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28 Boys
Underneath these gang tattoos beats a heart three times a year. I’m a slow puncture death, a murderer, a rapist, and a number. I killed my best friend. Death doesn’t stalk me, it walks ahead of me by twenty-eight paces.
I went home after I sold my soul to the devils. I thought life would begin, I was a free man, instead within days the bullets fly and my last hope dies with the slain. There is nothing left to live for in this world. I belong to the 28s, I’ll always belong to the 28s.
The woman across the road judges me, she hates me, and takes every opportunity to let me know it.
Yet, somehow, when grief etched our names down in the book of the dead, we dared be bold enough to find love.
I’m not a good man, and I’m not pretty. I come from the Cape Flats where my life was reduced to a prison cell number. In all this ugliness I found beauty, innocence, and forgiveness. I can’t forgive myself for the crimes I’ve committed, but I’ll die trying to earn hers.
In a world where nothing matters, she does.
I went home after I sold my soul to the devils. I thought life would begin, I was a free man, instead within days the bullets fly and my last hope dies with the slain. There is nothing left to live for in this world. I belong to the 28s, I’ll always belong to the 28s.
The woman across the road judges me, she hates me, and takes every opportunity to let me know it.
Yet, somehow, when grief etched our names down in the book of the dead, we dared be bold enough to find love.
I’m not a good man, and I’m not pretty. I come from the Cape Flats where my life was reduced to a prison cell number. In all this ugliness I found beauty, innocence, and forgiveness. I can’t forgive myself for the crimes I’ve committed, but I’ll die trying to earn hers.
In a world where nothing matters, she does.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2017
12 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 11, 2017
Setting: Cape Town, South Africa
Writing style: 2/5
Lead characters likability: 0/5
POV: Dual, first person
Francis served twelve years behind the walls of Pollsmoor Prison. After being released, he returned to a dilapidated home without electricity or heat. He quickly learned that his sister was a meth addict and his mother passed away while he was incarcerated, but he was never informed. The story unwinds from there as Francis attempts to rebuild his life in an environment festering with hopelessness and death.
This was a difficult story to read! It was raw and gritty to the point where certain scenes simply disgusted me, but I wanted to see how much these characters could and would endure. The writing style seemed very stiff for the first quarter of this book due to a lack of contractions, but then the second half of this book seemed to flow a bit easier.
Issues?
✘ It seemed as though the author liked the idea of writing about a gangster, but all I got out of this book was that Francis was a rapist and a murderer who had some connections to other seedy characters. The underworld of this "gangster" lifestyle was vague at best with a few deaths added in to show some intensity. The hierarchy or social system of the gang world wasn't very detailed beyond Francis having some bad blood against some other characters.
✘ The sudden romance between Engela and Francis wasn't believable enough for me. Engela went from loathing Francis (for VERY good reasons!) to being downright giddy about getting any of his attention. I was confused about how/why/when their connection manifested and felt the same towards Francis: he spent twelve years living the life of an inmate , convinced that he didn't have a heart, to suddenly falling in love with his neighbor and her infant son. His self-loathing and shame was warranted, but his thoughts were repetitive as if they were on a loop for the first sixty-five percent of this story. Unfortunately, I just didn't buy the connection between the two lead characters.
Detestable characters don't determine whether I like or loathe a book, but this story just didn't entirely work for me. Both lead characters had a redeemable status, but I didn't care for either of them. And while this book wasn't touted as a romantic read, the two main characters managed to find some comfort in each other's arms for a while.
*ARC kindly provided by A. Giannoccaro in exchange for an honest review.
Writing style: 2/5
Lead characters likability: 0/5
POV: Dual, first person
Francis served twelve years behind the walls of Pollsmoor Prison. After being released, he returned to a dilapidated home without electricity or heat. He quickly learned that his sister was a meth addict and his mother passed away while he was incarcerated, but he was never informed. The story unwinds from there as Francis attempts to rebuild his life in an environment festering with hopelessness and death.
This was a difficult story to read! It was raw and gritty to the point where certain scenes simply disgusted me, but I wanted to see how much these characters could and would endure. The writing style seemed very stiff for the first quarter of this book due to a lack of contractions, but then the second half of this book seemed to flow a bit easier.
Issues?
✘ It seemed as though the author liked the idea of writing about a gangster, but all I got out of this book was that Francis was a rapist and a murderer who had some connections to other seedy characters. The underworld of this "gangster" lifestyle was vague at best with a few deaths added in to show some intensity. The hierarchy or social system of the gang world wasn't very detailed beyond Francis having some bad blood against some other characters.
✘ The sudden romance between Engela and Francis wasn't believable enough for me. Engela went from loathing Francis (for VERY good reasons!) to being downright giddy about getting any of his attention. I was confused about how/why/when their connection manifested and felt the same towards Francis: he spent twelve years living the life of an inmate , convinced that he didn't have a heart, to suddenly falling in love with his neighbor and her infant son. His self-loathing and shame was warranted, but his thoughts were repetitive as if they were on a loop for the first sixty-five percent of this story. Unfortunately, I just didn't buy the connection between the two lead characters.
Detestable characters don't determine whether I like or loathe a book, but this story just didn't entirely work for me. Both lead characters had a redeemable status, but I didn't care for either of them. And while this book wasn't touted as a romantic read, the two main characters managed to find some comfort in each other's arms for a while.
*ARC kindly provided by A. Giannoccaro in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2017
Have you ever read a book that you were warned would give you all the feels and thought, "I'm pretty sure I can handle it."
MY HEART.
OMG. From the very first word to the last, I was lost in a world that most people won't talk about. A world that's hard to live in and a world where only the strong survive. But what if surviving means putting yourself and those you love in danger? Would you do it?
The story of Frances and Engela will pull you into a place where love should not be possible; doesn't seem like it's even a real thing and will open your eyes to how beautiful things can happen in dire situations.
Did I get all the feels reading this?
Yes. I sure did.
And you will too.
5 MASSIVE stars for 28 Boys.
MY HEART.
OMG. From the very first word to the last, I was lost in a world that most people won't talk about. A world that's hard to live in and a world where only the strong survive. But what if surviving means putting yourself and those you love in danger? Would you do it?
The story of Frances and Engela will pull you into a place where love should not be possible; doesn't seem like it's even a real thing and will open your eyes to how beautiful things can happen in dire situations.
Did I get all the feels reading this?
Yes. I sure did.
And you will too.
5 MASSIVE stars for 28 Boys.
October 25, 2017
I started reading this and was not sure if I was going to like the characters. They seemed so rough. so mean, and so dangerous. Then there was a moment of shock, I found a human here. A hurting person that has lost so much and has been forced to live a life forced upon him due to circumstances beyond his control. A person that made bad very bad decisions as a teen and struggled to survive. But there was something else there.
With danger at every turn, nowhere was safe, he comes out of prison and decides to start over. He isn't hopeful, but he is determined.
Frances made me cry. Not only with his life, but with his heart. A heart he wasn't sure deserved any good or love in the world.
Engela lives with her child and mother and is not thrilled to see Frankie come back. Her memories of him were too close to home and she didn't believe that she had her mother's forgiving heart. The path she took was hard to read and broke my heart as she attempted to do better for her son. She had made hard decisions and she was afraid of the ramifications.
When Frances arrives home, he finds the unexpected. This is where my heart became so involved.
The people in this story are so real and so powerfully written that I was lost in their story, their lives, and their pains. I have spent the last hour crying, smiling, rejoicing, and hoping. Every emotion was real and pure and the drama was harsh. This is my first book by A. Giannoccaro, such an intense book, I want to read more.
It is a stark look at a crime-ridden town, gang members, family, and Community and their fight for their safety.
With danger at every turn, nowhere was safe, he comes out of prison and decides to start over. He isn't hopeful, but he is determined.
Frances made me cry. Not only with his life, but with his heart. A heart he wasn't sure deserved any good or love in the world.
Engela lives with her child and mother and is not thrilled to see Frankie come back. Her memories of him were too close to home and she didn't believe that she had her mother's forgiving heart. The path she took was hard to read and broke my heart as she attempted to do better for her son. She had made hard decisions and she was afraid of the ramifications.
When Frances arrives home, he finds the unexpected. This is where my heart became so involved.
The people in this story are so real and so powerfully written that I was lost in their story, their lives, and their pains. I have spent the last hour crying, smiling, rejoicing, and hoping. Every emotion was real and pure and the drama was harsh. This is my first book by A. Giannoccaro, such an intense book, I want to read more.
It is a stark look at a crime-ridden town, gang members, family, and Community and their fight for their safety.
March 17, 2017
I really don't even know how to review this book. It hurt me and gave me hope. It made me want to not finish it and it made me want to read it over and over.
Francis is a thug, a gangster, a murderer, a rapist, the worst of all humanity. Engel is a girl who got lost to the streets, a place where numbers are everything. There is no possible way for these 2 to have any kind of future. They are death and destruction. They are rubble and ruin.
And it's all too real. The story is based on reality and it is proven in the writing. It all feels so real that the pain and suffering seeped into my soul and dragged me down with it.
Does it have a happy ending? How could anyone have a happy ending when they come from this place? Did I want to throw my kindle at the end? No, I didn't. I was left feeling complete and that it ended in the best and most real way possible.
You may read this review and wonder if you want to read 28 Boys, but you do. Trust me. It is so, so good. The writing, the story, the characters. If not only to open your eyes to atrocities happening across the world, but to endear your heart to the message:
"Bad people are still people, sometimes they are just surviving. Love knows no limits and isn't just for the good people. We all pay for our sins in the end, but we all deserve the love of a lifetime."
Francis is a thug, a gangster, a murderer, a rapist, the worst of all humanity. Engel is a girl who got lost to the streets, a place where numbers are everything. There is no possible way for these 2 to have any kind of future. They are death and destruction. They are rubble and ruin.
And it's all too real. The story is based on reality and it is proven in the writing. It all feels so real that the pain and suffering seeped into my soul and dragged me down with it.
Does it have a happy ending? How could anyone have a happy ending when they come from this place? Did I want to throw my kindle at the end? No, I didn't. I was left feeling complete and that it ended in the best and most real way possible.
You may read this review and wonder if you want to read 28 Boys, but you do. Trust me. It is so, so good. The writing, the story, the characters. If not only to open your eyes to atrocities happening across the world, but to endear your heart to the message:
"Bad people are still people, sometimes they are just surviving. Love knows no limits and isn't just for the good people. We all pay for our sins in the end, but we all deserve the love of a lifetime."
March 23, 2017
Just read the book, its good, ashleigh did it again
Writing is superb and story is fantastic
March 16, 2017
5 Massive Stars!!!!!!
28 Boys is one of those reads that will rip your heart wide open, tear you apart steel your tears and make you think how lucky your life really is.
This is such a hard review to write because the story is raw, real, sad and a true reflection of a life lead by many without a way out.
A.Giannoccaro is one of my favourite Authors and a one click must for me, loved all of her books to date and when I read 28 Boys I could see how much of her heart & soul went into writing this amazing book. It truly is outstanding!
May 4, 2017
This is a dark book. You've been warned.
"THE AFTERMATH OF LOVE IS WAR"
The things that we hate to ignore, yet long to forget. Bravo to the author for bringing another world of suffering and realistic hurt to the forefront. This story is dark. This story will make you cry. This story isn't for the people that like to keep their eyes shut in the face of tragedy. It's raw. It's rare. It's a look into the dark corners of reality.
A fictional story straight out of Africa, yet real, written with the grit that it breathes. A could smell the dirt, feel the pain, live the darkness that haunts the characters. It was painfully riveting. Each page leaving a lasting impression of doom. Each word begging for redemption. This book. Fuck.
I could go on and on about the emotional journey this book will take you on. But, I couldn't really. I don't have enough words to express it. One thought that crossed my mind, are we the product of our environment? This story is hard, thought provoking, and touches on a life you wouldn't normally know. I beg you to open your eyes and see the heart in such a dark place. These characters will grab your hand, make you fight for redemption, beg for freedom, and long for forgiveness.
"THE AFTERMATH OF LOVE IS WAR"
The things that we hate to ignore, yet long to forget. Bravo to the author for bringing another world of suffering and realistic hurt to the forefront. This story is dark. This story will make you cry. This story isn't for the people that like to keep their eyes shut in the face of tragedy. It's raw. It's rare. It's a look into the dark corners of reality.
A fictional story straight out of Africa, yet real, written with the grit that it breathes. A could smell the dirt, feel the pain, live the darkness that haunts the characters. It was painfully riveting. Each page leaving a lasting impression of doom. Each word begging for redemption. This book. Fuck.
I could go on and on about the emotional journey this book will take you on. But, I couldn't really. I don't have enough words to express it. One thought that crossed my mind, are we the product of our environment? This story is hard, thought provoking, and touches on a life you wouldn't normally know. I beg you to open your eyes and see the heart in such a dark place. These characters will grab your hand, make you fight for redemption, beg for freedom, and long for forgiveness.
May 1, 2018
No matter how I write this review I know I won't be able to give it the credit it deserves. So I'm gonna tell you how I felt while reading it.
When this popped onto my kindle it took a few days to read it. As I've read some previous books by this author I knew I'd need time put aside to inhale it. I knew the author was gonna pull all sorts of feelings out of me so I needed to be prepared. I also knew I wouldn't want the story to end.
So I found myself on Mothers Day sitting with my kindle and ready to start a book. No better book to start. In my house I declare a strike on this day and do nothing so an ideal day for this book.
I still wasn't prepared enough for the feels I got while reading this book. I rarely cry while reading but I found myself with tears rolling down my face at parts of this. I had goosebumps reading most of it and I was so afraid to read on yet couldn't stop. I needed to believe this author would put the bits of my heart together.
This is a raw, sad and emotional story told from Francis and Engelas point of view. Their story isn't east but it needs to be told. If your looking for unique, a story like no other then I highly recommend you 1-click.
When this popped onto my kindle it took a few days to read it. As I've read some previous books by this author I knew I'd need time put aside to inhale it. I knew the author was gonna pull all sorts of feelings out of me so I needed to be prepared. I also knew I wouldn't want the story to end.
So I found myself on Mothers Day sitting with my kindle and ready to start a book. No better book to start. In my house I declare a strike on this day and do nothing so an ideal day for this book.
I still wasn't prepared enough for the feels I got while reading this book. I rarely cry while reading but I found myself with tears rolling down my face at parts of this. I had goosebumps reading most of it and I was so afraid to read on yet couldn't stop. I needed to believe this author would put the bits of my heart together.
This is a raw, sad and emotional story told from Francis and Engelas point of view. Their story isn't east but it needs to be told. If your looking for unique, a story like no other then I highly recommend you 1-click.
March 30, 2017
It takes a very divervastile and competent author to be able to produce such a diverse story. That is what Ms A. Giannoccaro has done with 28 Boys. A believer, a dreamer a sensational author who is willing to push her personal boundaries and jump out of her comfort zone and write what makes her happy. 28 Boys is not the usual storyline in which Ms A. Giannoccaro has written before. This is a passion project (her words) and it will touch your heart and soul.
Based on the life of Frankie and Engela and just how brutal life and love can be on the Cape flats of South Africa. This story is raw, gritty, and in parts will break your heart. It is a true eye opener into just what really happens in parts of the world.
In this world you need to be strong to survive, but to love you must be stronger.
I sincerely recommend for everyone to read this book especially if you want a story like no other. You will not be disappointed.
Based on the life of Frankie and Engela and just how brutal life and love can be on the Cape flats of South Africa. This story is raw, gritty, and in parts will break your heart. It is a true eye opener into just what really happens in parts of the world.
In this world you need to be strong to survive, but to love you must be stronger.
I sincerely recommend for everyone to read this book especially if you want a story like no other. You will not be disappointed.
March 16, 2017
5 EPIC STARS
My Top read for 2017.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, Ash has outdone herself on this book.
This review is going to be hard. this book put my through so many emotions while reading I don’t think I have needed as many tissues to get through a book before.
28 boys are one of the hardest books I have ever read and I have NEVER read anything like it and most likely never will again.
It will rip your heart out unless your heart is made of stone.
It is so different but so good and a story that needed to be told through Ash words. And it was done Brilliantly...
Ash has done such an amazing story. it is not a love story it is about a couple who find love when they shouldn’t. really in a place where love really has no place, it is full of heartache and sadness after reading this book it will make you think how lucky we are.
You can feel how much the Author heart and soul went into this book. It is well written and this is by far my Favourite book of A. Giannoccaro.
My Top read for 2017.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, Ash has outdone herself on this book.
This review is going to be hard. this book put my through so many emotions while reading I don’t think I have needed as many tissues to get through a book before.
28 boys are one of the hardest books I have ever read and I have NEVER read anything like it and most likely never will again.
It will rip your heart out unless your heart is made of stone.
It is so different but so good and a story that needed to be told through Ash words. And it was done Brilliantly...
Ash has done such an amazing story. it is not a love story it is about a couple who find love when they shouldn’t. really in a place where love really has no place, it is full of heartache and sadness after reading this book it will make you think how lucky we are.
You can feel how much the Author heart and soul went into this book. It is well written and this is by far my Favourite book of A. Giannoccaro.
March 29, 2017
Ever read a book that will change your life forever? That reading it makes you look at your life and wonder why do I complain, why do I want certain things? This book is straight up raw and in your face about life as a gang member, a mom scared constantly about her son, living in the lowest of lowest where your never feel safe, but would do anything to just be able to live with happiness. This book made me cry like a baby has made me realize you truly never know anyone's story about themselves. You will feel for the characters even might hate Francis. But in the end there are people who go through this daily. Francis and Engela's story will remain with me forever. Deserves 10 stars 5/5 stars ****Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Read provided for a voluntarily Advanced Reader Copy of this book ****
March 22, 2017
Love Disclaimers!!!!
"This is not a ROMANCE, it's not sexy and it isn't beautiful. This is a LOVE story in a world where love has no place, but hope lives in the hearts of a few."
28- A number, but not just any number. A gang number, a symbol of brotherhood. 28-His number."
Wow this book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Lots of HIGHS and lows. And of course that kept me intrigued and wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I sooo enjoyed reading 28 Boys. The dang title had me wondering what the heck it meant. lol
This book is about Francis. He has been in prison for 12 years. He comes back home to his old street. Back to the house where a girl he knew still lived with her son and her mother. He took something very precious away from her and her mom. All in the name of his gang. Will he be able to redeem himself with her and her mom? Will he stay with the gang? Ummm this is where you are going to have to pick this book up and find out for yourself!!!
I gave this book 5 iScream Books Stars. 28 Boys is soo good yall!! Well if you have read books by A. Giannoccaro before, you know its going to be good and dark...so make sure you pick it up!!
"This is not a ROMANCE, it's not sexy and it isn't beautiful. This is a LOVE story in a world where love has no place, but hope lives in the hearts of a few."
28- A number, but not just any number. A gang number, a symbol of brotherhood. 28-His number."
Wow this book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Lots of HIGHS and lows. And of course that kept me intrigued and wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I sooo enjoyed reading 28 Boys. The dang title had me wondering what the heck it meant. lol
This book is about Francis. He has been in prison for 12 years. He comes back home to his old street. Back to the house where a girl he knew still lived with her son and her mother. He took something very precious away from her and her mom. All in the name of his gang. Will he be able to redeem himself with her and her mom? Will he stay with the gang? Ummm this is where you are going to have to pick this book up and find out for yourself!!!
I gave this book 5 iScream Books Stars. 28 Boys is soo good yall!! Well if you have read books by A. Giannoccaro before, you know its going to be good and dark...so make sure you pick it up!!
May 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. A great story something a bit different.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the ending. I felt something was missing and just wanted the story to continue. Would love to get some more of Francis and Engela.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the ending. I felt something was missing and just wanted the story to continue. Would love to get some more of Francis and Engela.
March 22, 2017
ARC Gifted...
I've never read anything like this before.The raw honesty of it all was interesting,I'd say this author is good,she can lure a reader in with the uniqueness of her writing, I was a bit annoyed by Engela but this story should have been felt different if it wasn't for her attitude towards Francis and my rate would have been different maybe less or more but it is what it is.I bawled,I was annoyed,I felt bad and mad at the same time,I was a ball of emotion with this one.This book was oddly good and I'm glad I won this giveaway, something different from my usual reads,it was like a breath of fresh air.
I've never read anything like this before.The raw honesty of it all was interesting,I'd say this author is good,she can lure a reader in with the uniqueness of her writing, I was a bit annoyed by Engela but this story should have been felt different if it wasn't for her attitude towards Francis and my rate would have been different maybe less or more but it is what it is.I bawled,I was annoyed,I felt bad and mad at the same time,I was a ball of emotion with this one.This book was oddly good and I'm glad I won this giveaway, something different from my usual reads,it was like a breath of fresh air.
December 10, 2017
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now I'm found,
Was blind, but now I see.
We are no longer lost, we are free. We aren't blind, we see. I know that tomorrow is a blessing, and today is all we have."
A story is more than words, it's the emotion and truth of a situation. This story tells the hard hitting reality of many whilst the rest of the world hides from the ugly. Francis has served his time and his purpose, set free after 12 years inside four walls he is lost. His sister has been lost to drugs, his mother dead and his home nothing more than a house left to decay. Living with his sins he feels displaced, his gang has not claimed him and he no longer wants blood on his hands. Hope stems from the lady with the wise eyes and forgiveness on her lips. But his neighbours don't belong to his gang, the little boy and his mother belong to a rival. Some lines are not meant to be crossed and can only lead to destruction...
When you really have no choice as either decision ends in death, is it better to be dying or dead as one character asks and that line is one of many that haunts me. This story is horrifying, the acts committed to survive in a life that is little more a hell on earth makes the small glimpses of hope shine bright in the darkness. Francis was just a small boy once, an innocent in world filled with evil that shaped him into a bad man with no way of escape. Angela is a woman caught up in a lifestyle that destroys everything in its path, striving to feel loved wanting to be worth more than the hand dealt to her. The pain, the loss and the sheer magnitude of their reality left me shaken, with wet cheeks. This is a story that is worth re reading and I hope you one click today and get lost in one of the best reads of the year so far.
A five star I feel humbled read.
~*~ Reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ~*~
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now I'm found,
Was blind, but now I see.
We are no longer lost, we are free. We aren't blind, we see. I know that tomorrow is a blessing, and today is all we have."
A story is more than words, it's the emotion and truth of a situation. This story tells the hard hitting reality of many whilst the rest of the world hides from the ugly. Francis has served his time and his purpose, set free after 12 years inside four walls he is lost. His sister has been lost to drugs, his mother dead and his home nothing more than a house left to decay. Living with his sins he feels displaced, his gang has not claimed him and he no longer wants blood on his hands. Hope stems from the lady with the wise eyes and forgiveness on her lips. But his neighbours don't belong to his gang, the little boy and his mother belong to a rival. Some lines are not meant to be crossed and can only lead to destruction...
When you really have no choice as either decision ends in death, is it better to be dying or dead as one character asks and that line is one of many that haunts me. This story is horrifying, the acts committed to survive in a life that is little more a hell on earth makes the small glimpses of hope shine bright in the darkness. Francis was just a small boy once, an innocent in world filled with evil that shaped him into a bad man with no way of escape. Angela is a woman caught up in a lifestyle that destroys everything in its path, striving to feel loved wanting to be worth more than the hand dealt to her. The pain, the loss and the sheer magnitude of their reality left me shaken, with wet cheeks. This is a story that is worth re reading and I hope you one click today and get lost in one of the best reads of the year so far.
A five star I feel humbled read.
~*~ Reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ~*~
April 1, 2017
✨5 amazing stars✨I just finished.... I can't even put into words yet how much this book has touched my heart.
This book. This book. Yes I said that twice ,was sad, real, honest, and has a second chance for two people that come from the cape flats .Francis and Engela .francis one of the 28s has done some horrific things in his past but he is released from 12 years in prison , tries to find a second chance to change what his life was and dealing with what he has done and dealt with.Then there is Engela who lives across the way with her mom and son. She hates Francis . Her mom welcomes him. You will find out why in this amazing story. That's just a set up and I encourage you to read 28 boys. You will cry , have hope, maybe even scream. Please don't let this book not be overlooked. It is phenomenal.
This book. This book. Yes I said that twice ,was sad, real, honest, and has a second chance for two people that come from the cape flats .Francis and Engela .francis one of the 28s has done some horrific things in his past but he is released from 12 years in prison , tries to find a second chance to change what his life was and dealing with what he has done and dealt with.Then there is Engela who lives across the way with her mom and son. She hates Francis . Her mom welcomes him. You will find out why in this amazing story. That's just a set up and I encourage you to read 28 boys. You will cry , have hope, maybe even scream. Please don't let this book not be overlooked. It is phenomenal.
June 17, 2017
By far my most favorite by Ashleigh.
This was absolutely incredible! This is not for the weak! If you have triggers stay away from this.
Frances has been in jail for several years. Lots of stuff happened to him while he was behind bars. Engela has lots of bad things happening to her but she latches on to Frances.
This was absolutely incredible! This is not for the weak! If you have triggers stay away from this.
Frances has been in jail for several years. Lots of stuff happened to him while he was behind bars. Engela has lots of bad things happening to her but she latches on to Frances.
March 30, 2017
This book is dark, pitch black dark. This was no fairy tale. Brutally honest and filled with the sad truths of broken lives and shattered dreams, 28 Boys reminds us that all lives do matter, and that we are judged in spite of everything we do to try to make things right, to seek redemption. I cried for Francis, and I didn't know how he and Engela made it work, but through the darkness, they found a tiny spark of light, and they nurtured it in their own twisted ways until it shone brightly for them. I was so heartbroken throughout their story, with emotions pulled in every which way. We'd like to think that this stuff doesn't happen in real life, but yeah, it does. This was a really well written book, and meaningfully insightful. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
March 30, 2017
I honestly don't know how to put into words on how this book effected me. It opened my mind, that anyone no matter what kind of situation you are in, someone is out there caring and loving you, whether you deserve it or not. This story is NOT a romance story, however it is a love story. In a world full of hate, crime, and love ones killed, you wouldn't think love can survive.
28 Boys shows unconditional love and the struggle of surviving. Be prepared to have your heart ripped out and stomped on. I'm pretty sure Ashleigh is sipping on my tears. Great Read.
28 Boys shows unconditional love and the struggle of surviving. Be prepared to have your heart ripped out and stomped on. I'm pretty sure Ashleigh is sipping on my tears. Great Read.
March 25, 2017
Reviewing this book is so difficult. My heart is broken and is aching, tears fill my eyes and it is painful to rehash this story. It has been a week since I finished and every time I start I become overwrought with emotions once again. I have no idea how Ashleigh wrote this, I can only assume that it possesses an enormous part of her. 28 BOYS is a powerful, emotionally charged, heartrending tale of love and mercy that will leave you distraught and drained.
Although this book is tragic, the real tragedy is that it is based on real life occurrences. We all love those dark and depraved books that we anticipate from A. Giannoccaro. While this is not like any of her prior books, it is horrific in its own beautiful wretched way. Warning: the BRUTALITY OF REAL LIFE comes through in this story and broaches subjects most refuse to acknowledge. You will definitely have to see the story for what it is and base your rating and review on the merit of the story alone. Life is not pretty and this is not one of those romance stories that you read to escape. There is no escape for Francis and Engela, and this tale takes you away to a life and environment worse than yours.
Francis and Engela’s story is laden with hope, desperation and heartbreak. In a world where there are second and third generation gang members and boys are owned from the moment they can carry a gun. It is an inescapable destiny. There are no opportunities, there is only survival.
28 BOYS is not about a gang. It is about a gang member and his choices to survive and his choices to withstand becoming a number in a place where the significance of that number is sovereign. The consequences for choices are catastrophic, the ability to find a small bit of happiness when tomorrow is not a guarantee is tenuous, and the possibility of finding forgiveness is difficult and painful.
Your payment for reading this book will be your soul, but the reward will be an unforgettable significant story that has encompassed your heart and that will stay with you for a very long while.
Every single human seeks love and is worthy of such a connected emotion regardless of who they are or where they live. It gives people hope that they have something to build on, no matter how damaged they may feel. Love is powerful and it can make or break a person.
“Bad people are still people, sometimes they are just surviving. Love knows no limits and isn’t just for the good people. We all pay for our sins in the end, but we all deserve the love of a lifetime.”
Although this book is tragic, the real tragedy is that it is based on real life occurrences. We all love those dark and depraved books that we anticipate from A. Giannoccaro. While this is not like any of her prior books, it is horrific in its own beautiful wretched way. Warning: the BRUTALITY OF REAL LIFE comes through in this story and broaches subjects most refuse to acknowledge. You will definitely have to see the story for what it is and base your rating and review on the merit of the story alone. Life is not pretty and this is not one of those romance stories that you read to escape. There is no escape for Francis and Engela, and this tale takes you away to a life and environment worse than yours.
Francis and Engela’s story is laden with hope, desperation and heartbreak. In a world where there are second and third generation gang members and boys are owned from the moment they can carry a gun. It is an inescapable destiny. There are no opportunities, there is only survival.
28 BOYS is not about a gang. It is about a gang member and his choices to survive and his choices to withstand becoming a number in a place where the significance of that number is sovereign. The consequences for choices are catastrophic, the ability to find a small bit of happiness when tomorrow is not a guarantee is tenuous, and the possibility of finding forgiveness is difficult and painful.
Your payment for reading this book will be your soul, but the reward will be an unforgettable significant story that has encompassed your heart and that will stay with you for a very long while.
Every single human seeks love and is worthy of such a connected emotion regardless of who they are or where they live. It gives people hope that they have something to build on, no matter how damaged they may feel. Love is powerful and it can make or break a person.
“Bad people are still people, sometimes they are just surviving. Love knows no limits and isn’t just for the good people. We all pay for our sins in the end, but we all deserve the love of a lifetime.”
April 8, 2018
Loved
This book was recommended to me and OMG I loved it. This story had me crying, upset, and mad all in one. Once I start this book I couldn't out it down. A Giannoccaro really brought this story to life. I felt all the emotion of each characters. This is a must read!!!!
This book was recommended to me and OMG I loved it. This story had me crying, upset, and mad all in one. Once I start this book I couldn't out it down. A Giannoccaro really brought this story to life. I felt all the emotion of each characters. This is a must read!!!!
March 30, 2017
I had to start reading 28 Boys on the day that my paperback copy arrived. The feedback that I had been seeing about 28 Boys was nothing short of awesome and I wanted to know what the buzz was about.
From the very beginning, it was as if I'd been transported to their world and could feel all of the darkness and despair that surrounded it. I physically felt the nervousness and worry that Engela feels while on the streets. The way that she and Francis were struggling to survive in that world was constantly tearing at my heart. When she received the letter from Pollsmoor, I could feel the terror closing in as if I were in her shoes. Chapter 9 told more of the tale of Francis' heartbreaking existence. This made me feel the hopelessness and despair on an even deeper level. They all wanted so badly to be free of their situation, but getting out and away was hard and the means weren't at hand. Francis and Engela were both marked people in their own ways and that was a scary existence to try to overcome. I felt their fear with each turn of the page, and yet I yearned for them to succeed where so many had failed. The events in Chapter 15 made my heart drop into the pit of my stomach, shattered to bits. Any hope had turned to crushing despair. Chapter 16 was literary perfection. Being able to see Engela from the outside looking in, yet knowing that her world was about to be rocked in the worst possible way, ripped my heart out as a reader. Her entire world was about to be torn to shreds, and yet she had no idea the severity. Giannaccaro did a phenomenal job with this section of the book especially; the pain and heartache practically radiated from the pages.
I absolutely loved this book. It will always be one of those books that I want to experience reading again and again as if it were the first time, so powerful were all of the thoughts and feelings it elicited.
Giannaccaro has always used her writing to show me the darker side of humanity, while still making me care for characters who have done terrible things. Her books are incredible and 28 Boys was gut-wrenchingly perfect. She was able to show that healing and beauty were able to be found fighting their way through the darkest of times.
From the very beginning, it was as if I'd been transported to their world and could feel all of the darkness and despair that surrounded it. I physically felt the nervousness and worry that Engela feels while on the streets. The way that she and Francis were struggling to survive in that world was constantly tearing at my heart. When she received the letter from Pollsmoor, I could feel the terror closing in as if I were in her shoes. Chapter 9 told more of the tale of Francis' heartbreaking existence. This made me feel the hopelessness and despair on an even deeper level. They all wanted so badly to be free of their situation, but getting out and away was hard and the means weren't at hand. Francis and Engela were both marked people in their own ways and that was a scary existence to try to overcome. I felt their fear with each turn of the page, and yet I yearned for them to succeed where so many had failed. The events in Chapter 15 made my heart drop into the pit of my stomach, shattered to bits. Any hope had turned to crushing despair. Chapter 16 was literary perfection. Being able to see Engela from the outside looking in, yet knowing that her world was about to be rocked in the worst possible way, ripped my heart out as a reader. Her entire world was about to be torn to shreds, and yet she had no idea the severity. Giannaccaro did a phenomenal job with this section of the book especially; the pain and heartache practically radiated from the pages.
I absolutely loved this book. It will always be one of those books that I want to experience reading again and again as if it were the first time, so powerful were all of the thoughts and feelings it elicited.
Giannaccaro has always used her writing to show me the darker side of humanity, while still making me care for characters who have done terrible things. Her books are incredible and 28 Boys was gut-wrenchingly perfect. She was able to show that healing and beauty were able to be found fighting their way through the darkest of times.
March 25, 2017
I honestly don't know where to start with this review. This book is unlike anything I've read before. It's not you typical hearts and flowers love story that's for sure.
Francis is not a nice man. He's done some really horrific things and I should hate him, but I didn't. Born into a life he didn't want and stuck there through circumstances beyond his control, he really is just trying to survive one day at a time. This book left me torn. On one hand i really didn't want to like Francis but on the other hand, what else could he have done? He's stuck between a rock and a hard place.
This book tore me up. I finished late last night and it was the first thing I thought about when I opened my eyes this morning. The author sets the scene so perfectly. It was very easy to picture the street, the houses, the people. To feel the hopelessness and fear. This isn't a particularly easy book to read. It deals with some very real issues, it's not sugar coated and it is hard reading at times. To know that this is a way of life for some people broke my heart.
I've deliberately tried to be vague with this review. It's one of those books that you need to experience for yourself. I do want to mention the language in this book. Set in South Africa, it threw me off a little at first when the characters (occasionally) spoke in their native language but it turned out to be one of the things that made this book stand out that little bit more for me. It adds to the realism and helped to really set the tone of the book.
I went through a massive range of emotions reading this book. It left me feeling conflicted, so very sad and massively grateful for the life I live. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long long time.
February 11, 2018
A love story that takes you through a brutal world!
28 Boys is a story like no other story that you have ever read. It is a fast-paced and intense love story that is complex and will take you to the edge. Two people come together that are broken, complicated and live in a harsh neighborhood. Two broken souls that find love while facing countless hardships and dangers at every turn. This is a harsh world, and many will die and only a few will survive.
This story was emotional, passionate, full of anguish, stimulating and had its share of drama. It will push your boundaries. There is just the right amount of action and romance to keep the story entertaining and captivating. While reading this story, your heart will be ripped open, you will want to scream and cry and by the end, you will see harsh world that most of us have never known about or will see.
Ashleigh Giannoccaro did not disappoint! A great read by a very gifted and amazing author team! I never know what to expect from a book written by Ashleigh G. and this book was no different. If you are looking for something different, that is captivating and intense, then you need to read this one.
28 Boys is a story like no other story that you have ever read. It is a fast-paced and intense love story that is complex and will take you to the edge. Two people come together that are broken, complicated and live in a harsh neighborhood. Two broken souls that find love while facing countless hardships and dangers at every turn. This is a harsh world, and many will die and only a few will survive.
This story was emotional, passionate, full of anguish, stimulating and had its share of drama. It will push your boundaries. There is just the right amount of action and romance to keep the story entertaining and captivating. While reading this story, your heart will be ripped open, you will want to scream and cry and by the end, you will see harsh world that most of us have never known about or will see.
Ashleigh Giannoccaro did not disappoint! A great read by a very gifted and amazing author team! I never know what to expect from a book written by Ashleigh G. and this book was no different. If you are looking for something different, that is captivating and intense, then you need to read this one.
April 17, 2017
Oh my what a book! It was real, it was raw! It wasn't pretty but it was true. It was a little disturbing in parts. But gang life is really like this I am sure. I felt I live a very privileged while reading and I am grateful. There was a love story but it wasn't romantic, it was sad. My heart broke for these people. It is the only life they know and that is scary.
The sad and horrific situations these people lived through everyday was just beyond anything I can completely comprehend. They did things all because that is their life, this is the ugly they live. In the end I had a small smile through my tears. I was left with a bit of hope.
This is one of those books that makes you feel, it makes you think and I will never forget it. This story is going to stick with me for awhile.
The sad and horrific situations these people lived through everyday was just beyond anything I can completely comprehend. They did things all because that is their life, this is the ugly they live. In the end I had a small smile through my tears. I was left with a bit of hope.
This is one of those books that makes you feel, it makes you think and I will never forget it. This story is going to stick with me for awhile.
July 22, 2017
A gritty love story based on real life interviews with gangsters in the Cape Flats. The pace of the novel was like stepping onto a freight train. I liked that the author interspersed the dialogue with the language spoken in the area...
Francis, the main character's actions and motivations are not easy to forgive. However, as the story unfolds, redemption is within his grasp. This story put faces and emotions to the facts and figures we read about in the newspapers daily. It served to humanize those who we cast aside as 'collateral damage' in the wars which take place in gangster territory. Note that the novel carries an age restriction of 18 and has a trigger warning for sensitive readers.
Francis, the main character's actions and motivations are not easy to forgive. However, as the story unfolds, redemption is within his grasp. This story put faces and emotions to the facts and figures we read about in the newspapers daily. It served to humanize those who we cast aside as 'collateral damage' in the wars which take place in gangster territory. Note that the novel carries an age restriction of 18 and has a trigger warning for sensitive readers.
March 30, 2017
You know you have read a powerful story when it reminds you how lucky you are to live the life you do and this book definitely did that for me. This story is emotional, raw, heart breaking and eye opening. This was an amazing read that really got my emotions going and even when it was hard to keep reading I could not put it down. I highly recommend you 1Click this book because this story is well worth the tears it will steal.
April 26, 2017
This is one tough review to write!
Whenever I read a book by Ashleigh Giannacaro, I need time read, focus and process. Even with all that, this book had me holding my breath.
Raw, gritty and emotional the writing was incredible. The story was so well written, so twisted and the characters were so well developed, I hated them.
Under unimaginable circumstances there's a story of love and survival.
Whenever I read a book by Ashleigh Giannacaro, I need time read, focus and process. Even with all that, this book had me holding my breath.
Raw, gritty and emotional the writing was incredible. The story was so well written, so twisted and the characters were so well developed, I hated them.
Under unimaginable circumstances there's a story of love and survival.
March 26, 2017
Very hard review to write. I just did not know what to say. This gutted me. It is hard to make me cry. I can get emotional but to actually cry. This hard me in tears. I was a mess.
This is beautiful well written and so much more. I know my review won't do it justice. I don't want to give away spoilers. Just one click it be warned not for the faint of heart and be ready. ITS A MUST READ.
5 stars.
This is beautiful well written and so much more. I know my review won't do it justice. I don't want to give away spoilers. Just one click it be warned not for the faint of heart and be ready. ITS A MUST READ.
5 stars.
April 20, 2017
This was a great story and I truly didn't want it to end!
I did feel like the ending was a bit abrupt, but was it because I wasn't ready for it to be over or did I feel like I didn't get complete closure?
I did feel like the ending was a bit abrupt, but was it because I wasn't ready for it to be over or did I feel like I didn't get complete closure?
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