I read "Chasing Tail Lights", also by Jones, a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it, so i ran to the library and checked out a few more of his YA novels. This one... eh. It just didn't hit home with me. Brett wasn't very likable. I couldn't stand him... and it's hard to like a book when you despise the protagonist and narrator. ( )

This story really makes you think twice about bullying/teasing someone. Whenever the main character feels disappointment, it’s something that could be easily connected to. I read this book because the title made me select it. It caught my attention.

I almost put this one down - the character seemed very cliche (oh I need to be different!), and the pop culture references at first will quickly not connect with readers. But, I kept reading, and while somehow it still didn't fully connect for me, there were some surprises and a satisfying growth arc for the character. I think something about the relationship with his father felt off, which made the ending feel false to me, but I am glad I gave it a chance. ( )

Felt the beginning was shallow so stopped after 10+ pages

Bret Hendricks enters his junior year of high schhol in love with Kaylee, a girl he thought was way out of his league. Even though she goes to a different school, thoughts of her help him get through the day, as he's constantly bullied by the jocks and put down by his father for dressing and acting against the norm. When Kaylee cheats on him with one of his best friends, Bret decides to get revenge. When he faces expulsion, he learns to stand up for himself in a more positive way, patches his relationship with his father, and revives his friendships. A good read for boys, showing the high school experience from the pov of an outsider. ( )