What do you think?
Noki
Who is Noki? He is a young man with autism and is cared for by his elderly father. Should Noki be allowed to be a professional boxer? That’s not easy to answer. This book will spark a discussion about the limits society places on people with special needs. Knowingly or not. At what point can you allow a person with autism to make major decisions in his life? Maybe it depends on the severeness of his autism or maybe it depends on the risk he is taking? Noki is a story about a young man with autism who chooses to put his life on the line and become a professional boxer. Life’s circumstances have dictated the reason for him doing this but the lawless world of boxing also has its reasons for embracing Noki as well. And they are not good ones. What few know is that Noki is a savant and can imitate and transform himself into any legendary boxer he wants. We welcome you to take a trip on this journey with Noki. It starts with temptation and ends with redemption. It is about telling the truth and being brave. It’s about dealing with society’s worst characters and still choosing right from wrong. But above all else, it’s just about a boy. A real boy who becomes a hero to others with special needs like him. Visit www.letnokibox.com
217 pages, Paperback
Published March 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 27, 2022
Noki lives an unassuming life with his father, Jip, as they struggle to make ends meet with a failing boxing gym. Noki doesn’t speak much with the other boxers or even with his father, but when Bug shows up one late rainy evening, Noki takes a shine to him and talks more than he ever has before.
At first, they are allowed to build their friendship and trust. However, everything changes for them after the gym’s main fighter and moneymaker leaves unexpectedly, causing Jip to have a stroke. Together, Noki and Bug discover ways of making money with Noki’s boxing talent, but their lies and dealings with the shady business of boxing soon threaten more than their abilities to save Jip and the gym. They must work together with those they trust, or they may lose everything they love and care about.
This exciting book written by Douglas Farrago has some fantastic commentary on the business of boxing. Readers can tell that the author knows what he’s talking about with boxing in how he describes each match, which makes those scenes especially interesting to read. It’s interesting to see a little more about what goes on behind those matches. This is a great way to expose some of the shady things boxers have to deal with and how easy it is for boxers to get sucked into financially abusive situations.
I thought the characters started out a little flat, with the focus on Noki and Bug because they were different, Noki with his autism and Bug with his small stature. For at least the first half of the book, it felt like everyone thought Noki couldn’t really understand things and only knew how to follow instructions. Bug and Jip, especially would make comments to this effect quite often. It wasn’t until Bug started getting threatened for using Noki that changed, and he started treating Noki more like a normal person. Eventually, Noki as a character-filled out as Bug began treating him as an average person.
Noki while being a work of fiction, is a great resource to learn more about the boxing system and how it makes it easy to take advantage of boxers. Young adults and teen readers will find this coming-of-age novel entertaining as it explores the life of an autistic person in the world of sports.
At first, they are allowed to build their friendship and trust. However, everything changes for them after the gym’s main fighter and moneymaker leaves unexpectedly, causing Jip to have a stroke. Together, Noki and Bug discover ways of making money with Noki’s boxing talent, but their lies and dealings with the shady business of boxing soon threaten more than their abilities to save Jip and the gym. They must work together with those they trust, or they may lose everything they love and care about.
This exciting book written by Douglas Farrago has some fantastic commentary on the business of boxing. Readers can tell that the author knows what he’s talking about with boxing in how he describes each match, which makes those scenes especially interesting to read. It’s interesting to see a little more about what goes on behind those matches. This is a great way to expose some of the shady things boxers have to deal with and how easy it is for boxers to get sucked into financially abusive situations.
I thought the characters started out a little flat, with the focus on Noki and Bug because they were different, Noki with his autism and Bug with his small stature. For at least the first half of the book, it felt like everyone thought Noki couldn’t really understand things and only knew how to follow instructions. Bug and Jip, especially would make comments to this effect quite often. It wasn’t until Bug started getting threatened for using Noki that changed, and he started treating Noki more like a normal person. Eventually, Noki as a character-filled out as Bug began treating him as an average person.
Noki while being a work of fiction, is a great resource to learn more about the boxing system and how it makes it easy to take advantage of boxers. Young adults and teen readers will find this coming-of-age novel entertaining as it explores the life of an autistic person in the world of sports.
September 21, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.I found myself loving this book.
Noki is an odd duck that takes to boxing. He has the passion of an autistic young man, when it comes to knowledge of boxing. Bug becomes like Jiminy Cricket on his shoulder. I felt like this was a whole different take to Pinocchio. I enjoyed the story. The history, story, characters, and passion all came together and made for a beautiful and interesting story. What a fascinating story.
Noki is an odd duck that takes to boxing. He has the passion of an autistic young man, when it comes to knowledge of boxing. Bug becomes like Jiminy Cricket on his shoulder. I felt like this was a whole different take to Pinocchio. I enjoyed the story. The history, story, characters, and passion all came together and made for a beautiful and interesting story. What a fascinating story.
May 16, 2021
I received a complimentary copy.
There is history, grief and passion along with a mix of pain, sacrifice mingling with a powerful story. If you are into boxing and want to pass time with good albeit cursing in between this is an awesome choice.
There is history, grief and passion along with a mix of pain, sacrifice mingling with a powerful story. If you are into boxing and want to pass time with good albeit cursing in between this is an awesome choice.
June 7, 2022
not my usual genre, but read because I like Dr. Farrago. Enjoyed the romp.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews