OVERVIEW
This audiobook is a work of fiction but loosely based on Edward Burns's life growing up in Long Island, New York. It is about the summer that the narrator, Kneenie, turns from twelve to thirteen during the 1970s in his Irish-American and Italian-American, Roman Catholic community.
This is the first book of three. So there will be more about Kneenie and it will interesting to learn what specific time in Kneenie's life is next!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing was perfect for an audiobook, but I am unsure if it would translate well as a written book. Plus, Edward beautifully captures the writing of an almost thirteen-year-old boy in the 1970s which could be off-putting to some readers.
This is not supposed to be a perfect book with a perfect writer - it is told from a kid's perspective. That is why I really enjoyed this book! The perspective was fun and fresh!
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was by Edward and perfect! He captured all the nuances, emotions, and feelings of a boy becoming a teenager! Plus, he has Irish accents down pat!
Character Arc: 4.5 stars
The audiobook is chronological with explanatory asides for things readers may not know about. I loved the asides!
The book opens with the wake of his beloved Pop (grandfather) and ends the day before the start of school. It is a lovely arc telling all of the wild and crazy as well as bittersweet and beautiful events that happened that summer.
There are a lot of characters including Kneenie's parents, brother, relatives, neighbors, classmates, and even a maple tree!
It was a short audiobook at 4 hours and 45 minutes, so more detail or additional stories would have been nice. I would have enjoyed more about the immediate family dynamic and Kneenie!
Memorable: 4.5 stars
Kneenie's family was similar to many in the 1970s, especially in the suburbs. The mothers felt stuck at housekeeping and if they worked, they had two jobs! Something that hasn't changed in fifty years. The fathers didn't understand their wives and didn't really try to do so. It was a vicious circle and still is!
The stories about Kneenie's extended family are fascinating! I loved the stories the elders told although they may be true or may not be. But these stories have been told so many times they are officially family lore!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
The story about the poem, the maple tree, and Jesus is hysterical and the best of the book! Although, many of the stories in the book are also very funny or poignant!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent choice.
STRONG recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audioBOOK
A Kid from Marlboro Road by Edward Burns
Blackstone Publishing
4 hours, 45 minutes
Release date of 9/10/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
"Potty humor", death, cursing, medical content, blood
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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