I really wanted to love this book. I ended up just "liking" it. I'll break my review up by beginning, middle and end, as that is the most logical to me.Beginning: Hilarious and endearing. I laughed out loud multiple times as I read this. My wife even asked, "So you're still reading that book?" each night, because there has not been a book in a long time that made me laugh so much. Plus the beginning 30-40% of the book really endears you to the main character, Grady.Middle: Boring. Rogers lost me at about 40% or so. I don't remember the exact percentage read, but for a long time, I just didn't care about what was going on. I only kept reading because the book had so many good reviews and I wanted to know the conclusion for Grady.Ending: Beautiful. The last 2 or so chapters can only be described as wonderful and beautiful. Without the middle meandering so much, this would have been one of the few 5 star reviews I've ever given. It was a good book...just really wanted it to be great. I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed a youth fiction book so much. So fun I can hardly stand it. One of the reviewers (quoted on the back of the book) likened this story to a cross between Mark Twain and C.S. Lewis. I can think of no description more apt, except that this is funnier and more tender than either author ever was. Great themes of integrity, believing in yourself, loving people exactly as they are, and hope. I recommend this to any avid reader, but particularly to my teacher friends. I would love to see this book show up as a classroom staple. Although it’s a simple story and a light read, there are subtleties that add texture and meaning which make for a rich and satisfying tale. You will be thinking about this story long after you’ve closed the back cover.
What do You think about The Charlatan's Boy (2010)?
As a family read aloud this book was a raving success! Hilarious and beautiful story!
—wiiing
This was a really fun read. It was sad and funny and clever all at the same time.
—Theresa
An okay read if you enjoyed the Wilderking Trilogy.
—Einesai
