mothemo22's review against another edition
5.0
This was my favorite book when i was 16-21 i have read it countless times and underlined so many parts. I found this book for 50 cents at my local book store and had no idea what i was getting into! Brian is a relatable character who is struggling to find himself while also struggling with the reality of what he really wants to be. I love this book its so special to me.
julesjb's review against another edition
2.0
OMG, I started reading this novel two freaking months ago !!! I wanted to like this novel, the story seemed promising bit I didn't enjoy this book at all (although, i thought the last chapter was ok... i guess). It was a waste of my time AND a waste of money...
tc54801's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
marypmcg's review against another edition
5.0
This coming-of-age book was hilarious and sweet and a little bit sad. It was a great reminder of the horrors of high school and how the right songs somehow got us through it all.
aylin25's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jells99's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
yourfriendtorie's review against another edition
3.0
Narrated in first person and with language just like the way teenagers talk, which was annoying until I realized it was actually endearing. Gets inside the fragile heart of a teenage dork who realizes that we are all dorks putting on our chosen identities, moving in and out of them sometimes, and catching glimpses of who we are going to be for the rest of our lives. Some parts of this book disgusted me (as only teenage boys can), and many parts made me cry with compassion and the remembrance of that fucked up angst so unique to high school.
mattwriggit's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A mostly successful exploration of teenage angst, punk music and the 90s.
Some of the language feels dated, but at the same time, it reflects that period well. It can also be really frustrating to be inside this protagonist’s head - he really says what he thinks and sometimes it became difficult to engage with the material.
This is a character piece - the plot basically follows around a year of this teen’s life and the multiple characters around him. By the end, some of the resolutions feel rushed and forced but overall it’s an enjoyable read.
Some of the language feels dated, but at the same time, it reflects that period well. It can also be really frustrating to be inside this protagonist’s head - he really says what he thinks and sometimes it became difficult to engage with the material.
This is a character piece - the plot basically follows around a year of this teen’s life and the multiple characters around him. By the end, some of the resolutions feel rushed and forced but overall it’s an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Ableism