FICTION

How You Ruined My Life

by Jeff STRAND
310p. Sourcebooks/Fire. Apr. 2018. pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-1492662020. POP
COPY ISBN
Gr 7 Up—A clever, relatable novel about teen competition, chaste romance, pranks, jealousy, and kindness. Rod, lead singer in a pretty awful high school punk rock band called Fanged Grapefruit, has an awesome life for the most part, with a beautiful, supportive girlfriend, a few tight friends, and a terrific, hardworking mom. Everything changes, though, when odious cousin Blake moves in for three months and begins to deliberately and sneakily destroy everything good in Rod's life. He seems to have everyone fooled about his true nature. Rod responds: game on, and may the best man win. Witty dialogue, ridiculous yet believable situations, and just the right note of self-deprecating introspection make this a perfect book for reluctant readers as well as those who are just not in the mood for angsty YA novels.
VERDICT Sure to fly off the shelves, this delightful addition to the minuscule shelf of truly funny books for teens will be eagerly snatched up and passed hand to hand.
Reviewed by Susan Riley, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY , Feb 01, 2018

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Loose Threads. A Story About Me, Mom, and Dad
by Ludin, Airien
BOOKS

Here Goes Nothing
by Ohland, Emma K
BOOKS

When Mimi Went Missing
by Sukumar, Suja
BOOKS

Thanks for Listening
by Horan, Molly
BOOKS

If You Can Hear This
by Gardner, Faith
BOOKS

Midnights With You
by Osongco, Clare
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?