Read like a Glee episode, so much so that it took a bit away from the story. The story and characters are slightly unbelievable, almost stereotypical, and it seems that everyone accepts everything from everyone. ( )

This is a great light read. At first I was a bit reluctant because I'm not a fan of romance stories, but this one is so funny and sweet that I got sucked in and couldn't put it down. The various and entertaining perspectives, funny dialogue, and quick pace make it a fast read, while the characters are so likeable that the cheesey qualities of the story are easily forgiven. ( )

Another wonderful, feel-good novel from Steve Kluger. Love his characters and what he does with them! ( )

middlegrade/teen fiction (gentle "coming out" story of sorts, 11th grade kids showing kindness to those who need help, set in Massachusetts in the early 2000s). Main characters are: all-american boy and baseball fan TC, American-born Chinese (and theater-loving boy discovering that he's gay) Augie, Latina immigrant from diplomat family Alejandra (who secretly aspires towards the performing arts rather than poli-sci), and 6 year-old deaf Hucky with abandonment issues in a foster group home. As mentioned, this is a gentle story about kids helping others and following their dreams, so there is a distinct lack of bullying (no threat of violence whatsoever), the making out ends at sharing brief kisses, and the swear words have been replaced by the made-up term "gink" (which is introduced shortly after Augie's Chinese heritage is discussed and unfortunately brings to mind a combination of "gook" and "chink"--but I don't think that was intentional on the author's part).

While I appreciate the diversity of the characters (Yes! #weneeddiversebooks !) I wasn't sure that Augie's parents felt that authentic (they are introduced as 1st- and 2nd-generation immigrants and act just like everyone else as you'd rightfully expect them to, but with the odd asian touches thrown into their food=Chinese veggies and the dad apparently practices Tai Chi, which OK, my dad actually used to do, but I wouldn't expect a typical Chinese dad in that age bracket to practice), which shows the need for more diverse authors to produce books in our #ownvoices. Also, the gentle old-fashionedness of the story makes me think this more appropriate for 6th-9th graders (or perhaps really sheltered, homeschooled older kids who don't have to deal with the cruelty of middle school and high school bullying). The story seems a bit longer than it needs to be, considering the dearth of challenges here (mostly, everything is fixed just by the passage of time or miraculous happenstance), but the text, comprised of letters and text messages, makes for quicker reading. ( )

I loved this book. It's a teen coming-of-age novel with super likeable characters. Not only are the main three teens great friends, they're just great people. And it's not just their relationship that's fleshed out, the relationship with each of the parents is really genuine and sweet. Reading this made me want to be friends with them and be part of their world. I usually don't care too much for books written in the format of diary/journal entries, emails, or text messages, but this format worked really well for this book. The POV alternates back and forth among the three teens (and sometimes the POV of the parents as well) while they each tell about their "most excellent year." First loves, coming out, new relationships, school successes -- it's all those things that at age 14-15 make you feel innocent and grown at the same time, feel like anything is possible.

It's completely unbelievable that three teenagers in 2009 would have great knowledge and love of 1910's baseball, 1940's Hollywood and obscure musical theatre, and 1960's politics. But these are the trio's favorite topics of conversation. It's obviously the author's loves, but somehow, though unlikely and difficult to believe, it still works. I really enjoyed the writing and want to read more from this author (especially gay, teen fiction!) ( )