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A review by tristatereader
Teenage Dirtbags by James Acker
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ok, I need y’all to hear me out on this one. I know everyone’s vibing with the currently trending covers that have illustrated characters on them. I really like them too. But you’d be doing yourself such a disservice if you sleep on Teenage Dirtbags. The unconventional and raw cover perfectly encapsulates this incredible sophomore novel from author James Acker.
Teenage Dirtbags is a dual POV, queer, YA story featuring Jackson and Phil. It’s set in the same universe as The Long Run, but during junior year (the year prior to Bash and Dro’s story).
Jackson is perfection personified. President of Student Council and multiple school clubs, Ivy League bound, and #1 teacher’s pet. Phil is a fuck up. A loner with absent parents and school detention on the regular. These two couldn’t be more opposite, and yet they used to be best friends. That is, until their differences got in the way and they stopped speaking.
But when Phil gets outed and gaslit into a relationship with the pathologically charming Cameron, the wall he built around his heart begins to crumble. He thinks he’s finally found the connection and love he’s been craving. And then Cameron shows his true, narcissistic colors. In a state of post-break up sadness, Phil comes face-to-face with Cam’s ex, Veronica (Ronny). The two form an unlikely friendship, and start to formulate a Mean Girls-esque plan to get back at Cam. But they’ll need Jackson’s help.
If there’s one thing you should know about me and YA, it’s that I love YA that tackles real issues. Yes, teenagers are young. But that doesn’t mean they’re not experiencing real world shit. And this author always uses his writing to expertly explore that. This book tackled tough topics like homophobia and parental neglect while also highlighting things like queer love and compassion.
Ultimately, Teenage Dirtbags is a story about two people finding their way back to one another. At times, that journey is raw, messy, and lonely. But the journey also leads to bigger feelings of comfort and self-acceptance.
In conclusion: Ronny for President.
Teenage Dirtbags is a dual POV, queer, YA story featuring Jackson and Phil. It’s set in the same universe as The Long Run, but during junior year (the year prior to Bash and Dro’s story).
Jackson is perfection personified. President of Student Council and multiple school clubs, Ivy League bound, and #1 teacher’s pet. Phil is a fuck up. A loner with absent parents and school detention on the regular. These two couldn’t be more opposite, and yet they used to be best friends. That is, until their differences got in the way and they stopped speaking.
But when Phil gets outed and gaslit into a relationship with the pathologically charming Cameron, the wall he built around his heart begins to crumble. He thinks he’s finally found the connection and love he’s been craving. And then Cameron shows his true, narcissistic colors. In a state of post-break up sadness, Phil comes face-to-face with Cam’s ex, Veronica (Ronny). The two form an unlikely friendship, and start to formulate a Mean Girls-esque plan to get back at Cam. But they’ll need Jackson’s help.
If there’s one thing you should know about me and YA, it’s that I love YA that tackles real issues. Yes, teenagers are young. But that doesn’t mean they’re not experiencing real world shit. And this author always uses his writing to expertly explore that. This book tackled tough topics like homophobia and parental neglect while also highlighting things like queer love and compassion.
Ultimately, Teenage Dirtbags is a story about two people finding their way back to one another. At times, that journey is raw, messy, and lonely. But the journey also leads to bigger feelings of comfort and self-acceptance.
In conclusion: Ronny for President.