Customer Reviews
A new classic- READ THIS ITS GREAT - By: , 21 Aug 1999 
In this latest novel, Rob Thomas presents an authentic portrait of high school life in America. Essentiallly 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 & the varying approaches to these events. From the stereotypical rite of passage types who go to footballl games on Friday nights & 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 & 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 & 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" & their "long, straight, center-parted hair, poufy, midriff-baring tops, bell-bottom jeans with ragged hems & cork-soled clogs" to the reaction over the death of demigod Kurt Cobain & 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 & the irritating nature of many facets of high school. Definitely one of the best young adult books to come out in years- realistic, captivating & complete- this is an exceptional read.
A great, compelling teenage angst story! A GREAT BOOK! - By: , 14 Aug 1999 I bought this book one day knowing nothing about it. I read it in about two days & feel in love. This is one of my favorite books ever. The humor used & it's real life appeal makes the story believeable. The characters (teenagers on their quest for love, music, & the recreational high)are just like you & me, trying to make it through high school while having some fun along the way. A great story of love. The ending is spectacular.
Rob Thomas has a great writers style. - By: , 19 May 1999 Rob gives so much heart to his writing. As a Senior in High School much of the views he writes from are what were experiencing. Not to sound mushy, but it was exactly how I fell. GOOD JOB ROB
This book is needed! - By: , 23 Jan 1999 My father borrowed this book from the local library, & 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 shalll include in my favorite literature collection along with "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" by Tom Robbins & "The Theif of Always" by Clive Barker. It is a must read!
ROB THOMAS RULES!! **10 STARS** - By: , 22 Jan 1999 I love alll of Thomas' books. He writes stories that are real & true. His characters sre realistic, they speak the way teenagers speak, & they act the way real teens act. He uses a lot of pop culture references also, but not enough to make the books dated. If you liked this, please read Satellite Down & Slave Day, too. THANK YOU ROB THOMAS!!!!!
