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This book is a lot of fun

In a good way! All of the characters are pretty one dimensional, the only way out is through, and it's pretty much chaos the whole time. The good stuff is in the reflections the characters have while going through their lives with everything turned up to 11. Great summer reading.

This book is a whirlwind. Not sure if I actually like it, but I appreciate it's non stop plot twists

I'm here because I try to read all the books my kids read. It turns out to be a great coming of age story told through a unique format that focuses only (like, only) on words and thoughts of the characters. The format is absolutely perfect for the story being told and makes the book memorable.

It's a quick read and certainly focused on younger readers who are figuring out their lives. It was a good read (I teared up a little 3/4s of the way through), though I'm mostly happy that my kid has read it.

I'm a former rower who's aware of history and more critically, appreciates good characters.

This book covers an absolutely incredible story with very little joy or nuance. I respect it for capturing some history that would have likely been lost, but regret it didn't do more to bring the challenges the characters faced to the page.

As a former collegiate rower I'm wary as rowing tends to be over romanticized (tall educated white dudes pushing their limits 💦). But also there's not a lot written about it, and it is a kinda unique sport that I respect, so here goes...