Following in the large and un-fillable footsteps of John Green, Kate Hattemer strove in this debut novel to accurately capture what it's like to be in high school. And that she did, as we follow the dynamic foursome of close, nerdtastic friends on their vigilante rampage against the reality TV show that has taken over their arts school. As it all progresses, our lead finds himself lost, trying to figure out why everything suddenly seems different. So will their long poem take down the TV show?
I had high hopes for this book, and I wasn't completely disappointed. The plot was original, and the way that Hattemer fit the TV show in doesn't feel like a new writer approaching her first novel hoping to present some bright and shiny new idea that relies on the novelty of TV. While some books that rely on technology instead of skill, Hattemer's plot utilizes it without letting it be the defining part of the book. When all is said and done, I won't look back on this book as a book about a reality TV show. The uniqueness of this book are the characters, who are unparalleled in YA. I will remember the unique struggle of the main character Ethan, as he struggles, overlaying an imagined person or personality over a real person or personality, psyching himself out so much he can no longer see clearly or really understand relationships.
My issue with this book isn't the main character being whiney, as a lot of people complain of him being, because his sarcasm is entertaining and his whiny-ness is really characteristic of teenagers-- I would know, I am one. My issue is that learns his lesson really late, and I would have liked to see character development further through the novel. The issue is addressed (in my opinion) too late in the book. I think Ethan's relationship with Bacconaise the gerbil was hilarious and quirky, and I found it funny when Ethan would talk to Herbert, his drawing mannequin, but I think that this all needed to have resolved sooner.
I like the way that Ethan's love life was handled, especially the lack of a definite ending (no spoilers, I promise). I love the way it developed, and I love the way that it all progressed. I adored Maura, the ballerina, and her storyline. And she was just one of the spectacular support characters in the book. The main teacher, dubbed BradLee, had such a distinct character-- I mean, he has a favorite punctuation mark for goodness sakes (the interrobang, if you were wondering which, looks like ‽. My favorite is the ampersand (&)). And then there's Miki Figgin Riegler. This is the most John Green about the whole book, along with the spectacular themes.In fact, it's had not to think of John Green while reading this book, due to the extensive references of the long poem "Cantos" by Ezra Pound. These references are essential to what makes this book so incredible. I can't imagine myself enjoying this book without them. One central idea of the book is a Pound quote, "I should have been able to do better." With John Green, incorporating other works is something he does in a lot of his works (especially his claim to "popular" fame, "The Fault in Our Stars"). Hattemer's use of Pound's work is perfect in the book, and makes the plot work.
I'm definitely interested to see more work from this author, and would one hundred percent pick this book up again!
Rating: 4.5/5
Would I Recommend: Yes! It's laugh out loud funny.
To: Readers of John Green or anyone looking for an easy read that has actual substance and humor.
If you liked...
Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway
Any John Green book, esp. Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
My Playlist for this Book:
Out of my League by Stephen Speaks
All the Small Things by Blink 182
Give a Damn by A Rocket to the Moon
Links:
Buy this book on Amazon here, from Barnes and Noble here, from Powell's here, or be a boss and Buy Independent!!!
See this book on Goodreads here and Shelfari here.
Read a review from Kirkus here and see this book on the author's site here.
Peace out book scouts :)
R
No comments:
Post a Comment