Review: BOY21

BOY21

by Matthew Quick

Pages: 277 (paperback)

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: June 19th 2014

ISBN: 9781472212900
Received From:  Headline Publishers via BookBridgr

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 the odds, Russ and Finley become friends. Russ could change everything for Finley, both for 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

"Whenever I think the world is ugly - that life has no meaning at all - I remind myself that this is here, always waiting for me."

I think that even if I combed through every word in the English language I wouldn't be able to find the right ones to describe just how amazing this book is. It's Epic with a capital E! The story itself is relatively simple and yet it's characters are complex and the writing effortless. Boy21 drags you into its pages from the very first sentence and doesn't let you go until the very end. Which was. In fact. Awesome! If you hadn't guess already, I kinda liked this one.

Finley and Erin have been best friends since they were kids. They know each other's strengths and they know their weaknesses and they love each other for that. Even if Finley is a little quiet. They have each other and they don't need anything or anyone else. However, one day Finley gets a knock at the door from his basketball coach and everything changes. Coach wants him to get to know a boy named Russ, however Russ believes he's from outer space and will only answer to Boy21. Boy21's arrival into Finley's life will change the way he sees things and he'll have to question what is really important to him.

These characters are just phenomenal. They are all incredibly diverse and flawed. They make the story come alive. Finley, our main protagonist, is quiet and hardworking. I loved that fact that at times - like once or twice - his trail of thought could come across as selfish, it made him seem more relatable and real. He's an honest character with a huge heart and the way in which is takes Boy21 in and lets him become an interrogated part of his life was beautifully written.

This story is about finding ways to deal with impossible situations and learning that whatever way you chose to cope is okay. If you need to keep to yourself, that's fine. If you need to make up some elaborate backstory that explains what is happening to you, that is also okay because as long as you have the right people around you to help put you back together you've got nothing to fear. It's a story about trust and it's a story that I found both touching and memorable.

And I didn't even mention all the Harry Potter references... if there is a way to my heart, Harry Potter is it.

All in all this book was just incredible and I know this seems like a bit of a gush fest but I honestly can't think of a bad word to say about it. I think this is a book for everyone. It covers some intense issues and yet still keeps it's warm-hearted nature. I highly recommend this one lovelies, you won't regret it!

"Maybe we were both playing roles just to get by."

**I received this book as an ARC from Headline & BookBridgr to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

The lovely people at Headline were kind enough to give me an extra copy of BOY21 to giveaway! So to be in with a chance at winning just enter bellow. 
UK only I'm afraid. 

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