crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
4.0
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
Russel Middlebrook is in his early twenties, living in Seattle with his two best friends from high school, and trying to figure out what to do with his life. Splitting his time between two jobs, neither of which he really enjoys, he feels a bit aimless. Everyone else seems to have figured out what they want from life, and while Russel knows he wants more than just random hookups and jobs that don't leave him fulfilled, he doesn't know how to solve his problem. After he saves the life of Vernie Rose while working as a lifeguard and she becomes a fast friend, Russel starts to see things differently. And when his high school romance, Kevin Land, shows up, Russle begins to center in on exactly what he wants.
I read and enjoyed the first series of Russel Middlebrook books. I found them meaningful and I enjoyed experiencing the development of Russel as a character. Although we've jumped ahead a few years with this installment, it's clear that this book is still in keeping with the style of the previous series and it seems part of the same world.
The story itself here is very engaging. It moves at a good pace (for the most part) and the overall story arc flows well. Russel's friends Gunnar and Min seem a bit more subdued here than in previous books, but that made sense to me as Russel is obviously more focused on himself in this book than he was in the earlier series.
I did find myself cringing just a bit at the reappearance of Kevin. While I definitely enjoy and understand a good second-chance-at-love (or in this case I think it's something like fourth-chance-at-love) story, it was just slightly disappointing to find Russel's life suddenly revolving around this same guy once again. I would have liked to see Russel develop some sort of meaningful connection with someone else to remind him that he, in fact, can do so (Otto was mentioned VERY briefly here with no real context--even just acknowledging that relationship would possibly have helped, I think).
That said, I do look forward to what Russel's big move brings for him in the next installment...
Russel Middlebrook is in his early twenties, living in Seattle with his two best friends from high school, and trying to figure out what to do with his life. Splitting his time between two jobs, neither of which he really enjoys, he feels a bit aimless. Everyone else seems to have figured out what they want from life, and while Russel knows he wants more than just random hookups and jobs that don't leave him fulfilled, he doesn't know how to solve his problem. After he saves the life of Vernie Rose while working as a lifeguard and she becomes a fast friend, Russel starts to see things differently. And when his high school romance, Kevin Land, shows up, Russle begins to center in on exactly what he wants.
I read and enjoyed the first series of Russel Middlebrook books. I found them meaningful and I enjoyed experiencing the development of Russel as a character. Although we've jumped ahead a few years with this installment, it's clear that this book is still in keeping with the style of the previous series and it seems part of the same world.
The story itself here is very engaging. It moves at a good pace (for the most part) and the overall story arc flows well. Russel's friends Gunnar and Min seem a bit more subdued here than in previous books, but that made sense to me as Russel is obviously more focused on himself in this book than he was in the earlier series.
I did find myself cringing just a bit at the reappearance of Kevin. While I definitely enjoy and understand a good second-chance-at-love (or in this case I think it's something like fourth-chance-at-love) story, it was just slightly disappointing to find Russel's life suddenly revolving around this same guy once again. I would have liked to see Russel develop some sort of meaningful connection with someone else to remind him that he, in fact, can do so (Otto was mentioned VERY briefly here with no real context--even just acknowledging that relationship would possibly have helped, I think).
That said, I do look forward to what Russel's big move brings for him in the next installment...
wrenvale's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable read that makes you think but you can also relate to
cooperlentz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Biphobia, Blood, Sexism, Sexual content, and Infidelity
Moderate: Death of parent and Cancer
Minor: Rape
cadiva's review
4.0
I love Russel Middlebrook, he's one of my all time favourite characters in this genre ever since I first saw The Geography Club, got annoyed because Kevin Land didn't go to the GSA meeting and then discovered the books the film was based on.
Now we've firmly moved out of young adult territory as Russel, with just the one l, tries to work out what the secret to a successful life is. On the way his best friends Gunnar and Min add to the complications and Kevin Land turns up once again to leave Russel's head spinning.
Loved the new characters, especially Vernie, the delightful Oscar-nominated screenwriter he saves from drowning.
Now we've firmly moved out of young adult territory as Russel, with just the one l, tries to work out what the secret to a successful life is. On the way his best friends Gunnar and Min add to the complications and Kevin Land turns up once again to leave Russel's head spinning.
Loved the new characters, especially Vernie, the delightful Oscar-nominated screenwriter he saves from drowning.
tim5alive's review against another edition
3.0
It was okay, this book continues to suffer from the same criticisms from the other books in this universe. I'm curious as to what will happen with Russel and Kevin now that they're finally together.
Would I recommend reading this series, probably not at this point.
Would I recommend reading this series, probably not at this point.
ex_libris_volantes's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Sadly I just didn’t feel like it went anywhere interesting. I plan to continue on with the series, but the characters just felt so much less than in “Geography Club” and I found myself extremely aggravated with Russel as a narrator only to get a candy-coated realization of life at the end.
larleybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
foreveryoungadult's review against another edition
Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Biggest Erection in Seattle
Drinking Buddy: Whiskey Sour
Testosterone Level: Casual Encounters
Talky Talk: It's an Obscure Rating, You've Probably Never Heard of It
Bonus Factors: LGBTQ, Bigfoot
Bromance Status: The Old Flame Who I Can't Quite Forget
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Biggest Erection in Seattle
Drinking Buddy: Whiskey Sour
Testosterone Level: Casual Encounters
Talky Talk: It's an Obscure Rating, You've Probably Never Heard of It
Bonus Factors: LGBTQ, Bigfoot
Bromance Status: The Old Flame Who I Can't Quite Forget
Read the full book report here.
cadiva's review against another edition
4.0
I love Russel Middlebrook, he's one of my all time favourite characters in this genre ever since I first saw The Geography Club, got annoyed because Kevin Land didn't go to the GSA meeting and then discovered the books the film was based on.
Now we've firmly moved out of young adult territory as Russel, with just the one l, tries to work out what the secret to a successful life is. On the way his best friends Gunnar and Min add to the complications and Kevin Land turns up once again to leave Russel's head spinning.
Loved the new characters, especially Vernie, the delightful Oscar-nominated screenwriter he saves from drowning.
Now we've firmly moved out of young adult territory as Russel, with just the one l, tries to work out what the secret to a successful life is. On the way his best friends Gunnar and Min add to the complications and Kevin Land turns up once again to leave Russel's head spinning.
Loved the new characters, especially Vernie, the delightful Oscar-nominated screenwriter he saves from drowning.