|
| |||||||||||
What are readers saying about Holes?
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-19 11:18:18.
(Language: English)
 
When Stanley Yelnats is found guilty of stealing a pair of shoes, he chooses to serve his sentence at Camp Green Lake because it seemed a better option than jail. Stanley expects the worst, and it's all because of his "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather!" At Camp Green Lake, Stanley finds no lake and no green, only an endless desert where he must dig a hole five feet deep and five feet wide every day. Sachar takes on a variety of social problems in this novel, but does it with such engaging humor that you won't even realize that you are thinking until you put the book down. I absolutely loved the friendship between Stanley and Zero. A must-read. 
|
Yes (0) 
No (0) |
|
Andy posted a review at 2010-10-31 11:14:38.
(Language: English)
Good little book. Was impressed by the story that was suitably interesting and really kept me reading till the end.Nice twists and wonderfully interwoven plots. Great for kids and adults alike.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-07-01 11:21:15.
(Language: English)
best fantastic , a brill book 2 reed
|
|
|
nicholas posted a review at 2009-02-24 06:42:26.
(Language: English)
OK, about a boy who had to work in a dry land and had to dig deep holes. As they dug the holes, they later found out that the owner were using them to get a treasure that was under the ground. When the owner got the treasure, lizards started to come out from the holes as it was thier home and attack her. She was sent to the police. Read the book to find out more!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-23 11:39:36.
(Language: English)
This was a really great read! I am so thankful I read Paula's review and decided to read this myself. Stanley and his family have bad luck. LOTS of it. And because of that and being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Stanley has been sent to a boy's camp. In the desert. And once there, finds that all they do is dig holes. Every day. All day long. But then Stanley finds something in his hole. And discovers that the "Warden" is looking for much more than "Character building" with the holes that are being dug. I love how this story flows from backstory to present. The author weaves this take, sucks you in and makes you wish it would never end. Even the "holes" at the end are bothersome! YA
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-03-10 12:17:31.
(Language: English)
I have been wanting to read this book for a good while and finally fit it in to my schedule, and I'm very glad I did. Very enjoyable read, brilliant characters, commanding story. Made me wish I would have read it as a child, but it's a book for all ages, regardless.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-07 11:27:09.
(Language: English)
What a great book! Even kids who hate to read will like this book! It's the story of a boy who is wrongfully accused of stealing a famous pair of sneakers and is sent to a camp for juvenile delinquents, where he digs holes all day long. If he finds anything shiny, he's supposed to turn it over to the warden--but what that object is, and why it's so important, is a mystery. Throughout the whole story, a folk tale about his grandfather is interwoven. In the end, both he and his grandfather achieve their goals and the reader will be cheering as they do!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-13 04:42:52.
(Language: English)
I started to read this book in school and didnt really have any interest in reading at that time and didnt get into it, years later i found the book in a draw and thought what the hell i'll give it a go. I'm glad i did. The story is great, even the weird charaters are lovable. Its a great ending and a lovely book to read.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-19 11:35:07.
(Language: English)
Harrison and I are reading this together, it's a terrific read
|
|
Kelly posted a review at 2011-09-30 07:25:32.
(Language: English)
Great children's literature!
|
|
Peachy posted a review at 2010-04-10 08:16:28.
(Language: English)
Calling all reluctant readers, Holes is exactly the type of story that grasps a young reader in its clutches and doesn’t let go. What more would a child ask for, than a tall tale passed down through generations, defenceless criminals being held captive by evil and slave driving authorities, the search for a missing treasure, and the heroic underdogs that save the day? Whilst enjoying the fast pace of this novel they will be taught about finding pride in accomplishment, the importance of being accountable for their actions, and their intrinsic ability to adapt to any situation. Not only an intricately woven tale with sub-plots that lead to a magical end, Holes is heavy in social commentary, as it tackles such issues as racism, poverty and bullying. Based on the exploration of these issues, as well as some violent and even fatal scenes arising from them, it’s now apparent to me why this book has been critically acclaimed. I would recommend that a parent read this story alongside their child so that they can encourage discussion and include an experienced, adult point of view. That being said, the mere broaching of these subjects to a young audience is exactly what it’s going to take to create awareness and better help our youth to conquer these problems in their adult lives. Check out more of my reviews at BookSnakeReviews
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-17 03:01:14.
(Language: English)
Witty and breezy, this is a good book for young readers. As an adult, it was a cake walk ( I actually finished it in only a couple of days) but that doesn't mean that it's not good. Sachar captures the loneliness of youth, particularly for the heavyset protagonist. The comradery that develops between the boys is interesting. It was a little hard to keep track who was who at first and (with nine kids to keep track of) it was hard to remember which race each boy was. This is a shame because the coming together of different races is a good thing for kids to pick up on in a book. There's a lot of side-track information and background that comes into play later on, which makes for a few chuckles. The ending is semi-predictable for adult readers but young kids will probably not see it coming. It's cute with the right amount of edginess.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-26 12:39:39.
(Language: English)
A kid named Stanley Yelnats, a pair of sneakers, a prophecy and a rehab facility. It doesn't sound like the kind of story that would go on bestseller lists, and then be made into a movie that would make the career of Shia Laboeuf. But this book's prose is lyrical, if a bit rambling, and the story's twists and turns keep readers on their toes every step of the way. The ending is heartbrakingly beautiful, as Stanley witnesses the power of forgiveness, and acceptance comes from the last place anyone, least of all Stanley, expects. The movie version has the gritty feel of an indie documentary, despite the fact that it is made by Disney. Shia's shockingly intimate portrayal of Stanley Yelnats is reminiscent of Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. The setting resembles a lunar landscape, barren and full of holes, thus the title. Although much was left out of the movie, it captures the same feeling of hopelessness that the book evokes. Recommended for any and all teenagers, especially those who doubt the power of forgiveness and love.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2012-01-29 10:51:42.
(Language: English)
Great story
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-04-04 09:39:29.
(Language: English)
Very Good Book! It Kept me wanting to stay up and read all night iread it in 2 days. Very good book
|
|
|
Dirky posted a review at 2011-01-07 02:28:19.
(Language: English)
Such a cool book!!! the movie was funny too
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-04-07 04:23:33.
(Language: English)
and WHY has it taken me this bloody long to pick up this book, you ask? Well, let me think of my best excuse, maybe because it just naturally never caught my attention. Or, enough attention to make me pick it up, and read it. Until now. Now i wish i would have read this book many months earlier. It has become one of my all time favorites. The story captures you, pulls you in, and never releases until the very last sentence. The story is 1000% oringinal, with everything from spunky characters to a natural dusty setting. the story is clean, minus two mild profanities, and is great for a hot, dragging summer day or for a family read outloud. It is, without a doubt, a story that HIGHLY deserved the Medal (unlike some of the books who have won in the past) and will be cherished for years to come, because it is very much...timeless. A great gift, boys and girls will both adore it. A fact- this book is simply amazing.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-22 06:41:20.
(Language: English)
I found this to be a multi-layered YA novel that pulled me along to the end. It's a quick read for an adult and the author has tied the entire story together in multiple ways. I'm still thinking about some of the lessons the main character takes away from the book, and mentally peeling away some of the layers.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-08-09 07:34:49.
(Language: English)
Even though I am an adult, I felt attracted by the story plot as I read along. Maybe it's because the setting of the story background being in a desert, whilst I'm a city girl. A fast read, cheerful and pleasant, embedded with an encouraging message about friendship and hope. A little disappointed at how all the conflicts were solved quite easily at the end, but then, it's a children's book after all.
|
|
Pj posted a review at 2011-03-08 04:50:42.
(Language: English)
I read this book for school. I think it was okay, but you might like it more. It was sort of boring, and the whole "reading it in school" part made it even more boring. But, it was okay. :)
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-07-19 02:36:51.
(Language: English)
Listened to this in the car. Enjoyed much by driver, 9 yr old and 5 yr old passengers.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-07 07:38:56.
(Language: English)
The very first time I read this book I admit I looked at the cover and had no desire to read it but as I got past the first three chapters I was interested to see what was going to happen to Stanley Yelnats the 3.
|
|
Marirosa posted a review at 2008-02-28 02:26:19.
(Language: English)
such a fun read! and wonderfully crafted. the shifts between time and place are very well done and only enhance the story. I had watched the movie first (I know, bad me), thus i was a bit worried that I wouldn't like the book, or compare it to the movie too much. But i believe they stand as separate entities. the narrative is so wonderfully sparse. the author doesn't give you any information that is not needed, and he only gives it to you when you need it. this is truly a wonderful - almost fairy tale - story, that i truly recommend.
|
|
Helen posted a review at 2009-09-27 04:18:43.
(Language: English)
The short and to the point sentences lure you in and you won't want to put it down (but with 240 pages hopefully you won't have to.) The boys at Camp Green Lake (where the lake long ago dried up) have to dig every day. We learn mostly about Stanley and how he came to be there and about how he and his family have always blamed their bad luck on his no 'good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather'. Stanley soon learns how in a place like Camp Green Lake you have to work out how to fit in. Amusing, poignant and cleverly written.
|
|
Jennifer posted a review at 2009-11-11 12:03:45.
(Language: English)
Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com HOLES was first released over a decade ago, so I have no excuse for not joining the masses in reading it before now. But, I kept telling myself, it's about boys digging holes. What's interesting about that? So years passed. When the anniversary edition, complete with its Newbery-medal-bearing jacket, caught my eye, I decided it was time to see what all the hype was about. After all, clearly the book was good enough to be made into a movie starring some of my favorite actors (Jon Voigt, Henry Winkler, Sigourney Weaver, and a young Shia LaBeouf), so it had to be good, right? Thankfully, this (admittedly flawed) line of reasoning didn't fail me. The book met and exceeded my expectations. A weak but loveable main character named Stanley Yelnats (a clever anagram, no?) leads readers through the main plot. The story is about an adolescent boy sent to a reform camp, where he must dig one grave-sized hole each day as punishment for a crime we're led to believe he did not commit. As I suspected, this plot is no fun. But don't let that fool you! The book itself is chalk full of fun...and it doesn't take long for it to enter the story. A master at suspending disbelief, Sachar weaves together several storylines as he takes us back through Yelnats family history and ties it to the history of Kissin' Kate Barlow, one of the most notorious outlaws in the West. Without revealing too much, and yet dropping enough clues for readers to piece the puzzle together as they go, Sachar unveils each story as a stand-alone piece while keeping firm footing in the main story. One character after another dances through the book and wins over readers with a sympathetic story of his or her own. Luckily, Sachar makes it easy to fall in love with even the most backward-seeming character. No one's life is easy and everyone wants his or her story told. Amazingly, this is accomplished in one reasonably short, action-packed book that more than earned every award piled upon it. I highly recommend picking this one up anytime!
|
Share your views!
Similar books
