Exit, Pursued By A Bear by E.K. Johnston Review

.

Title: Exit, Pursued By A Bear

Author: E.K. Johnston

Publisher: Dutton Books For Young Reads

Publication Date: March 15, 2016

Description:

“I love you,” Polly says suddenly when I’m almost to the door.

“I know,” I say.

Hermione Winters has been a flyer. She’s been captain of her cheerleading team. The envied girlfriend and the undisputed queen of her school. Now it’s her last year and those days and those labels are fading fast. In a few months she’ll be a different person. She thinks she’s ready for whatever comes next.

But then someone puts something in her drink at a party, and in an instant she finds herself wearing new labels, ones she never imagined:

Victim. Survivor. That raped girl.

Even though this was never the future she imagined, one essential thing remains unchanged: Hermione can still call herself Polly Olivier’s best friend, and that may be the truest label of all.

Heartbreaking and empowering, Exit, Pursued by a Bear is the story of transcendent friendship in the face of trauma.

“I love you,” I say, because I really, really do.

“I know,” says Polly.

My Review:

Trigger Warning: Rape

This book is part of a collection of hard hitting YA books that have been showing up lately. This book covers the subject of rape and that isn't a spoiler, it is a fact. 

Our main character goes to a co-ed cheer camp with her competitive cheer squad. She is part of a tight knit team who cares about her and supports her. Her boyfriend is also on the squad as well as her best friend.

While at the camp she is raped. The story takes off from there. One thing that made this stand out from the other stories that have a similar theme is the amount of support receive by our main character. She is consistently supported by her peers and parents with very few instances of people doubting her story or slut shaming/blaming her for the attack.

I thought that was an interesting approach to this story. The character dealt with the situation very maturely and with her families support. The officer on the case was a female as well which was refreshing. There were also gay characters and they were not stereotypes which was also awesome.

Just some many positive things about a book about such a negative topic. I will say however that books that approach the topic from a stand point where slut shaming is involved or there is doubt from family or friends or even jealousy is a often an accurate representation of the situation. I think authors often exaggerate some of these things so somewhere in-between this book and others like it is probably most accurate but both are important reads and I love that books are opening a dialog about this topic.

Star Rating:

4 Out of 5

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Goat: A Memoir by Brad Land Review

Title: Goat; a memoir

Author: Brad Land

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: March 1, 2005

Description:

Reeling from a terrifying assault that has left him physically injured and psychologically shattered, nineteen-year-old Brad Land must also contend with unsympathetic local police, parents who can barely discuss “the incident” (as they call it), a brother riddled with guilt but unable to slow down enough for Brad to keep up, and the feeling that he’ll never be normal again. When Brad’s brother enrolls at Clemson University and pledges a fraternity, Brad believes he’s being left behind once and for all. Desperate to belong, he follows. What happens there—in the name of “brotherhood,” and with the supposed goal of forging a scholar and a gentleman from the raw materials of boyhood—involves torturous late-night hazing, heartbreaking estrangement from his brother, and, finally, the death of a fellow pledge. Ultimately, Brad must weigh total alienation from his newfound community against accepting a form of brutality he already knows too well. 

A searing memoir of masculinity, violence, and brotherhood,Goat provides an unprecedented window into the emotional landscape of young men and introduces a writer of uncommon grace and power.

(description from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/281221.Goat)

My Review:

I read an article not long ago about some of the nonfiction books becoming movies this year. There are actually quite a few so I decided to pick up a few to test out for myself. I have never really read much nonfiction so I wanted to find my groove in the genre and maybe see what would be a good fit. 

I am not sure this was it. I haven't really dove head first into it yet but I didn't feel like this was for me. Maybe, with my love of historical fiction, something a little more history based will be a better fit and I plan to give it a try in the very near future.

There were elements of this memoir that I enjoyed, maybe Brad and his relationship with his brother Brett. How great is it to have a brother who you care some much about and who is equally devoted to you. That is so nice. Even though Brad, who wrote the memoir, is the oldest he often comes across as looking up to Brett and wanting to impress him and follow in his footsteps.

After Brad is abducted, carjacked, and left for dead he is in a pretty fragile state. When he decided to go ahead and head to university and join a fraternity it seems like something that is really and illustration of his mental state. I know every Greek system says they don't tolerate hazing but to some degree there is hazing even in the smallest groups and in the most well monitored systems. In Brad's case there weren't many boundaries and the hazing was so natural to the brothers that he didn't think to say no at first.

I loved how the story began and the writing style which read often times like disjointed thoughts. It felt authentic to what Brad would have been feeling at the time. However, once the fraternity stuff started to go down so did the story in my opinion. I know it was supposed to seem like he was victimized and was in a fragile mental state (which, let's be honest he should be in a fragile mental state after everything) but it didn't read that way. It feel flat and I didn't empathize with the character the way I know the author meant me to.

Overall the story was interesting and the writing style was unique but maybe this just wasn't the best fit for me. I do plan to give the film adaptation a try and see how it turns out. Link below for the film starring James Franco.

My Star Rating:

3 out of 5 Stars

Read If You Enjoyed:

   

About The Movie:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4437216/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The film version stars James Franco and Nick Jonas and came out January of this year in limited release. I haven't seen it yet but I really want to so I can see how they adapted the story and how they compare. 

I think that Franco would do an interesting job playing Brad and think he could do a lot with the story. He always (in my opinion) takes controversial subject matter and really brings it to light. He has a pretty interesting history with book to movie adaptations and I enjoy following his career in that respect. 

Giant Days Vol 1 & 2 Review

  

Title: Giant Days Vol 1 & Vol 2

Author: John Allison

Illustrators: Whitnet cogar, Lisaa Treiman

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Publication Dates: 

December 1, 2015& April 12, 2016

Description:

(Vol 1)
Susan, Esther, and Daisy started at university three weeks ago and became fast friends. Now, away from home for the first time, all three want to reinvent themselves. But in the face of handwringing boys, “personal experimentation,” influenza, mystery mold, nuchauvinism, and the willful, unwanted intrusion of “academia,” they may be lucky just to make it to spring alive. Collects issues #1-4.

My Review:

It is difficult to describe this comic book. There have only been 2 volumes published but I am definitely adding this to my list of absolute favorites. I love it so much!

The thing about it is it isn't really "about" anything particular. It is just about 3 best friends who are very different from one another and they meet at their first year at university. One is confused about her sexuality, one is grouchy and idealistic, and one is a gorgeous goth with a penchant for drama and destruction.

Somehow their quirks work in their favor and they are there for each other through thick and thin and even though they are at school for academic purposes this doesn't focus on that. It is about love, and growth and discovering yourself and although it is told in a way that might seem simple and mundane it is so much more than that. 

It is hard to put into words but I definitely suggest that if you are in college, going to college, or know a young girl or guy who could relate then pick this up and enjoy the hell out of it.  

My Star Rating:

4.5 out of 5 and 4.5 out of 5

Read If You Enjoyed:

  

Our Love Grows: Excerpt, Review, Giveaway!

Our Love Grows

Written and Illustrated by Anna Pignataro

April 5, 2016; Hardcover, ISBN 9781492634188

Book information

Title: Our Love Grows

Author: Anna Pignataro

Release date: April 5, 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Praise for Our Love Grows

“[Pignataro] creates delicately ethereal landscapes for the pandas to traverse—forests dense with pine and bamboo, snowy hillscapes—while showcasing a playful tenderness in their explorations and interactions… Pitch perfect in its spirit of cozy reassurance.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review!

“A sweet story for parents to share with their young children. The theme is straightforward and told in rhyme. The book conveys a similar message to Sam McBratney’s Guess How Much I Love You, and the engaging artwork greatly enhances and complements the story. The pen and paint illustrations have a soft tone and will give readers a warm feeling.” —School Library Journal

About the Book

Like the sky, and the trees and the child she holds...A Mother’s Love Grows.

In the deep green forest, Pip asked,

“Mama, when will I be big?”

Pip is an adorable, roly-poly little panda who sees the world changing and growing.  But Pip is feeling a bit left behind. Luckily Mama is there to show playful and curious Pip that, like the trees in the forest and the stars in the sky, he’s growing and changing too. And no matter how much Pip grows, the one thing that will never change is how much Mama loves him!

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27828812-our-love-grows

Buy the Book

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ZJDLfp

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1LYx4Uw

Books a Million: http://bit.ly/1RpMUrn

Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1Svj3ge

About the Author

Anna Pignataro is the creator of the bestselling books Mama, How Long Will You Love Me? and Mama, Will You Hold My Hand? Her works have been translated into eleven different languages, and she has won numerous awards including the Crichton Award for Illustration. She lives in Australia with her family.

Connect with Anna Pignataro

Website: http://annapignataro.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annapignatarobooks/

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway





















My Review:

I loved this. It was so sweet and the illustrations were muted but beautiful.

There was a lot of Japanese influence in the story telling and the actual writing was simple and easy to understand yet understated and beautiful.

I actually review this in a little more detail a while back. 

http://readjezireread.blogspot.com/2016/01/i-received-this-book-from-netgalley.html

Which you can find ^.

I loved it and suggest entering the giveaway so you can share this lovely book with the children in your life.

Don't Get Caught by Kurt Dinan Review and Giveaway

Title: Don't Get Caught

Author: Kurt Dinan

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Publication Date: April 1, 2016

Don’t Get Caught Book Trailer Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EZoTwKPU78

Praise for Don’t Get Caught

“Don’t Get Caught is just everything I love about young adult fiction. It's funny and awkward and exciting and full of revelations and surprises.” -Josh Berk, author of The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

"Not only is Don't Get Caught the best kind of underdog story---heartfelt and hilarious---but it's filled with genuine surprises up until the very last page, which features one of my favorite endings in recent memory. I'm highly inspired to prank someone right now." -Lance Rubin, author of Denton Little's Deathdate 

"Witty, charming and always surprising...Call it OCEAN'S 11TH GRADE or whatever you like, Don’t Get Caught snatched my attention and got away clean." --Joe Schreiber, author of Con Academy and Au Revoir Crazy European Chick

“Genre-savvy, clever, and full of "Heist Rules" like "If questioned, be evasive" and "Play to your crew's strengths," this twisty tale is funny, fast-paced, and full of surprises. –Publishers Weekly

“This caper comedy about an Ocean's 11-style group of high school masterminds will keep readers guessing.” –Kirkus

“Teen readers will delight in the way such totally different individuals begin to cooperate to triumph over their wrongs.” –VOYA Magazine

Summary:

10:00 tonight at the water tower.  Tell no one.   —Chaos Club

When Max receives a mysterious invite from the untraceable, epic prank-pulling Chaos Club, he has to ask: why him? After all, he’s Mr. 2.5 GPA, Mr. No Social Life. He’s Just Max. And his favorite heist movies have taught him this situation calls for Rule #4: Be suspicious. But it’s also his one shot to leave Just Max in the dust…

Yeah, not so much. Max and four fellow students—who also received invites—are standing on the newly defaced water tower when campus security “catches” them. Definitely a setup. And this time, Max has had enough. It’s time for Rule #7: Always get payback.

Let the prank war begin.

Oceans 11 meets The Breakfast Club in this entertaining, fast-paced debut filled with pranks and cons that will keep readers on their toes, never sure who’s pulling the strings or what’s coming next.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24157427-don-t-get-caught?from_search=true&search_version=service

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://ow.ly/1089vd

Apple- http://ow.ly/108aEM

Barnes&Noble- http://ow.ly/108b7h

BAM- http://ow.ly/108bm3

!ndigo- http://ow.ly/108buQ

Indiebound- http://ow.ly/108bC9

About the Author:

Kurt Dinan has taught high school English for over twenty-one years, and while he’s never pulled any of the pranks detailed in this novel, he was once almost arrested in college for blizzarding the campus with fliers promoting a fake concert. He lives and works in the suburbs of Cincinnati with his wife and his four children he affectionately refers to as “the Crime Spree.” Don’t Get Caught is his first novel.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://kurtdinan.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @KurtDinan

Excerpt for Don’t Get Caught:

Ellie calls it Operation Stranko Caper and gives each member of the Water Tower Five code names related to his or her role.

Adleta is Goon.


Malone is Shadow.


Wheeler is Potatoes.


Ellie is Crybaby.


And I’m Bleeder.


But at the moment, waiting for zero hour while standing in the back hallway where I can view the filled cafeteria, I’m feeling more like Puker because I want to sprint to the bathroom to vomit up my guts.

And to think this was all my idea. Here’s Heist Planning 101:

1.Identify your target. In this case, the target is Stranko’s phone. Clearly he’s investigating the Chaos Club; the pictures he took in the office prove that. Who knows what other evidence against them he might have? 


2.Formulate a plan. It took a week of observing Stranko during school (all of us) and after (thank you, Adleta) 
to realize he’s most separated from his phone during lunch duty. It sits on a table on the stage next to where Stranko polices the cafeteria. Now, if he were to be pulled away from the stage...

3.      Practice, practice, practice. The five of us rehearsed our roles for over a week. The plan isn’t the most complicated, but we only have one shot at Stranko’s phone.

Our final run-through of the plan lasted two hours on Saturday, with Ellie and Wheeler the most excited. Even Adleta, who’s probably risking at least a thousand push-ups every day for the rest of his life, liked the idea. Malone, go figure, predicted failure.

“It won’t work,” she said. “Maybe in a movie, yes, but not in real life it won’t.”

“No, they won’t see it coming,” I said. “No one expects things like this to happen, and especially not from us. We’re trying to stay out of trouble, remember? Why would we risk getting suspended?”

“Max is right,” Adleta said. “There’ll be too much going on for Stranko to realize what’s happened. It’s going to work.”

“What if we get caught?”

“Then we do what you should do whenever you get busted,” Wheeler said. “We lie our asses off.”

I don’t mind Malone’s concerns. In fact, I appreciate them. The more I’m around her, the more I depend on her skepticism. Every heist crew needs someone to point out the weaknesses in a plan. Malone’s perfect for that. She’s also tech savvy, a brilliant artist, and athletic as hell. A jack-of-all-trades, really. Or more like a jill-of-all-trades.

A heist can go wrong for any number of reasons, the worst of which is the double cross. You can just never be sure if everyone is really on your side or if they’re working an angle. I don’t necessarily think anyone in my crew is behind the setup at the water tower, but the hint of doubt is there. Still, why would someone set us up to get busted and include him or herself in the busting? It makes no sense.

We picked Monday for our heist because that’s the school day where everyone, even the administration, just slogs through until the final bell. At the time I was excited, but now it’s nausea city. Reality sucks that way. But I’m not going to back down and hide in the theater again like I did the day after the water tower. Not that I could put a stop to our plan if I wanted to. Everyone’s in position. The pin’s pulled and the grenade heaved. All I can do is try not to get my head blown off.

On stage, Stranko reads something on his phone, then places it on the table beside him before returning to his surveillance. In a lot of ways, thinking of him as a prison guard is dead-on. The entire building is a prison, with the staff as guards, students as prisoners, and rules that dictate when we can stand up and leave, talk, and even go the to the bathroom. The school even has security cameras, which are positioned in all corners of the cafeteria. I’ve seen the room with the video monitors though and am not as worried as I might be in a newer school. The monitors here are in black and white and the images almost blurry, like it may be the first security system ever created, maybe used back in the Garden of Eden where God watched a grainy image of Eve heisting that apple.

Then, right on cue at 11:45, Crybaby, sitting at her usual table near the front of the cafeteria, pushes her tray aside and puts her head down in her arms.

Step One, the Split, has begun. 

Rafflecopter Giveaway Link for 2 Copies of Don’t Get Caught:

Runs April 1-April 30 (US & Canada only):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review:

I don't want to give away too much of the plot because that's part of the fun of reading a new book but this was insanely fun! The concept isn't new. But the fresh writing style, humor, and amazingly fun characters are definitely worth picking up this book.

I can't believe this hasn't gotten more hype. Just look at the attached youtube.com book trailer and if that doesn't convince you to read this little gold nugget of a book then I don't know what will.

The characters are fresh and current and I think that added a lot to the story. I thought it was paced well and over the course of the book I felt like the characters were easy to relate to. They were definitely people that I went to high school with and that I could see the faces of my friends doing a lot of the same things. 

I know this sounds a little vague but I don't want to spoil anything. If you read the excerpt provided by the publisher above and watch the book cover and are STILL not convinced to pick this up then I don't want to be the reason because I told you too much about the best parts.

If you want a book that feels like the best moments of high school and reads like a fun beach read then I would not hesitate to pick this up and enjoying it immediately.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5

Read This If You Enjoyed:

  

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher and netgalley.com. All above information and the giveaway are hosted by the publisher. All opinions about the story are my own.***

Quarter Life Poetry: Poems for the Young, Broke, & Hangry Review

***I received this book for review from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

Title: Quarter Life Poetry: Poems for the Young, Broke, & Hangry

Author: Samantha Jayne

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: April 5, 2016

Description:

The creator of the popular Tumblr and Instagram "Quarter Life Poetry" tackles the real-life truths of work, money, sex, and many other challenges 20-somethings face in a laugh-out-loud collection of poetry.
Samantha Jayne knows that life post-college isn't as glamorous as all undergrads think it's going to be... because she's currently living it. A graphic artist, Sam started creating doodles and funny poems about her life as a 25-year-old. And when she decided to put them on Instagram, the captions were full of other people tagging friends and saying, "This is literally us." At a time where it seems like everyone around you is getting married, making more money than you do, and paying off their student loans, Sam's poetry captures the voice of millennials everywhere who know that being in your 20s can sometimes be the exact opposite of "the best years of your life."

Description from goodreads.com.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26031215-quarter-life-poetry

My Review:

If you are a 20 something who maybe hasn't found the one or who maybe isn't sure which direction their life is heading in then reading this short poetry collection is for you. It will help you poke fun at some of the things that might be getting you down at this time in your life. It is difficult to be at that in between phase where you aren't sure if you should be married yet or keep enjoyed happy hour and staying out all night. I admit, it is a balance.

We might not have all faced a situation like the illustration about but there have been some nights when bad decisions have been made and I look back and think about myself at that age and how I wouldn't do the same thing today. This definitely makes me feel a little more lighthearted about those choices and really laugh at myself. I loved that about this. It was funny, and smart, but also really relatable.

Like this image. If you aren't swimming in a pile of student loan debt this little diddy might not be the one to make you laugh like it did me but there is definitely something in here for anyone who is currently suffering through their mid-twenties. I heard it gets better but that is yet to be determined. In the mean time I plan to continue to pick this up anytime I need a laugh.

My Star Rating: 

4 out of 5

Read If You Enjoyed:

    

Kuma-Kuma Chan, Two Stories About a Sweet Little Bear: Reviews

Kuma-Kuma Chan, the Little Bear by Kazue Takahashi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This isn't the first time I have received something from Museyon publishing and I have been very impressed by everything I have received to date.

This is absolutely no different.

I do think the description on goodreads does a great job of describing the book. It is simple and imaginative and perfect for emerging readers with its short text but captivating art style.

You won't find a huge amount of bright colors or detailed pictures but the plain simplicity of the book is what makes it so special.

What would a solitary little bear do in his spare time if you were his friend and wanted to find out this would be the way to do it. Find out in this lovely read.

I will also mention that I received a hard cover version of the story and like everything from Museyon it was beautifully published. I would highly recommend this read.



View all my reviews


Kuma-Kuma Chan's Home by Kazue Takahashi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a beautifully published hard copy of this book from the publisher Museyon and was so excited to receive it.

Museyon is a publisher who publishes Japanese translated books and I have been able to read several of their children's stories and have yet to be disappointed.

I am not sure if I would consider this a second book in a series or a companion book but definitely check out the first title, Kuma-Kuma Chan, the Little Bear, because it was lovely.

This was no different. Again, the author approached the story with simplicity and grace. The little bear and his tales of friendship told with minimalist art and text could captivate audiences of all ages.

I was no disappointed at all when reading this continuation and loved the similar themes found in the story and the similar style.

Once again it was beautifully published and I couldn't recommend this enough. I have already shared it with my niece and plan to pick up another copy to share with my other niece and nephew in the future.

Definitely would recommend and I recommend everyone looking into other children's books by Museyon as they are all beautifully designed and illustrated with excellent story telling.



View all my reviews

My Kind Of Crazy by Robin Reul Review and Giveaway

http://books.sourcebooks.com/my-kind-of-crazy/

**I was provided an e-copy of this book by netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions listed in the review portion of this post are my own.***

My Kind of Crazy

By Robin Reul

April 5, 2016; Tradepaper, ISBN 9781492631767

Book Info:

Title: My Kind of Crazy

Author: Robin Reul

Release Date: April 5, 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Praise for My Kind of Crazy

“I had so much fun reading this book that it made want to accidentally set things on fire. Great characters you instantly care for, and a lot of heart.” -- Adi Alsaid, author of Never Always Sometimes and Let’s Get Lost

“MY KIND OF CRAZY is for everyone who felt they never fit in and weren't sure that they wanted to.” --Eileen Cook, author of Remember and What Would Emma Do?

“Hank Kirby will steal your heart, Peyton Breedlove will set it on fire, and then together they’ll mend the pieces.” --Shaun Hutchinson, author of FML andViolent Ends

“MY KIND OF CRAZY is my kind of read, and Reul, the best kind of writer.” --Gae Polisner, author of The Summer of Letting Go and The Pull of Gravity

“Funny, authentic, and, at turns, heartbreaking.” -- Jessi Kirby, author of Things We Know By Heart

“A sensitive look at two teens with complicated histories learning to build a future together.” –Kirkus

Summary:

A promposal that (literally) goes up in flames sparks a friendship that might be just crazy enough to work

Despite the best of intentions, seventeen-year old, wisecracking Hank Kirby can’t quite seem to catch a break.  It’s not that he means to screw things up all the time, it just happens.  A lot.  Case in point: his attempt to ask out the girl he likes literally goes up in flames when he spells “Prom” in sparklers on her lawn…and nearly burns down her house.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Peyton Breedlove, a brooding loner and budding pyromaniac, witnesses the whole thing.  Much to Hank’s dismay, Peyton takes an interest in him—and his “work.” The two are thrust into an unusual friendship, but their boundaries are tested when Hank learns that Peyton is hiding some dark secrets, secrets that may change everything he thought he knew about Peyton.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25695607-my-kind-of-crazy?from_search=true&search_version=service

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://ow.ly/YbB9t

Barnes&Noble- http://ow.ly/YbTUX

BooksAMillion- http://ow.ly/YbTYN

!ndigo- http://ow.ly/YbU35

Indiebound- http://ow.ly/YbU6g

About the Author:

Robin Reul has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pen. Though she grew up on movie sets and worked for years in the film and television industry, she ultimately decided to focus her attention on writing young adult novels. And unlike Hank, she does not know how to ride a bike. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son and daughter. My Kind Of Crazy is her first novel. Find her at robinreul.com

Social Media Links:

Website: http://robinreul.com/

My Kind of Crazy Landing Page: http://books.sourcebooks.com/my-kind-of-crazy/

Twitter: @Robinreul

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobinReulAuthorPage

Excerpt for My Kind of Crazy:

So here’s the thing. It’s not like I woke up this morning and said, “Hey, I think I’ll light the 100-year-old Eastern Red Cedar tree in front of Amanda Carlisle’s house on fire today.” Because I don’t know about you, but when I wake up, my mind doesn’t go straight to arson. Honestly, the first thing I focus on is how fast I can get from my room to the bathroom without my dad’s girlfriend, Monica, trying to chat me up while I’m awkwardly standing there in my boxers.

            I’d read online that how you ask a girl to Prom can completely make or break a guy’s chances. I wanted to do something special that Amanda would never forget. Apparently it worked, just not the way I intended. ‘Use sparklers to spell out PROM’ the article on the Internet said. There was even a picture with them all lit up on the ground. Totally idiot proof.

I snuck into her yard like a ninja under the cover of darkness and tried to jam the sparklers in her lawn, but the soil was hard and unyielding. I looked around, desperate, and then I spied a nice soft patch of mulch underneath the cedar tree near the side of her yard. It was perfect, and the sparkler slid in easily. A few minutes later, I had them all lined up just like I’d seen in the picture, and once they were lit, yelled, “Amanda!” I actually had to call out twice because she didn’t hear me the first time. Then she came to the window and gazed down as the sparklers fizzled down to the ground and--boom!

Turns out that was fresh pine mulch underneath that cedar. Pine trees produce turpentine, so I might as well have lit those sparklers in a pool of gasoline for how quickly the mulch caught fire.

I didn’t know what to do, so I ran. Which is why I’m now hiding behind a bush across the street in her neighbor’s yard. This is definitely going down in history as the most epic promposal fail ever. And then, as if things couldn’t get more catastrophic, they do.

Baseball is practically a religion where I live in South Coast Massachusetts. People take their Red Sox pretty seriously, and the die-hards decorate their trees with red and blue streamers every season in a show of support. The Carlisles are no exception. And it doesn’t take long for the flames to catch and race the length of those ribbons into the dry branches above.

From where I’m crouched down, I have a perfect view of the Carlisle house. I can see Amanda’s eyes widen and her jaw drop open as she observes the quickly escalating situation in her yard. She pulls away from the window, I’m guessing to call the fire department. We should probably talk about Prom some other time.

            With things clearly going south, I do what any sensible person would do: I get the hell out of there. Of course, a sensible person wouldn’t have put sparklers in a pile of fresh mulch directly under a highly flammable tree. Hindsight is 20/20.

So in the most casual way possible, I hook my backpack - which is loaded with empty sparkler boxes - over my shoulders, hop on my bike, and pedal away from the scene at what I hope passes for a normal speed. Cool as a cucumber, that’s me.

I reason for a brief moment that, perhaps, Amanda didn’t actually see me there. Even if she did, she doesn’t know me all that well so she might not recognize me. I am wearing black jeans, and my Batman hoodie conceals my medium-length, stick straight brown hair, so I am sort of camouflaged. Not to mention, those flames were pretty distracting.

The fire station is about five streets away, near the library. I start to worry that the firemen won’t get there fast enough and Amanda’s whole house might burn down. I know I’m a lame-ass chicken shit for hightailing it out of there, but the last thing I need is Dad on my case for something else. As far as he’s concerned, I can’t do much right. I would like to say he’s just being an asshole, but lately I’ve been wondering if he’s onto something.

            I consider turning around and heading back to Amanda’s, which would be the right thing to do, but I swear I’m about to piss myself with fear so I pedal faster, listening for the sounds of approaching police sirens. For good measure, I jerk my bike off the main road, cutting through the back alleys toward home.

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My Review:

I don't want to give too much away about the plot since Sourcebooks was kind enough to allow me to promote the book with an excellent excerpt from the story that I think does a great job of setting up the plot but this book was so much fun.

With "promposals" these days I think this was a great approach starting to discuss more than just high school drama and prom. When our main character sets fire to a tree while trying to impress a girl with a crazy prom invite he meets another girl and quickly his affections turn to her.

I thought the characters read quirky and fun and the writing was light and entertaining and just had me laughing in parts. I really enjoyed how the story progressed and developed.

It turns out that this book isn't just about high school romance but it also discusses important social issues involving one of the main characters parents and alcoholism. It is dealt with in a very mature way.

The way the author approached social and economic issues was great but I just wasn't totally sold on the characters themselves. Overall, a fun and entertaining read.


My Star Rating:

3.5 out of 5