You by Charles Benoit
Want to discuss this book? Click the discussion tab above. Reviews 4/18/2011 by Andrew N. * * * This book follows “you,” an angst-ridden teenager named Kyle Chase that associates with an anti-social niche of high school society known as the “hoodies.” The story is told in second-person, something that makes this book unique, which makes it all the more involving as you are placed in the character’s shoes as he battles with the dilemmas of day-to-day life. After several chapters reading about how he hates his parents, school, teachers, and pretty much anyone who isn’t the girl he is hopelessly in love with, a mysterious transfer student makes an appearance. What ensues is Kyle’s struggle with himself as the transfer turns his world upside-down.
In my personal opinion the book itself is well written; however, it tries too hard to be edgy. I’m left with the feeling that the author tried to connect with high schoolers while not actually knowing them empathetically. Not to mention my complete inability to connect with Kyle due to his whiny-self entitled moaning throughout the entire book. I often found myself identifying with the antagonists and enjoying Kyle being harassed by them.
All-in-all, you should get this book if you enjoy teen drama centered on a protagonist with a dark view of the world. The writing is simple and the plot has all the proper ingredients to be enjoyable, but readers may have difficulty identifying with Kyle. Want to submit a review? Click here.
by Charles Benoit
Want to discuss this book? Click the discussion tab above.
Reviews
4/18/2011 by Andrew N. * * *
This book follows “you,” an angst-ridden teenager named Kyle Chase that associates with an anti-social niche of high school society known as the “hoodies.” The story is told in second-person, something that makes this book unique, which makes it all the more involving as you are placed in the character’s shoes as he battles with the dilemmas of day-to-day life. After several chapters reading about how he hates his parents, school, teachers, and pretty much anyone who isn’t the girl he is hopelessly in love with, a mysterious transfer student makes an appearance. What ensues is Kyle’s struggle with himself as the transfer turns his world upside-down.
In my personal opinion the book itself is well written; however, it tries too hard to be edgy. I’m left with the feeling that the author tried to connect with high schoolers while not actually knowing them empathetically. Not to mention my complete inability to connect with Kyle due to his whiny-self entitled moaning throughout the entire book. I often found myself identifying with the antagonists and enjoying Kyle being harassed by them.
All-in-all, you should get this book if you enjoy teen drama centered on a protagonist with a dark view of the world. The writing is simple and the plot has all the proper ingredients to be enjoyable, but readers may have difficulty identifying with Kyle.
Want to submit a review? Click here.