Me Being Me is Exactly as Insane as You Being You

Gr 8 Up—Three reasons Darren Jacobs is having a tough year: His parents have gotten a divorce and his dad reveals a truth that sends him reeling; his brother Nate has just moved out of the house to go to college, leaving Darren to deal with the fallout of his parents' split on his own; and he's torn between two girls—Zoey Lovell, who is a troubled, elusive, and artistic enigma who Darren can't seem to get out of his mind and sweet, wholesome Rachel Madsen, who is supportive and cheerful. Hasak-Lowy's debut YA novel is told entirely in lists—slightly disorienting at first, but which quickly becomes an integral part of Darren's voice. In terse, engaging prose, this novel of lists traces the teen's awkward yet heart-tuggingly true-to-life relationships with his parents, his older brother, and with the girls who are entering his life. Readers will relish and recognize the playful and profanity-tinged banter between the brothers as well as Darren's conflicted feelings as he analyzes (and overthinks) each scenario and interaction he has with Zoey, Rachel, Nate's college roommate, a new member of his band, his dad, and his mom. This novel might be great for reluctant readers due to its brief and inventive style, although younger teens might want to beware of the occasional depictions of drug and alcohol use. Although the characters are authentic and appealing, several plot threads are left dangling, which makes the ending feel a little rushed and abrupt.—Evelyn Khoo Schwartz, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC