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graciesicker's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
adunnells's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
literati42's review against another edition
3.0
This was a really fun short book. I enjoyed it but the ending left a lot unanswered and unresolved.
erniedresser's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Child abuse
lisamquinn's review
4.0
Keywords: Divorce, New Kid, Basketball, Volunteering, Zen, Faking, Creating a persona, individuality.
krosekauf's review
3.0
This started off so promising, but then it got kind of repetitive. The ending was lackluster.
luaucow's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first title I read by this author. I think it deserves more like 4.5 stars - I'll definitely read him again.
tashrow's review
4.0
San Lee has moved around a lot in his life, each move he has created a persona to help him blend in and fit in. But San just can't do that this time, not with the amazing Woody, a girl who sings Guthrie songs in the cafeteria looking at him. So San becomes someone who doesn't fit in, he becomes a Zen master. Through research, a short introduction in a previous school, and sheer willpower, San fools everyone around him. But as all things come full circle, especially for a Zen master, you know it can't be that easy.
Sonnenblick has once again captured the confusing world of a middle schooler. The broad humor of the book is a joy to read and will have readers laughing out loud. But it is not simply a humorous book, this book like Sonnenblick's previous one uses a light touch to examine deeper issues such as lying and identity. Gracefully achieved, this book works on many levels. A large part of its success is the character of San who is at the same time both complicated and simple as is his solution to school.
This charmer of a novel would make a great classroom read, discussion book, or just a wonderful summer novel to enjoy. Recommended for middle school and late elementary school readers.
Sonnenblick has once again captured the confusing world of a middle schooler. The broad humor of the book is a joy to read and will have readers laughing out loud. But it is not simply a humorous book, this book like Sonnenblick's previous one uses a light touch to examine deeper issues such as lying and identity. Gracefully achieved, this book works on many levels. A large part of its success is the character of San who is at the same time both complicated and simple as is his solution to school.
This charmer of a novel would make a great classroom read, discussion book, or just a wonderful summer novel to enjoy. Recommended for middle school and late elementary school readers.
danyspike's review
3.0
Zen and the Art of Faking It - Jordan Sonnenblick "When eighth-grader San Lee moves to a new town and a new school for the umpteenth time, he doesn't try to make new friends or be a loner or play cool. Instead he sits back and devises a plan to be totally different. When he accidentally answers too many questions in World History on Zen (only because he just had Ancient Religions two schools ago) all heads turn and San has his answer: he's a Zen Master. And just when he thinks everyone (including the cute girl he can't stop thinking about) is on to him, everyone believes him . . . in a major Zen way"
I must be honest, I only picked this one up because I needed a "Z" for the 2014 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge and this was the only one that got me mildly interested. However, I am very glad I read this one because from the very beginning I knew I was going to like San. He screws up a lot, but he's a sweet kid, with a lot of pain in his heart. BesIdes, who wouldn't take the opportunity to start over as a different person?
This was a light, fun, heart-warming book and I will read more from this author!
I must be honest, I only picked this one up because I needed a "Z" for the 2014 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge and this was the only one that got me mildly interested. However, I am very glad I read this one because from the very beginning I knew I was going to like San. He screws up a lot, but he's a sweet kid, with a lot of pain in his heart. BesIdes, who wouldn't take the opportunity to start over as a different person?
This was a light, fun, heart-warming book and I will read more from this author!