Reviews

The Wrong Kind of Weird by James Ramos

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christi_trevi's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.0

lyd1023's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Following Cam who has been dating (basically hooking up with) Karla, the popular student council president, since summer. But no one can know about their relationships because they hang out in different circles. Karla with the popular kids and Cam with his nerdy not so popular group. Cam does not know where they stand but he knows that he really likes Karla, so he keeps up with the relationship by lying to his close friends.

Then we have Mackenzie who was free and happy in her sphere and was a physical representation of what Cam wanted for himself. He started to bond with her and it allowed him to question his relationship with Karla and why he stuck in even when he had to lie to his friends.

This was a really easy and fun read. I would have really loved it more if the relationship between Mackenzie and Cam was well explored and Mackenzie has a character was better developed. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the discussions the characters had and how Cam has a character seemed to think more deeply and question himself, in order to gain a deeply understanding of himself. Overall, it was a story that explores the importance of friendship, and the power of choosing to be honest with yourself.

Thanks to @pridebooktour for making this book available to me.

queeerlybeloved's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I JUST REALLY LOVE YA. THAT'S ALL.

fuck, James Ramos really knows how to write 'em. they're an auto-buy author going forward.
i read Daniel, Deconstructed in February and knew i had to read their other book, The Wrong Kind of Weird. and BOY was i right.

this book was so full of heart and emotion and was a perfect commentary on high school and social groups and social hierarchy and how people really aren't all that different from each other. as the book goes on, Cameron realizes that everyone is a geek or a nerd or a dork about their own thing, their interest, and that different interests don't make one person less than another.

i had so many feelings about Cameron's involvement with Karla and i'm really happy with how their storyline played out. also, GOD, watching Cameron work through the five stages of falling for Mackenzie made my heart so happy. he was so goofy and SO dumb and i loved every second of it.

and his friends! their friend group was perfect and real and one i envy.

simply put, everyone is weird. and you know what? there's nothing wrong with that. ❤️

marodi99's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

banjopatti's review

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emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

nicola_june's review

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lighthearted reflective 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? No

3.5

that_bookaholic_gal's review against another edition

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2.25

His sneakers squeaked on the linoleum floor as he made his way to his next class. The hallways were filled with students rushing around, lockers slamming, laughter flowing. It was all a mindless melting pot of personalities… until she appeared and he couldn’t help but smile.

The Wrong Kind of Weird is a YA contemporary following Cameron as he navigates high school and the relationships he’s found himself in.

I wanted to love this book… but it just didn’t work for me. The constant internal monologue for our main character was overwhelming and I felt no emotion or chemistry for not only the character himself, but the relationships and friendships in his life. The dialogue was cringey and I was really bored throughout most of this story. Also the constant explanation of Pokémon and Dragonball Z was just not something I was interested in.

If you like YA novels dealing with high school drama, the theater scene, and anime… then you may enjoy this read.