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Ostrich Boys (Lib)(CD) (2010)

by Keith Gray(Favorite Author)

3.54 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

073937916X (ISBN13: 9780739379165)

languge

English

genre

Young Adult Fiction

publisher

Listening Library

review 1: I've seen this book a lot before picking it up and didn't think much of it, when reading the blurb. Death isn't the easiest subject to read about. But I'm trying to do the Ultimate Teen Book Guide Challenge (read all the books mentioned in the book!) and this is one of them.I have to say I really enjoyed it. It's probably more a 4.5 book... but I don't usually give out a 5 star and I think this one was deserved. I love the British-ness of the book. I really got into the book, reading about the three friends who took it upon themselves to steal their friend's ashes and run to a little town in Scotland where their friend wanted to visit. They learn a lot about themselves and their friend on the way. And of course their journey doesn't go as planned! :)I would have liked... more to have seen a longer ending, see what was gonna happen next.Deep thoughts about the ending of the book....[spoiler]The ending I felt was cut short, but maybe that was because Ross's life was cut short. The fact that he also committed suicide is gnawing at me a bit. Do you really know what's happening inside of people. All these factors influenced that poor child, I guess I forgot how hard it was to be a teenager. Everything you do and say affects someone.[/spoiler]
review 2: Blake, Kenny and Sim have just lost their best mate, Ross, to a car accident. Having attended the funeral and coming out dissatisfied with the way Ross's life was celebrated, the three teenagers decide to make a pilgrimage to the town of Ross, in Scotland, a place Ross once tried to runaway to. Only one problem, they have to steal his ashes first. With that mission accomplished - messily - they embark on a 2 day train journey to Ross and thus begins an adventure and a journey of self-discovery for them all. After Kenny leaves his backpack (containing most of their money for the trip and Kenny's ticket) on a train during a frantic interchange things take a wild turn. Relying on each other, the boys talk about Ross and share recent memories of him that start to paint a picture they don't recognise as their friend who would "stand up to anyone". It is clear that Ross is still having a marked effect on their lives - even from his urn in Blake's backpack.Keith Gray writes young men very well - he speaks their language and I found these boys believable, sad, hilarious and likeable. I look forward to reading more books by Keith Gray very soon. Did they get Ross to Ross? That would be telling..... less

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