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Bang
One shot ruined his life. Another one could end it.
Sebastian Cody did something horrible, something no one—not even Sebastian himself—can forgive. At the age of four, he accidentally shot and killed his infant sister with his father’s gun.
Now, ten years later, Sebastian has lived with the guilt and horror for his entire life. With his best friend away for the summer, Sebastian has only a new friend—Aneesa—to distract him from his darkest thoughts. But even this relationship cannot blunt the pain of his past. Because Sebastian knows exactly how to rectify his childhood crime and sanctify his past.
It took a gun to get him into this.
Now he needs a gun to get out.
Sebastian Cody did something horrible, something no one—not even Sebastian himself—can forgive. At the age of four, he accidentally shot and killed his infant sister with his father’s gun.
Now, ten years later, Sebastian has lived with the guilt and horror for his entire life. With his best friend away for the summer, Sebastian has only a new friend—Aneesa—to distract him from his darkest thoughts. But even this relationship cannot blunt the pain of his past. Because Sebastian knows exactly how to rectify his childhood crime and sanctify his past.
It took a gun to get him into this.
Now he needs a gun to get out.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2017
143 people are currently reading
4286 people want to read
About the author
Barry Lyga
71 books2,194 followersBarry Lyga is a recovering comic book geek. According to Kirkus, he's also a "YA rebel-author." Somehow, the two just don't seem to go together to him.
When he was a kid, everyone told him that comic books were garbage and would rot his brain, but he had the last laugh. Raised on a steady diet of comics, he worked in the comic book industry for ten years, but now writes full-time because, well, wouldn't you?
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl is his first novel. Unsoul'd is his latest. There are a whole bunch in between, featuring everything from the aftermath of child abuse to pre-teens with superpowers to serial killers. He clearly does not know how to stick to one subject.
When he was a kid, everyone told him that comic books were garbage and would rot his brain, but he had the last laugh. Raised on a steady diet of comics, he worked in the comic book industry for ten years, but now writes full-time because, well, wouldn't you?
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl is his first novel. Unsoul'd is his latest. There are a whole bunch in between, featuring everything from the aftermath of child abuse to pre-teens with superpowers to serial killers. He clearly does not know how to stick to one subject.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 673 reviews
May 2, 2017
This just didn't have the effect it should have on me. I didn't cry, I wasn't emotionally invested. I couldn't truly connect to the characters. I appreciated the diversity. The lessons throughout. I can even appreciate how important the subject matter is: gun violence, suicide, Islamophobia.
Sebastian as the narrator allows for a unique POV. He shot his four month old baby sister point blank with his father's gun when he was four years old. He doesn't remember doing it. It's ten years later and it's something Sebastian still lives with everyday. He has to grapple with the guilt and in ways does this by avoiding his mom so she doesn't have to deal with him in an attempt to hurt her less, not reminding her of what she lost. It is pretty heartbreaking. What I found interesting was the effect it still had on the way others treated/viewed him. Whether by talking behind his back, calling him a murderer, or staring at him. His best friend Evan's parents treat him as if he's a common criminal when he's in their house. And Sebastian is to the point where he just wants to end the pain.
Aneesa could not have shown up at a better time to distract Sebastian from himself. She just moved to town with her parents and really adds something positive to Sebastian's life. Aneesa doesn't know Sebastian's past. She is an intelligent, strong Muslim young woman with a vibrant personality. I liked Aneesa and Sebastian's friendship. Their YouTube videos making pizza had me craving all types of pizza. These are a fun addition. Don't read on an empty stomach!
Besides my lack of emotion while reading and the hard time I had connecting to the characters, the ending just didn't work for the story. It was missing something. It should have been powerful, really bringing home the lessons one should take from this. The book is a fairly quick read with some chapters only a sentence or two long. I think other readers will have a better time with Bang. It seems I'm in the minority.
Sebastian as the narrator allows for a unique POV. He shot his four month old baby sister point blank with his father's gun when he was four years old. He doesn't remember doing it. It's ten years later and it's something Sebastian still lives with everyday. He has to grapple with the guilt and in ways does this by avoiding his mom so she doesn't have to deal with him in an attempt to hurt her less, not reminding her of what she lost. It is pretty heartbreaking. What I found interesting was the effect it still had on the way others treated/viewed him. Whether by talking behind his back, calling him a murderer, or staring at him. His best friend Evan's parents treat him as if he's a common criminal when he's in their house. And Sebastian is to the point where he just wants to end the pain.
This is where.
This is where it will happen.
This is where I will do it.
When the time comes.
I’ve fired a gun once in my life.
I’ll do it again.
When the time comes.
Aneesa could not have shown up at a better time to distract Sebastian from himself. She just moved to town with her parents and really adds something positive to Sebastian's life. Aneesa doesn't know Sebastian's past. She is an intelligent, strong Muslim young woman with a vibrant personality. I liked Aneesa and Sebastian's friendship. Their YouTube videos making pizza had me craving all types of pizza. These are a fun addition. Don't read on an empty stomach!
Besides my lack of emotion while reading and the hard time I had connecting to the characters, the ending just didn't work for the story. It was missing something. It should have been powerful, really bringing home the lessons one should take from this. The book is a fairly quick read with some chapters only a sentence or two long. I think other readers will have a better time with Bang. It seems I'm in the minority.
May 6, 2017
Grabbed this off my shelf at like 11 p.m. one night recently when I couldn't sleep and finished it in one sitting. Sobbed through last 30 pages or so. So yeah...it got me.
April 14, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
What a powerful book this turned out to be! I am not someone who cries over books. I have done it before but it may happen only one time every couple of years. I almost couldn't figure out why the page was suddenly blurry but then I realized that my eyes were filled with tears which were making it hard to continue reading. This book melted my little heart of ice just a bit because it completely got to me. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this gem of a book.
This book isn't afraid to deal with tough issues. I am really surprised by how many important issues are tackled in this story and they are all done well. Gun safety, teen suicide, and prejudice all play a major role in this story. I have to admit that this book made me stop and think about how I would deal with these issues not only if I were in the character's place but also how I would react if as the adult in a teenager's life.
Sebastian has grown up shouldering an enormous amount of guilt. More guilt than any one person should have to deal with much less grow up with. Ten years ago when he was only four years old he shot and killed his baby sister. Imagine what he goes through every single day knowing what he did. People treat him differently because they know he is the kid that killed his sister. He sometimes just wants it all to stop.
I loved the characters in this book. They were so real to me as I read this story. Sebastian was pretty amazing. His range of emotions were wonderfully illustrated during the course of the story. His mother seemed to be having a difficult time dealing with day to day life much like Sebastian. They were able to function but neither seemed to be really able to deal with the past. Aneesha was a positive addition to Sebastian's life and her outlook on life was refreshing.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It is short but it packs a punch. The writing was absolutely excellent with wonderful pacing. I look forward to reading more from this talented author soon.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers via TheNovl.com.
Initial Thoughts
What a powerful little book! I almost never cry while reading but this book brought tears to my eyes. Very moving.
What a powerful book this turned out to be! I am not someone who cries over books. I have done it before but it may happen only one time every couple of years. I almost couldn't figure out why the page was suddenly blurry but then I realized that my eyes were filled with tears which were making it hard to continue reading. This book melted my little heart of ice just a bit because it completely got to me. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this gem of a book.
This book isn't afraid to deal with tough issues. I am really surprised by how many important issues are tackled in this story and they are all done well. Gun safety, teen suicide, and prejudice all play a major role in this story. I have to admit that this book made me stop and think about how I would deal with these issues not only if I were in the character's place but also how I would react if as the adult in a teenager's life.
Sebastian has grown up shouldering an enormous amount of guilt. More guilt than any one person should have to deal with much less grow up with. Ten years ago when he was only four years old he shot and killed his baby sister. Imagine what he goes through every single day knowing what he did. People treat him differently because they know he is the kid that killed his sister. He sometimes just wants it all to stop.
I loved the characters in this book. They were so real to me as I read this story. Sebastian was pretty amazing. His range of emotions were wonderfully illustrated during the course of the story. His mother seemed to be having a difficult time dealing with day to day life much like Sebastian. They were able to function but neither seemed to be really able to deal with the past. Aneesha was a positive addition to Sebastian's life and her outlook on life was refreshing.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It is short but it packs a punch. The writing was absolutely excellent with wonderful pacing. I look forward to reading more from this talented author soon.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers via TheNovl.com.
Initial Thoughts
What a powerful little book! I almost never cry while reading but this book brought tears to my eyes. Very moving.
February 7, 2017
Consider me very, very impressed with the way BANG was written, the issues it addressed, and the messages it delivered.
In a word: impressive
To be completely honest, I went into Barry Lyga's newest novel with pretty high expectations. I mean, seriously. Look at that synopsis. Look at who the author is. Need I say more?
And yet? BANG surprised me with its thoughtfulness, it's masterfully handled themes, it well-developed, three-dimensional characters.
Allow me to paint you a picture:: BANG, hearing the cheers of the crowd from the sidelines, ran confidently toward my expectations. It met them, crossed the finish line, heard the cheering intestify. But then, despite having finished the race, it proceeded to run several extra laps just to prove that it's that athletic, just to prove that my expectations are nothing compared to what it could actually do.
In short? It didn't just settle for the bare minimum. It pushed on. It persevered. And this impresses me very very much.
Let me start by talking about Sebastian. His character development is believable. His acknowledgment of the challenges he faces is relatable. The issues discussed here aren't light, but the Sebastian's viewpoint of everything, albeit negative, helped show the reader that there is a way out. And the question becomes: what will that way be?
Aneesa was a welcome surprise. She is the new girl in the neighborhood, a Muslim who wears a hijab, and Sebastian's friend. She is funny and sweet, and the type of friend anyone would want to have. And she's proud of both her origins and religion, despite everything going on around her.
Honestly? I don't see this very often in YA novels. Which is why I'd like to take a minute (a paragraph, rather) to (and in all seriousness) thank Barry Lyga for addressing issues like discrimination based on religion, dealing with tragic situations, and the power in strong families.
But now, though, some probably ask, But, that's great and all, Nina, but ifBangis as great as you say, then why did you knock a star off the rating?Even of that is not what you were particularly wondering, allow me to answer: Yes, yes, I'm aware of the missing star. It's just that the story progresses at such a fast pace that often it would.. lose me. The flashbacks are a bit too sudden and disjointed for my taste.
But, some readers like that. So it's all just so very subjective.
But other than that? I really really loved this one. Really. I can tell this'll be on my 2017 favorites list for sure.
Thank you, Hachette, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
In a word: impressive
To be completely honest, I went into Barry Lyga's newest novel with pretty high expectations. I mean, seriously. Look at that synopsis. Look at who the author is. Need I say more?
And yet? BANG surprised me with its thoughtfulness, it's masterfully handled themes, it well-developed, three-dimensional characters.
Allow me to paint you a picture:: BANG, hearing the cheers of the crowd from the sidelines, ran confidently toward my expectations. It met them, crossed the finish line, heard the cheering intestify. But then, despite having finished the race, it proceeded to run several extra laps just to prove that it's that athletic, just to prove that my expectations are nothing compared to what it could actually do.
In short? It didn't just settle for the bare minimum. It pushed on. It persevered. And this impresses me very very much.
Let me start by talking about Sebastian. His character development is believable. His acknowledgment of the challenges he faces is relatable. The issues discussed here aren't light, but the Sebastian's viewpoint of everything, albeit negative, helped show the reader that there is a way out. And the question becomes: what will that way be?
Aneesa was a welcome surprise. She is the new girl in the neighborhood, a Muslim who wears a hijab, and Sebastian's friend. She is funny and sweet, and the type of friend anyone would want to have. And she's proud of both her origins and religion, despite everything going on around her.
Honestly? I don't see this very often in YA novels. Which is why I'd like to take a minute (a paragraph, rather) to (and in all seriousness) thank Barry Lyga for addressing issues like discrimination based on religion, dealing with tragic situations, and the power in strong families.
But now, though, some probably ask, But, that's great and all, Nina, but ifBangis as great as you say, then why did you knock a star off the rating?Even of that is not what you were particularly wondering, allow me to answer: Yes, yes, I'm aware of the missing star. It's just that the story progresses at such a fast pace that often it would.. lose me. The flashbacks are a bit too sudden and disjointed for my taste.
But, some readers like that. So it's all just so very subjective.
But other than that? I really really loved this one. Really. I can tell this'll be on my 2017 favorites list for sure.
Thank you, Hachette, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 16, 2018
This book was powerful. It was gripping and dark. It wrecked me emotionally.
The book follows fourteen year old Sebastian. When Sebastian was four he did something terrible he shot his four month old baby sister accidently. He's been having to live with his horrible past and guilt for the last ten years. But he has a plan to end it all with a bullet. After all the gun started everything it should end too, he thinks. My heart aches for him and his family. He was just four, a four year old is not malicious or anything, a four year old is just a kid who doesn't know. And a four month old can't defend herself.
Even though what he did was unspeakable. He lives in a small town and therefore everyone knows about the toddler that shot his baby sister. Until Aneesa comes. Aneesa is a Muslim, she's new to this place. She doesn't know about his past. She's easy to be friends with. She's a distraction from his plan. Sebastian feels different, light and even happy around her. They start a youtube channel about pizza together. YES LOTS OF YUMMY PIZZA! I loved how Lyga portrayed their friendship. It felt real.
All the characters were well fleshed out. They were very realistic. The parts with Sebastian's mom, she lost her child. She felt so broken, so raw.
In case anyone is wondering about the Muslim representation, I'm a Muslim and I could not relate to Aneesa and her family in terms of being Muslamic (not really a word), but let's remember there's no one kind of Muslim, also only one of her parents was Muslim so that obviously makes it very different. Aneesa was a hijabi character and I'm so happy her hijab was respected through out the book! She had her own character.
The author dealt with very real topics of gun violence, Islamophobia and suicide without sounding too preachy about it. I overall loved his writing style. It was my first book by Barry Lyga and I definitely want to try others by him too! He captured that feeling of hopelessness.
I listened to the audiobook the narrator did a great job! I just resonated so well with it!
If you want a book to completely destroy you I recommend this. If seeing Muslim characters represented in books makes you happy I recommend this book. In fact read this book anyway. The thing about this book that gets me the most is that, it could all easily be real, is real for some families. Gun violence is very real.
The book follows fourteen year old Sebastian. When Sebastian was four he did something terrible he shot his four month old baby sister accidently. He's been having to live with his horrible past and guilt for the last ten years. But he has a plan to end it all with a bullet. After all the gun started everything it should end too, he thinks. My heart aches for him and his family. He was just four, a four year old is not malicious or anything, a four year old is just a kid who doesn't know. And a four month old can't defend herself.
Even though what he did was unspeakable. He lives in a small town and therefore everyone knows about the toddler that shot his baby sister. Until Aneesa comes. Aneesa is a Muslim, she's new to this place. She doesn't know about his past. She's easy to be friends with. She's a distraction from his plan. Sebastian feels different, light and even happy around her. They start a youtube channel about pizza together. YES LOTS OF YUMMY PIZZA! I loved how Lyga portrayed their friendship. It felt real.
All the characters were well fleshed out. They were very realistic. The parts with Sebastian's mom, she lost her child. She felt so broken, so raw.
In case anyone is wondering about the Muslim representation, I'm a Muslim and I could not relate to Aneesa and her family in terms of being Muslamic (not really a word), but let's remember there's no one kind of Muslim, also only one of her parents was Muslim so that obviously makes it very different. Aneesa was a hijabi character and I'm so happy her hijab was respected through out the book! She had her own character.
The author dealt with very real topics of gun violence, Islamophobia and suicide without sounding too preachy about it. I overall loved his writing style. It was my first book by Barry Lyga and I definitely want to try others by him too! He captured that feeling of hopelessness.
I listened to the audiobook the narrator did a great job! I just resonated so well with it!
If you want a book to completely destroy you I recommend this. If seeing Muslim characters represented in books makes you happy I recommend this book. In fact read this book anyway. The thing about this book that gets me the most is that, it could all easily be real, is real for some families. Gun violence is very real.
December 24, 2020
Here's the review (unbiased & personal view) :
A teen struggles with his past over an incident which ended up killing his 4 months old sister by accident when he was four years old.
The book describes about his day to day reflections and reactions & how he acts with others/just anything & everything based on this incident. Ultimately he overcomes/makes peace with it at the end of the book.
There was no plot or twist anywhere in the storyline. The language is simple but the lines are dull. So many times I felt like this was supposed to be an emotional or a realistic story but sadly I did not feel like it was qualified in either sense. 🌟Plus points : 😇 characters were warm and honest. 😉Some parts were genuinely funny. 👍 The last assignment (last few pages) description rocks!
However, I could not find anything new or unique. So I would not recommend this book. ❗ Too bland to feel and enjoy 😊 Hope I like his other books.
😌 Unfortunate first book of a new find author. 😰
I hope his other books make a difference.
A teen struggles with his past over an incident which ended up killing his 4 months old sister by accident when he was four years old.
The book describes about his day to day reflections and reactions & how he acts with others/just anything & everything based on this incident. Ultimately he overcomes/makes peace with it at the end of the book.
There was no plot or twist anywhere in the storyline. The language is simple but the lines are dull. So many times I felt like this was supposed to be an emotional or a realistic story but sadly I did not feel like it was qualified in either sense. 🌟Plus points : 😇 characters were warm and honest. 😉Some parts were genuinely funny. 👍 The last assignment (last few pages) description rocks!
However, I could not find anything new or unique. So I would not recommend this book. ❗ Too bland to feel and enjoy 😊 Hope I like his other books.
😌 Unfortunate first book of a new find author. 😰
I hope his other books make a difference.
May 10, 2017
Wow. For such a short book the story really packed a punch of emotions and depth. Very well done with a topic as tragic as it is.
-------------
Boy, 4, Shoots, Kills Infant Sister
For ten years that headline plagued Sebastian. You see, he was that young boy who accidentally killed his sister all those years ago. Time may have passed and he had grown up but that moment in time will profoundly affect the rest of his life. A life he has decided needs to come to an end, and soon.
The subject matter for this book is tough. Gun violence, mental illness, and suicide are some serious themes to include into a novel and I have not read one that tackles them from this angle before. I’ll admit I wasn’t even sure if this book was something I wanted to read at first. But man am I glad I did because this book was so poignant and well done. The kind of story that will stay with me.
All the characters were quite complex and added so much depth to the story we are told, none moreso than the main character, Sebastian. Outwardly, he appeared to be the average teenager – had a best friend, interests, and was incredibly skilled at making pizza. But inside he was very troubled and had mapped out the details of how he wanted to die. This wasn’t a sudden decision but had been building inside of him for so long. It broke my heart to see someone as sweet as he feeling so conflicted about the importance of his life. All the pain and guilt he had to live with as he came to terms with what happened… gut-wrenching. A bright light enters the novel amongst all the dark in the form of Aneesa, the new girl who moved into town. She was an incredible joy. She had such a maturity about her for her age and showed so much strength and pride in herself and being a young Muslim woman. She was fun and inspiring and someone Sebastian felt didn’t judged him for his past. I loved all of their pizza making adventures that left my mouth-watering and wishing for recipes to follow along with!
Though this new friendship with Aneesa is such a presence in the novel, I must note that it isn’t meant as a plot point to miraculously save Sebastian, which would be a complete misrepresentation of suicide prevention. This is truly his journey to take on his own, though of course having a supportive friend is extremely important as well. I was on the edge and nervous as I read this. Parts of this novel are hard and brutally honest. And that is what I was looking for when I picked it up. The aftermath for someone in Sebastian’s situation is unimaginable – coming to terms with what happened as you get older, the affects on your family, feeling like everyone you know only sees you as the boy who killed his sister. The author did a phenomenal job capturing his voice in such a believable way.
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more! Not only does it shine awareness on gun violence and suicide, but also Islamophobia as well. I found myself angry every time I had to put it down for real life distractions because I was so invested to how the book would concluded. This is absolutely a must-read!
-------------
Boy, 4, Shoots, Kills Infant Sister
For ten years that headline plagued Sebastian. You see, he was that young boy who accidentally killed his sister all those years ago. Time may have passed and he had grown up but that moment in time will profoundly affect the rest of his life. A life he has decided needs to come to an end, and soon.
The subject matter for this book is tough. Gun violence, mental illness, and suicide are some serious themes to include into a novel and I have not read one that tackles them from this angle before. I’ll admit I wasn’t even sure if this book was something I wanted to read at first. But man am I glad I did because this book was so poignant and well done. The kind of story that will stay with me.
All the characters were quite complex and added so much depth to the story we are told, none moreso than the main character, Sebastian. Outwardly, he appeared to be the average teenager – had a best friend, interests, and was incredibly skilled at making pizza. But inside he was very troubled and had mapped out the details of how he wanted to die. This wasn’t a sudden decision but had been building inside of him for so long. It broke my heart to see someone as sweet as he feeling so conflicted about the importance of his life. All the pain and guilt he had to live with as he came to terms with what happened… gut-wrenching. A bright light enters the novel amongst all the dark in the form of Aneesa, the new girl who moved into town. She was an incredible joy. She had such a maturity about her for her age and showed so much strength and pride in herself and being a young Muslim woman. She was fun and inspiring and someone Sebastian felt didn’t judged him for his past. I loved all of their pizza making adventures that left my mouth-watering and wishing for recipes to follow along with!
Though this new friendship with Aneesa is such a presence in the novel, I must note that it isn’t meant as a plot point to miraculously save Sebastian, which would be a complete misrepresentation of suicide prevention. This is truly his journey to take on his own, though of course having a supportive friend is extremely important as well. I was on the edge and nervous as I read this. Parts of this novel are hard and brutally honest. And that is what I was looking for when I picked it up. The aftermath for someone in Sebastian’s situation is unimaginable – coming to terms with what happened as you get older, the affects on your family, feeling like everyone you know only sees you as the boy who killed his sister. The author did a phenomenal job capturing his voice in such a believable way.
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more! Not only does it shine awareness on gun violence and suicide, but also Islamophobia as well. I found myself angry every time I had to put it down for real life distractions because I was so invested to how the book would concluded. This is absolutely a must-read!
May 19, 2017
I really wanted to like “Bang”. It seems that I’m in the minority in not feeling it. Unfortunately, the book just did not resonate with me.
It isn’t that there is not good writing or that the characters aren’t well-developed. Both were good. The problem for me, I believe, is that so many issues were packed into one book that it didn’t have time to focus on any of them enough. Gun control, Islamophobia, mental illness of several types, and the income gap are a few of the things covered.
I can’t recommend “Bang”, but if the blurb sounds good to you, give it a try. Maybe it’s just me.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
It isn’t that there is not good writing or that the characters aren’t well-developed. Both were good. The problem for me, I believe, is that so many issues were packed into one book that it didn’t have time to focus on any of them enough. Gun control, Islamophobia, mental illness of several types, and the income gap are a few of the things covered.
I can’t recommend “Bang”, but if the blurb sounds good to you, give it a try. Maybe it’s just me.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
May 18, 2017
Not as good as his "I Hunt Killers" series, this book is about a family damaged by a four-year old boy accidentally shooting his four-month old sister to death. Sebastian Cody is now a teenager, but all he can think about is his guilt and suicide until a Muslim girl moves in at the end of the school year that doesn't know his personal history. They become fast friends, in part because his wealthy best friend goes off to camp. Meanwhile, Aneesa and Sebastian start a YouTube series featuring Sebastian's pizza-making skills until things go awry. Their relationship was solid, but much of the rest of the book felt disjointed to me, and shame on Sebastian's parents.
July 21, 2017
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started reading this one, and it hit me like a punch to the gut basically on page one. Sebastian Cody accidentally killed his baby sister when he was four-years-old. He hasn’t been able to live with himself since. The accident tore apart his family and left him racked with guilt over something he can’t even remember. Because of his, he knows that one day (he’s not sure when) he’s going to end his own life. It’s the only way he knows how to atone for his crime. In his mind, every single day he’s alive is just borrowed time. That is, until he meets Aneesa and everything starts to change.
Look, guys, I’m just going to be honest with you. This book will blur your vision. And by blur your vision I mean it will make you ugly cry through the last third of it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I will also tell you that Bang is totally and completely worth the tears. You will DEVOUR this book. I finished it practically in one sitting, because I had to know what was going to happen to Sebastian. I really cared about him and thought that it was insane of him to want to kill himself over something that he did when he was just a toddler who didn’t know any better. I mean, it’s not like he’s a horrible person who purposefully murdered someone. He was FOUR. I got so mad at him while he was calmly and nonchalantly planning out his suicide attempt.
I want desperately to talk about the ending, but I can’t without giving things away, so after you read this message me and we’ll talk, mmmkay? Let’s just say the ending is NOT what I expected. There are some major twists coming, and you might need a seatbelt just to hold on.
What I can say without spoiling things is that this book features food prominently, which you know makes me as happy as apple pie (See what I did there?). The descriptions of gourmet pizza had me drooling and ordering pizza pretty much immediately. Because, honestly, pizza? Who can resist ooey gooey pizza??? Not this girl, that’s for sure.
All in all I thought that this book was magnificent. The message is incredible and the voice is unique, plus there is such a fun premise involved with Annesa and Sebastian’s YouTube venture. (Yes, I did just say that a tearjerker novel has a “fun” premise. No, I am not sorry.) It’s an odd book, but one I think we all need to read and discuss immediately. It’s just that good.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Find me and my reviews on www.thebookshire.com and on instagram.
Look, guys, I’m just going to be honest with you. This book will blur your vision. And by blur your vision I mean it will make you ugly cry through the last third of it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I will also tell you that Bang is totally and completely worth the tears. You will DEVOUR this book. I finished it practically in one sitting, because I had to know what was going to happen to Sebastian. I really cared about him and thought that it was insane of him to want to kill himself over something that he did when he was just a toddler who didn’t know any better. I mean, it’s not like he’s a horrible person who purposefully murdered someone. He was FOUR. I got so mad at him while he was calmly and nonchalantly planning out his suicide attempt.
I want desperately to talk about the ending, but I can’t without giving things away, so after you read this message me and we’ll talk, mmmkay? Let’s just say the ending is NOT what I expected. There are some major twists coming, and you might need a seatbelt just to hold on.
What I can say without spoiling things is that this book features food prominently, which you know makes me as happy as apple pie (See what I did there?). The descriptions of gourmet pizza had me drooling and ordering pizza pretty much immediately. Because, honestly, pizza? Who can resist ooey gooey pizza??? Not this girl, that’s for sure.
All in all I thought that this book was magnificent. The message is incredible and the voice is unique, plus there is such a fun premise involved with Annesa and Sebastian’s YouTube venture. (Yes, I did just say that a tearjerker novel has a “fun” premise. No, I am not sorry.) It’s an odd book, but one I think we all need to read and discuss immediately. It’s just that good.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Find me and my reviews on www.thebookshire.com and on instagram.
March 27, 2018
WARNING: Do not read Bang on an empty stomach. You will crave pizza. ALL the pizza. You have been warned.
Teens will fly through this hard-hitting book about guilt, loss, and redemption. Lyga manages to keep his book from wallowing in a pit of despair: there is redemption and friendship here that will leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling deep inside.
Teens will fly through this hard-hitting book about guilt, loss, and redemption. Lyga manages to keep his book from wallowing in a pit of despair: there is redemption and friendship here that will leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling deep inside.
March 12, 2017
Hours after finishing Bang, I'm still having trouble putting my thoughts into words. What I loved the most about Bang is that it examines a different type of gun violence I haven't seen in young adult fiction. Bang examines that aftermath of tragedy for Sebastian and his family in a way that is unflinching and real. It shows the complexity of reconciling something Sebastian did as a four year old with who he is know. Bang shows how Sebastian sees himself and how others see him, and how that's complex, too--because nothing about this type of story is easy or simple. By the end of the book, I was almost in tears. Out of all the YA books I've read that deal with gun violence, Bang is easily one of my favorites. It's a must-read for everyone, especially now.
September 8, 2017
Heartbreaking story. I know it's fiction but things like this actually happen. I've never liked guns. I think there are way too many of them in this country and the vast majority of them don't need to be in the hands of whom they are in. And I don't just mean criminals and gangsters. I especially hate hand guns. Shot one once in a gun range. It was one of the most terrifying and horrid experiences of my life. I would never do it again. I seriously don't understand Americans fascination with them in general.
Anyway back to the story, it's really well written. I love that this is a YA book without the "love story" I just wanted to give Sebastian and his mom a hug. I just don't even want to imagine what I would do in a situation like that and hope I never ever have to even come close.
It's an emotional story that is for sure. I've read a couple dark/emotional ones so I think my next choice has to be something light and easy.
Anyway back to the story, it's really well written. I love that this is a YA book without the "love story" I just wanted to give Sebastian and his mom a hug. I just don't even want to imagine what I would do in a situation like that and hope I never ever have to even come close.
It's an emotional story that is for sure. I've read a couple dark/emotional ones so I think my next choice has to be something light and easy.
August 12, 2017
Bang Solid 4 stars
Another fine work by Mr. Lyga. I am excitingly surprised with each new novel this author publishes. From his "I Hunt Killers" trilogy to "Bang," I found myself taken away and wrapped up in the authors imagination and smooth plot lines.
The story begins with the MC, Sebastian, remembering what he has been told for years what happened to his four month old sister ten years ago. His parents tell him that it was an accident; his shooting Lola with a .44 Magnum at point blank range when he was just four years old. With a gun his father had been cleaning in the garage when the doorbell rang. A gun that to a four year old is a toy. A toy that killed his baby sister.
As the years pass, Sebastian has been planning his own suicide. Every once in a while he visits a rundown trailer just outside of town where he knows he will do the deed. He is just waiting for the voice in his head to tell him when it's time. And when the voice gives the go ahead, Sebastian plans on listening.
But just as school ends for the summer, a new family moves into the neighborhood, a Muslim family with a beautiful daughter named Aneesa. She quickly becomes Sebastian's best friend, after his male BF goes away for the summer. Aneesa introduces our MC to her family who accepts him for what they see him to be - a normal teen, if a bit on the quite side. They do not know of his horrific past and he has no immediate plans to tell them for fear of loosing Aneesa's friendship.
Sebastian's mother insists that he do something "productive" during his summer break, but he has no interest is doing anything. Until one day he tells Aneesa that he can cook. She challenges him to cook for her, but he only knows how to make pizza; great pizza. One night Sebastian works up the nerve to invite Aneesa over to see him cook his special pizza. Once she tastes the mouthwatering and flavorful creation, she's convinced that her friend has a special talent for making pizza. She suggests that they begin making videos to post on YouTube with Sebastian making different pizzas in every episode. At first there followers on YouTube are nil, but then Aneesa invents a plan to do daily shows with her narrating in a fake British accent.
The show develops a steady rise is subscribers and the idea seems to be a great one. Sebastian gets to spend time with Aneesa and Aneesa feels like she's helping Sebastian work through she knows is hovering like a black cloud over him. While they continue the daily pizza shows, the voice in Sebastian's mind remains quite, for which he is thankful. He is falling in love with his new friend.
As the summer break closes in on the end, Aneesa has one last great idea for a show to push their subscriber numbers upward before school restarts. The decide to do a full days' show, making a breakfast, lunch, supper and dessert pizza for each. It turns out to be an enormous hit, and the number of their followers break 10,000.
Then it all crashes for Sebastian. He decides he has to tell Aneesa the truth about his past and does so. They argue over differing opinions about what he did and whether it was his fault and Sebastian tries to kiss his friend, but she states that she is not in love with him, that she's just his friend. This crushes Sebastian and the voice returns to him.
His male friend, Evan, is back home and Sebastian knows his father has guns in his study. On the night he decides to obey his voice, he steals a .44 Magnum from Evan's father's gun cabinet and heads for the trailer. He loads the gun and heads for the front door of the trailer and knocks. His father, who left the family eight years ago, opens the door and invites Sebastian inside. The place is a mess. Sebastian's father begins to talk to him like everything is normal, and Sebastian can no longer contain the rage inside him. He draws out the gun and aims it at his father, intending to shoot him for leaving not only the family, but for having the gun in the first place. And then he was going to kill himself.
But his father explains why he left eight years ago - guilt, massive and overwhelming guilt. Sebastian's defenses begin to crumble as his father begins to tell him about his sister, but the boy already knows what happened ten years ago - he always has. He kept in a secret all this time. Over the course of their talk, Sebastian and his father reconcile and the teen agrees to visit his father every other weekend.
When Sebastian finally gets back home, his mother and he attempt to discuss the tragic event. But his mother will not discuss it. After some yelling and accusations, his mother finally screams that the reason she doesn't want to talk about the shooting is because she hates him for doing it. This crushes the teen and he completely looses it. By the end of their talk, the two reconcile their differences and the mother tells Sebastian that she has saved all of Lola's belongings and has them stored at his grandmother's home.
Now Sebastian realizes he must make things right between Aneesa and himself. After a heart-to-heart talk, they, too, reconcile - as friends.
This was a very moving and well-developed book to read for me. The plot ran smoothly between past and present, the character development was superb and the book read at a fast pace. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads this review.
Another fine work by Mr. Lyga. I am excitingly surprised with each new novel this author publishes. From his "I Hunt Killers" trilogy to "Bang," I found myself taken away and wrapped up in the authors imagination and smooth plot lines.
The story begins with the MC, Sebastian, remembering what he has been told for years what happened to his four month old sister ten years ago. His parents tell him that it was an accident; his shooting Lola with a .44 Magnum at point blank range when he was just four years old. With a gun his father had been cleaning in the garage when the doorbell rang. A gun that to a four year old is a toy. A toy that killed his baby sister.
As the years pass, Sebastian has been planning his own suicide. Every once in a while he visits a rundown trailer just outside of town where he knows he will do the deed. He is just waiting for the voice in his head to tell him when it's time. And when the voice gives the go ahead, Sebastian plans on listening.
But just as school ends for the summer, a new family moves into the neighborhood, a Muslim family with a beautiful daughter named Aneesa. She quickly becomes Sebastian's best friend, after his male BF goes away for the summer. Aneesa introduces our MC to her family who accepts him for what they see him to be - a normal teen, if a bit on the quite side. They do not know of his horrific past and he has no immediate plans to tell them for fear of loosing Aneesa's friendship.
Sebastian's mother insists that he do something "productive" during his summer break, but he has no interest is doing anything. Until one day he tells Aneesa that he can cook. She challenges him to cook for her, but he only knows how to make pizza; great pizza. One night Sebastian works up the nerve to invite Aneesa over to see him cook his special pizza. Once she tastes the mouthwatering and flavorful creation, she's convinced that her friend has a special talent for making pizza. She suggests that they begin making videos to post on YouTube with Sebastian making different pizzas in every episode. At first there followers on YouTube are nil, but then Aneesa invents a plan to do daily shows with her narrating in a fake British accent.
The show develops a steady rise is subscribers and the idea seems to be a great one. Sebastian gets to spend time with Aneesa and Aneesa feels like she's helping Sebastian work through she knows is hovering like a black cloud over him. While they continue the daily pizza shows, the voice in Sebastian's mind remains quite, for which he is thankful. He is falling in love with his new friend.
As the summer break closes in on the end, Aneesa has one last great idea for a show to push their subscriber numbers upward before school restarts. The decide to do a full days' show, making a breakfast, lunch, supper and dessert pizza for each. It turns out to be an enormous hit, and the number of their followers break 10,000.
Then it all crashes for Sebastian. He decides he has to tell Aneesa the truth about his past and does so. They argue over differing opinions about what he did and whether it was his fault and Sebastian tries to kiss his friend, but she states that she is not in love with him, that she's just his friend. This crushes Sebastian and the voice returns to him.
His male friend, Evan, is back home and Sebastian knows his father has guns in his study. On the night he decides to obey his voice, he steals a .44 Magnum from Evan's father's gun cabinet and heads for the trailer. He loads the gun and heads for the front door of the trailer and knocks. His father, who left the family eight years ago, opens the door and invites Sebastian inside. The place is a mess. Sebastian's father begins to talk to him like everything is normal, and Sebastian can no longer contain the rage inside him. He draws out the gun and aims it at his father, intending to shoot him for leaving not only the family, but for having the gun in the first place. And then he was going to kill himself.
But his father explains why he left eight years ago - guilt, massive and overwhelming guilt. Sebastian's defenses begin to crumble as his father begins to tell him about his sister, but the boy already knows what happened ten years ago - he always has. He kept in a secret all this time. Over the course of their talk, Sebastian and his father reconcile and the teen agrees to visit his father every other weekend.
When Sebastian finally gets back home, his mother and he attempt to discuss the tragic event. But his mother will not discuss it. After some yelling and accusations, his mother finally screams that the reason she doesn't want to talk about the shooting is because she hates him for doing it. This crushes the teen and he completely looses it. By the end of their talk, the two reconcile their differences and the mother tells Sebastian that she has saved all of Lola's belongings and has them stored at his grandmother's home.
Now Sebastian realizes he must make things right between Aneesa and himself. After a heart-to-heart talk, they, too, reconcile - as friends.
This was a very moving and well-developed book to read for me. The plot ran smoothly between past and present, the character development was superb and the book read at a fast pace. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2017
I read this book a few weeks ago. I picked up the eBook on the day of release and had finished it in a few days. But to be honest the book was such a shock, and had me thinking so much I waited to write my review after reflecting on the book a bit. I have read many of Lyga's books more than once, especially the Brookdale High books. There was just a brief reference in this book that made me go back and double check the name of the teacher from Boy Toy, not being sure if this book took place before or after that one. But other than the town and school there does not appear to be any characters cross over.
This is a book I am very glad I have read for a number of reasons. First it is a book that really got me thinking. And thinking about a number of issues; gun control, being Muslim today, mixed marriages, and how we deal with tragedy. This book takes place over a summer break, but it often harkens back to events many years before. Sebastian Cody is heading into his senior year in high school. But he has plans that will make that fact not matter. At the age of four he killed his baby sister with his father's hand gun. And he cannot live with the fallout of that event. And even though most people do not talk about it, it is always in the back of his mind. But as summer begins Sebastian's best and really only friend Evan Danforth is heading off to a camp. And the outlook for the summer is getting even darker for Sebastian. But then he meets Aneesa Fahim, and everything changes. Soon he is showing her around town. She convinces his to start sharing his pizza recipes on YouTube, and things seem to be getting better. But Sebastian knows a dark cloud is coming, and the storm is about to break. Part of the description for this book is:
"It took a gun to get him into this.
Now he needs a gun to get out."
Throughout the reading of this book readers know something is coming and that Sebastian has a plan. A plan that he has had for a long time and is just waiting to execute it. Thinking to himself he states:
"This is where.
This is where it will happen.
This is where I will do it.
When the time comes.
I've fired a gun once in my life.
I'll do it again.
When the time comes."
But the ending of the book took me completely by surprise. Lyga has written an incredible book that deals with so many important issues. And though each of the books set in Brookdale deal with very serious issues this one tackles more hard hitting issues and does an incredible job of bringing the reader into the story and what the characters are dealing with.
This book was very moving. It is penetrating into its insight of the human psyche and ability to capture internal struggles. It has been a few weeks and I keep thinking about this story, and know that I will read it again, likely soon. This is another great read from Barry Lyga.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Barry Lyga. As well as an author profile and interview with Barry.
This is a book I am very glad I have read for a number of reasons. First it is a book that really got me thinking. And thinking about a number of issues; gun control, being Muslim today, mixed marriages, and how we deal with tragedy. This book takes place over a summer break, but it often harkens back to events many years before. Sebastian Cody is heading into his senior year in high school. But he has plans that will make that fact not matter. At the age of four he killed his baby sister with his father's hand gun. And he cannot live with the fallout of that event. And even though most people do not talk about it, it is always in the back of his mind. But as summer begins Sebastian's best and really only friend Evan Danforth is heading off to a camp. And the outlook for the summer is getting even darker for Sebastian. But then he meets Aneesa Fahim, and everything changes. Soon he is showing her around town. She convinces his to start sharing his pizza recipes on YouTube, and things seem to be getting better. But Sebastian knows a dark cloud is coming, and the storm is about to break. Part of the description for this book is:
"It took a gun to get him into this.
Now he needs a gun to get out."
Throughout the reading of this book readers know something is coming and that Sebastian has a plan. A plan that he has had for a long time and is just waiting to execute it. Thinking to himself he states:
"This is where.
This is where it will happen.
This is where I will do it.
When the time comes.
I've fired a gun once in my life.
I'll do it again.
When the time comes."
But the ending of the book took me completely by surprise. Lyga has written an incredible book that deals with so many important issues. And though each of the books set in Brookdale deal with very serious issues this one tackles more hard hitting issues and does an incredible job of bringing the reader into the story and what the characters are dealing with.
This book was very moving. It is penetrating into its insight of the human psyche and ability to capture internal struggles. It has been a few weeks and I keep thinking about this story, and know that I will read it again, likely soon. This is another great read from Barry Lyga.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Barry Lyga. As well as an author profile and interview with Barry.
March 26, 2017
First off, I want to say that I love books that put your mind in a compromising position. (The ones that make you question your morals, ect...)
Bang is emotionally gripping and will leave your gut in a tangle. The plot was masterful. The characters well-developed, which is to be expected given the author.
With everything going on right now (specifically, gun violence) this is a must read.
I felt so bad for Sebastian and his family. Literally, I was in tears over the littlest things. And not because I'm an emotional reader, but because the way Lyga writes, so detailed, one can't help but to become invested.
Writing: 10+
Cover: 9
Characters: 10
Plot: 10
(With the exception of the cover...everything is gonna be a 10 right here. Sorry I'm not sorry.)
I would recommend BANG to anyone who enjoyed "The Hate U Give." (Though not as political, Bang can still hold it's own.)
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 18TH, 2017!!!!!!!!
Special thanks to Little Brown for giving me an ARC. ♥
Bang is emotionally gripping and will leave your gut in a tangle. The plot was masterful. The characters well-developed, which is to be expected given the author.
With everything going on right now (specifically, gun violence) this is a must read.
I felt so bad for Sebastian and his family. Literally, I was in tears over the littlest things. And not because I'm an emotional reader, but because the way Lyga writes, so detailed, one can't help but to become invested.
Writing: 10+
Cover: 9
Characters: 10
Plot: 10
(With the exception of the cover...everything is gonna be a 10 right here. Sorry I'm not sorry.)
I would recommend BANG to anyone who enjoyed "The Hate U Give." (Though not as political, Bang can still hold it's own.)
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 18TH, 2017!!!!!!!!
Special thanks to Little Brown for giving me an ARC. ♥
September 12, 2018
Finished reading: September 8th 2018
“Some things are private. And they should stay that way and they get to stay that way.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 3, 2017
Bang by Barry LygaPublished by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on April 18th 2017
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 304
Format: ARC
LINKS: Good Reads | Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
Bang by Barry Lyga is a contemporary YA about a boy who shot and killed his baby sister by accident when he was just 4 years old. Now as a teenager, he still carries around the guilt of it all every time he looks at his broken parents, his friends and teachers, and even the new girl who moves into his neighborhood.
My Likes
Amazing Character Growth
Sebastian is a damaged young man throughout Bang. His whole life is plagued by the mistake he made when he was just a little boy. He can't seem to shake the eyes and looks he gets from his classmates, parents, and other adults. He is at the lowest point in his life and his only friend is going away for the summer.
Then comes along Aneesa, the new girl in the neighborhood. She shows him a different side of friendship; a regular one. She doesn't know who he is and what he did all those years ago. She shows him the bright side of life and gives him reasons to smile everyday when he wakes up.
Lyga took his time showing the different sides of Sebastian and as a reader I really appreciated it. We get to see some amazing character growth from him which was enjoyable.
Beautiful Writing
There were many scenes that hit the feels in Bang. A lot of them occur near the end of the novel when he confronts his parents. They were remarkably passionate and emotionally weighty. These types of conversations could only happen with beautiful writing, and that's exactly what we get from Lyga.
Lyga was able to evoke the right amount of angst, emotion, and passion through his writing. If this is how he usually writes, then I look forward to reading more from him in the future!
Fun Plot Fillers
Aside from the main plot line about Sebastian dealing with the horrible act that took his baby sister's life when he was just 4 years old, there are also some fun plot fillers in the book designed to lighten the mood and show him a reason to live. When he meets the new girl that moves into his neighborhood, they decided to start a YouTube channel where Sebastian makes pizza from scratch and Aneesa makes the commentary!
They get pretty into it and also reveals a lot of things that I didn't know about the schematics of YouTube that I never knew before. It was one of my favorite aspects of the story. Lyga must have done some extensive research into the topic!
My Dislikes
No Character Connection
Besides Sebastian, there was no other character that I was able to connect with or care for. I guess it's good that he was the main protagonist, but I just wish I got as much emotion as I got from Sebastian with other characters in Bang.
I highly recommend this one if you like stories with emotion, heartbreak, and living through a tragedy. Let me know what you guys thought of Bang by Barry Lyga! I would love to hear your opinions as well!
Until next time,
May 3, 2017
Grade: B-
3.5 stars
Sebastian is that kid, the kid who shot his baby sister ten years ago at age four. Everybody knows what he did, everyone except Aneesa, the new girl on his block. Sebastian had planned to commit suicide, until he he bonded with her. Once she discovers what he did, Sebastian is certain they'll no longer be friends, or more.
Barry Lyga has an almost poetic style of writing. Had the format been different, BANG could have been verse. For the most part, Sebastian's malaise-filled voice sounded authentic. Lyga sprinkled in too many SAT vocabulary words for me to entirely buy into Sebastian's narration. At one point the word "prosaic" appeared three times over a few pages. I get that he's a good writer, but I've never met an almost-sophomore use the words he does.
Aneesa was a great character, being Muslim added an extra dimension to her persona and diversity to the story. The Islamaphobia she experienced paralleled some of the bullying Sebastian received for shooting his sister. I also enjoyed best friend and rich kid Evan.
BANG lacked real resolution (not that any real closure could occur after such a tragedy) and didn't show how the characters went from Huge Event at point A to B (I'm being purposely vague to avoid spoiling). If the ending had been more meaningful, I would have added at least one star. I will definitely look for more of Lyga's books in the future.
3.5 stars
Sebastian is that kid, the kid who shot his baby sister ten years ago at age four. Everybody knows what he did, everyone except Aneesa, the new girl on his block. Sebastian had planned to commit suicide, until he he bonded with her. Once she discovers what he did, Sebastian is certain they'll no longer be friends, or more.
Barry Lyga has an almost poetic style of writing. Had the format been different, BANG could have been verse. For the most part, Sebastian's malaise-filled voice sounded authentic. Lyga sprinkled in too many SAT vocabulary words for me to entirely buy into Sebastian's narration. At one point the word "prosaic" appeared three times over a few pages. I get that he's a good writer, but I've never met an almost-sophomore use the words he does.
Aneesa was a great character, being Muslim added an extra dimension to her persona and diversity to the story. The Islamaphobia she experienced paralleled some of the bullying Sebastian received for shooting his sister. I also enjoyed best friend and rich kid Evan.
BANG lacked real resolution (not that any real closure could occur after such a tragedy) and didn't show how the characters went from Huge Event at point A to B (I'm being purposely vague to avoid spoiling). If the ending had been more meaningful, I would have added at least one star. I will definitely look for more of Lyga's books in the future.
April 8, 2020
This book was really good. A tragic story to be honest. In the book, the narrator and main character, Sebastian, shot and killed his infant sister at four years old. He deals with suicide throughout the book because he has nobody to talk to about it, not even his own mother. The book shows countless struggles, not just Sebastians.
September 29, 2024
I started and never put it down until I was finished.
I sobbed.
This book validates so many feelings of insecurities of anyone who has ever made poor judgement, whether insignificant or of real grandiosity. To read and empathize on struggles, overthinking, perceptions and trying to overcome them.
Well written emotional read
I sobbed.
This book validates so many feelings of insecurities of anyone who has ever made poor judgement, whether insignificant or of real grandiosity. To read and empathize on struggles, overthinking, perceptions and trying to overcome them.
Well written emotional read
May 18, 2017
Whoa! Never saw that ending coming!
This was a pretty good story. Too often I hear news about children accidentally shooting a sibling or adult and it makes me shake my head and wonder, how did they get their hands on the gun to begin with? Why wasn't the safety on? Why weren't these kids being watched? Where were the parents?" It's easy to place blame but at the end of the day, accidents happen and we just have to be more aware.
Sebastian has kept this guilt in his heart for 10 years. Understandable, because I doubt anyone could get over such a thing. His family has since broken up because of what had happened, and it's clear that his mother is not okay. But no one is. I knew from jump that nothing was as it seemed and that it was only a matter of time before Sebastian decided to do something about his guilt, I just had no idea things would take that turn in the end.
There are several things I liked about this story. Aside from the fluid writing, I loved how the author included aspects pertaining to race and discrimination. In some ways, Sebastian and Aneesa were similar because both had a difficult time fitting in; always prejudged and frowned upon. So I could see how he, for one, would be drawn to her and her family. And in wanting to believe that something good was happening to him at last, it was easy for Sebastian to misinterpret their relationship when he was already in turmoil.
Again, great story. Loved that the author used a realistic topic. Such a theme isn't written about a lot so that was different for me. Also, this is the first I've read a book by Barry Lyga but I've heard wonderful things about his Jasper Dent series and this one definitely has me wanting more.
This was a pretty good story. Too often I hear news about children accidentally shooting a sibling or adult and it makes me shake my head and wonder, how did they get their hands on the gun to begin with? Why wasn't the safety on? Why weren't these kids being watched? Where were the parents?" It's easy to place blame but at the end of the day, accidents happen and we just have to be more aware.
Sebastian has kept this guilt in his heart for 10 years. Understandable, because I doubt anyone could get over such a thing. His family has since broken up because of what had happened, and it's clear that his mother is not okay. But no one is. I knew from jump that nothing was as it seemed and that it was only a matter of time before Sebastian decided to do something about his guilt, I just had no idea things would take that turn in the end.
There are several things I liked about this story. Aside from the fluid writing, I loved how the author included aspects pertaining to race and discrimination. In some ways, Sebastian and Aneesa were similar because both had a difficult time fitting in; always prejudged and frowned upon. So I could see how he, for one, would be drawn to her and her family. And in wanting to believe that something good was happening to him at last, it was easy for Sebastian to misinterpret their relationship when he was already in turmoil.
Again, great story. Loved that the author used a realistic topic. Such a theme isn't written about a lot so that was different for me. Also, this is the first I've read a book by Barry Lyga but I've heard wonderful things about his Jasper Dent series and this one definitely has me wanting more.
April 29, 2017
on my 13 Reasons Why readalike list
https://threeteacherstalk.com/2017/04...
Do I get a splitter vote on this one?
I'd rank it highly if I'm reading for YALSA's Quick Picks list. The topicsis fresh, fast-paced, and relevant, and the uber-short chapters help this under-300 page book fly by.
I'd rank it less highly on treatment of sensitive topics (namely: suicidal ideation and Islamophobia) and for an ending that I don't think the story earned.
https://threeteacherstalk.com/2017/04...
Do I get a splitter vote on this one?
I'd rank it highly if I'm reading for YALSA's Quick Picks list. The topicsis fresh, fast-paced, and relevant, and the uber-short chapters help this under-300 page book fly by.
I'd rank it less highly on treatment of sensitive topics (namely: suicidal ideation and Islamophobia) and for an ending that I don't think the story earned.
January 24, 2019
This book emotionally destroyed me. So, excuse me for a moment while i process my thoughts...
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This book is about a boy who shot and killed his 4 month old sister when he was 4 years of age. 10 years later, he still suffers from the loss and blames himself for what he did. All the while contemplating suicide, he meets and befriends the new girl in town, Aneesa and starts a pizza making show on YouTube. All seems to be going well until some asshole comments on his live stream about what he did when he was 4. Things go down hill from there and the lingering thought of suicide, that was always in the back of his mind, resurfaces. It only gets worse when he gets rejected by the one person he thought cared. I won't reveal any spoilers. Just read the book. I promise you that it will destroy you just as much as the act that Sebastian committed when he was four destroyed him.
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This book is about a boy who shot and killed his 4 month old sister when he was 4 years of age. 10 years later, he still suffers from the loss and blames himself for what he did. All the while contemplating suicide, he meets and befriends the new girl in town, Aneesa and starts a pizza making show on YouTube. All seems to be going well until some asshole comments on his live stream about what he did when he was 4. Things go down hill from there and the lingering thought of suicide, that was always in the back of his mind, resurfaces. It only gets worse when he gets rejected by the one person he thought cared. I won't reveal any spoilers. Just read the book. I promise you that it will destroy you just as much as the act that Sebastian committed when he was four destroyed him.
May 2, 2022
4.5 STARS | BEAUTIFUL and HEARTBREAKING, Lyga’s important novel will leave you BREATHLESS. I devoured this book in ONE DAY, and could not stop turning each page, for it discusses powerful topics of mental health, racism, and suicide. Sebastian Cody did something horrible when he was young, and will never forgive himself. At the age of four, he accidentally shot and killed his baby sister with his father’s gun. Now, ten years later, Sebastian has lived with guilt for his entire life. With his best friend away for the summer, he has only made a new friend, Aneesa, to distract him from his darkest thoughts. But even this relationship cannot blunt the pain of the past. Because Sebastian knows exactly how to fix his childhood crime and to forget his past……with a gun. A honest, but a relevant novel that all readers need to pick up. A MUST READ!
May 23, 2018
"We need to quit pigeonholing ourselves."
As I continue working through an extensive list of teen books dealing with real life social issues, I expected to become numb to the eating disorders, rape, suicide, drug, racism, bullying... I was wrong. Each touches a part of my soul and makes me thankful for the few years that displace myself from teens today. I am grateful to have had less social media during school and pretend to live in my bubble. I am even more grateful for eye opening reads.
As I continue working through an extensive list of teen books dealing with real life social issues, I expected to become numb to the eating disorders, rape, suicide, drug, racism, bullying... I was wrong. Each touches a part of my soul and makes me thankful for the few years that displace myself from teens today. I am grateful to have had less social media during school and pretend to live in my bubble. I am even more grateful for eye opening reads.
August 15, 2017
Definitely read this one at home, alone, and with a box of tissues so you can ugly cry.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 4, 2018
I've read over a thousand books so I find it very odd when one manages to surprise me. Very impressive. There is a lot of pain and honesty in this beautiful story. Give it a chance.
January 17, 2024
what the FUDGE!!! this book is so underrated rated cuz wym i never heard of it before my friend showed it to me???
i want you all to think of those sad books. perks of being a wallflower, speak, the bell jar, the virgin suicides, my year of rest and relaxation(haven’t read those last three but i think ik thé vibes). then think THIS BOOK.
this book reminded me of speak and perks. the writing style was very simplistic (which reminded me of those two books) which i actually really love cuz the main character is smart and has a good vocabulary so if it was all a lot of word play and big words it’d be less enjoyable if taht makes any sense,.
and also i just think a simplistic writing style helps put more focus on the plot and the thoughts of the main character Sebastian.
this book deals with new friendship, rejection, gun violence, trauma, suicide, and how to make pizza very well. and the author does a great job at it all!!!!!!!!
the main character was really likeable (most of the characters were tbh) and the plot like wasn’t super strong (it’s not like huge like their trying to defeat a dragon yk) but it didn’t need a strong plot point.
also it’s slow paced plot wise but my friend and i read it in less than two days so it was pretty gripping anyway.
btw the pizza descriptions were very nice barry!
shoutout to rae for letting me borrow this and convincing me to read it
i want you all to think of those sad books. perks of being a wallflower, speak, the bell jar, the virgin suicides, my year of rest and relaxation(haven’t read those last three but i think ik thé vibes). then think THIS BOOK.
this book reminded me of speak and perks. the writing style was very simplistic (which reminded me of those two books) which i actually really love cuz the main character is smart and has a good vocabulary so if it was all a lot of word play and big words it’d be less enjoyable if taht makes any sense,.
and also i just think a simplistic writing style helps put more focus on the plot and the thoughts of the main character Sebastian.
this book deals with new friendship, rejection, gun violence, trauma, suicide, and how to make pizza very well. and the author does a great job at it all!!!!!!!!
the main character was really likeable (most of the characters were tbh) and the plot like wasn’t super strong (it’s not like huge like their trying to defeat a dragon yk) but it didn’t need a strong plot point.
also it’s slow paced plot wise but my friend and i read it in less than two days so it was pretty gripping anyway.
btw the pizza descriptions were very nice barry!
shoutout to rae for letting me borrow this and convincing me to read it
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