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Lucas
Lucas, the dramatic story of a young woman's encounter with the ugly side of humanity and her struggle to defeat it. British novelist Kevin Brooks's masterpiece is set on the island community of Hale over one summer, as 15-year-old Caitlin McCann realizes her small world is changing. Her brother is acting strangely, hanging out with the neighborhood reprobates and getting drunk, and her best friend follows his lead. To make matters worse, the son of an influential local has begun making lewd advances. And Caitlin feels she has no one in whom to confide: Her mother died in a car accident years ago, and her father, though loving and supportive, is a writer who spends much of his time holed up in his study.
It's in this confusing context that Caitlin encounters Lucas, a lean, blond, blue-eyed stranger who mysteriously appears on the island. Caitlin feels drawn to him, but the other local kids are not: they call him a gypsy, and even throw rocks at him. Before long, Lucas is accused of a crime he did not commit, and Caitlin finds herself in a moral quandary.
Lucas is filled with the kind of pain, love, and anguish that teenage readers adore. And Caitlin's quest to find her place in the world and to determine what's right is a struggle to which every teenager will relate. Why not start your own parent/teen book club with Lucas? Neither of you will be disappointed.
(Summer 2003 Selection)
It's in this confusing context that Caitlin encounters Lucas, a lean, blond, blue-eyed stranger who mysteriously appears on the island. Caitlin feels drawn to him, but the other local kids are not: they call him a gypsy, and even throw rocks at him. Before long, Lucas is accused of a crime he did not commit, and Caitlin finds herself in a moral quandary.
Lucas is filled with the kind of pain, love, and anguish that teenage readers adore. And Caitlin's quest to find her place in the world and to determine what's right is a struggle to which every teenager will relate. Why not start your own parent/teen book club with Lucas? Neither of you will be disappointed.
(Summer 2003 Selection)
359 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Kevin Brooks
64 books869 followersKevin Brooks was born in 1959 and grew up in Exeter, Devon, England. He studied Psychology and Philosophy at Birmingham, Aston University in 1980 and Cultural Studies in London in 1983. Kevin Brooks has been in a variety of jobs including: musician, gasoline station attendant, crematorium handyman, civil service clerk, hot dog vendor at the London Zoo, post office clerk, and railway ticket office clerk.
Kevin Brooks's writing career started with the publication of Martyn Pig in 2002 through The Chicken House which won the Branford Boase Award 2003 and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He also wrote Lucas (2002) which was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and Booktrust Teenage Prize in 2003 also winning the North East Book Award in 2004.
In 2004 he published Kissing the Rain and Bloodline and I See You, Baby and Candy in 2005. In 2006 he published 3 books including: Johnny Delgado Series - Like Father, Like Son and Private Detective as well as The Road of the Dead; a standalone novel. In February 2008 he published the standalone book Black Rabbit Summer.
As a child, Kevin Brooks enjoyed reading detective novels. He writes most plots of the various books he has written around crime fiction. He likes mystery and suspence and enjoys putting both of those components into each and every story he writes in some shape or form.
Kevin Brooks's writing career started with the publication of Martyn Pig in 2002 through The Chicken House which won the Branford Boase Award 2003 and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He also wrote Lucas (2002) which was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and Booktrust Teenage Prize in 2003 also winning the North East Book Award in 2004.
In 2004 he published Kissing the Rain and Bloodline and I See You, Baby and Candy in 2005. In 2006 he published 3 books including: Johnny Delgado Series - Like Father, Like Son and Private Detective as well as The Road of the Dead; a standalone novel. In February 2008 he published the standalone book Black Rabbit Summer.
As a child, Kevin Brooks enjoyed reading detective novels. He writes most plots of the various books he has written around crime fiction. He likes mystery and suspence and enjoys putting both of those components into each and every story he writes in some shape or form.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 466 reviews
February 4, 2011
Where has this book been all my life? I am still just in complete awe of this book, but more-so "Lucas" himself. I don't know if you have read Stargirl but if I were to describe Lucas, the first comparison that comes to mind is Stargirl. Simply because they share such similar traits in my opinion. Both are very mysterious and have an "Out of this world" presence. The way I felt when I finished Stargirl was the exact way I felt the moment, I finished Lucas. Speechless and filled with unanswered questions.
LUCAS is the story of a 15 year old girl called Cait who is trying to find herself. She is growing up, but feels as though everyone treats her as a child. She is at that age where you are still learning about yourself, experimenting, exploring and trying to figure out who you really are. We all go through it at some point. However, not all, if any will go through the experience that Cait will, an experience that will change her perspective on life, forever.
The story begins with Cate MacCann reminiscing on the summer she first met a boy named Lucas. As soon as I read those first few pages, I could tell that the book was only going to get harder to read, Cait' story is not a happy one, but it is one which teaches you a thing or two.
It's the moment that Cait first sets eyes on Lucas, that she knows something as changed. Maybe it's the fact that there is something unsettling, but special about him that she can't help but notice. Or maybe it's his blue eyes that she can't seem to turn away from.
Lucas is a survivor, probably best described as a drifter; but that is where any knowledge of him ends. Like I mentioned he is very mysterious, and that perhaps is a part of his allure, beside his strength and bravery that is. No one can seem to make sense of this young boy. Raised questions often are; who is he and where is he from? People always need a reason, most definitely when it comes to something they don't like. People at times, sadly, don't like what they can't seem to make sense of, it scares them. So they do the one thing that they can, spread rumours, and set out to to their worst.
Lucas is just a boy, a boy that even now is spinning in my head, I can't seem to make sense of him. There is this feeling though, that maybe like Stargirl he simply isn't a character that is to be attempted to figure out. Maybe as a reader I should just accept that he is not someone I can ever completely understand. For a reader though it's like telling me I might as well not know my characters. That's tough to do, it's tough to accept, but I accepted it out of respect for Stargirl, I think I can do that for Lucas. Maybe for the second time only, I will let him be. I have a feeling that he would want that.
Cait is a girl who I greatly admire, it takes a lot of courage for a 15 year old girl to go against a town and her own family for something she believes in. In this case being Lucas. This novel faces a lot of issues in today's society being; Discrimination, bullying, stereotype and most of all flawed people.
I ached for Lucas, for this boy who did nothing wrong, but was treated horribly all the same. What he goes though makes you look at us as humans as a whole with disgust and shame. The author makes you acknowledge that this is what we are capable of, and really... it doesn't take much for this happen over and over again, not much at all, and that scares me. This novel shows us first-hand how judgemental, fickle, and hateful people can really be without any real reason at all.
Lucas, is a character who is very hard to explain. He seems out of this world, but mature beyond his years. He is soft spoken, calm and collected and minds his own business. It was clear from the very beginning for me that he never had any intention in harming anyone. It almost seems as though the things that were going to happen to him were inevitable, because people were so hell bent on getting rid of him. Even his good-doings are maliciously twisted and thrown against him. It is almost as though, he never really stood a chance. Then in the middle of it all is this equally strong and determined young girl, who hardly knows this boy but is fighting for what she feels is right; placing herself in the firing line, she is taking a great risk. A risk which is more than worth it for Lucas in her opinion.
I often got the feeling that people like Lucas are to special to stick around, they have a mission of some kind, attempt it or finish it and then are gone. Perhaps we are not worthy of them, and that scares people, it makes them afraid; maybe that is why they all turned on him, because inside they recognised that to. At times I questioned if he was even human. I was so confused and troubled about him that it frustrated me at times. I had come across something like this when I read Stargirl and felt a similar emotion when it came to his novel "Black Rabbit Summer" regarding the character Raymond who comes to mind frequently even now. I am no good at endings that leave to many unanswered questions, and both of his novels did exactly that.
The saddest thing of all in my opinion, is perhaps the moment Cait and Lucas are just getting to know each other, and start to become much more aware of what they are feeling, and suddenly everything is cut short. Leaving you angry, upset and unwilling to accept what just happened. You feel their pain, their helplessness and alongside them you ask "Did they even stand a chance"?
So little is revealed about him, even little is explained. Near the end you have to take it with a pinch of salt otherwise this story will haunt you for a long time, it's hard to just accept and never know, but, that is why years after first discovering this author as a child, his work still lingers and stays relevant to me and rated very highly among authors who I also grew up with and still adore, such as; Melvin Burgess, David Almond, Anne Fine, Bali Rai and Christopher Pike.
Overall, LUCAS makes you appreciate the smaller things in life, but also makes you aware of society as a whole, and gives you the lesson; just as quick as they can build you up, they can turn on you. Thought-provoking and gritty. LUCAS is a novel that will not leave you for a very long time. Definitely a highlight for me; book-wise of 2009, and one that stood out and strongly held it's own.
LUCAS is the story of a 15 year old girl called Cait who is trying to find herself. She is growing up, but feels as though everyone treats her as a child. She is at that age where you are still learning about yourself, experimenting, exploring and trying to figure out who you really are. We all go through it at some point. However, not all, if any will go through the experience that Cait will, an experience that will change her perspective on life, forever.
The story begins with Cate MacCann reminiscing on the summer she first met a boy named Lucas. As soon as I read those first few pages, I could tell that the book was only going to get harder to read, Cait' story is not a happy one, but it is one which teaches you a thing or two.
It's the moment that Cait first sets eyes on Lucas, that she knows something as changed. Maybe it's the fact that there is something unsettling, but special about him that she can't help but notice. Or maybe it's his blue eyes that she can't seem to turn away from.
Lucas is a survivor, probably best described as a drifter; but that is where any knowledge of him ends. Like I mentioned he is very mysterious, and that perhaps is a part of his allure, beside his strength and bravery that is. No one can seem to make sense of this young boy. Raised questions often are; who is he and where is he from? People always need a reason, most definitely when it comes to something they don't like. People at times, sadly, don't like what they can't seem to make sense of, it scares them. So they do the one thing that they can, spread rumours, and set out to to their worst.
Lucas is just a boy, a boy that even now is spinning in my head, I can't seem to make sense of him. There is this feeling though, that maybe like Stargirl he simply isn't a character that is to be attempted to figure out. Maybe as a reader I should just accept that he is not someone I can ever completely understand. For a reader though it's like telling me I might as well not know my characters. That's tough to do, it's tough to accept, but I accepted it out of respect for Stargirl, I think I can do that for Lucas. Maybe for the second time only, I will let him be. I have a feeling that he would want that.
Cait is a girl who I greatly admire, it takes a lot of courage for a 15 year old girl to go against a town and her own family for something she believes in. In this case being Lucas. This novel faces a lot of issues in today's society being; Discrimination, bullying, stereotype and most of all flawed people.
I ached for Lucas, for this boy who did nothing wrong, but was treated horribly all the same. What he goes though makes you look at us as humans as a whole with disgust and shame. The author makes you acknowledge that this is what we are capable of, and really... it doesn't take much for this happen over and over again, not much at all, and that scares me. This novel shows us first-hand how judgemental, fickle, and hateful people can really be without any real reason at all.
Lucas, is a character who is very hard to explain. He seems out of this world, but mature beyond his years. He is soft spoken, calm and collected and minds his own business. It was clear from the very beginning for me that he never had any intention in harming anyone. It almost seems as though the things that were going to happen to him were inevitable, because people were so hell bent on getting rid of him. Even his good-doings are maliciously twisted and thrown against him. It is almost as though, he never really stood a chance. Then in the middle of it all is this equally strong and determined young girl, who hardly knows this boy but is fighting for what she feels is right; placing herself in the firing line, she is taking a great risk. A risk which is more than worth it for Lucas in her opinion.
I often got the feeling that people like Lucas are to special to stick around, they have a mission of some kind, attempt it or finish it and then are gone. Perhaps we are not worthy of them, and that scares people, it makes them afraid; maybe that is why they all turned on him, because inside they recognised that to. At times I questioned if he was even human. I was so confused and troubled about him that it frustrated me at times. I had come across something like this when I read Stargirl and felt a similar emotion when it came to his novel "Black Rabbit Summer" regarding the character Raymond who comes to mind frequently even now. I am no good at endings that leave to many unanswered questions, and both of his novels did exactly that.
The saddest thing of all in my opinion, is perhaps the moment Cait and Lucas are just getting to know each other, and start to become much more aware of what they are feeling, and suddenly everything is cut short. Leaving you angry, upset and unwilling to accept what just happened. You feel their pain, their helplessness and alongside them you ask "Did they even stand a chance"?
So little is revealed about him, even little is explained. Near the end you have to take it with a pinch of salt otherwise this story will haunt you for a long time, it's hard to just accept and never know, but, that is why years after first discovering this author as a child, his work still lingers and stays relevant to me and rated very highly among authors who I also grew up with and still adore, such as; Melvin Burgess, David Almond, Anne Fine, Bali Rai and Christopher Pike.
Overall, LUCAS makes you appreciate the smaller things in life, but also makes you aware of society as a whole, and gives you the lesson; just as quick as they can build you up, they can turn on you. Thought-provoking and gritty. LUCAS is a novel that will not leave you for a very long time. Definitely a highlight for me; book-wise of 2009, and one that stood out and strongly held it's own.
July 1, 2016
No matter how many times I read this book, I still hope for the ending to change. I know it never will, I know what happens is inevitable and will leave me in tears, but I still read with hope.
This book is haunting. Once you read it, it will stay with you forever. A hot summer day will make you think of it. Seeing swans will make you think of it. Seeing kids trying to grow up too fast will make you think of it. A wild storm will make you think of it. You'll never get away from this book, you'll never stop thinking about.
So that's what I did. I cried myself a story. And this is it.
This book is violent and real and heartbreaking and shocking and moving. And it is easily one of my favourite books of all time. It is a roller-coaster ride which ends in despair, despite knowing what's coming.
This book is haunting. Once you read it, it will stay with you forever. A hot summer day will make you think of it. Seeing swans will make you think of it. Seeing kids trying to grow up too fast will make you think of it. A wild storm will make you think of it. You'll never get away from this book, you'll never stop thinking about.
So that's what I did. I cried myself a story. And this is it.
This book is violent and real and heartbreaking and shocking and moving. And it is easily one of my favourite books of all time. It is a roller-coaster ride which ends in despair, despite knowing what's coming.
July 26, 2007
'Lucas' is the story of a very different boy who wanders into a small sea town. He also manages to captivate young Caitlin McCann's heart without doing anything.
I loved this book, it was riveting, addicting and unrealistic but so good! Lucas was such a mysterious character that I had to rush through the book to see what he does next! He's sexy, suave and mature without coming off as a typical James Bond like character. Cait is a 15 year old girl, struggling with being a woman in an all male household. She is learning that as you grow older, men stare longer which might be why she is so confused about Lucas.
He didn't stare her down, wolf-whistle at her or put any moves on her. And because of that, she desperately wanted to be with him. My only qualm about this book was the ending; I didn't like what happened very much but then again, I'm a hopeless romantic and unromantic endings never satisfy me.
All in all a great read with some pretty different twists.
I loved this book, it was riveting, addicting and unrealistic but so good! Lucas was such a mysterious character that I had to rush through the book to see what he does next! He's sexy, suave and mature without coming off as a typical James Bond like character. Cait is a 15 year old girl, struggling with being a woman in an all male household. She is learning that as you grow older, men stare longer which might be why she is so confused about Lucas.
He didn't stare her down, wolf-whistle at her or put any moves on her. And because of that, she desperately wanted to be with him. My only qualm about this book was the ending; I didn't like what happened very much but then again, I'm a hopeless romantic and unromantic endings never satisfy me.
All in all a great read with some pretty different twists.
April 10, 2010
Amazing book. Uh-may-zing. From the second I picked it up, I wanted to just keep reading and reading. It was one of those books that everyone read a few years ago that I hadn't read, so I figured I'd check it out. I expected something light, you know, a sort of "transition" read. But this is a very dark and haunting story, the kind that I won't be forgetting for a while––maybe not ever. Kevin Brooks does a fantastic job with unfolding the plot and making the reader wonder about abstract concepts about human nature without being preachy. He does this primarily through his characters. I felt like all the characters in this book were very believable, very real. The dialogue was great and also realistic. I also liked being in the main character's head; not only was she very funny and likable, but she had a lot of nice insightful moments about life, too. I also loved how Brooks made Lucas such a complex character, so that even as the reader you can't be sure whether he's a "good guy" or not––or whether it even matters. Sure, this book will make you hate humanity and want to curl up in a corner and cry. But it's worth it, because it's a truly amazing emotional journey. I'm definitely checking out more of Brooks's stuff as soon as I can, because this book was brilliant. :)
August 12, 2008
Where do I begin...???
I bought this book because it had a 4.03 rating on Goodreads and so many people said it was "amazing" and "absolutely breathtaking" (see other reviews) so I figured, hey, it's gotta be good, right?
WRONG.
It's one of the most boring and pointless books I have ever read. It's over 300 pages and, I swear, the first 100 pages are pointless set up -- countless descriptions of the setting (and island off the northern cost of England) and the drama going on in young Caitlin's life. It's not even good drama -- it's basically descriptions of her brother drinking, her best friend becoming a slut, this creepy older guy hitting on her, and, of course, Lucas. Mysterious Lucas isn't very mysterious or interesting and by page 100 I really had no desire to find out who he is or what he's doing. And I have no clue why Caitlin was so drawn to him.
Sadly, Caitlin isn't remotely interesting either and she's the narrator. She's the one telling the story yet I didn't feel any connection to her as I read the book. Her mom died when she was five so I thought maybe somehow I'd feel empathy towards her character at some point but, no, this is really just a background characteristic and most of the book is spent talking about nothing (pointless drama referenced above) and Lucas. By "nothing" I mean really NOTHING. The book is a fantastic example of why we have/need editors. All that crap about her brother and her dad and whatever else Brooks managed to write about for another 200 pages should have been edited out! The Lucas parts were really boring too, though. So, yeah, I don't know... I really cannot seem to put into words exactly how lame and pointless this book was. Seriously. I have not been this disappointed in a book in a while.
I bought this book because it had a 4.03 rating on Goodreads and so many people said it was "amazing" and "absolutely breathtaking" (see other reviews) so I figured, hey, it's gotta be good, right?
WRONG.
It's one of the most boring and pointless books I have ever read. It's over 300 pages and, I swear, the first 100 pages are pointless set up -- countless descriptions of the setting (and island off the northern cost of England) and the drama going on in young Caitlin's life. It's not even good drama -- it's basically descriptions of her brother drinking, her best friend becoming a slut, this creepy older guy hitting on her, and, of course, Lucas. Mysterious Lucas isn't very mysterious or interesting and by page 100 I really had no desire to find out who he is or what he's doing. And I have no clue why Caitlin was so drawn to him.
Sadly, Caitlin isn't remotely interesting either and she's the narrator. She's the one telling the story yet I didn't feel any connection to her as I read the book. Her mom died when she was five so I thought maybe somehow I'd feel empathy towards her character at some point but, no, this is really just a background characteristic and most of the book is spent talking about nothing (pointless drama referenced above) and Lucas. By "nothing" I mean really NOTHING. The book is a fantastic example of why we have/need editors. All that crap about her brother and her dad and whatever else Brooks managed to write about for another 200 pages should have been edited out! The Lucas parts were really boring too, though. So, yeah, I don't know... I really cannot seem to put into words exactly how lame and pointless this book was. Seriously. I have not been this disappointed in a book in a while.
April 6, 2013
I love this book it's raw emotional and so vivid that it makes me cry almost every time I read it. It's just THAT awesome!I absolutely love it and for 5 years straight it has been my favorite, many novels come and go but Lucas always remains on my shelf in a place of honor.Many times in life people feel like the loneliness in a crowded room and Kevin Brooks shows the stark reality of those feelings, the abject loneliness of someone who doesn't quite fit, like the dented piece of a jigsaw puzzle where no one knows exactly where it goes. Without going into too much detail Lucas on the outside seems like a regular novel, misfit boy meets weird girl and relationship (with plenty of angst) ensues. At least that's what I thought in the beginning but by and by the depth of feeling and the complexity of writing in this novel astounded me. I will forever carry Lucas in my heart and I hope that if you want a break from any of your books you go and look this one up.
November 2, 2016
Lucas, by Kevin Brooks, will always be the best piece of literature I have ever read. Lucas is about a girl who shares a deep connection with a wanderer. Even though her whole town is turned against him, she opens her heart and lets him in. Lucas never created any reason for the town to turn against him. He is simply different. He teaches Caity how to see past the cruelties of life. However, in the end, Caity must learn to let go. Lucas is forced to take his own life to escape the harsh judgment in society. I usually link every book I read with music. However, this is a book I do not link with a specific song because I have read it so many times. I tried putting my ipod on shuffle and choosing a song at random, but I can connect it with every song. This book means so much to me. It is yet another story of love and friendship, but it has an ending that makes you realize that sometimes love does not win. Society can ruin it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2012
I absoloutly loved this book.
The relationship just kept on growing between Caitlin and Lucas. She always knew how to find him and she never felt felt akward with the silence that they head.
But Jamie Tait, Well he was one s-i-c-k person. he probably always had the hots for her (although the alway he could get her was by force. He made Lucas look like a pevert and some kinda attempted killer(he wasn't).
After what happened to Angel, the towns people murderously chased him down to the beach.
Lucas was half way through the mudflats when Catlin got there and he had his back facing to her. He picked a bit off the decayed boats and then he stepped into the mud into the airless depths.
Catlin was crying for months and the book made a BIG imoact on the way i though about things.
The relationship just kept on growing between Caitlin and Lucas. She always knew how to find him and she never felt felt akward with the silence that they head.
But Jamie Tait, Well he was one s-i-c-k person. he probably always had the hots for her (although the alway he could get her was by force. He made Lucas look like a pevert and some kinda attempted killer(he wasn't).
After what happened to Angel, the towns people murderously chased him down to the beach.
Lucas was half way through the mudflats when Catlin got there and he had his back facing to her. He picked a bit off the decayed boats and then he stepped into the mud into the airless depths.
Catlin was crying for months and the book made a BIG imoact on the way i though about things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2010
From the moment Caitlin first sees Lucas, she knows everything is going to change. Caitlin is 15 years own and lives on a small island town in England. Her widowed father is a writer and a bit of a drunk, her older brother is turning into someone she doesn't recognize, and even her best friend is pressuring her to grow up. But Cailtin is still trying to figure out who she is, made all the more confusing with the appearance of Lucas. Lucas is homeless, a mysterious "gypsy", that has wandered into town, and people aren't too pleased about it, especially Jamie, the island's golden boy. Lucas is being accused of theft, molestation, and even murder, and Caitlin is the only one who believes in his innocence.
This book was intensely frustrating. I got the same feeling in my stomach as I did in To Kill a Mockingbird. The feeling of unjust accusations, and the hopelessness of not being able to protect the innocent. I wanted to waltz right into the book and speak for the characters, in a vain attempt to get them to see what was right in front of them.
Caitlin's confusion about growing up was in every paragraph. Elipses, questions, and fragmented sentences decorated her musings. And I understand Cailtin's attraction to Lucas. He was a very appealing character. Not only physically attractive, he was mysterious, suave and mature, with showing only the faintest bit of vulnerability. I also liked that what passed between them wasn't exactly a romance, but something more like an intense understanding. I even hesitate to call them friends. All the characters managed to evoke some sort of feeling from me. Even the vividly described island seemed like a character in itself.
I don't know how I feel about the ending. It needed to end somehow, but none of the things I could think of seemed right, even the actual conclusion.
This was a powerful book filled with strong writing and powerful themes. I read another book by Kevin Brooks, Candy, and felt similarly about it. Kevin Brooks is just a damn good author, one I wish had more recognition.
This book was intensely frustrating. I got the same feeling in my stomach as I did in To Kill a Mockingbird. The feeling of unjust accusations, and the hopelessness of not being able to protect the innocent. I wanted to waltz right into the book and speak for the characters, in a vain attempt to get them to see what was right in front of them.
Caitlin's confusion about growing up was in every paragraph. Elipses, questions, and fragmented sentences decorated her musings. And I understand Cailtin's attraction to Lucas. He was a very appealing character. Not only physically attractive, he was mysterious, suave and mature, with showing only the faintest bit of vulnerability. I also liked that what passed between them wasn't exactly a romance, but something more like an intense understanding. I even hesitate to call them friends. All the characters managed to evoke some sort of feeling from me. Even the vividly described island seemed like a character in itself.
I don't know how I feel about the ending. It needed to end somehow, but none of the things I could think of seemed right, even the actual conclusion.
This was a powerful book filled with strong writing and powerful themes. I read another book by Kevin Brooks, Candy, and felt similarly about it. Kevin Brooks is just a damn good author, one I wish had more recognition.
October 23, 2010
I just read the one book written by Brit Young Adult author Kevin Brooks (no relation) that I hadn't gotten to earlier. I love his work. It is edgy, raw and completely true. He writes about teens in difficult situations dealing with issues that we are all struggling about - drugs, murder, sexual identity and others. Lucas is the title of the book. It is about a young man who appears on an island off the coast of England. He might be a Gypsy and he might be magic. He is immediately disliked and mistrusted by a number of the locals, but is befriended by a young girl who finds him both different and compelling. Soon Lucas and the young girl are embroiled in series of events that soon escalated to something very dangerous. If you like contemporary stories about tough subjects, no one does it better than Kevin Brooks. I suppose Robert Cormier comes closest when I think of someone I could compare this writer to. I also finished Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy, which was wonderful. But I was still thinking of Lucas for a longer time after I finished it.
October 18, 2017
5 Words: Prejudice, hate, love, kindness, hope.
5 More Words: It broke my freaking heart.
This book breaks me every time I read it.
I always feel hope, that the book is going to change just a tiny bit and not obliterate my heart.
I never does.
And yet I still love this book.
You've reached the maximum number of re-reading sessions
5 More Words: It broke my freaking heart.
This book breaks me every time I read it.
I always feel hope, that the book is going to change just a tiny bit and not obliterate my heart.
I never does.
And yet I still love this book.
You've reached the maximum number of re-reading sessions
September 14, 2019
Pirmą kartą šitą knygą perskaičiau 2006 metais, ji buvo mano gimtadienio dovana. Perskaičius ją antrą kartą po 13-os metų nelikau nusivylusi. Nors knyga yra labiau orientuota paaugliams ir yra iš serijos „Beveik suaugę“, ji puikiai tinka ir suaugusiems.
Heilo saloje gyvenanti gražios sielos Keitė susipažįsta su saloje nematytu vaikinu Luku. Jo niekas nepažįsta, niekas nežino iš kur jis kilęs ir ką jis čia veikia. Jis niekam nieko blogo nedaro, bet uždara salos bendruomenė yra priešiškai nusiteikusi, o kai saloje pradeda dėtis šiurpūs įvykiai, visi kaltina Luką ir tik vienintelė Keitė tam nepasiduoda, nes ji jame mato tiek teigiamų dalykų.
O kodėl ši knyga tinka ne tik paaugliams? Ši knyga turi daug peno apmąstymams ir suvokimui apie draugystę, ištikimybę, pasiaukojimą, šeimos santykius, sužvėrėjusią visuomenę, kovą ir skausmą.
Heilo saloje gyvenanti gražios sielos Keitė susipažįsta su saloje nematytu vaikinu Luku. Jo niekas nepažįsta, niekas nežino iš kur jis kilęs ir ką jis čia veikia. Jis niekam nieko blogo nedaro, bet uždara salos bendruomenė yra priešiškai nusiteikusi, o kai saloje pradeda dėtis šiurpūs įvykiai, visi kaltina Luką ir tik vienintelė Keitė tam nepasiduoda, nes ji jame mato tiek teigiamų dalykų.
O kodėl ši knyga tinka ne tik paaugliams? Ši knyga turi daug peno apmąstymams ir suvokimui apie draugystę, ištikimybę, pasiaukojimą, šeimos santykius, sužvėrėjusią visuomenę, kovą ir skausmą.
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September 10, 2022Dała mi klimat „Gdzie śpiewają raki”, jest tu wiele korelacji z tym tytułem, jednak czuć w niej smak książek z lat 2000-2010. Mimo tego, że nie wszystko mi się tutaj podobało, min. tytułowy Lucas, to była to udana podróż w czasie, do lat nastoletnich🥺
August 1, 2010
When I started reading this, I had a fair idea of what was going to happen eventually. Not the how, but the what--if that even makes sense.
Cait said she'd cry herself a story, said it was better than to let sadness die inside her. And she did. She wrote the events of 2 weeks, with complete honesty. It made me think: was that all it takes to write a good story? Tell the truth and be honest?
Brooks writes in a very smooth and casual yet not so usual way. He's pretty convincing as a girl and he seemed to know exactly what went down Cait's head.
As to Lucas, I liked him but didn't get attached to him the way I did with Cait. Or so I thought.
I hadn't thought just how much I really liked lucas until the last 150 pages to go and I knew what was going to happen as I kept on reading with a sinking heart.
I couldn't bring myself to read as things were getting worse and worse with every turn of the page and false and annoying accusations were made about him.
These last hundred pages were the hardest pages I've ever read and I know this probably comes as dramatic but no--its true.
Things were so intense I couldn't rest and I eventually flipped the last page as my throat was closing on me 'cause I was on the verge of tears (I NEVER cry or feel like crying at anything. Not soap operas, not depressing books about dying so this was a change) and sadness was taking hold of me.
I was shocked at the amount of depression I felt for Lucas long after I put the book down. But it slowly evaporated and I was left with nothing behind and then did I realize that what I felt was how Cait exactly was feeling. Do you get me? Cait's pain was so real I felt it.
This is the second book of brooks that I'm reading and the second one of his going to my faves.
Cait said she'd cry herself a story, said it was better than to let sadness die inside her. And she did. She wrote the events of 2 weeks, with complete honesty. It made me think: was that all it takes to write a good story? Tell the truth and be honest?
Brooks writes in a very smooth and casual yet not so usual way. He's pretty convincing as a girl and he seemed to know exactly what went down Cait's head.
As to Lucas, I liked him but didn't get attached to him the way I did with Cait. Or so I thought.
I hadn't thought just how much I really liked lucas until the last 150 pages to go and I knew what was going to happen as I kept on reading with a sinking heart.
I couldn't bring myself to read as things were getting worse and worse with every turn of the page and false and annoying accusations were made about him.
These last hundred pages were the hardest pages I've ever read and I know this probably comes as dramatic but no--its true.
Things were so intense I couldn't rest and I eventually flipped the last page as my throat was closing on me 'cause I was on the verge of tears (I NEVER cry or feel like crying at anything. Not soap operas, not depressing books about dying so this was a change) and sadness was taking hold of me.
I was shocked at the amount of depression I felt for Lucas long after I put the book down. But it slowly evaporated and I was left with nothing behind and then did I realize that what I felt was how Cait exactly was feeling. Do you get me? Cait's pain was so real I felt it.
This is the second book of brooks that I'm reading and the second one of his going to my faves.
August 2, 2010
I like Kevin Brooks, however I think this book was a disappointment. I was expecting something more exiting and thrilling than this, especially after Candy. Actually I found this book rather boring. The characters are not defined and specific, thru out the whole book you keep forgetting who is who.
The main character Lucas is intriguing but nothing passed that. Caitlin is an average girl, without any spark. Something I am not used to, especially that those characters are fictional and I think something more could’ve been done with them.
I can’t say it was all that bad… the book started off quite interesting, however, that’s where the excitement ends. You are constantly waiting for the story to develop more and before you realized the book is over.
This book is not something I would really recommend and not something I would read again
The main character Lucas is intriguing but nothing passed that. Caitlin is an average girl, without any spark. Something I am not used to, especially that those characters are fictional and I think something more could’ve been done with them.
I can’t say it was all that bad… the book started off quite interesting, however, that’s where the excitement ends. You are constantly waiting for the story to develop more and before you realized the book is over.
This book is not something I would really recommend and not something I would read again
February 24, 2009
A very sad book for anyone who felt lonely or isolated at least once in their life. This book has so much meaning to it eventhough the words are very simple. I couldn't stop crying and didn't want the book to end like it did, but the ending is what the book is all about. The story is very dark and full of jealous and shallow characters, and what makes this book so extradinary is one character, one boy who you fall in love with even if he is not real.
November 7, 2015
7:09 am
No puedo ver el mundo con los mismos ojos después de leer este libro.
No entiendo.
No quiero entender.
No quiero pensar.
No puedo dejar de pensar.
Quiero dejar de sentirme como Cait lo hizo cuando perdió a Lucas, es tan real que duele.
No puedo ver el mundo con los mismos ojos después de leer este libro.
No entiendo.
No quiero entender.
No quiero pensar.
No puedo dejar de pensar.
Quiero dejar de sentirme como Cait lo hizo cuando perdió a Lucas, es tan real que duele.
December 25, 2010
There are many reasons as to why this book received 5 stars from me. From the very first pages of this novel, the flow of the story is very gripping and easy to imagine. Lucas and his personality is so fluid, I found myself looking back at him, fervently trying to put a face on his description for I wanted him to be real. He seemed to be the caring and yet the seclusive type of person who others don't waste one moment to fabricate lies about. It's a great book and from the very start I found myself feeling sorry for Caitlin and wishing I was there when all hell broke loose. Lucas is a beautiful character and I am moved by his reactions to the prejudiced town and his love for Caitlin. The best part about the book is that it didn't contain pages and pages worth of kisses, make out sessions, or any extreme romance; yet there was love and care inscribed in her words and his actions. It's truly heart wrenching by the time you come to the conclusion and it may be a turn off for some, but for me, the story resonated long after I was done closing the covers and wiping the tears out of my face. To this day, this book stands out as one of my top favourites of all time. =]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2020
A daringly adult and dark 'Young Adult' dark romance… with a Traveller, and a family on the outside and their daughter, on an island dominated by not very nice people. This is the sort of darker material Young Adult writers should deal with as Sarah J Maas has proven so well. 6 out of 12.
October 16, 2023
El personaje principal, Lucas, es un adolescente muy inusual que llega a una isla habitada por residentes que representan las virtudes y defectos de todo ser humano. Los residentes adultos son, en su mayoría, celosos de la invidualidad de aquellos que han nacido en la isla y tienden a rechazar a los afuerinos; los más jóvenes, en tanto, adolecen de todas las trampas que la vida suele poner en el camino de formación a la adultez. Algunos sortean esas trampas mejor que otros.
Lucas es singular en muchos aspectos, pero especialmente por su pureza, por su falta de contaminación con las pasiones y emociones que van formando el carácter de otros chicos de su edad. Esto hace que su forma de ver el mundo sea muy simple y sin dobleces y, tal vez por eso mismo, actúa con desacostumbrada honestidad y sensatez.
Aunque nunca se deja en claro en el argumento, en todo momento tuve la sensación de que en él se oculta una naturaleza que va más allá de la humana. En varios pasajes de la novela advertí una vaga influencia de una película de fines de los 80s llamada Pure Energy.
La novela transcurre a lo largo de 22 capítulos que van elevando la tensión poco a poco, sin decaer. Me pareció bien escrita aunque observé algunas soluciones argumentales un tanto precipitadas o difíciles de creer; el clima, por ejemplo. Las lluvias torrenciales, a ratos verdaderos temporales, tienen directa influencia en algunos de los eventos, sin embargo, nunca se explica por qué estos eventos naturales no son previstos por alguna agencia meteorológica. No resulta muy creíble que las lluvias y tormentas eléctricas lleguen sin aviso pillando desprevenidos a todos.
El argumento contiene pasajes trillados: la multitud que se acerca a la casa de "los buenos" a buscar al que ellos han tildado de culpable, cual masas vociferantes con antorchas encendidas que tantos relatos y películas han usado antes hasta el cansancio; el hijo del ricachón que siempre se sale con las suyas y a quien sigue un grupo de musculosos sin cerebro; la chica rica y fatal cuyo padre controla todo, incluso a la policía.
Las descripciones son precisas sin caer en el exceso.
Una novela interesante, con personajes que podrían, tal vez, considerarse un poco tópicos o esquemáticos.
Erratas:
264
asiendo x asiento
333
repetición de verbo
la he he estudiado por horas
Lucas es singular en muchos aspectos, pero especialmente por su pureza, por su falta de contaminación con las pasiones y emociones que van formando el carácter de otros chicos de su edad. Esto hace que su forma de ver el mundo sea muy simple y sin dobleces y, tal vez por eso mismo, actúa con desacostumbrada honestidad y sensatez.
Aunque nunca se deja en claro en el argumento, en todo momento tuve la sensación de que en él se oculta una naturaleza que va más allá de la humana. En varios pasajes de la novela advertí una vaga influencia de una película de fines de los 80s llamada Pure Energy.
La novela transcurre a lo largo de 22 capítulos que van elevando la tensión poco a poco, sin decaer. Me pareció bien escrita aunque observé algunas soluciones argumentales un tanto precipitadas o difíciles de creer; el clima, por ejemplo. Las lluvias torrenciales, a ratos verdaderos temporales, tienen directa influencia en algunos de los eventos, sin embargo, nunca se explica por qué estos eventos naturales no son previstos por alguna agencia meteorológica. No resulta muy creíble que las lluvias y tormentas eléctricas lleguen sin aviso pillando desprevenidos a todos.
El argumento contiene pasajes trillados: la multitud que se acerca a la casa de "los buenos" a buscar al que ellos han tildado de culpable, cual masas vociferantes con antorchas encendidas que tantos relatos y películas han usado antes hasta el cansancio; el hijo del ricachón que siempre se sale con las suyas y a quien sigue un grupo de musculosos sin cerebro; la chica rica y fatal cuyo padre controla todo, incluso a la policía.
Las descripciones son precisas sin caer en el exceso.
Una novela interesante, con personajes que podrían, tal vez, considerarse un poco tópicos o esquemáticos.
Erratas:
264
asiendo x asiento
333
repetición de verbo
la he he estudiado por horas
July 1, 2009
When I finished this book, I was mad and swearing and didn't like it. I hate books with sad endings, especially wehn the author puts in lots of ambiguous stuff that's artsy and doesn't seem necessary to the story and seems like it is pointing strongly to an underlying meaning that just isn't easy to figure out. So why the four star rating, you ask?
Because once I finished it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It nagged my subconscious, begging me to analyze it, even though I prefer books that are fun and don't require much analysis. I never came up with a neat moral, but the themes underlying this book are universal and intriguing. The author touches upon the mutability of personality and how people change depending on who they are with and whether or not that is right or wrong (the book seems to conclude that it is not admirable, but people are what they are).
The main thing that caught me is that the main character, Lucas, is a mirror for others- both to mirror what they are and in some respects to give them what they need. The bad people see Lucas as bad, and Cait, the other main character sees him as good and gentle because that is what she is. He is the only character who is the same person in all situations, though other's perceptions of him change. Similarly, Lucas doesn't make value judgements about things (whether they are good or bad, ugly or pretty). Things just are. Yet he is the only one in the book who acts unerringly morally.
He also helps other characters grow: Cait's brother Dominic, who stopped drinking and screwing around, and he shows Cait that not all violence is bad. She wants to believe that violence is never the answer, but he shows her that the world is more complicated than that.
In the end, the evil and violence of the townspeople is channeled at Lucas, who dissupates it and resets a balance by sacrificing himself and leaving a record of who really committed the crimes he was blamed for, becoming sort of a Christ figure. This was a very thoughtful book, though very slow paced.
Because once I finished it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It nagged my subconscious, begging me to analyze it, even though I prefer books that are fun and don't require much analysis. I never came up with a neat moral, but the themes underlying this book are universal and intriguing. The author touches upon the mutability of personality and how people change depending on who they are with and whether or not that is right or wrong (the book seems to conclude that it is not admirable, but people are what they are).
The main thing that caught me is that the main character, Lucas, is a mirror for others- both to mirror what they are and in some respects to give them what they need. The bad people see Lucas as bad, and Cait, the other main character sees him as good and gentle because that is what she is. He is the only character who is the same person in all situations, though other's perceptions of him change. Similarly, Lucas doesn't make value judgements about things (whether they are good or bad, ugly or pretty). Things just are. Yet he is the only one in the book who acts unerringly morally.
He also helps other characters grow: Cait's brother Dominic, who stopped drinking and screwing around, and he shows Cait that not all violence is bad. She wants to believe that violence is never the answer, but he shows her that the world is more complicated than that.
In the end, the evil and violence of the townspeople is channeled at Lucas, who dissupates it and resets a balance by sacrificing himself and leaving a record of who really committed the crimes he was blamed for, becoming sort of a Christ figure. This was a very thoughtful book, though very slow paced.
December 3, 2009
I was totally engrossed in this YA Fiction novel about a free-spirited boy who suddenly "appears" on a remote island off of Great Britain. Islanders don't take kindly to strangers, so Lucas' landing on the island causes a great commotion. Cait McCann first spots Lucas walking alongside the road, carrying his belongings in a green canvas bag. Cait is riding in the car with her father and her brother, Dom, whom they have just picked up at the airport. When their car passes Lucas, Cait's eyes meet his. She knows that something is going to change. The summer that lies ahead of her will be different than any other summer she has ever experienced.
I don't read a lot of YA Fiction, but I do want to check out Kevin Brooks' other books. I love his style of writing. I had a perfect picture in my head of the characters, of the island, and of Lucas and Cait. Their relationship, albeit strange, is a wonderful new experience for Cait. She knows that she has met someone special and her life will never be the same.
"Lucas" keeps its pace, and keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. The characters are real and likable (some of them, that is) and the story will sweep you up into the island community and living on the coast; the sea and sand, the hot sunny summer days and the violent thunderstorms; and of Cait and Lucas and Cait's dog Deefer, who is also an important character in this story.
I don't read a lot of YA Fiction, but I do want to check out Kevin Brooks' other books. I love his style of writing. I had a perfect picture in my head of the characters, of the island, and of Lucas and Cait. Their relationship, albeit strange, is a wonderful new experience for Cait. She knows that she has met someone special and her life will never be the same.
"Lucas" keeps its pace, and keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. The characters are real and likable (some of them, that is) and the story will sweep you up into the island community and living on the coast; the sea and sand, the hot sunny summer days and the violent thunderstorms; and of Cait and Lucas and Cait's dog Deefer, who is also an important character in this story.
January 3, 2010
When fifteen year old Caitlin befriends a homeless boy one summer, she makes a decision to be a part of his life in spite of what the neighbors think, an unpopular choice for a motherless girl with an alcoholic father and an older brother turning out just like his dad. Lucas's appeal goes deeper than his mysterious past and enigmatic appearance; the two share a quiet appreciation for nature as well as the loss of their mothers and an appreciation for art. One evening, Lucas saves Cait from the ill intentions of Jamie, the stoned son of a pillar of the community. In doing so, Lucas writes his death warrant -- no one denies Jamie Tait anything. When Lucas is accused of a sexual assault he didn't commit, Cait stands by him, but the community's need for a scapegoat and desire to protect their own wins out over truth, justice and love.
This has the ring of a classic young adult novel, with its layered issues, haunting feel and themes of lost innocence, betrayal, sacrifice and intolerance. The complexity of Caitlin's character and the depth of emotion of her as narrator propel the telling of the tale, and indeed from the start, Caitlin's promise to cry me a story fulfills. The landscape is as much a character as Cait and Lucas, and as integral to the plot and theme. Denser and richer than Martyn Pig (Chicken House, 2001), this beautifully written "story of love and hate" hooks from page one.
This has the ring of a classic young adult novel, with its layered issues, haunting feel and themes of lost innocence, betrayal, sacrifice and intolerance. The complexity of Caitlin's character and the depth of emotion of her as narrator propel the telling of the tale, and indeed from the start, Caitlin's promise to cry me a story fulfills. The landscape is as much a character as Cait and Lucas, and as integral to the plot and theme. Denser and richer than Martyn Pig (Chicken House, 2001), this beautifully written "story of love and hate" hooks from page one.
May 5, 2013
... ¡Por fin! tuve inconvenientes en terminar de leer este libro, primeramente cuando lo comenzaba tuve que parar por la facu, luego lo perdí en una de esas veces que cargo mis lecturas conmigo a todos lados y simplemente tuve el descuido de no asegurarme que realmente estaba conmigo, luego avance por partes muy pequeñas robándome una copia abierta en una librería, y por último una versión digital. Pero está hecho.
La historia de Lucas, va de adolescentes, va de emociones, va de amor, pero también es algo crudo y tenaz, es una analogía a la sociedad actual; a los complejos, la discriminación y a la vida banal. Me he visto en Cait, en su repulsión hacía actitudes y hacía lo que le rodea. Lucas es un chico fuera de todo, tan humano, tan desconectado, tan gitano... tan raro. He muerto de coraje con las injusticias que se viven en la historia, nosotros contra el mundo, y me ha sorprendido el final, en verdad me ha permitido colocar a Lucas en una de mis lecturas favoritas.
La historia de Lucas, va de adolescentes, va de emociones, va de amor, pero también es algo crudo y tenaz, es una analogía a la sociedad actual; a los complejos, la discriminación y a la vida banal. Me he visto en Cait, en su repulsión hacía actitudes y hacía lo que le rodea. Lucas es un chico fuera de todo, tan humano, tan desconectado, tan gitano... tan raro. He muerto de coraje con las injusticias que se viven en la historia, nosotros contra el mundo, y me ha sorprendido el final, en verdad me ha permitido colocar a Lucas en una de mis lecturas favoritas.
November 10, 2018
Stiti acel moment cand citesti o carte intuiești finalul, dar cu toate astea până la sfarsit speri intr o schimbare? Fix asta am simtit eu citind această poveste. În primele capitole am descoperit personajele si împrejurimile. Din tonul in care autorul narează am inteles ca aceasta carte este mai mult decât o poveste de dragoste a unei pustoaice de 15 ani.
Stiam ca pe acea insula s a intamplat ceva grav si am devenit curioasă sa aflu ce. Apoi, usor usor, au început să mi se raspunda la intrebari. Nu la toate. Pana in ultima clipa am crezut ca Lucas este vreun soi de înger. N a fost, însă în viata lui Cait clar a avut un rost.
Despre ce e mai concret această poveste?
Despre oameni! Despre cum in neputinta noastră nu acceptăm lângă noi oamenii pe care nu i intelegem si pe care îi vedem diferiti. Despre cum a face rau, unora le aduce satisfacție. Greu de crezut, dar pe unii asta ii face fericiti.
Toate intrebarile pe care Cait si le pune, mi le am pus si eu la un moment dat.
De ce suntem asa? De ce nu ne vedem pur si simplu de pătratica noastră?
Este o carte destul de profundă. Unii ar spune plictisitoare... însă autorul nu a făcut decât să povestească cronologic tot ce s a intamplat. Au fost probabil pasaje ce nu au contat în economia poveștii in sine, însă cred ca per total asta s a dorit. O carte plină de întrebări, la care prin acțiunile personajelor ne primim usor raspunsurile.
Ce nu mi a plăcut? Coperta cărții este hidoasă. Mi as fi dorit un alt final... dar cum spune si autorul la un moment dat, nu întotdeauna primim ceea ce dorim.
I am dat 5 stele pt cum a fost construită povestea, pentru stilul narativ, cursiv si neobositor, pentru modul în care sunt scoase in relief gândurile și trăirile personajelor... si pentru faptul că am realizat încă o dată, ca nu poti schimba lumea si cine crede ca o poate face, nu o face pt ca e convins de asta ci doar din pur egoism.
Stiam ca pe acea insula s a intamplat ceva grav si am devenit curioasă sa aflu ce. Apoi, usor usor, au început să mi se raspunda la intrebari. Nu la toate. Pana in ultima clipa am crezut ca Lucas este vreun soi de înger. N a fost, însă în viata lui Cait clar a avut un rost.
Despre ce e mai concret această poveste?
Despre oameni! Despre cum in neputinta noastră nu acceptăm lângă noi oamenii pe care nu i intelegem si pe care îi vedem diferiti. Despre cum a face rau, unora le aduce satisfacție. Greu de crezut, dar pe unii asta ii face fericiti.
Toate intrebarile pe care Cait si le pune, mi le am pus si eu la un moment dat.
De ce suntem asa? De ce nu ne vedem pur si simplu de pătratica noastră?
Este o carte destul de profundă. Unii ar spune plictisitoare... însă autorul nu a făcut decât să povestească cronologic tot ce s a intamplat. Au fost probabil pasaje ce nu au contat în economia poveștii in sine, însă cred ca per total asta s a dorit. O carte plină de întrebări, la care prin acțiunile personajelor ne primim usor raspunsurile.
Ce nu mi a plăcut? Coperta cărții este hidoasă. Mi as fi dorit un alt final... dar cum spune si autorul la un moment dat, nu întotdeauna primim ceea ce dorim.
I am dat 5 stele pt cum a fost construită povestea, pentru stilul narativ, cursiv si neobositor, pentru modul în care sunt scoase in relief gândurile și trăirile personajelor... si pentru faptul că am realizat încă o dată, ca nu poti schimba lumea si cine crede ca o poate face, nu o face pt ca e convins de asta ci doar din pur egoism.
September 28, 2022
Czyta się przyjemnie, choć postaci są skrajnie przerysowane, wydarzenia mało prawdopodobne, a zakończenie totalnie odlatuje (nawet biorąc poprawkę, że to literatura YA). Jeżeli traktować książkę w kategorii baśni / retellingu Tarzana / realizmu magicznego itd., można uznać za dobrą opcję dla młodzieży. Ale jeżeli to miała być fikcja w świecie "ludzkim", to... lepiej żeby to była baśń 😄🙈 Dla mnie z przeszłości - chyba OK 😉
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You can find some pleasure while reading, even if all the characters are way too exaggerated, the plot seems unbelievable and the final scenes can blow your mind 🤯 (no excuses because of being a YA book). If you assume that it is a fairy tale / contains magic / is a kind of 'Tarzan' retelling... seems OK. But if was to be a realistic one... hope it was meant to be a tale 😄
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You can find some pleasure while reading, even if all the characters are way too exaggerated, the plot seems unbelievable and the final scenes can blow your mind 🤯 (no excuses because of being a YA book). If you assume that it is a fairy tale / contains magic / is a kind of 'Tarzan' retelling... seems OK. But if was to be a realistic one... hope it was meant to be a tale 😄
December 19, 2011
really well written. loved the way the story was told, loved the character development, loved most everything about it...
a few un-realistic elements destroyed what was on its way to being a real favorite of mine:
1- when Cait is almost raped for the second time... and at the same time her brother is knocked out... I cannot think that they would not go to the police... that they would leave this unreported. It seems like the discussion that follows, everyone just kind of accepts that they are not reporting this... the question is not even considered...
2- Lucas kills himself. This didn't work for me... not in the least. The character proved again and again, that he was alive and engaged in life to a level that is relatively uncommon... this character would not choose suicide... martyrdom is boring...and waaay to common an illusion... the author slowly builds this character to show that he has this unique perspective on the world, a rare connection, and yet, the character chooses the most sophomoric and cowardly of actions...
The more courageous action is ALWAYS to face things - survive as this character proved again and again - but somehow in the end with all the towns people there... already misunderstanding him thinking all these negative things about him, he does not take this ultimate opportunity to prove them wrong, to face his accusers... silly... and really poorly executed story telling.
To create a hero in a YA book that chooses to kill himself as the best solution to everyones problems is really irresponsible and dangerous, in my opinion.
It seems like the author wanted to have the "anti-hollywood-ending" so bad that he sacrificed logic, reason and the character to make a statement. and thats a shame.
a few un-realistic elements destroyed what was on its way to being a real favorite of mine:
1- when Cait is almost raped for the second time... and at the same time her brother is knocked out... I cannot think that they would not go to the police... that they would leave this unreported. It seems like the discussion that follows, everyone just kind of accepts that they are not reporting this... the question is not even considered...
2- Lucas kills himself. This didn't work for me... not in the least. The character proved again and again, that he was alive and engaged in life to a level that is relatively uncommon... this character would not choose suicide... martyrdom is boring...and waaay to common an illusion... the author slowly builds this character to show that he has this unique perspective on the world, a rare connection, and yet, the character chooses the most sophomoric and cowardly of actions...
The more courageous action is ALWAYS to face things - survive as this character proved again and again - but somehow in the end with all the towns people there... already misunderstanding him thinking all these negative things about him, he does not take this ultimate opportunity to prove them wrong, to face his accusers... silly... and really poorly executed story telling.
To create a hero in a YA book that chooses to kill himself as the best solution to everyones problems is really irresponsible and dangerous, in my opinion.
It seems like the author wanted to have the "anti-hollywood-ending" so bad that he sacrificed logic, reason and the character to make a statement. and thats a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2008
it is impossible to describe lucas for me.
it is one of the most amazing books out there (that i have read so far)
when i read it i was there more than i have been in any other book i must admit though the first time i read it i was disappointed that it took so long for caitlin and lucas to meet and talk! at the end i feel like i felt caitlins pain as if i were her (it sounds stupid but its true)
dramatic, breath taking, unique...
the basic plot is: a girl, caitlin sees a boy on the causeway and she immediately is fascinated by him. she meets him with a dog and learns his name. however while she is at a summer festival swimming race a young girl begins to drown. lucas is the one that saves her but the mothers late arrival causes assumptions that he is in fact a pervert and her assumptions cause dought through the crowd of what happened. he runs away and caitlin follows, knowing the truth of the situation. she then learns that he lives outside, surviving off the land, and earning money on a farm. soon afterwards rumours begin to spread on the island, people believe that he is a gypsi and a pervert just because of his differences... this causes trouble for both him and caitlin and leads to the tragic end (which i will not give away)
also in the story bill (caitlins friend) drifts apart from her, believing that alcohol, drugs and late night parties mean that she is growing up and caitlins brother learns between whats right and wrong and is sorry for his actions after things get serious in a life/death situation.
how i write it it sounds rubbish but this is a worth while read honestly
it is one of the most amazing books out there (that i have read so far)
when i read it i was there more than i have been in any other book i must admit though the first time i read it i was disappointed that it took so long for caitlin and lucas to meet and talk! at the end i feel like i felt caitlins pain as if i were her (it sounds stupid but its true)
dramatic, breath taking, unique...
the basic plot is: a girl, caitlin sees a boy on the causeway and she immediately is fascinated by him. she meets him with a dog and learns his name. however while she is at a summer festival swimming race a young girl begins to drown. lucas is the one that saves her but the mothers late arrival causes assumptions that he is in fact a pervert and her assumptions cause dought through the crowd of what happened. he runs away and caitlin follows, knowing the truth of the situation. she then learns that he lives outside, surviving off the land, and earning money on a farm. soon afterwards rumours begin to spread on the island, people believe that he is a gypsi and a pervert just because of his differences... this causes trouble for both him and caitlin and leads to the tragic end (which i will not give away)
also in the story bill (caitlins friend) drifts apart from her, believing that alcohol, drugs and late night parties mean that she is growing up and caitlins brother learns between whats right and wrong and is sorry for his actions after things get serious in a life/death situation.
how i write it it sounds rubbish but this is a worth while read honestly
August 18, 2013
Lucas reminds me of Travolta's film Michael. Here we have the mysterious stranger who comes to a regular type of community. He seems to have no past and no future, and lives only in the present. He is fearless, lives off the land and has a presence that encourages peace and acceptance to the people who accept him the way he is. He also seems to be able to read people he has observed, but never met. It is like he can see into their souls, their inner emotions and basic nature. But he also has a darker side -- capable of unbelievable violence. However, while Lucas was not responsible for almost all of the violence in this setting, he was often blamed.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is because I had a difficult time with the author's penchant to detail. The book would be half as long if the reader did not receive detailed descriptions of every day, every scene, every room, etc. She also detailed the protagonist's every emotion. In essence, this detail became not only daunting to the pacing of the book, it also detracted so much from the action, it would not be surprising if many readers stopped reading for lack of dialogue and action.
This book shows how a group can become a mob. How various teen behaviors can lead to violence. How important it is to maintain one's beliefs and values when all else seems to be going to hell.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is because I had a difficult time with the author's penchant to detail. The book would be half as long if the reader did not receive detailed descriptions of every day, every scene, every room, etc. She also detailed the protagonist's every emotion. In essence, this detail became not only daunting to the pacing of the book, it also detracted so much from the action, it would not be surprising if many readers stopped reading for lack of dialogue and action.
This book shows how a group can become a mob. How various teen behaviors can lead to violence. How important it is to maintain one's beliefs and values when all else seems to be going to hell.
October 16, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed this book so much I didn't want it to end. I can't get it out of my head and that's how I judge if it was good or not. Kevin Brooks did a great job writing in a teen girls voice. He hit the fears and emotions that many teen girls know and live through.
Right off I loved the two main characters, Caitlin and Lucas. They were solid and complete. For me they were real and believeable. (Plus I have a fondness toward gypsies,(Lucas)and I'm always thrilled when they come out as the good guy. To often gypsies get a bad rap). Also the, love to hate characters, were spot on and believeable as the others.
The story as a whole was a nicely done thriller/love story. It was deep with layers and though it's a page turner...it's one of those books that sticks with you.
I knew right off from the first couple pages that the book was going end as a tragedy, so I prepared myself...but when I got to the end, I was crying anyway.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. I can't wait to add this book to my own library.
Will I let my young teen daughter read it??? Maybe in a year of so. There was some language and violence.
Right off I loved the two main characters, Caitlin and Lucas. They were solid and complete. For me they were real and believeable. (Plus I have a fondness toward gypsies,(Lucas)and I'm always thrilled when they come out as the good guy. To often gypsies get a bad rap). Also the, love to hate characters, were spot on and believeable as the others.
The story as a whole was a nicely done thriller/love story. It was deep with layers and though it's a page turner...it's one of those books that sticks with you.
I knew right off from the first couple pages that the book was going end as a tragedy, so I prepared myself...but when I got to the end, I was crying anyway.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. I can't wait to add this book to my own library.
Will I let my young teen daughter read it??? Maybe in a year of so. There was some language and violence.
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