Summary
It's never been easy for Finley, particularly at home. But two things keep him going: his place on the basketball team and his girlfriend, Erin - the light in even the darkest of his days.Then Russ arrives. He answers only to boy21, claims to be from outer space, and also has a past he wants to escape. He's one of the best high-school basketball players in the country and threatens to steal Finley's starting position.
Against all odds, Russ and Finley become friends. Russ could change everything for Finley, both better and for worse. But sometimes the person you least expect can give you the courage to face what's gone before...and work out where you're going next.
Review
Boy21, odd name for a book, don't you think? Maybe. But different in it's own way, this book was a very interesting read about overcoming the past to accept what the present and future has to offer for you. Finley McManus is an 18 year old basketball lover, who might not have the best abilities to be an NBA player but enough to get his mind to thinks about winning and becoming part of something different. In the town Belmont, Basketball is a big deal, fair enough I guess it's different in all places, right? - I don't have much interest in Basketball but it's sure something that I would love to get to know more of - Not only has Finley taken shelter in basketball to lose himself from the past he's also portrayed as a quiet, good nature kid who only has one best friend, who is also his girlfriend Erin, who has been there for him since forever playing Basketball as well till this very day. There relationship is one that cannot be described, she was there for him at such a age where he needed the most. *No Spoilers*
This book takes many twists and turns bringing new characters in that threaten a lot of aspects in Finley's life, yet he will agree to bring those characters out in the open and by that I mean, Russell Allen, number one basketball champion in the country who threatens to take Finley's place aka Russ Washington aka Boy21 who claims to be from outer space and will return back to his parents real soon, guess there was a slight glitch in the communication as to when he's going back. Uh-oh. Nevertheless this book is very thought provoking, talking about Irish mobs, drug dealers the unspoken racial conflict, also bringing issues to surface after a series of incidents that take place, all that affect Finley's state of mind, I guess having those who are close to you get hurt, it only hurts more for you. Finley is quiet and by that it only makes you to take in every aspect around you whether that is peoples happiness or even times of sadness, Finley makes it his own. I guess that's why he agree's to help Russ because of his past.
Matthew Quick has done an amazing job bringing a novel about friendship that can start from a simple request, transforming to something utterly in-describable. Finley and Russ have had a rough past and bringing them together only formed a bond that made both of them get rid of the facade they put on for other people; Finley's quietness and Russ's outer space, alien story. This book could have included more about what their friendship actually meant to them both, regardless of where they both ended it was because of one or the others sacrifice, reading more on the outcome would have been cool. But nonetheless this book was a compelling read, I guess the evidence is in me reading it in two days and having this review written on the second day - yeah not obsessed at all, I hope? - this book brings you friendship, loyalty, true realization and most importantly the motivation to achieve anything. A compelling read that will leave you reeling over it for days. Oh not to forget the awesome harry Potter references and the amazing parts of constellations, galaxies and mostly stars; the most simplistic thing in life became so unimaginable luminous through Matthews novel, I sure as hell will be staring up at the stars tonight, why don't you join me?
Matthew Quick has done an amazing job bringing a novel about friendship that can start from a simple request, transforming to something utterly in-describable. Finley and Russ have had a rough past and bringing them together only formed a bond that made both of them get rid of the facade they put on for other people; Finley's quietness and Russ's outer space, alien story. This book could have included more about what their friendship actually meant to them both, regardless of where they both ended it was because of one or the others sacrifice, reading more on the outcome would have been cool. But nonetheless this book was a compelling read, I guess the evidence is in me reading it in two days and having this review written on the second day - yeah not obsessed at all, I hope? - this book brings you friendship, loyalty, true realization and most importantly the motivation to achieve anything. A compelling read that will leave you reeling over it for days. Oh not to forget the awesome harry Potter references and the amazing parts of constellations, galaxies and mostly stars; the most simplistic thing in life became so unimaginable luminous through Matthews novel, I sure as hell will be staring up at the stars tonight, why don't you join me?
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