Hope For Garbage

This book definitely makes you think about the things we take for granted. It makes me think again before complaining about anything and reminded me that no matter how bad things may be, there is always a silver lining.

A true page turner! I read it in a day because I could not put it down! It felt like I knew the characters, it is hard to believe it was Alex Tully's first book! Well done! I look forward to book number two! Bravo!!!!

Hope For Garbage is about a young, poor youth from a troubled background. Trevor is a boy people whisper and gossip about; his mother didn't provide him a good childhood and then died tragically, he goes to a shrink, and he lives with his miserly, mean slob of an uncle. However, Trevor has a talent for fixing things and a charitable heart, so he picks through garbage and fixes old toys and donates them. One of his garbage picking trips leads to a meeting with Bea, a girl from the wealthy side of town. The two quickly come to like each other, but their difference in background and complicated families keep driving wedges between them.

The story is a roller-coaster of emotions. You keep wondering if the romance will lead anywhere, if Trevor will ever get out of his terrible home life, and what the deal is with Bea's mom. I was very invested in the characters and overall story, and was rooting for Trevor all the way. The ending was a little strange, but overall I think it shows that changes can be a double-sided coin; with the bad can come good as well. The writing was pretty standard, and there were some noticeable typos.

I have not read a debut book this well written in such a long time. It kept me intrigued and hooked the entire time, I did not want to put it down. I loved that it had an actual ending that didn't leave you guessing or hoping for more (it was a hot topic ending but it tied up neatly).

I liked the story. For the most part the characters were OK, if a little flat. The timeline was tough to follow, and it seemed like there were bits and pieces missing or omitted.
Also at the end when Lorene figures something out because of a diary, we aren't privy to her thoughts so we don't know what it is her epiphany was about.

I liked the story. For the most part the characters were OK, if a little flat. The timeline was tough to follow, and it seemed like there were bits and pieces missing or omitted.
Also at the end when Lorene figures something out because of a diary, we aren't privy to her thoughts so we don't know what it is her epiphany was about.

I really just like this story. I loved how the author told a story of multiple traumatic events and how the main character's resilience shaped his character and life. And I loved that it didn't have a perfect ending.

After a mysterious occurrence surrounding his mother that no one will talk about, Trevor McNulty has to move in with his abusive, alcoholic uncle. Young Trevor spends all of his time in a run-down garage at the back of the house he calls “The Box.” Trevor has no friends until the day he meets the neighbor, Mr. T. The elderly neighbor takes Trevor under his wing and becomes the grandfather and best friend Trevor never had. During the course of this book, poor Trevor just can’t catch a break. He endures so much tragedy that I found my heart breaking for him. I couldn't help but love and admire this kid. His heart is not only in the right place, it is large and generous. This story is an awesome tale of how a young man moves on from tragedy, discovers the value of his talents, and acquires the unequivocal fortune of friendship. It is also a story of the struggles of his private, personal guilt. Alex Tully was not focused so much on the mistreatment Trevor endured, but instead on a survivor's way of overcoming such a terrible upbringing. Everyone from all walks of life, whether born into good circumstances or bad ones, can benefit from reading this book. It teaches you how humanity can be achieved despite what you were taught or not taught by your parents. I truly believe this book should be the next on Oprah’s reading list and see nothing but great things for this author.

WOAH!!!
THAT WAS PHENOMENAL!!!

Talk about a well thought out story, one that was so well written and delivered you are left speechless. That is my current condition. Hold while I gather my thoughts...

Hope for garbage, yes there is hope for all and we see it here in one beautiful story. Trevor has lived through, seen and experienced so much in his young life that it is hard for anyone to understand his pain. But, he has a kindled spirit in Mr. T, his next door neighbor, their bond is so strong that its almost like they are family.

Trevor meets a girl, a beautiful girl and he is experiencing things he never has before. This experience is all new to him, he's always been one to simply exist, and try to get through the day. Yet, this girl excites him. But, events take place that will change the course of their friendship. The story is so well written you can't help but sit and experience Trevor and Bea.

Trevor's story is one of loss, neglect, pain and then sunshine and hope. With the help of his therapist Dr. Fisher and his friend Mr. T he makes strides and comes to terms with some of his pain. He comes across a guardian angel, Lorene, she and her husband become the ray of light in his dark, sad world. This is a must read, this author has blown me away with both her books. She has a talent, a talent that readers need to see. Make sure to pick up your copy of Hope for Garbage and go on a journey that will change you.

Alex Tully's debut novel, Hope for Garbage, is a well written novel about a boy who hasn't had contact with dad since he divorced his mother, his mother was abusive and died when Trevor was about 8 years old. He is now living with an uncle who's interests are drinking heavily, making money, and sending Trevor out to collect "garbage" for resale. Trevor makes friends with a girl from high school and an elderly man from next door. He becomes good at fixing up things that he has collected. But then his live goes back to bad.

Tully's character development was very good. The main characters were well thought out and presented well. As Trevor deals with the pain and tragedies in his live while trying to survive and be a whole person, the story moves quickly and kept me interested throughout the novel. There are some adult issues dealt with throughout the book, but I would definitely recommend this to young adults and adults.

The pacing of this story is excellent. High notes, low notes and not everything turning out as you would expect. I love where the name of the book comes from. (And this is NOT a spoiler.) Travis was a kid that life had effectively thrown on the garbage heap. Every time it looked like there was going to be a ray of sunshine, tragedy struck. Yet he was a good soul, always trying (and usually succeeding) in doing the right thing. I was truly and delightfully surprised that this is a debut book for Alex Tully. That means that we can expect more page-turners...I've already downloaded her second novel (not a sequel) and look forward to it as well.

Okay I loved this book and cried most the way through it. Then author ruined book for me in last 13 or so paragraphs. I know kids will be kids but come on that's a serious subject among the many other serious subjects in the book and author just threw it out there and pushed the subject or grown adult women with young teen boys to the side with laughter. Seriously! I was so ready until that point to rave about this book and give it a 5. Destroyed in a few paragraphs. Sad and for what shock value?

A true page turner! A well-written, captivating story of a young man's troubled life and his triumph through dark times. If you are familiar with Cleveland, Ohio you will enjoy all of the subtle references as well. A pleasure to read. The book features characters that stick in your mind well after you put the book down (if you can). Highly recommend this excellent story!

Original review at www.125pages.com

I received this book for free from Word Slinger Publicity in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

♦ Hope for Garbage was a perfectly average book. I had high hopes for it due to reviews I read and recommendations received. Unfortunately, Hope for Garbage was not the amazing book I hoped for. Now this doesn’t mean it was a bad read, it was just average. The basic story was solid but it could have been so much tighter. The big shocker that was hyped should have been super emotional but was more like, “Oh, hey this thing happened, k.” The entire tone of the book seemed that way to me. It was more telling me what was happening instead of drawing me into the story. I still enjoyed reading it but I want to feel a book not just read it. The world created was very real, the pacing, again could have been a little tighter, but for the most part was spot on. The characters, I would’ve wanted to see more fleshed out. It seemed as if they were reading lines and not feeling them. This was a super quick read (about two hours) that while not bad was not great.

◊ Favorite lines from Chapter 25 – “All of the pain seemed to melt away; his body felt light and his head clear. The feeling of peace was incredible. A brilliant light shined in the darkness and then Tom saw her—Maddie, as beautiful as the day he married her. She glowed like an angel, her smile radiant. She was waving him home.”

Trevors story is really heartbreaking. Not sure I completely understand the falling out with Bea but the rest of the characters are great and feel real. I enjoyed this book. There is a stilted quality in some of narratives but its still a good read.

Through no fault of his own, Trevor McNulty cannot seem to get a break in life. The 17-years old boy has dealt with more than the average person his age could even imagine. After his father left their family and his mothers decisions have left him scarred and confused, Trevor is forced to live with his only relative in the world, his uncle. His uncle makes him turn to garbage picking to make some sort of use of the boy. Trevor obliges by working for the man, but no more than what is expected of him. With his spare time, he fixes up “garbage” and gives it to those in need. His only friend, Tom Tyminsky, pays for the tools to accomplish this by making Trevor promise to go to a psychiatrist in hopes of letting the young man heal from past hurts.

On one day of garbage picking, Trevor meets a girl from the rich side of town. Soon they fall for each other. Yet, with that relationship comes more hurt, ager, confusion, and consequences. Through all the struggles, Trevor must learn the value of hope and never giving up.

This story shares the priceless message of hope and an underlying one of the importance of good character. Personally, I loved the story. In just the two days it took me to read this book I have been inspired to be more hopeful about life and to not give up. That is a critical part of story-telling, to inspire people with a specific message. Alex Tully had the ability to make you laugh and cry with each part of this story. I do want to point out one thing that I particularly loved. So many books today rely on the romantic relationship of two people to carry the story and the message. While that is fine in most cases, it is not always how life works. The author does not do that here. Her character, Trevor, is in a relationship with a girl, but that is not the core of the story. The message of hope and pushing through the hard things in life is propelled forward on its own, without relying on the romance. Even though that is somewhat of a side observation, I really appreciated that about the story.

There are a few places this book could have had better flow. I felt as though it jumped around quite often. In some cases, that was necessary for the story and in others it detracted from it. Also, some of the characters could have done with a little more character development. Like I have said, the plot and message were artfully mastered, but I think the character development was overlooked in some cases. For these reasons, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

I enjoyed this novel tremendously both times through. My wife enjoyed it as well. I thought the relationship between Mr T and the boy was well developed. Bea's mother seemed over the top but then I'm not a handsome teen so what do I know.

I recommend this book especially to recycling obsessives like my wife.

Trevor, seventeen, doesn't like to talk about his painful past. His only friend is his neighbour, Mr Tyminski, who is in his seventies. His passion: garbage-picking and -fixing. His encounter with Bea triggers a cascade of events, and Trevor has to face his demons and make important choices.

Alex Tully's debut novel is a beautiful story about the transition from adolescence to adulthood, closing old chapters and being ready to open new ones.

I recommend this book to those who need inspiration to face the future with new hope.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

The author grabbed my attention with her well thought out characters in this book. Teenager Trevor McNulty has all the flaws and quirks necessary to make him become real. He has a very strong sense of self and loyalty. The deep thoughts he had, as well as his compassion for humanity, astounds me. The way this boy smiles in the face of adversity made me feel so connected with him that I couldn't help but cheer him on in the end. This was a story about an unfortunate young man, with an unfortunate life, and his unfortunate journey to having a bittersweet happily ever after. I would recommend this story to all my fellow book lovers. I know you will not be disappointed.

5 stars!!! The title caught my eye and I just couldn't put it down. I haven't read a book in about a year due to lack of interest, but this book, I'm just speechless. It kept me hooked with every page turn. I wish there was a sequel with Bea and Trevor getting back in contact or something! I hope I can find another great book to keep me hooked to reading :)

I'm mixed in my feelings about this book. The story itself is really good, and I've enjoyed it. However, the fact that the setting is specified as Cleveland, it is really distracting that none of the neighborhoods in the book really exist. It would have been better to be ambiguous about the city instead of setting an expectation of the setting only to be so far off mark. If I had to guess, I'd say the author had never even been there, so I'm shocked that she lives there! I guess in the grand scheme of things it doesn't ruin the book since the story is well written, but that's one of those details I couldn't just ignore because it followed me through the whole book.

Oh, and just because it's been really bothering me: the east and west sides of Cleveland are divided by the Cuyahoga River in downtown, not the lake to the north.

This book was one of my favorites on the store so far. I couldn’t put it down. The ending was definitely different than what I thought it would be. Which was AMAZING. I almost cried, happy and sad tears.

The story development is intriguing and the writing is tight. The editing is excellent, I did not find any errors. Although all conflicts were resolved I felt the ending was not completely closed. Perhaps a second or third novel is in order.

I did not care much for the ending and finding out about Trevor and Mrs. Stewart but aside from that I enjoyed the book quite a lot. I also felt she shouldn't have them in the bucket they won't going to explain more about why she was the way she was. And I definitely hope for a romance for Trevor and bea

What a great read!!! It really grabs your heart strings - puts you in the shoes of Trevor. I could not put this book down! It has a lot of good life lessons in it. I look forward to more great stories!

I have high expectations for Alex Tully's career as an author after reading her first novel. Hope for Garbage tells of a young man's struggle to overcome a horrendous past. As the story unfolds and we learn more about Trevor's past , we are inspired by his resiliency. This is a heartwarming story of survival told brilliantly.

What a great read!!! It really grabs your heart strings - puts you in the shoes of Trevor. I could not put this book down! It has a lot of good life lessons in it. I look forward to more great stories!

I have high expectations for Alex Tully's career as an author after reading her first novel. Hope for Garbage tells of a young man's struggle to overcome a horrendous past. As the story unfolds and we learn more about Trevor's past , we are inspired by his resiliency. This is a heartwarming story of survival told brilliantly.

Life sucks at times but when you have a close friend, no matter who they are, it can make life more bearable. This was a sad but heartwarming tale. The ending was abrupt (for me) but thoroughly enjoyed.

This book has one thing going for it: drama. Everything that happened seemed contrived. Rather than seeming realistic, the events seemed conveniently set up to further the plot. Despite all the complicated situations it lacked real depth, and besides that the ending was thoroughly unsatisfying.

I did not care much for the ending and finding out about Trevor and Mrs. Stewart but aside from that I enjoyed the book quite a lot. I also felt she shouldn't have them in the bucket they won't going to explain more about why she was the way she was. And I definitely hope for a romance for Trevor and bea

It was to much. I don't understand the role b was supposed to play when the hero was just going to screw her over. She had no real part in the story. It was unneeded drama. Plus when what happened I. The car truth comes out the reaction the hero gets is completely unrealistic.