Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new classic- READ THIS ITS GREAT, 20 Aug 1999
By A Customer
In this latest novel, Rob Thomas presents an authentic portrait of high school life in America. Essentially structured as an autobiographical account of the life of one young self-proclaimed iconoclast, this book deals with typical episodes in the life of a high schooler in modern times; homecoming floats, semiformal dances, Pearl Jam concerts. But more importantly- it delves into the psyche of teenagers and the varying approaches to these events. From the stereotypical rite of passage types who go to football games on Friday nights and drink at parties afterwards to the self-proclaimed nonconformists whose dogmatic insistence on "standing out" borders on hypocrisy, the author employs poignant characters that the reader identifies with closely and a vivid first person narrator to paint realistic portrait of the social infrastructure of the American high school. Thomas has a powerful contemporary voice that today's youth will relate to and which other teen authors often lack; his obvious familiarity with the modern American teenager (stemming from five years as a high school journalism teacher) manifests itself in authentic depictions of the ubiquitous social intricacies found in high schools across the country. From the "low-maintenance Marcia Brady trend girls" and their "long, straight, center-parted hair, poufy, midriff-baring tops, bell-bottom jeans with ragged hems and cork-soled clogs" to the reaction over the death of demigod Kurt Cobain and his "It's better to burn out than fade away philosophy," this book captures the essence of a generation. Also of note, Thomas' protagonist, Steve, a young man with potential but harboring the anarchistic slacker mentality of modern youth, strikes a chord with readers through candid narration of clashes with his famous astronaut father, the anxieties of relationships and the irritating nature of many facets of high school. Definitely one of the best young adult books to come out in years- realistic, captivating and complete- this is an exceptional read.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great, compelling teenage angst story! A GREAT BOOK!, 14 Aug 1999
By A Customer
I bought this book one day knowing nothing about it. I read it in about two days and feel in love. This is one of my favorite books ever. The humor used and it's real life appeal makes the story believeable. The characters (teenagers on their quest for love, music, and the recreational high)are just like you and me, trying to make it through high school while having some fun along the way. A great story of love. The ending is spectacular.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is needed!, 23 Jan 1999
By A Customer
My father borrowed this book from the local library, and when he was done I picked it up. I loved it so much I let a friend of mine read it on the bus to a field trip. This book kinda bothered me at first with the ending being so sudden, but I learned that it was a perfect way to end it. I consider this book to be a book I shall include in my favorite literature collection along with "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" by Tom Robbins and "The Theif of Always" by Clive Barker. It is a must read!
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