Beat the Band, by Don Calame

"Dad points at me. 'Good call. Now when you hand this in to the teacher, you have to play it completely cucumber. Look him in the eyes. Keep it brief. If he asks you questions, don't go into long explanations. The best way to approach this is to keep telling yourself that this Mr. Grossman character is a jerk for not giving you more time to make a demo. It's his fault, really. He drove you to this.' "
     (Mr. Redmond, on plagiarising and how to keep a low profile while doing it.) Don Calame, Beat the Band.


Contrary to popular criticisms that besmirch this book, I found this to be one of the funniest I've read in a long time. From the point of view of Cooper "Coop Daddy" Redmond, Don Calame shows readers that even babe-loving, rock-and-roll-wannabes undergo development for the better. This story is a sequel to Calame's Swim the Fly and readers are taken on another crazy adventure filled with Coop's shenanigans and spontaneous plans. The book starts off with Coop being paired of with the infamous social outcast "Hot-Dog" Helen and continues with his efforts to try to shake her off as to keep his reputation unblemished from associating with someone as unpopular as Helen. Extremely frank and totally careless about how his opinions come out, Coop manages to charm readers who may not be able to associate with attitudes like his in day-to-day life and we slowly see a softer side to him as the story nears the end (which keeps him relatable without alienating readers).  I liked how the narration didn't try to stifle Coop's attitude. Whatever the character thought, Calame put on paper, regardless of the fact if it was offending or not. I liked how we could see Cooper's progression in the story and how in the end he was able to face people he thought he had admired and stand up for his friends. It was also really refreshing to get a book from the point of view of a teenage boy because YA literature seems to be overpopulated with the first-person female voice. Chock-full of profanity and shameless scheming, this book is not for the faint of heart. I'd recommend this book for teens who are reluctant readers (and all the other avid ones too!) because Calame proves himself to be able to spin an unbelievable scenario and make it completely realistic with characters that keep you laughing even after you've finished the book.

Recommended teen chicklit books ?

Heey ! I'm looking for a novel that has realistic teen chicklit stories, any recommendations ? Thanks !

Stoner and Spaz

GREAT BOOK ! I would say this book is a quick read because I am a slow reader and I managed to finish it within a day ! :P This novel shows how friendship builds between the protagonist, Ben, who is suffering with a disability, and Colleen, who is a drug addict. Ben is constantly trying to prevent Colleen from doing drugs and they slowly fall in love, even though they are almost complete opposites. This book really caught my attention because it was really realistic and the characters had real emotions, many people can also relate to Ben and Colleen and I would recommend this book to ages 13 and up. Why not give it a try ? :)

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

“THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGHSCHOOL

1. We are here to help you.
2. You will have time to get to your class before the bell rings.
3. The dress code will be enforced.
4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds.
5. Our football team will win the championship this year.
6. We expect more of you here.
7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen.
 8. Your schedule was created with you in mind.
9. Your locker combination is private.
10. These will be the years you look back on fondly.

TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGHSCHOOL

1. You will use algebra in your adult lives.
2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away.
3. Students must stay on campus during lunch.
4. The new textbooks will arrive any day now.
5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores.
6. We are enforcing the dress code.
7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon.
8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals.
9. There is nothing wrong with summer school.
10. We want to hear what you have to say.”

Speak. There is a reason why this book won two awards. This is one my favorite books of all time, and to think, I discovered it as an assignment for English Class. I actually first picked it up because I completely fell in love with the cover, but in the end I fell head over heels for the writing. The narrator uses sarcastic humour to illustrate the horrors of high school. The book begins - Melinda Sordino is clanless, she is the outcast. Ostracized, peers look upon her in disgust and old friends won’t even talk to her. The majority of the book occurs inside her head, where she’s safe. Melinda is not crazy, something you’d expect from someone who only talks to themselves, she is completely normal. She doesn’t have the dashing looks and bubbly personality that some female protagonists have, but she’s also not a depressed head banger that loves the color black and death metal. She is honest and genuine, qualities that make the story believable. I definitely felt that teens in the same situation could relate to her (I won’t give away any spoilers). Apart from the people trying to tear Melinda down, there are those that attempt to break through – helping her build inner strength and giving her the confidence to speak. I especially loved Mr. Freeman and his randomness, but I still cried at the end during their final conversation. All in all, the book isn’t a difficult read (there is some symbolism, but it’s not too hard to figure out the meaning) and it’s rather short, but the brilliant writing and authenticity of the story is what really won me over. 10/10 

The book 'Prom and Prejudice' is an amazing novel that I read. Lizzie Benett is a scholarship student at Longbourn Academy and prom is slowly approaching. Most girls, like Liz's friend and roomate, Jane, are obsessed and really hopes for the right guy to ask them. Lizzie, on the other hand, does not even consider going. Jane and Charles are in love and Lizzie seems to have a thing for Will Darcy, Charles obnoxious friend, that seems to not like scholarships students...what's the reason? I recommend anyone to read this novel..filled with surprises and twists !

'The book "outsiders" was definitely one of the most amazing books I have read. This novel portrays great friendship and brotherhood and it made me tear up at some parts. I would recommend this book to both boys and girls because it appeals to both genders and at any age. It teaches you how not to discriminate others and be who you are, whether you are poor or rich or maybe you don't belong. The main characters are Ponyboy and Johnny; this novel shows how the greasers and the socs are both human and should be treated equally with the same rights. I wonder if people are treated like this back then...

What are you currently reading?

I have to confess that I’m one of those people who have multiple books on the go in various formats. I never used to be able to do that, but when you are expected to read, and read a lot it is amazing how you adapt. So when I’m asked, “What I am reading?” here is my response…



At work I am reading “Darkest Light” by Hiromi Goto. Although I have just started it, I can already tell it is going to be a good one! It is the sequel/companion to “Half World,” but it is one of those fantastic finds that can be read independently. It’s way too soon to say if this one will live up to my expectations, but if the beginning is any indication this is going to be a must read!



At home I am reading “Starters” by Lissa Price. I’m about halfway and I have to say that I am a bit disappointed about this one. It’s not the author’s fault, in fact I think she has written a fabulous book and from what I have heard about it, everyone loves it. I guess it’s like one of those movies that everyone's talking about and when you finally get around to seeing it, it doesn’t quite live up to all the hype, but seriously, I think I am an anomaly on this one.

I always have an audiobook on the go. If you have never listened to a book on tape, give it a try, you will not be disappointed. Many people listen to books as they drive/take the bus, I like to listen to them as I fall asleep.  I am currently listening to “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness. The narrator is so creepy he enhances the story so perfectly that I’m not sure I’d enjoy it as much, if I was reading it.

So that is what I am reading. What are you reading?