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There are currently 65 member reviews
for Golden Boy
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Amy F. (West Roxbury, MA)
Golden Boy by Abigail Tarttelin
Max's story of an intersex teenager takes all the teenage angst and magnifies the issues. I thought the story was amazing. I liked the shifting vantage points in the book, which allowed you to see things through Max's eye's, his brother Daniel, his mother, his father and his girlfriend Sylvia. Despite the rareness of being XX/XY intersex, the angst, trauma and emotion felt extremely really especially for Max and his mother. I am not sure that based on the description I would pick this book up at random to read, but I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it because it is wonderful.
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Edie M. (Kennett Square, PA)
A Golden Novel
I found it very difficult to put this book down! I loved the characters and truly felt pain/joy when they did. I can not imagine living with such a secret but I can relate Karen in the book who wanted her family to be "normal"
Sometimes us moms try to fix everything and think our way is best when in reality, sometimes it is not.
Very touching and thought provoking, I will recommend this book to my book club.
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Iris F. (Defray beach, FL)
Golden Boy
It's a rare treat to come across a novel that is as well written and compelling as Golden Boy. From almost page one I was hooked and found myself sneaking away to read. Though there is a scene early on that is not for the feint of heart, and the subject matter is emotionally heart rending, it is handled with sensitivity and intelligence. There are moral issues regarding matters we don't usually have to deal with, all are handled beautifully by this author.
If I have any negative criticisms it has to do with Daniel, Max's younger brother. Dialogue and thoughts assigned to him were much too mature for a ten year old. I believe this character was used to make many moral statements the author wanted to pass along.
Although at times gut wrenching it was wonderful to become absorbed into something of this quality.
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Beth T. (Savannah, GA)
Simply Amazing
It's not often that I am compelled to read a book in one sitting, but it happened today, when I picked up GOLDEN BOY. This is a fascinating story with many layers. It's about a family with a secret, and how that secret affects each member, but it's also about identity, and what really makes us who we are. I love how the story unfolds, as events and thoughts are revealed from the viewpoints of the main characters. The characters are beautifully drawn, believable and (for the most part) sympathetic even if you don't agree with their decisions. It's very difficult to believe that this is Ms. Tarttelin's first novel, and I highly recommend it. It's a book I will not soon forget.
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Joanne V. (Towanda, PA)
A very interesting read
I read this book in two days after returning from Christmas vacation. It was one of the most interesting reads and it stays with you. It is told from several perspectives, which normally I don't care for, but in this case it just made the story more compelling. I felt so much for all the characters, especially Max and how he grows and learns to cope with being "different". I would recommend it for high school reading as well as for a book club. I think there would be a lot of good discussion since so few are familiar with the issues in this novel. I certainly learned a lot! Highly recommended!
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Malinda N. (Wheeling, WV)
Golden Boy
This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. As a reader you will "fall for" Max just as every one else in the story does. There are so many turns and twists to the story that one is immediately captivated and remains so until the last page. The relationships and dynamics of this family are heartbreaking as they struggle to deal with the "uniqueness" of Max's intersex condition. The decisions and turmoil that weigh on Max provide ample room for discussion. Fantastic book!
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Mary C. (Carmel, Indiana)
Golden Boy
Golden Boy is the story of a happy successful English family. Their life is idyllic, but they guard a secret, their elder son, Max, is a an intersex, neither a boy nor a girl.
What a secret for child keep; what a challenge for the parents. How do they know they are doing the right thing? And is there a "right thing?
The author draws you into their lives and sweeps you to the dramatic conclusion. This book is fast paced and even suspenseful, sometimes funny, and always interesting. There is a lot to discuss here for a book club, about parents and children, and about differences and intolerance.
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