basketball book. It's fitting though that I finished this book the same night I watched my favorite team get eliminated in the NBA playoffs. But instead of being bummed, thanks to Matthew Quick, maybe tonight I'll go out on my porch, look at the stars and think about things bigger than basketball.
Rating: 3.5 stars with an inclination to round up.
This review originally appeared on Young Adult Anonymous.
"Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team." --Scottie Pippen
"No matter how good one player is defensively, he's only as good as his help defense." (source)
And that is exactly what Boy21 is about---except Matthew Quick isn't talking about basketball. He's talking about life. Sure, basketball brings Finley and Russ together and at different times and in different ways it acts as a savior for both boys. But as all consuming and amazing and beautiful as it can be, both Finley and Russ are forced to experience how tragedy can make anything insignificant--even your heretofore reason for living. Sometimes it doesn't matter how much you love something. Real life has a way of changing your priorities and when it does, it's the team you have around you that counts.
All of Matthew Quick's trademarks are here: rough neighborhood, sad histories, finding (non-romantic) love in a hopeless place, unconventional friendships and support systems, a tragic event, and behind it all a hope so earnest it's almost hard to endure.
There's a shift in direction between the first and second half and I think the book suffers from some confusion with the focus of the second half. Some decisions and conclusions seem very abrupt. Still, there's much to love about Boy 21, especially the relationships between Finley, his dad and Pops and Finley and Russ. Like Sorta Like a Rock Star, the ending is a little too convenient to seem wholly realistic but by the time you get there you are so won over by the protagonists that you are willing to forgive just about anything to believe good things can happen for them.
You might not know this about me but I'm a huge basketball fan. Obviously I loved reading such a well done basketball book. It's fitting though that I finished this book the same night I watched my favorite team get eliminated in the NBA playoffs. But instead of being bummed, thanks to Matthew Quick, maybe tonight I'll go out on my porch, look at the stars and think about things bigger than basketball.
Rating: 3.5 stars with an inclination to round up.
This review originally appeared on Young Adult Anonymous.
September 27, 2011
I think I have some sort of crying disorder. Seriously. The characters in this book have their tragedies and vulnerable emotional moments, both big and small, and it's all very authentic, but c'mon.
Next thing I know, I will be crying at heartwarming television commercials.
Oh wait, that's already happened. I need to read something funny, like NOW.
Real review later. This will be a good one for reluctant teen readers who want something both unusual and serious that doesn't talk down to them.
[I edited this a little just now, because I decided I'm not sure about describing the ending in such harsh terms. It's a good ending for the story, but maybe one that I didn't quite believe would happen. I'll have to think about it.]
Next thing I know, I will be crying at heartwarming television commercials.
Oh wait, that's already happened. I need to read something funny, like NOW.
Real review later. This will be a good one for reluctant teen readers who want something both unusual and serious that doesn't talk down to them.
[I edited this a little just now, because I decided I'm not sure about describing the ending in such harsh terms. It's a good ending for the story, but maybe one that I didn't quite believe would happen. I'll have to think about it.]
April 1, 2015
Rating: 5 Stars
My Opinion Of This Book: Absolutely stunning book!
______________________________________________
I wasn't really expecting much from this book since the blurb sounded pretty strange, but my goodness did this book blow my mind! Everything about this book was fabulous.
THE GOOD.
● Finley: Finley is our main character. Instantly, there was this connected - and when I say 'instantly', I mean from like chapter 1. I honestly feel like me and Finley are one and the same (except I'm a girl, obviously). At school and everywhere I go, I am the kid who never talks and everyone just finds the things I like and don't like to be strange. And it just felt so good finally having someone who understood me. Let me tell you, Finley just grew more and more throughout this book.
"That's not the same thing. I didn't lie to people. It was hard for me to talk - too hard."
● Russ: Again, Russ and I had a lot in common - another character that I clicked with immediately. I really really loved his character.
"Maybe so. And it was hard for me to be an Earthling too. "
● The Writing: The writing was drop dead gorgeous. It was touching, yet so simple and easy. This was such an easy read that will touch you in some way. I know I learned so much.
"Whenever I think the world is ugly - that life has no meaning at all - I remind myself that this is here, always waiting for me," Russ says. "I can always look up at the cosmos and marvel, no matter what happens. And when I look up at it, I feel as though my problems are small. I don't know why, but it always make me feel better."
OVERALL.
This is a new one to be added to my all time favorites! It's just so heartfelt, and focuses on being different. I feel like this is one everyone should read.
My Opinion Of This Book: Absolutely stunning book!
______________________________________________
I wasn't really expecting much from this book since the blurb sounded pretty strange, but my goodness did this book blow my mind! Everything about this book was fabulous.
THE GOOD.
● Finley: Finley is our main character. Instantly, there was this connected - and when I say 'instantly', I mean from like chapter 1. I honestly feel like me and Finley are one and the same (except I'm a girl, obviously). At school and everywhere I go, I am the kid who never talks and everyone just finds the things I like and don't like to be strange. And it just felt so good finally having someone who understood me. Let me tell you, Finley just grew more and more throughout this book.
"That's not the same thing. I didn't lie to people. It was hard for me to talk - too hard."
● Russ: Again, Russ and I had a lot in common - another character that I clicked with immediately. I really really loved his character.
"Maybe so. And it was hard for me to be an Earthling too. "
● The Writing: The writing was drop dead gorgeous. It was touching, yet so simple and easy. This was such an easy read that will touch you in some way. I know I learned so much.
"Whenever I think the world is ugly - that life has no meaning at all - I remind myself that this is here, always waiting for me," Russ says. "I can always look up at the cosmos and marvel, no matter what happens. And when I look up at it, I feel as though my problems are small. I don't know why, but it always make me feel better."
OVERALL.
This is a new one to be added to my all time favorites! It's just so heartfelt, and focuses on being different. I feel like this is one everyone should read.
May 10, 2013
This review said EVERYTHING I wanted to say.
While I mostly thought it was a good concept of friendship, as well as personal conflict of love and basketball, alas, I was disappointed to feel that the conflict (and the idea) never really fully developed. The friendship was overshadowed. I never really got to see Finley and Russ connecting over basketball. Plus the Irish mob plot was a bit too much for me to completely enjoyed this book. Too many things at once. I am sure I will be happier if the story focuses down on the friendship.
The ending was also major let down for me ... .
So my 3-stars rating is because it was an okay read. I liked the part where Finley and Russ connected -- and Russ taking a persona as Boy21 was intriguing. That contributes to the rating.
While I mostly thought it was a good concept of friendship, as well as personal conflict of love and basketball, alas, I was disappointed to feel that the conflict (and the idea) never really fully developed. The friendship was overshadowed. I never really got to see Finley and Russ connecting over basketball. Plus the Irish mob plot was a bit too much for me to completely enjoyed this book. Too many things at once. I am sure I will be happier if the story focuses down on the friendship.
The ending was also major let down for me ... .
So my 3-stars rating is because it was an okay read. I liked the part where Finley and Russ connected -- and Russ taking a persona as Boy21 was intriguing. That contributes to the rating.
August 24, 2020
1.75 ✰
The main plot was nice, but the end felt really random. It was a whole different story and didn't make any sence.
The main plot was nice, but the end felt really random. It was a whole different story and didn't make any sence.
May 30, 2015
**I just finished reading this again as a read aloud. I love this book. 10/17/12**
Review originally posted at Y.A. Love
Plain and simple, Boy21 is a GREAT book. I was on the search for a quality read aloud for my freshmen English classes, so I picked up Boy21 on a whim. I wanted to read it anyway, but I kept thinking about my 3rd hour freshmen class that’s primarily boys who don’t enjoy reading. Boy21 seemed like the perfect fit for them, so I went with my hunch and started reading it. As soon as I read the first couple chapters I knew I made the right decision.
Finley’s voice really stands out on the page, which is ironic considering he doesn’t like to talk much. He actually reminds me a little bit of Lucky Linderman from Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King. Both Lucky and Finley have a sort of innocence about them. They both have trouble speaking up for themselves, and they also want what’s best for those around them. Just like Lucky, Finley is an admirable character.
One of the reasons I like Finley is because he’s so loyal to his friends, coach, and family. When his coach approaches him about helping Boy21 (Russ), Finley doesn’t hesitate to offer his help. He trusts his coach, so even though he worries that Russ could take his starting position on the basketball team, he still tries to make friends with Russ. Russ has an obsession with space and refers to himself as Boy21, but he and Finley pair up well. They’re both amazing basketball players, even though Russ doesn’t show this right away, and they both deal with unfair treatment. They’re both treated poorly for different reasons, much of which is based on race and rivalry, but it still serves as a bond. After a startling and tragic turn of events, Finley really grows as a character. His loyalties are tested and he begins to doubt what’s truly important in his life. He begins to question his life, where it’s going–if anywhere–and what really happened years ago that caused him to be such a quiet, good kid. I love being able to witness this kind of characterization, which is one of the biggest reasons I enjoyed Matthew Quick’s novel so much.
Boy21 by Matthew Quick is a novel that appeals to a variety of readers. My basketball players and sports fiction fans will enjoy the basketball scenes and references in Boy21. My fans of great contemporary realistic fiction will recognize what a superb example this is of that genre. Readers will connect with Finley, Erin, and Russ. They’ll feel the tension and suspense, they’ll laugh out loud, and they might even cry (I did).
Review originally posted at Y.A. Love
Plain and simple, Boy21 is a GREAT book. I was on the search for a quality read aloud for my freshmen English classes, so I picked up Boy21 on a whim. I wanted to read it anyway, but I kept thinking about my 3rd hour freshmen class that’s primarily boys who don’t enjoy reading. Boy21 seemed like the perfect fit for them, so I went with my hunch and started reading it. As soon as I read the first couple chapters I knew I made the right decision.
Finley’s voice really stands out on the page, which is ironic considering he doesn’t like to talk much. He actually reminds me a little bit of Lucky Linderman from Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King. Both Lucky and Finley have a sort of innocence about them. They both have trouble speaking up for themselves, and they also want what’s best for those around them. Just like Lucky, Finley is an admirable character.
One of the reasons I like Finley is because he’s so loyal to his friends, coach, and family. When his coach approaches him about helping Boy21 (Russ), Finley doesn’t hesitate to offer his help. He trusts his coach, so even though he worries that Russ could take his starting position on the basketball team, he still tries to make friends with Russ. Russ has an obsession with space and refers to himself as Boy21, but he and Finley pair up well. They’re both amazing basketball players, even though Russ doesn’t show this right away, and they both deal with unfair treatment. They’re both treated poorly for different reasons, much of which is based on race and rivalry, but it still serves as a bond. After a startling and tragic turn of events, Finley really grows as a character. His loyalties are tested and he begins to doubt what’s truly important in his life. He begins to question his life, where it’s going–if anywhere–and what really happened years ago that caused him to be such a quiet, good kid. I love being able to witness this kind of characterization, which is one of the biggest reasons I enjoyed Matthew Quick’s novel so much.
Boy21 by Matthew Quick is a novel that appeals to a variety of readers. My basketball players and sports fiction fans will enjoy the basketball scenes and references in Boy21. My fans of great contemporary realistic fiction will recognize what a superb example this is of that genre. Readers will connect with Finley, Erin, and Russ. They’ll feel the tension and suspense, they’ll laugh out loud, and they might even cry (I did).
May 18, 2017
Wat een ontroerend en heftig boek. Zo niet verwacht! Snel een recensie.
March 2, 2013
(2/1/13) My school’s book club chose this book because the author is coming to be a speaker at the annual writing conference. It was chosen I guess so we can ask him questions about it at the conference. I also have to write a small review for the school newspaper so I’m not quite sure how I’m going to do that…
Here’s the thing. I don’t like basketball. I don’t like playing it, watching it; I think it’s pretty boring. But it is a huge deal at my school. The basketball team is doing really well (so I hear) and I think the coach just got his 700th or 800th win. So everyone at my school loves the basketball team, it is one of the more popular sports there.
I did not like this book. Even though the author has gotten praise for his book which had been turned into a movie, I don’t think this is a great book. The writing seemed very amateur and boring at times. It often felt like reading something I had written. There was even a scene in which Erin left to join the Witness Protection program or something and Finley is like:
OMG where is she?
Why did she leave me?
Does she hate me? I hate myself too.
Why would she leave me, what did I do wrong?
I hate her, no I don’t.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Yes, that actually happened.
The main character, Finley, is a teenager living somewhere in Pennsylvania. Despite the fact that it is a town “run by the Irish mob”, he is one of the only white people at his school. Basketball is his only escape from his awful life. That and his girlfriend, Erin, who is “hot in an athletic way”. But his position is challenged when a new kid comes that is amazing at basketball.
Another character I didn’t like. His name is Russ but for half of the book he goes by “Boy21”, and pretends he is an alien. That whole part was so incredibly stupid and I hated reading about him. Also, the book is called Boy21 but it really isn’t about him.
Perhaps it is because I haven’t had luck with the book club selections this year or maybe because lately I’ve been becoming pickier with how I judge books. But I did not enjoy this book. The best I can say about it is that it is a very quick read. I read it in one afternoon in only a few hours.
*I know this isn’t a great review, and it’s kind of sloppy but I am just expressing my annoyance at not liking this book. I feel bad because I don’t know what I’m going to say if I meet him next month.
Update (3/2/13)
So, he came to my school and although I didn't get to talk to him, I thought his speech was very interesting. He had a lot of good things to say about the writing industry as well as his love for writing. One thing he mentioned was not to trash people's work online, and I don't think I did (I think I wrote a fair review of why I didn't particularly like this book, plus, even if I don't like books I generally try to write fair but honest reviews), but I decided to edit this review a bit to make sure it isn't offensive. And after his speech, I decided I probably will read Silver Linings Playbook, but after the hype dies down because, you know, my inner hipster and all.
Here’s the thing. I don’t like basketball. I don’t like playing it, watching it; I think it’s pretty boring. But it is a huge deal at my school. The basketball team is doing really well (so I hear) and I think the coach just got his 700th or 800th win. So everyone at my school loves the basketball team, it is one of the more popular sports there.
I did not like this book. Even though the author has gotten praise for his book which had been turned into a movie, I don’t think this is a great book. The writing seemed very amateur and boring at times. It often felt like reading something I had written. There was even a scene in which Erin left to join the Witness Protection program or something and Finley is like:
OMG where is she?
Why did she leave me?
Does she hate me? I hate myself too.
Why would she leave me, what did I do wrong?
I hate her, no I don’t.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Erin.
Yes, that actually happened.
The main character, Finley, is a teenager living somewhere in Pennsylvania. Despite the fact that it is a town “run by the Irish mob”, he is one of the only white people at his school. Basketball is his only escape from his awful life. That and his girlfriend, Erin, who is “hot in an athletic way”. But his position is challenged when a new kid comes that is amazing at basketball.
Another character I didn’t like. His name is Russ but for half of the book he goes by “Boy21”, and pretends he is an alien. That whole part was so incredibly stupid and I hated reading about him. Also, the book is called Boy21 but it really isn’t about him.
Perhaps it is because I haven’t had luck with the book club selections this year or maybe because lately I’ve been becoming pickier with how I judge books. But I did not enjoy this book. The best I can say about it is that it is a very quick read. I read it in one afternoon in only a few hours.
*I know this isn’t a great review, and it’s kind of sloppy but I am just expressing my annoyance at not liking this book. I feel bad because I don’t know what I’m going to say if I meet him next month.
Update (3/2/13)
So, he came to my school and although I didn't get to talk to him, I thought his speech was very interesting. He had a lot of good things to say about the writing industry as well as his love for writing. One thing he mentioned was not to trash people's work online, and I don't think I did (I think I wrote a fair review of why I didn't particularly like this book, plus, even if I don't like books I generally try to write fair but honest reviews), but I decided to edit this review a bit to make sure it isn't offensive. And after his speech, I decided I probably will read Silver Linings Playbook, but after the hype dies down because, you know, my inner hipster and all.
January 24, 2016
Honestly the only reason why I picked up another Matthew Quick novel was because of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock.
It was one of my favourites back in 2015 and the brilliance of that book made me pick up another book by the same author. Thankfully I was not disappointed. I mean yeah this novel isn't as amazing as the other but still, it was good.
Boy21 follows Finely, an 18 year old boy who plays basketball and his jersey number is 21. He has a girlfriend named Erin who also plays basketball and they basically train almost everyday without fail and also make out without fail. The romance was appropriate.
Finely gets assigned by his coach to encourage this boy who goes by the name of Boy21 to play basketball for his school team and that's what Finely does. In the end, FInely loses his spot on the team having Boy21 take his spot.
I was not able to get into this book at the beginning. The plot felt disorienting at the start but with the introduction of Boy21, it all made sense. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendship between the 3 of them.
The whole premise of this story was set up in a neighbourhood that were mainly comprising of blacks. Finely was the only white in his school. There were a lot of gang activities in his neighbourhood. Finely and Erin just dreamed of escaping from their town and were depending on basketball scholarships to help them out of their sad lives.
The last segment of the book was the part that stood out. It was horrific but it hooked me right in. I was drawn in. I mean I have never gone through much hardships but with Finely having to go through such hell and even with Erin having her dreams ripped out of her soul, it was going to be okay in the end.
The ending was beautiful. The Harry Potter references were funny and that was his ticket to Hogwarts.
It was one of my favourites back in 2015 and the brilliance of that book made me pick up another book by the same author. Thankfully I was not disappointed. I mean yeah this novel isn't as amazing as the other but still, it was good.
Boy21 follows Finely, an 18 year old boy who plays basketball and his jersey number is 21. He has a girlfriend named Erin who also plays basketball and they basically train almost everyday without fail and also make out without fail. The romance was appropriate.
Finely gets assigned by his coach to encourage this boy who goes by the name of Boy21 to play basketball for his school team and that's what Finely does. In the end, FInely loses his spot on the team having Boy21 take his spot.
I was not able to get into this book at the beginning. The plot felt disorienting at the start but with the introduction of Boy21, it all made sense. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendship between the 3 of them.
The whole premise of this story was set up in a neighbourhood that were mainly comprising of blacks. Finely was the only white in his school. There were a lot of gang activities in his neighbourhood. Finely and Erin just dreamed of escaping from their town and were depending on basketball scholarships to help them out of their sad lives.
The last segment of the book was the part that stood out. It was horrific but it hooked me right in. I was drawn in. I mean I have never gone through much hardships but with Finely having to go through such hell and even with Erin having her dreams ripped out of her soul, it was going to be okay in the end.
The ending was beautiful. The Harry Potter references were funny and that was his ticket to Hogwarts.
January 12, 2014
Ella Fitzgerald-I'm beginning to see the light
WOW! This book was not what I expected it to be at all. I didn't expect to sympathize or connect to this book, because I felt like it would be JUST about basketball (Sport ,in general, are not my forte). Boy, was I wrong. This book has probably been the book I've connected to the most.
Why is it that some people are born into fantastic situations and others wait their whole lives for a break?
Friends and characters like Finley rarely exist in real life. Those that prefer to stay quiet ["Silence has always been my default mode-my best defense against the rest of the world."] and don't judge you. Just accept you for who you are. As humans, we all tend to judge things as our 5 senses go to work. It's often times not intentional, but most times it is. Our judgments often times blind us.
So many people suck the life out of everyone they're around, but you don't do that. You give people strength just by being you.
When Finley first met Boy21, Finley thought he was weird. As much as I try not to judge people when I first meet them, I would have probably thought the same thing. Especially when I'm called "Earthling" and notice that your face is completely serious. The magic was that Finley didn't say anything about it like, "You are soo weird...what a FREAK!" and he actually went along by sitting in the dark with Boy21 and starring up at the stars. He's intentions were not bad. And he actually cared and worried for Boy21 without knowing much about him. This was the beginning of their very briefly explored, but beautiful friendship.
You ever feel like you're not the person on the outside that you are on the inside?
Part of the reasons why I feel in love with Finley so fast was because I was judged a lot when I was younger. Most of the friends I have now thought I was something completely opposite and not good than what I actually am before they met me. A particular girl, whom I'm not close friends with to this day, abhorred me to such a degree without even knowing me. When she finally had a class with me and was given an opportunity to see who I really was, she still wasn't able to see me for who I was, because of her strong judgment. Because of the judgement I received, I try to be more like Finley to this day. To not judge, because I'm truly in no position to do so and to get to know the person before I make wrong perceptions of them. It's harder than it sounds...
I'm tired of seeing graffiti every day. I'm tired of drug dealers. I'm tired of people pretending that they don't see what's going on in the neighborhood. I'm tired of good people getting hurt. I'm tired of basketball. I'm tired of doing nice things for people and being punished for it. I just want to get out of here. I just want to escape.
I don't live in the shadiest part of town, but I don't live in the best part of town either. I partly understood what Finley felt, living in Bellmont. Wanting to be something more than what surrounds you, but then feeling like your surroundings are your inevitable future draining away your hopes of ever being anything more, because you live on this side of town. That's why he depended so much on Erin's scholarship. Thinking why the world is unfair in making some rich and others poor. And having your surrounding be a reminder of your misfortune...and something else.
The days pass very slowly and super fast at the same time. Do you know what I mean? Maybe it's like a dream where time takes on a new sort of meaning.
I loved Finley's way of thinking. The observations. The ideas. So mature. Unique. The thought that he no longer looked for the roll, because he believed that if he didn't find the Irish Life Saver, he's last memory of would be fake. Finley is a character I can say with all certainty will not be forgotten.
Finley: That's just a story.
Boy21: So are we-we're stories too
The only thing "wrong" with the book was that it was sort of all over the place. The summary and the title seem to argue that the story will be all about the friendship between Finley and Boy21, and part of it is, but not enough. Once the "accident" occurs, (I will not go into specifics, because then I would have to mark it as a spoiler) the theme shifts completely to dealing with the accident and the people behind it, which reminds Finley of that thing that should not be talked about. Funny how the book alluded to and directly mentioned "Harry Potter." That last sentence reminded me of "He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named." Additionally, I don't know if this is me, but the last chapter of the book completely changed atmosphere. It felt like an action thriller Taken style. The end, though not giving complete closure, was satisfactory, but the pages before the end consisting of the same chapter were very different. Nonetheless, Finley and the heartfelt moments overshadow this error and I recommend Boy21 to everyone.
I remember wondering how many other things I didn't know about my parents. You only get to know so much.
Finley: I just got a ticket to Hogwarts. Might be taking a train ride to a magical place that's much better than here. Don't tell any Muggles, okay? But I want you to know I'll be alright.
WOW! This book was not what I expected it to be at all. I didn't expect to sympathize or connect to this book, because I felt like it would be JUST about basketball (Sport ,in general, are not my forte). Boy, was I wrong. This book has probably been the book I've connected to the most.
Why is it that some people are born into fantastic situations and others wait their whole lives for a break?
Friends and characters like Finley rarely exist in real life. Those that prefer to stay quiet ["Silence has always been my default mode-my best defense against the rest of the world."] and don't judge you. Just accept you for who you are. As humans, we all tend to judge things as our 5 senses go to work. It's often times not intentional, but most times it is. Our judgments often times blind us.
So many people suck the life out of everyone they're around, but you don't do that. You give people strength just by being you.
When Finley first met Boy21, Finley thought he was weird. As much as I try not to judge people when I first meet them, I would have probably thought the same thing. Especially when I'm called "Earthling" and notice that your face is completely serious. The magic was that Finley didn't say anything about it like, "You are soo weird...what a FREAK!" and he actually went along by sitting in the dark with Boy21 and starring up at the stars. He's intentions were not bad. And he actually cared and worried for Boy21 without knowing much about him. This was the beginning of their very briefly explored, but beautiful friendship.
You ever feel like you're not the person on the outside that you are on the inside?
Part of the reasons why I feel in love with Finley so fast was because I was judged a lot when I was younger. Most of the friends I have now thought I was something completely opposite and not good than what I actually am before they met me. A particular girl, whom I'm not close friends with to this day, abhorred me to such a degree without even knowing me. When she finally had a class with me and was given an opportunity to see who I really was, she still wasn't able to see me for who I was, because of her strong judgment. Because of the judgement I received, I try to be more like Finley to this day. To not judge, because I'm truly in no position to do so and to get to know the person before I make wrong perceptions of them. It's harder than it sounds...
I'm tired of seeing graffiti every day. I'm tired of drug dealers. I'm tired of people pretending that they don't see what's going on in the neighborhood. I'm tired of good people getting hurt. I'm tired of basketball. I'm tired of doing nice things for people and being punished for it. I just want to get out of here. I just want to escape.
I don't live in the shadiest part of town, but I don't live in the best part of town either. I partly understood what Finley felt, living in Bellmont. Wanting to be something more than what surrounds you, but then feeling like your surroundings are your inevitable future draining away your hopes of ever being anything more, because you live on this side of town. That's why he depended so much on Erin's scholarship. Thinking why the world is unfair in making some rich and others poor. And having your surrounding be a reminder of your misfortune...and something else.
The days pass very slowly and super fast at the same time. Do you know what I mean? Maybe it's like a dream where time takes on a new sort of meaning.
I loved Finley's way of thinking. The observations. The ideas. So mature. Unique. The thought that he no longer looked for the roll, because he believed that if he didn't find the Irish Life Saver, he's last memory of would be fake. Finley is a character I can say with all certainty will not be forgotten.
Finley: That's just a story.
Boy21: So are we-we're stories too
The only thing "wrong" with the book was that it was sort of all over the place. The summary and the title seem to argue that the story will be all about the friendship between Finley and Boy21, and part of it is, but not enough. Once the "accident" occurs, (I will not go into specifics, because then I would have to mark it as a spoiler) the theme shifts completely to dealing with the accident and the people behind it, which reminds Finley of that thing that should not be talked about. Funny how the book alluded to and directly mentioned "Harry Potter." That last sentence reminded me of "He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named." Additionally, I don't know if this is me, but the last chapter of the book completely changed atmosphere. It felt like an action thriller Taken style. The end, though not giving complete closure, was satisfactory, but the pages before the end consisting of the same chapter were very different. Nonetheless, Finley and the heartfelt moments overshadow this error and I recommend Boy21 to everyone.
I remember wondering how many other things I didn't know about my parents. You only get to know so much.
Finley: I just got a ticket to Hogwarts. Might be taking a train ride to a magical place that's much better than here. Don't tell any Muggles, okay? But I want you to know I'll be alright.
February 15, 2016
The book has been very thorough, its extremely detailed and only because of Matthew Quick's craft. I absolutely love it! He manages to make one verb/noun/adjective a real stand out in that particular moment, and I love that because its quick(no pun intended), filled with thought and deep with emotion. Another thing I also loved is that I could really relate to this book, since i indeed do play basketball and know all about the game. It really gave me an arousing feeling and made the book a whole different story, in a sense that if they were to slot in a sneaky basketball joke, I would get it, if they were to do something crazily intensive and it didn't seem intense, I would know that it was. One thing that I really really really liked was the different angles and times I could read this book in ; Pre season and During Season or Finley's perspective or Erin's. That ultimately made the book really distinctive to others, usually in a average book, you would have the main character blabber off, showing their thoughts and everything, while this book (boy 21), even though Finely did get the spotlight a lot, Erin's thoughts were stated, for quite a while actually which brought the book to another whole level. Read this book twice already :)
June 10, 2024
Finally, a young adult book that isn’t solely focused on romantic relationships! Boy21 is a story that showcases the beauty of strong friendships, the complexity of dealing with trauma, and how to prioritize things that actually matter in life.
It’s a very different book than I expected, and I loved it. My students read this in small groups (actually WANTED to read it, too!), which led to some really cool, authentic conversations about their own lives. I recommend for anyone wanting a quick read!
It’s a very different book than I expected, and I loved it. My students read this in small groups (actually WANTED to read it, too!), which led to some really cool, authentic conversations about their own lives. I recommend for anyone wanting a quick read!
August 14, 2020
Okay, so I think this is my second book by this author? I'm honestly not sure because I'm way too lazy to look it up. Either way, I enjoyed Boy 21. It was like each page and chapter just became even more interesting and weird at the same time.
Everything about Boy 21, aka Russ, intrigued me. He moves to a new town and school district where he ends up meeting Finley. They both play basketball together and have a pretty unique friendship. Even though it started off on the wrong foot, meaning their basketball coach kind of forced Finley to do so, they actually ended up getting pretty close to one another. They shared absolutely everything - even the weird stuff.
Then there's the third amigo to their group, Erin. I loved her to death and I felt so bad for her after the accident. Not going to lie, a couple of sketchy things happened in this book and I was suspecting some people for doing so. In the end, it kind of kept me on the edge of my seat and I wish the ending was a bit different.
Everything about Boy 21, aka Russ, intrigued me. He moves to a new town and school district where he ends up meeting Finley. They both play basketball together and have a pretty unique friendship. Even though it started off on the wrong foot, meaning their basketball coach kind of forced Finley to do so, they actually ended up getting pretty close to one another. They shared absolutely everything - even the weird stuff.
Then there's the third amigo to their group, Erin. I loved her to death and I felt so bad for her after the accident. Not going to lie, a couple of sketchy things happened in this book and I was suspecting some people for doing so. In the end, it kind of kept me on the edge of my seat and I wish the ending was a bit different.
May 18, 2017
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
I have no idea what happened to this book.
This book started off so incredibly. I loved the characters and their stories and complicated histories. But around the 60% point it started to move in a weird direction and the plots that had been built in the first half were wrapped up in sentence and cast aside. And the ending? It was so unrealistic and a tad ridiculous.
This novel had so much potential and it crashed in the second half. And that makes me really sad, because I've loved the other two Matthew Quick books I've read. It was very disappointing.
Also, I thought the characters were fifteen the whole time--and they sound fifteen--but then they were graduating high school. So definitely I missed something.
I have no idea what happened to this book.
This book started off so incredibly. I loved the characters and their stories and complicated histories. But around the 60% point it started to move in a weird direction and the plots that had been built in the first half were wrapped up in sentence and cast aside. And the ending? It was so unrealistic and a tad ridiculous.
This novel had so much potential and it crashed in the second half. And that makes me really sad, because I've loved the other two Matthew Quick books I've read. It was very disappointing.
Also, I thought the characters were fifteen the whole time--and they sound fifteen--but then they were graduating high school. So definitely I missed something.
July 31, 2014
It's really hard to write something that intense about this story as the story itself - it's sad but yet full of hope, full of belief that a better life is possible, that miracles might really happen. Maybe not as spectacular as in the movies or books, however little miracles of everyday life, something to be really thankful for. Simply beautiful.
December 22, 2018
Kitap kesinlikle güzeldi. Dilinin ve konusunun akıcı olmasından dolayı kitap gayet rahat okunuyor nasıl bittiğini bile anlamadım. Tek sorun final sanki oldu bittiye getirilmiş. Ben finalde daha fazla ayrıntı isterdim. Onun dışında kesinlikle çok güzeldi
November 29, 2016
My first Quick book, and it turned out far differently than I thought it would. The main character is Finley, Irish, a Philadelphia high school senior, rough neighborhood, who lives with his Dad and (legless) Grandpa. Who knows where Mom went. Finley doesn't really talk a lot, but he plays basketball and has a girlfriend he likes to make out with constantly. He's the one white kid on his black bball team.
One day his (black) coach asks (white) Finley to help him successfully help welcome a new kid Russ, who is relocating from the west to the east coast, a much sought after point guard whose parents have been murdered. He was the only black kid on an all white team. He also has a 4.0 gpa and has been hospitalized for some kind of depression/breakdown. He wants to be called Boy 21 and says he will be taken into space by his parents by October. He speaks in some kind of quasi-alien cadence. He seems a little nuts, okay, but maybe you would be, too if your parents were murdered.
Finley befriends Russ at the expense of his starting position on the ball team, which helps Russ a lot, ultimately, he doesn't need that space identity anymore, he is ready to talk about his bad stuff, but Finley goes down hill fast, he's helped the coach and Russ but Finley is on the bench, his coach isn't appreciative, and then (something) happens to Erin and suddenly the book is about something (to me) completely unexpected.
How unexpected? Well, let me just say that Russ is not the only relocation project in this book. Part of it involves an explanation of why it is Finley's mother is gone, why Grandpa is legless, and so on. Something to do the Irish mob, and silence, necessary or not. It's seen by some as a book about basketball, and Quick talks bball well enough, but it is not about basketball, not really. Themes of violence and silence and voice are central, and that part works pretty well for me. This idea of relocation for mental health/new starts seems important to this story, though I am not sure what to make of it, exactly. It's maybe just a key issue with the plot, makes an issue of growing up into a kind of thriller. Family violence is central to Finley and Russ to their relationship, and finally talking.
There is an undercurrent of racial issues to my view not adequately addressed, and there's some Harry Potter story stuff--a Potter reading group, reading about a boy who lost HIS parents who has access to magic--that is not very well developed, but is a talking point. The space theme is always present throughout and not entirely convincing or evocative to me, but it is like Harry Potter, yes, a way to escape from terrible things. The whole Boy 21 space cadet stuff wasn't entirely convincing to me, though, and his shift to suddenly articulate and suddenly okay because of basketball happens too quickly and not quite convincingly to me. But I do like Finley, and the book seems to rise above predictable YA when that something happens to Erin I won't tell you about. That it surprised me made me like it better, a little. I think it's good, but I had issues with it, too.
One day his (black) coach asks (white) Finley to help him successfully help welcome a new kid Russ, who is relocating from the west to the east coast, a much sought after point guard whose parents have been murdered. He was the only black kid on an all white team. He also has a 4.0 gpa and has been hospitalized for some kind of depression/breakdown. He wants to be called Boy 21 and says he will be taken into space by his parents by October. He speaks in some kind of quasi-alien cadence. He seems a little nuts, okay, but maybe you would be, too if your parents were murdered.
Finley befriends Russ at the expense of his starting position on the ball team, which helps Russ a lot, ultimately, he doesn't need that space identity anymore, he is ready to talk about his bad stuff, but Finley goes down hill fast, he's helped the coach and Russ but Finley is on the bench, his coach isn't appreciative, and then (something) happens to Erin and suddenly the book is about something (to me) completely unexpected.
How unexpected? Well, let me just say that Russ is not the only relocation project in this book. Part of it involves an explanation of why it is Finley's mother is gone, why Grandpa is legless, and so on. Something to do the Irish mob, and silence, necessary or not. It's seen by some as a book about basketball, and Quick talks bball well enough, but it is not about basketball, not really. Themes of violence and silence and voice are central, and that part works pretty well for me. This idea of relocation for mental health/new starts seems important to this story, though I am not sure what to make of it, exactly. It's maybe just a key issue with the plot, makes an issue of growing up into a kind of thriller. Family violence is central to Finley and Russ to their relationship, and finally talking.
There is an undercurrent of racial issues to my view not adequately addressed, and there's some Harry Potter story stuff--a Potter reading group, reading about a boy who lost HIS parents who has access to magic--that is not very well developed, but is a talking point. The space theme is always present throughout and not entirely convincing or evocative to me, but it is like Harry Potter, yes, a way to escape from terrible things. The whole Boy 21 space cadet stuff wasn't entirely convincing to me, though, and his shift to suddenly articulate and suddenly okay because of basketball happens too quickly and not quite convincingly to me. But I do like Finley, and the book seems to rise above predictable YA when that something happens to Erin I won't tell you about. That it surprised me made me like it better, a little. I think it's good, but I had issues with it, too.
August 22, 2011
Wow. Oh. Wow.
I did not know what to expect from this book. The cover didn't really appeal to me, but the gal at the Little Brown booth at IRA 2011 told me I HAD TO read it.
Wow. Oh. Wow.
She was right. This is a gorgeous book. A strange, wonderful, heartbreaking book. I read this in less than a day, I couldn't put it down. Once you start reading about Finley, and Erin, and Russ (who might be from space) you will not be able to stop.
This book comes out in March 2012, according to the back of the Advanced Copy, and I urge you to get a copy as soon as you possibly can.
I did not know what to expect from this book. The cover didn't really appeal to me, but the gal at the Little Brown booth at IRA 2011 told me I HAD TO read it.
Wow. Oh. Wow.
She was right. This is a gorgeous book. A strange, wonderful, heartbreaking book. I read this in less than a day, I couldn't put it down. Once you start reading about Finley, and Erin, and Russ (who might be from space) you will not be able to stop.
This book comes out in March 2012, according to the back of the Advanced Copy, and I urge you to get a copy as soon as you possibly can.
June 18, 2018
4.3/5
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July 12, 2016
Um livro lindinho, emocionante e com lições super legais.
Adorei <3
Adorei <3
January 26, 2020
This book was unexpectedly sweet and endearing. I'm so used to YA protagonists being brash and clever and cheeky that it was refreshing to have a narrator who is...well, not very introspective, sort of quiet and reserved and simple. The downside is that Finley's averageness also makes him boring. He sees the world in very basic terms. So: not always the most riveting reading experience, but refreshing anyway.
It's a short book, but it still doesn't quite have enough ideas to fill its pages. There's about a hundred pages in the first half where you're like, 'Does Matthew Quick have more than one idea for this book? I think Matthew Quick only has one idea for the plot of this book.' Then the book finds its voice in the second half--there are at least two or three more plot ideas--and it becomes a very modest story about a sweet and unassuming friendship.
On the bright side, this book doesn't pretend to be any more than it is: a cute story about a decent, basic kid.
It's a short book, but it still doesn't quite have enough ideas to fill its pages. There's about a hundred pages in the first half where you're like, 'Does Matthew Quick have more than one idea for this book? I think Matthew Quick only has one idea for the plot of this book.' Then the book finds its voice in the second half--there are at least two or three more plot ideas--and it becomes a very modest story about a sweet and unassuming friendship.
On the bright side, this book doesn't pretend to be any more than it is: a cute story about a decent, basic kid.
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