I wasn’t expecting much from this book, but it was great! A lot of YA books like this can read like a bad episode of 90210. If Cumyn keeps this up I’ll put him on my list of must read YA books, like those from John Green.
Stan’s life changed five years ago when his dad walked out on them. Now it’s about to change again over Janine, a spiky haired girl with a tattoo who people say is a lesbian. But if she is, why is she paying attention to him? All this confusion is compounded when his dad reappears at the front door with a four-year-old half-brother in tow.
Stan’s narration of this brief period of his life is spot on. His confusion over Janine and the stupid things he does while trying to figure her out are both painful and humorous because they are so true. Their relationship moves hard and fast like so many relationships do at that time and Cumyn pulls no punches in describing it.
When it comes to the family drama, it plays out like a bad soap opera, but one that is happening to you and making you shake your head wondering how on earth this could be happening to you. I don’t think anyone could help but be reminded about some strange time in their own family when they read this book.
Overall a great read, honest, funny, and touching.