by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Razor Bill (Penguin)
ISBN: 978-1-59514-491-1
Suggested Ages: 12+
Buy From Indigo
Description: It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.
By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.
The Good Stuff
- Unique concept
- Excellent moral questions brought up which would make for some great classroom discussions
- Got a huge kick out of the mentions of the technology of the mid 90's -- seems like soo long ago -- AOL - giggle giggle
- Talks about the importance of living in the now and not being hooked on technology - nicely done in a non preachy way
- a hip Librarian that's nice and helpful -- see authors you can have a non stereotypical librarian in your stories (Yes I know I'm a wee bit sensitive but come on Librarians are not all frumpy shushing cranky people or slutty nerds)
- Nice character development and realistic relationships between friends
- A lot of pop culture references that made me smile
- Fast paced and humourous at times
- Parents are out of touch (Hey we all know this irritates me -- but I get it -- teens think we are morons)
- Emma irritated me, but you have to remember I am a 41 yr old Mom and she's a teen so you can firgure out why
"The past is over. We can read about it in history books. And waht if in the future we're at war again, or we still haven't elected a nonwhite or non-male president, or the Rolling Stones are still dragging their tired old butts on state? That would depress me way too much."
"I swear, guys in groups are capable of the stupidest things."
"Like war, "Kellan says, heaping napkins and ketchup packets onto her tray.
"And jumping off rooftops."
"And lighting their farts on fire," she says."
"Not that it's any of your business," Emma says, "but I am going to break up with him soon."
"Oh, I see. You just needed your tits grabbed one more time."
Emma's eyes flash with anger, and I know I've gone too far.
"You're lucky I'm a nice person," she says," because I'll pretend I didn't hear that. I know why you said it, but."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
- Excellent for reluctant readers
- Adults will get a kick out of all the mentions of technology from the 90's
- Good for both male and female readers
I borrowed this from Jenn
This looks fun and I really liked Asher's first book. So now that we're in our 40's teens will become really annoying? I can see that :)
ReplyDeleteHey Stacy - Have heard from others how awesome his other book was so I def have to pick up a copy of it -- yup have to keep telling myself during the angsty stuff in YA that these books weren't written for me : )
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