Paul, Big, and Small

By: David Glen Robb

Narrated by: Alex Boyles

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

A trio of high school outcasts - Paul, Big, and Small - face the complicated world of predators and prey in high school and come to realize that overcoming life's challenges will take more than perseverance.

Paul Adams is the shortest kid at his high school, and the school bullies relentlessly pick on him. He spends the entire day wishing school would end so he can escape to his favorite sport of rock climbing. This is the only place where he feels in control, competent, and free, despite the inherent fear.

Lily Small is athletic, attractive, and, despite her last name, is actually very tall. Another kid, who looks almost like a grown man, introduces himself with a long Polynesian name, but says everyone calls him "Big," and he seems to like the nickname! As they get to know each other, Paul, Big, and Small discover they have a lot in common as outsiders in their high school. As the trio's friendship forms, their unique personalities are no longer those of misfits, but complement each other.

Paul and Lily decide to enter a local competition for climbers, but their plans are abruptly halted by Lily's diagnosis of leukemia. Paul is terrified of what lies ahead in Lily's medical treatment, knowing what happened to his mother who died of cancer a few short years before. He retreats back to rabbit mode and can't even visit her in the hospital. But Lily really wants Paul to go ahead with the competition and advises him to team up with Conor, the student who bullies Paul the most. Reluctantly, Paul agrees to move ahead with Lily's wish, knowing that Conor is a strong climber and their best chance at winning.

©2019 David G. Robb (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

fantastic book

couldn't stop listening. This is a fantastic story about growing up and feeling like an outsider and how great friends can lead to great experiences. David Robb did a fantastic job of creating a fantastic story!

Wow. Just wow.

That was the most beautiful fictional book I have ever read. Lovely, touching, heart warming, and relatable. Seeing Paul’s growth, his attitude and insurgence to hardships is encouraging and so sweet. Bigs optimism and Lilies courage help Paul grow to not be afraid, and be ready to help a friend whenever someone needs you. Definitely a book worth reading, not at all dull or slow, easily my favorite.

Great Reader

As an adult, I enjoyed this book, which is a great read for young people. I especially enjoyed the way it was read. Sometimes a male reader creates a voice for the female characters that is effeminate, and it seems condescending. This reader, Alex Boyles, gives each character a unique voice, and the female voices are strong. Even when reading for the shy Sam, who often whispers, Mr.Boyles recognizes the strength within the character, and allows the listener a glimpse into the soul of this young woman.

this is a very beautiful story

it's very heartwarming and very suspenseful. I love the characters even the antagonists. hopefully I can find some more books like this on audible.

Unexpectedly awesome!

I downloaded this free book because I liked the sound of the narrators voice and I thought it would be good background noise to fall asleep to. The description sounded childish so I wasn’t counting on becoming invested in it but WOW was I surprised to really enjoy it!!! The main character was mature but believable, and the book really does shine a light on how it feels to be bullied, find yourself in a group of friends that you never would have imagined, and how to become comfortable with yourself. Definitely worth reading!

Wonderful coming of age story

Such a great story- the writing really absorbs you and connects you with the characters! The performance is one of the best readers I’ve ever heard! Overall a great experience!!!

Fantastic!

Absolutely an amazing book. Touches on very important topics that we all deal with and makes you think. Highly recommended!

A new favorite

This is the best book I've listened to in a long time. Definitely worth the read if you don't do Audible, but I also really enjoyed the narration. It was particularly well done.
(Trigger warning for the book: mental health issues and bullying are main themes.)

A darn good listen

For anyone that is or was outside the "in" crowd in school, give this one a try. Great characters, great story, great narration.

Great Story

I really enjoyed this book. I had just finished reading Dear Evan Hansen right before I started Paul, Big, and Small. I enjoyed this book and it's interesting approach to every day bullying, making friends, fitting in at school, first loves and many more. It was heavy but inspirational at the same time (not religious, just uplifting). We all need a Big in our lives! And if we don't have one, we can be one.