Customer Reviews

ZigZag: A Novel

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When you pick a book up full of expectations, seldom do you finish feeling as if those expectations have been met, and even rarer are those occasions where the expectations don't mean anything, and you come away knowing more about yourself then you ever could've imagined originated from someone else's fictional ideas. This book is going to stay with me forever.

I opened this book with trepidation. What could I possibly have in common with a 15 year-old mentally challenged, inner city black kid. But after the first page, I could't put it down! It's a great piece of work and I can't wait for Mr. Napoleon's next book.

Napoleon has created interesting and memorable characters to support the story of the unique and brilliant, Zig Zag. With great style and feel, we get to step inside the mind of this remarkable individual, his experience, and his struggle to get by in life. The relationship between Zig Zag and his big Bro, singer, is perfectly wonderful. They are equals - both struggling yet full of bravery. The dialogue between them is not forced - it is fresh, sensitive, often hilarious - very real. The book brings you to the places and rooms where these characters live. Napoleon has delivered a powerful first novel. I look forward to more from this talented young writer. Bravo !

"ZIGZAG" debuts the budding efforts of a new and remarkable talent that I expect to rise high in literary stature in the years ahead! Napoleon has crafted a tale blending humor, sex, tragedy and social consciousness, all with a sensitivity uncommon to all but the most endearing and authentic literary hands. Kirkus summarized the plot well enough so more of that here is unnecessary; however, what requires to be said is that this book will sweep your preconceived ideas regarding first novels out the door. "ZIGZAG" successfully combines the elements that many of us most appreciate in good fiction: stark reality tempered by fantasy; tragedy mitigated by humor; brutality cornered by compassion; intelligence trumped by innocence; seamy decadence diluted by youthful confusion; and, ultimately, death overcome by grace and the continuity of lessons well-learned. I recommend the book unconditionally and look forward to artist Napoleon's future work with great enthusiasm! -- MAV

Napoleon's novel, ZIGZAG, is an ingenious mix of tension, spice, and compassion. He also inserts humor when it is least expected. I'm anxious to see more work from this author.

This book is told from an autistic kid's point of view, which makes it unlike anything else I've ever read. He lives in a rough neighborhood and unwittingly gets himself into a whole mess of trouble. The only person who can help him is his volunteer Big Brother, who has his own problems to deal with. I wish I could meet all of the characters in this book and go out for late-night pancakes to hear their stories all over again. Great story + great characters + humor + heart + grit = ZigZag. Read this book and root for this kid.

It was a fast paced read that I couldn't put down. They should make a movie.

Boy, Do wish I could get my money back. This book reads as though it was written by a horney fifteen year old who was getting his jollys writing dirty words, and having impure thoughts. I'm not a prude, but really! The story line wasn't that bad,though.