A few weeks ago, I was in the mood for middle grade books and googled something like middle grade books in 2020. One of the first results that popped up was Wink by Rob Harrell. I read the blurb and was immediately determined to read it.
First though, I had to finish Wonder. I finished that last week, so after that and after a short break for processing, I proceeded to this book.
Summary
A wrenching and hilarious story about embracing life’s weirdness and surviving an unthinkable diagnosis, based on the author’s own experience with a rare eye cancer.
Twelve-year-old Ross Maloy just wants to be normal. Not to have a rare eye cancer, not to lose his hair, not to have to wear a weird hat or have a goopy eye full of ointment. Just normal. But with a sudden and horrifying diagnosis, Ross can’t help standing out. His new life is medical treatments that feel straight out of a video game, vision loss in one eye, disappearing friends who don’t know what to say to “the cancer kid,” cruel bullying, and ultimately, friendships new and old that rise above everything.
Just when Ross starts to feel like he’s losing his footing, he discovers how music, art, and true friends can change everything. Filled with Rob Harrell’s comic panels (Batpig for the win!) and spot art, this novel brings effortless humor and hope to an unforgettable, uplifting story of survival.
My Review
Well, I cannot see the illustrations, so this review is purely about the story. And let me tell you, it’s an amazing story! Harrell has created Ross to be so totally witty, I loved it! I mean, even in the darkest of times, while my heart went out to Ross, I also found the story humorous. Ross truly shows his determination. He may not (as he says) have some big epiphany in which he realizes life is a precious gift, but he does retain his sense of humor in spite of it all. That’s awesome. I mean, this book had me laugh out loud on several occasions.
What’s also important, is the development the characters go through. I liked how Harrell creates his characters to be as open to friendship as they were. I mean, I know this book is a middle grade novel and some kids that age are just so closed-minded. Harrell’s characters for the most part are not.
I loved that this book had just one viewpoint, that of Ross. It shows us what goes on inside a “cancer kid”‘s mind without the added baggage of family members or friends. Of course, they chime in on occasion, but that’s okay. Oh, and not just Ross, but many other characters are totally awesome.
I loved Harrell’s writing style, the dialogue and how quickly this book moved. All absolutely great.
In short, this wasn’t some inspirational story, and yet it was. It’s partly based on Harrell’s own experience, even though I assume Harrell was an adult when he got cancer. I think this book definitely provides some perspective to middle schoolers and yet puts a laugh on their faces.
Book Details
Title: Wink
Author: Rob Harrell
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: March 31, 2020
A witty wink sounds pretty darn good and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s good! Thanks a lot for commenting.
LikeLike
Thank you for the thorough review! Sounds like a great book – I love the teen genre even at 47 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I love middle grade novels too even though I’m 33. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love MG books, and I do keep seeing this one around. Glad to hear you liked it!!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for commenting. I honestly haven’t seen many bloggers review this one. I’m so glad my review was interesting to you.
LikeLike
Sounds like a good book to read. Reading your review makes me interested to read it. I should check this book out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked my review. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I haven’t come across this author, but I’m wondering if I could interest my eldest son in this. He had leukaemia when he was younger, so may relate to this. He is now a reluctant reader, but he used to love reading #readwithme
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this could really be an interesting read for him indeed. It’s not too long a book either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed reading Wink. It’s realistic but uplifting at the same time and I love the way that it brings unlikely characters together.
#ReadWithMe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree, it was such a great read. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
I absolutely love the sound of this! I think my daughter would enjoy it. She’s 14, but not keen on YA books, so reads a mix of MG and adult books.
#ReadWithMe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s cool! I am an adult with no kids, but still enjoy MG a lot. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
I love the sound of this, beautifully hopeful and entertaining, going to pop this on my TBR list #readwithme
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is hopeful and humorous despite the tough subject. Glad you think you’ll like it. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike