DNF 45%

Well.

There are some quite funny moments in this book and I would have liked it, however, there was a problematic subplot which I think remained unchallenged. The main character's brother joins a band thats "vibe" is LGBTQIA. So in order to stay in the band he says he is gay, despite being straight. He also makes comments about how being gay makes girls more interested in him and they invite him into their homes and bedrooms etc. That's very problematic on a few levels. It really is a shame because it was so nice to have a funny, high school story about an unremarkable teen making his way through life. I don't think I'll be able to recommend this to anyone.

A wonderful lighthearted look at finding a way to fit in in a place where you're supposed to stand out. ( )

Sutcliffe gets well into the adolescent mind of his narrator, with a convincing mix or whining, wondering, and debunking. The characters he creates are interesting and likeable, the humour is good, his observation of our world and mindset is neat, all the while managing to stay cheery not sneery, so the book is maddeningly easy and enjoyable to read. ( )