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ajemison87's review against another edition
3.0
Very well written but I had a hard time connecting to the character.
dr_jgray's review against another edition
3.0
I think seeing the movie first changed my expectation of how great the book would be. It was good, but I thought it would be significantly more explanatory and revealing and I didn't think it was.
caseyhitchcock81's review against another edition
4.0
Tobias Wolff was a professor at Stanford. He was my friend Laurel's Italian partner. His friends called him Toby. He scared the bejesus outta me. This is technically unfair, as I never once spoke to him or took one of his classes. I think it was the mustache that did it. It was a very intimidating mustache.
Of course, none of this has anything to do with the book, which I loved. I just thought you'd like to know.
Of course, none of this has anything to do with the book, which I loved. I just thought you'd like to know.
fiandaca's review against another edition
4.0
Tobias Wolff is a master of his craft. This excellently written memoir was fascinating. Jack really drew me in and I never lost hope that he would, at last, live up to who he believed himself to be.
erwinlemueloliva's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
Tobias Wolff’s This Boy’s Life is a deeply moving memoir that explores the themes of identity, resilience, and the yearning for self-reinvention. Set in post-war America, it tells the story of young Tobias (Jack) as he navigates a turbulent childhood filled with instability, abuse, and moments of fleeting hope. The narrative is both candid and reflective, revealing the raw vulnerabilities of a boy striving to find his place in a world that often seems stacked against him.
The moral of the story lies in its stark depiction of the consequences of deception—both of oneself and others—and the power of perseverance. Wolff’s journey teaches us that while we cannot always control our circumstances, we can choose how to respond to them. His story is a testament to the idea that transformation, though difficult, is possible through self-awareness and determination.
Memorable Quotes
• “I was alone in this belief because I wanted to be alone in it. It confirmed my sense of being marked out and special.”
• This highlights Jack’s yearning for individuality and his tendency to craft a persona to escape his reality.
• “Knowing that everything comes to an end is a gift of sorts, because it helps us appreciate what we have while we have it.”
• A reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of gratitude amid adversity.
• “Fearlessness in those without power is maddening to those who have it.”
• A profound observation about the dynamics of control and rebellion.
Why This Boy’s Life Is a Good Read
• Authenticity and Honesty: Wolff’s unflinching portrayal of his flawed younger self and the mistakes he made resonates deeply with readers. His honesty is refreshing and relatable.
• Compelling Prose: The memoir is written with elegance and precision, combining vivid descriptions with sharp emotional insight.
• Universal Themes: While it is a personal story, the themes of identity, family conflict, and self-reinvention are universal, appealing to a wide audience.
• Inspiring Resilience: Despite the challenges Wolff faces, his story inspires hope and demonstrates the power of grit and determination.
• Rich in Lessons: It delves into the impact of family dynamics, societal pressures, and the human tendency to yearn for something better.
This Boy’s Life is not just a memoir; it’s a profound exploration of the human spirit’s capacity for growth and reinvention. For those who appreciate raw, introspective storytelling, it’s a must-read.
deecue2's review against another edition
4.0
The opening acknowledgements had me thinking this would be a breezy comic memoir ("My first stepfather used to say that what I didn’t know would fill a book. Well, here it is.") It's very funny and moves well throughout but to say it's breezy is a gross mischaracterization.
The book takes its title from an adaptation of the official magazine of the Boy Scouts of America (Boy's Life), one of the seemingly few positive influences on the author when he was younger (i.e. the Scouts, not the magazine). The events take place somewhere between 1955 and 1960 when the author was about 10 years old and older. The book was first published in 1989, much later than the events described within. There aren't extensive quotes but enough to give me some pause, which accounts for the 1 star deduction.
The word brutal comes to mind when I reflect on the book. Brutally funny ("He leaned forward as the bubbles rose over the Champagne Orchestra and Lawrence Welk came onstage salaaming in every direction, crying out declarations of humility in his unctuous, brain-scalding Swedish kazoo of a voice."), brutally honest ("I didn’t need to see the tears in Mr. Welch’s eyes to know that I had brought shame on myself. I knew it when we first drove into the farmyard and I saw the place in the light of day. Everything I saw thereafter forced the knowledge in deeper. These people weren’t making it. They were near the edge, and I had nudged them that much farther along. Not much, but enough to take away some of their margin. Returning the gas didn’t change that. The real harm was in their knowing that someone could come upon them in this state, and pause to do them injury. It had to make them feel small and alone, knowing this—that was the harm we had done. I understood some of this and felt the rest.").
Wolff presents himself and his cohorts as unflinching scoundrels. Very few people get a pass including his first stepfather Dwight who is at all times comical, inept, frightening and pathetic. Several other adults come in for their own honest treatment. Wolff has a perceptive eye and an almost magical ability to describe his insights.
I was prepared to be entertained but didn't expect the book to stir in me such a wide range of emotions. I'm glad it did.
Note: Goodreads has added a feature where the kindle notes are available in the link below. I don't think any of my highlighted notes are spoilers.
The book takes its title from an adaptation of the official magazine of the Boy Scouts of America (Boy's Life), one of the seemingly few positive influences on the author when he was younger (i.e. the Scouts, not the magazine). The events take place somewhere between 1955 and 1960 when the author was about 10 years old and older. The book was first published in 1989, much later than the events described within. There aren't extensive quotes but enough to give me some pause, which accounts for the 1 star deduction.
The word brutal comes to mind when I reflect on the book. Brutally funny ("He leaned forward as the bubbles rose over the Champagne Orchestra and Lawrence Welk came onstage salaaming in every direction, crying out declarations of humility in his unctuous, brain-scalding Swedish kazoo of a voice."), brutally honest ("I didn’t need to see the tears in Mr. Welch’s eyes to know that I had brought shame on myself. I knew it when we first drove into the farmyard and I saw the place in the light of day. Everything I saw thereafter forced the knowledge in deeper. These people weren’t making it. They were near the edge, and I had nudged them that much farther along. Not much, but enough to take away some of their margin. Returning the gas didn’t change that. The real harm was in their knowing that someone could come upon them in this state, and pause to do them injury. It had to make them feel small and alone, knowing this—that was the harm we had done. I understood some of this and felt the rest.").
Wolff presents himself and his cohorts as unflinching scoundrels. Very few people get a pass including his first stepfather Dwight who is at all times comical, inept, frightening and pathetic. Several other adults come in for their own honest treatment. Wolff has a perceptive eye and an almost magical ability to describe his insights.
I was prepared to be entertained but didn't expect the book to stir in me such a wide range of emotions. I'm glad it did.
Note: Goodreads has added a feature where the kindle notes are available in the link below. I don't think any of my highlighted notes are spoilers.