Ofer Aronskind

When I read the synopsis for the Upstate Boys, I immediately signed up to review the book. Lately, I've read a lot of paranormal, Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. I hoped this would be a nice change. The Upstate Boys reminded me of a mix between Shawshank Redemption and Brubaker, both which I like. The author covers each boy's past and how they'd arrived at the Thomas G. Randall Home for Boys. The writing is good and the story is always moving. It seems like a never-ending adventure for each character. Just when you think they'll get a reprieve, something else happens. How much more can they take? They went through a lot in this story. Not only did they have little food or even a decent place to stay, the boys also suffered from verbal abuse. But that was nothing compared to what they'd experience at Randall. It was more a prison than a home for boys. Those in power abused their positions. They saw the boys merely as an opportunity for financial gain.

What I liked:

That these characters, though in their teens or younger, persevered through the worse of abuse.
The camaraderie between the main characters.

What I didn't like:

I understand the idea of making the story as realistic as possible, so the author uses a lot of slang and speech to give a better feel for the time and the people. For those that have a problem with a lot of foul language use, approach this story with some caution (story includes basic curse words, to some f-bombs and the cursing of God's name).

The abuse done to the boys. I realize this was a major plot point of the story, but it was hard to read. If you don't like to read about or watch movies regarding torture, you'll want to stay away from this story. I don't know if I'll be able to trust anyone enough to send my kids away to any camp or program away from home, especially after this novel!

If you like prison stories, like Shawshank or Brubaker, you'll definite enjoy this story. Though I really don't like reading or watching anything with torture, the story itself was still good and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fiction story that doesn't involve dragons, elves or aliens. :)… (mais)

I won this book through the Goodreads Giveaway section and when I saw the cover, I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it, so I set it aside for a month. Boy was I wrong. This is a beautifully written story about a group of boys growing up in Queens around the 70’s. Sam Tolpin and his Mom move around to the school districts she feels are the best for education. When Sam is 12-years-old, they move into the second story apartment of a house where a group of boys help them move in. A group that appear to be the neighborhood troublemakers. Sam was a loner and a skinny little kid. Downstairs is Eddie Drucker who is a strong kid that doesn’t think twice about committing petty crime. Sam is bullied by Eddie’s friends and when he accidentally head butts the school bully on the school bus taking him down, Sam’s accepted into the group. Soon Eddie becomes family to Sam and his Mom to the point that he is a brother from another mother. Sam is soon along for the ride for all the crimes.

Everyone loves Eddie in the neighborhood and at the school. Eddie loves Sam’s Mom and gives her the utmost respect. The entire group have total respect for “Mrs. T” as they call her and will go to bat for her whether it’s raising money when she loses her job so they don’t have to move to standing up to a rude customer at her second job waitressing in a diner. This book made me smile, made me want to smack Eddie and the boys on the back of the head and made me cry. This book is about coming of age, friendship, loyalty and being a better person. I’m so glad I was able to read this book. It is one that will stay with me for a while.
… (mais)