I must be asked 30 times a day, "Do you have anything like John Green?" This is the closest I've come in a while. I love realistic fiction and, moreover, I really enjoy Andrew Smith's writing in his novel Winger. I picked up this booked just I saw the cover and thought, "Who punched Neil Patrick Harris in the face?" It's not NPH but it is a great read.
Winger tells the story of Ryan Dean West. He's 14 years old and already a junior at a boarding school for rich kids. Intellectually, he's way ahead of his peers. Physically, he's still trying to catch up. He's good enough to make the rugby team at the wing position and this earns him the nickname Winger. What he endures because of this is a beat down day after day from his teammates and roommate, but I loved his perseverance. He's small but refuses to give up. The book has drawings that tell a more graphic version of what Ryan goes through on a daily basis.
What I found surprising about this book was its humor. There were parts (like the aftermath of a crazy party) that had me laughing for quite a few pages. Then there is the emotional perspective. Ryan is falling for his bully roommate's girlfriend which, if you've never known that type of torture, provides the vehicle for some serious emotion and hilarious dialog. Despite being twice his age, I almost looked up to Ryan. The kid has moxie, a real sense of fight. He could have backed down a thousand times in this novel, but didn't and I love that about him.
So if Looking for Alaska or Absolute True Diary of a Part Time Indian is your jam, check this out for a surprisingly in depth and humorous read. Parties. The girl you want but can't have. Sports. This book has it all.
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