Reviews with a Flare

Bob

Author: PhilPages

Grammar.

As requested, I read the first three chapters of "Bob." From what I read, there weren't many spelling mistakes or misused words. However, I did notice quite a few run-on sentences and misused commas. Varying sentence length can help quite a bit with run-on sentences. It's always a good idea to also refresh your mind on the rules of commas. Commas aren't my strong suite either.

Paragraphs.

The first sentence of the second paragraph should go at the end of the first paragraph. Then it would act as a great transition from your opening paragraph to your second paragraph. Other than sentence, every paragraph has had a cohesive purpose and theme. Each chapter as a whole works really well together too. 

Characterization.

The introduction of each of the characters is gradual and well-planned. Although there were quite a few time jumps through Bob's life, I appreciated learning something little about him through each snippet of his memories. However, his characterization seems quite predictable at this point, which could be good or bad. Since it seems he is headed down the animal rights activist and vegan path, I would be cautious with stereotypes so not to offend anyone. 

Concerning the other characters, I appreciate how everyone is kept in the background of Bob's story. By giving us so little to go on with the supporting cast, the reader truly feels like this is Bob's world. It provides a sense of child-like innocence and self-centeredness. A lack of knowledge about the other characters provides even more characterization for Bob. It also opens the door for more attention to be spent on Bob and the animal characters he will interact with. 

Style.

Right away, I felt like I was reading a bedtime story. The word choice, simplicity, and straight-forward story-telling is relaxing and peaceful. Although the issues discussed in the story are on a higher level of understanding, the manner of story-telling suggests this could almost be like a children's book. 

Plot.

The setting pairs well with the story. There's a great clash of the outdoors and the wild with civilization. Bob's presence in the setting magnifies the conflict. He's caught at the great crossroads of common pleasures and conscience. His plight is relatable as many people as adults have had to come to terms with the impact civilization has upon the planet. The first sentence of the book, "Bob," sets up the book for success in demonstrating this journey. Each event builds upon the last as Bob walks through life realizing the injustice the human race has committed against animal kind.

In conclusion, I didn't know what to expect when reading this book. At first, I didn't know how a book would be able to hold up with such a conflict as animal rights, but it fairs well. It's quite a cute story. I'm not sure if I would put it in the humor category, unless the later chapters are where the humor picks up. However, I would highly recommend submitting this as a school-age chapter book. This would be a great way for children 10 and up to learn about animal's rights.