Maybe everything would be better without these horrible, endless lists
Darren doesn't understand anyone. His Dad drops the bomb that he's gay, and wants to be in a monogamous relationship now that his divorce is finalized. Mom avoids the topic, because she'd much rather talk about work. His brother is living the most amazing college life, yet returns home. And then there's Zoey. Darren's dream girl, who follows him on a bus but refuses to talk to him again after sleeping with him. What is wrong with this picture?
Although, the author did have a good background plot to work on, he decided to tell the entire story with lists. Pointless, headache-provoking, distracting, how-worthless-do-you-think-my-time is lists.
Ex: 8 Best things Darren ever built out of Lego, in chronological order
Things Darren does with a particular book after putting away the Lego bin and changing into his outfit for the concert but before showing up at school
All in all, this 646 pages novel has about 35% story that was never really closely examined. Except for his mother's insistence on bringing up work, none of the characters get closure. One of them even returns at the end of the story, explaining everything to Darren. Information that he decides not to tell us!!
Here's hoping there won't be a sequel.
Nice review. I’m currently reading this book for a YA lit class. I don’t hate it, but the lists are kind of annoying.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
Whoa! So lucky you are taking a YA class. Wonder what approach the teacher will take with this book.
Delete