54 pages • 1 hour read
Lawn Boy
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Pacific Northwest • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison follows Mike Muñoz, a 22-year-old half-Mexican landscaper from a single-parent home on an Indian reservation in Washington State, as he navigates economic hardship and self-doubt to pursue his dream of writing the Great American Landscaping Novel, while contending with various odd jobs, questionable employers, and personal revelations about his identity. Descriptions of sexual situations, profanity, and anti-gay slurs appear in the book.
Humorous
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
10,351 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Evison's Lawn Boy provides a poignant exploration of class, race, and the American Dream through a humorous yet heartfelt narrative. While some readers appreciate its candid portrayal of the protagonist's struggles, others critique it for occasional pacing issues. The book's relatable characters and social commentary resonate deeply, though reactions to its style are mixed.
Who Should Read Lawn Boy?
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison appeals to readers who enjoy coming-of-age tales that tackle themes of economic struggle and self-discovery. Fans of Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian or Junot Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao will appreciate its humor and socio-economic commentary.
10,351 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Doug Goble
Doug Goble
A local real estate tycoon known for his cunning and manipulative business practices and his questionable attitudes toward race and personal interactions.
Andrew
Andrew
An empathetic librarian and activist who befriends Mike, sharing similar experiences with familial abandonment and offering encouragement for Mike's goals.
Remy
Remy
A young waitress who serves as a catalyst for Mike's self-discovery, known for her confidence and patience, especially in her interactions with Mike's brother Nate.
Nick Colavito
Nick Colavito
Mike's best friend from childhood, who, despite his homophobic and racist views, shows loyalty and some redeeming qualities, particularly in his acceptance of Mike.
336
Novel • Fiction
Pacific Northwest • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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