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After reading an article with the author about banned books, I read Lawn Boy to see what all the fuss was about. Without giving much away, there's themes of sexual identity & sex, but the book is much more about poverty & how difficult it is to overcome than anything else. I see no reason for this book to be banned. The honest reflection of class in our society could make some uncomfortable, but as the saying goes, “The truth sometimes hurts“.

This has been on my radar a bit, and the audio was available on Libby at just the right time. As for the story…. It‘s pretty character driven, about Mike, a half Latino guy in his early 20s, trying to catch a break while also figuring things a#out about himself, his goals, and his sexuality. Overall, it was alright - the narrator eventually grew on me, but it‘s a shame it gets challenged in high schools for what it is.

One of the ALA‘s ten most banned books. I read it because it was challenged in my high school library by a community member. I thought it was an appealing book for teens with lots of humor. It also had a protagonist who was a little lost and searching for direction, which is something that kids need to see.

#Banned LGBTQIA+, claimed sexually explicit
Age: 9-12
Maybe it‘s the narrator, but I didn‘t feel it. Miquel is figuring out how he feels about dating. I think the age range doesn‘t work (better for teen). It is a good book for those immigrant families who face discrimination every day just for being Mexican, let alone testing gay. The book also talks about wanting the dream job, that one job, you want. How he always expects to owe a favor.

Not sure why this is a #BannedBook other that its exploration of a half-Latino young man coming out as gay. I‘d call this New Adult over YA.

Mike can seem to catch a break. He quits a job he loves (mowing lawns) because of an exploitative boss. But he struggles to find work after that, and he and his mom can barely make ends meet. Still, his story rings much more hopeful than sad. A great “be true to your dreams” novel.

It was my love of Book Clubs (I REALLY struggle with not joining any and all that come my way) that brought me to this book. I could not resist A Banned Book-BookClub! Mike Munoz, a young Chicano, living on the Rez with his single Mom is trying to find himself, and to accept his sexuality. He cares for his mentally challenged brother while is Mom is at work. He is trying to find a job where he feels valued. And he excels at topiary! #pridemonth

I received an email to join a Banned Book Club,and this is how I delay reading my own books. Looking forward to the Zoom discussion about this book on Wednesday. It is the selection for Pride Month and the 7th most banned book in 2022.

I joined a banned book club, and this was what they read last month. I mean…I don‘t get the hoopla around it? It was fine, I enjoyed it, it was a quick read, but like…what? Is it the language? I‘m a substitute teacher (and former high school teacher), and I‘ve heard worse language in middle school hallways. It seems like the cultural impact of the book outweighs the language. And these parents complaining, i hope their kids don‘t ride the bus.

#12Booksof2022

Lawn Boy is a great coming-of-age novel and also another challenged read in multiple places in the U.S. I‘m going to cheat and direct you to @Reggie @britt_brooke and @Cinfhen ‘s great reviews for this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was recently challenged then removed from two high school libraries in my TN county. Of course, I had to read it for myself. It‘s a thoughtful rendering of the wealth inequalities and racial issues faced by a 22 year old Mexican-American trying to figure out life. Mike Muñoz is a guy you want to succeed who is grappling with something significant that happened in the past (the reason for the removal ?). It‘s a great read!

I LOATHE this type of comparison. The Catcher in the Rye is one of my favorites. Piss off with this, NYT. And Lawn Boy is a good book. I just hate this nonsense.

Skills training for my boys. Reading time for me! This book was recently challenged, and removed, from local high school libraries, so of course I had to buy it.

I was happy to wake up today and see that efforts to flip the local school board by book banners who went after Lawn Boy and other books were unsuccessful. It was close, but cheers for free speech and diversity. It was a bright light in otherwise disappointing Texas election results.#bannedbooks

Lawn Boy was an excellent coming of age story about a young man growing up on an Indian Reservation with his mother and special needs brother.

The story addresses so many things- racism, classism, and homophobia are just a few. All of the characters felt relatable, honest, and had a depth that made me completely invested in their journeys.

Great story that deserves more praise and recognition in my opinion.

I‘m so grateful to those deplorable folks who tried to get this book banned from the school system! Due to their nonsense I finally picked up this hilarious and heartwarming coming of age story. Mike Munoz is just trying to figure things out but life keeps throwing obstacles his way. This is a story of acceptance, finding love and learning to follow your heart. And certainly that type of message belongs in the classroom?!!! #BannedBooksWeek

#BannedBookWeek
I‘m 99.99% sure I stacked this book years ago based on a #RecFromReggie @Reggie 🥰🙌🏻
Excited to FINALLY get around to it
#Hoopla

1. The book I most recently finished (Renovated to Death) opens with a dinner party where five of the six diners are gay…
2. Tagged!
3. Roxane Gay (and she‘s great on Twitter too)
#sundayfunday

This book deals with economic class disparities, racism, and homophobia. I think that's the real reason why it was banned in certain school systems. There is no pedophilia as some parents have argued, but yell that loud enough and it will upset everyone.

I liked the book. It reminded me of "Shameless" but with less addiction.

This is a coming of age story about a 22 year old Mexican kid, Mike Munoz, living at home with his mom and special needs brother on an Indian reservation. He works as a lawn boy but is trying to figure out where he fits in the world and what the American dream means to him and how to go about reaching for it. Good read with some great characters and quite entertaining.

I read this because it is the latest controversial book in melodramatics at the local school board meeting because it was in classroom library for 11th-12th grade English. People even filed a police report regarding obscenity. 🙄 It was a little bit of a Holden Caulfield vibe to me & there was a lot in the book to talk about regarding class, racial and ethnic divisions. Perfectly appropriate for 16-18 year olds.🌟🌟🌟🌟 #bannedbooks

Loving this smart and witty story of a young man finding his way in life and love, relying on Andrew, his #sweater -wearing librarian friend for reading recommendations and guidance. #WordsofOctober @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620

Hilarious at times, this novel‘s MC Mike Munoz, is 23 and trying to find his way in Washington state. No father, a mentally challenged older brother, and his hard-working mom complete the picture. Poignant

Honestly, 9/10. This book was so funny, especially if you‘re a PNW native. I was able to relate and understand so much more of his descriptions having actually grown up in the area. Hilarious novel about those weird lost years in your twenties, what Dexter Palmer would call your “blackout season”.

Mike, an early 20s Mexican American, seems to be dealt a lousy hand at every turn. Pursuing the American dream leads to dead ends, shady characters, and occasional brushes with the law. Throughout, we meet a motley cast of characters and learn who Mike is as a brother, son, and “lawn architect.” At times heavy handed and occasionally long-winded, overall it is a humorous and poignant story of a young man discovering his path & himself. 3.5/5 ⭐️

This is a coming of age novel told by Mike Munoz. I enjoyed the first 20 pages and the last 20 pages but thought the story as a whole was a bit of a mess. Perhaps this was just not a book for me- enough said.2.5🌟

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good coming of age/down on your luck story 3.5⭐️

I hope you all visited your local independent bookstore today to tell them thanks walking out with one or two gems to read.

This is a novel, as Jonathan Evison novels do, that helps reinforce your faith in humanity. Funny, charming, smart.

More here: http://www.thenewdorkreviewofbooks.com/2018/04/lawn-boy-struggle-is-real.html

Mike Munoz, in his young 20‘s, is a budding topiary artist who cuts lawns and just found himself out of a job. His tale is one of someone whose life has never been easy. Having lived out of a car, being raised by a single mother working 2 jobs to support them, a mentally challenged older brother. This book is about his perseverance to be better, to become something, to become himself. I really appreciated this book‘s humor and depth. Total pick!!!

#aprella Even though our recently jobless MC would rather be #busyearning to help out with his older brother and his mom who works two jobs, he decides to take a break at the library and shares what makes it special to him. Only on pg.70 but loving it so far.

More character driven than plot, Lawn Boy is an interesting examination of the working class coasting through life and a self-exploration of trying to fing yourself. The protoganist Mike Munoz makes ends meet as a landscaper and gardener but wants more out of life as he supports his autistic brother and single mother. He then goes on a self journey of discovery as navigated his path through with humor and warmth.

Evening reading. 💚

I'm surprised by how much I loved this book! A fictional story about a landscaper wouldn't normally be one I'd be inclined to pick up, but I loved the realistic characters and truth in this novel. Mike Muñoz comes from a complicated family-life, and he is constantly dealing with cultural discrimination and a difficult job market. He is trying to find the secret to living the American Dream, and his story is honest and uplifting. 4.5 stars!

Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃🍽!!! I'm enjoying reading in the sunny sitting room at my Aunt and Uncle's house. It's a perfect morning!