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heather4994's review
5.0
Okay so I'm gonna go all fan girly over this novel. I loved, loved, loved it! No, I haven't read any of the other novels in the series, but I wasn't at all lost. There is enough back story that I felt completely in the know as I read the story. Russel is the navigator of The Elephant of Surprise and I say it that way because he's kind of leading a double life. Don't worry his friends are, too, sort of. I love having Russel narrate because he talks to the reader asking us to agree with him. He is funny and kind of like talking to one of the girls. He swoons over the same things we do, tight shirts over big muscles, kissable lips....definitely notices the things we do. Russel also has a flair for the dramatic and apparently metaphors. The novel begins with Russel telling us he's in the middle of a jungle with vicious animals all around, frozen with fear afraid one move would make him prey for some animal. Then he says, "No, really, I was! I know, I know. You're thinking: 'He always does this. He stars the story pretending he's in the middle of some exciting event- a war, a fire, a zombie apocalypse,- but then it just turns out to be something metaphorical. I'm not falling for it this time.'" (first page, chapter one) Drama, metaphors. But my favorite and this shows his humor which is present throughout the book - "A weed had broken through the concrete of my heart. (Yes, I know that's over-the-top. Go with it.) (Chapter 11). Russel is always throwing things out to the reader like we are living the story with him. I loved it!
Russel's love life is a bit of a drama, too. Remember it's high school, who's wasn't? He is torn between his jock (gorgeous) ex who did something unforgivable (or maybe he just thinks he did) and a new guy he met, a "Freegan" who he can't tell if he's gay or not. There is a nice lesson in there about being Freegan something I've never heard of, don't worry it's not an info dump. It's really entertaining and makes some very good points about Americans and consumerism. No, I didn't feel guilty. I read for pleasure, not to feel guilty. But it was good knowledge to have.
Then there's Min who is dating a girl from another school who isn't exactly "out" yet. Min thinks she might be cheating on her, but is afraid to confront her. What she convinces Gunnar and Russel to do to get any evidence that she's cheating definitely goes beyond the bounds of friendship. She sends out the "Bat Signal" as Russel says. I say more the Bat S*** Crazy signal. But it does make for some funny/tense moments. Min is one of a kind. I need to read the rest of the series just to see her antics. Apparently she is a know-it-all, only she really does know it all!
And Gunnar, well according to Min and Russel he operates on a whole other level. (I've got a son like that. We haven't identified the level yet). Gunnar documents his every waking minute and posts it on line during the book. Russel tells him it's so boring even he unfriended him but Gunnar doesn't care. We don't see a lot of Gunnar, but I think still waters run deep with Gunnar. Russel describes him as "too different to even realize how different he is, if that makes any sense. It's something of a curse, but it's a good curse: it makes him one of the most interesting people I've ever met, and probably one of the most interesting people I ever will meet." (end of chapter one).
These are people you really want to get to know the more you read about them. They are so close they feel the same feelings at the same time. They have each others backs. They love each other. There is no petty back stabbing or jealousy. These three are true friends and despite their own troubles, they ask about each others lives and help each other, no matter how crazy the scheme or idea, because that's what friends do. So when The Elephant of Surprise comes and stomps on them or brings happiness, they are there for each other.
Recommend for lovers of contemporary YA, romance, and friendships. There is some language and sexual mentions so this would be for a more mature YA reader. I highly recommend it. It's actually a quick read. The story is so engaging, the characters so well written and the pacing is perfect. And the romances, some are good, some are in flux and some fall apart. That's YA romance! But there's lot's of it!
***I wrote Brent Hartinger an email to tell him how much I loved the novel right after I finished it. You know that feeling you have inside right after you read a great novel? I told him I felt all glowy inside like a warm chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven! I love books that can make me feel that way! What about you?***
As mentioned in the beginning of the Goodreads Summary, The first book in this series, The Geography Club will be coming to theaters later this year, I think. I hope so!
Russel's love life is a bit of a drama, too. Remember it's high school, who's wasn't? He is torn between his jock (gorgeous) ex who did something unforgivable (or maybe he just thinks he did) and a new guy he met, a "Freegan" who he can't tell if he's gay or not. There is a nice lesson in there about being Freegan something I've never heard of, don't worry it's not an info dump. It's really entertaining and makes some very good points about Americans and consumerism. No, I didn't feel guilty. I read for pleasure, not to feel guilty. But it was good knowledge to have.
Then there's Min who is dating a girl from another school who isn't exactly "out" yet. Min thinks she might be cheating on her, but is afraid to confront her. What she convinces Gunnar and Russel to do to get any evidence that she's cheating definitely goes beyond the bounds of friendship. She sends out the "Bat Signal" as Russel says. I say more the Bat S*** Crazy signal. But it does make for some funny/tense moments. Min is one of a kind. I need to read the rest of the series just to see her antics. Apparently she is a know-it-all, only she really does know it all!
And Gunnar, well according to Min and Russel he operates on a whole other level. (I've got a son like that. We haven't identified the level yet). Gunnar documents his every waking minute and posts it on line during the book. Russel tells him it's so boring even he unfriended him but Gunnar doesn't care. We don't see a lot of Gunnar, but I think still waters run deep with Gunnar. Russel describes him as "too different to even realize how different he is, if that makes any sense. It's something of a curse, but it's a good curse: it makes him one of the most interesting people I've ever met, and probably one of the most interesting people I ever will meet." (end of chapter one).
These are people you really want to get to know the more you read about them. They are so close they feel the same feelings at the same time. They have each others backs. They love each other. There is no petty back stabbing or jealousy. These three are true friends and despite their own troubles, they ask about each others lives and help each other, no matter how crazy the scheme or idea, because that's what friends do. So when The Elephant of Surprise comes and stomps on them or brings happiness, they are there for each other.
Recommend for lovers of contemporary YA, romance, and friendships. There is some language and sexual mentions so this would be for a more mature YA reader. I highly recommend it. It's actually a quick read. The story is so engaging, the characters so well written and the pacing is perfect. And the romances, some are good, some are in flux and some fall apart. That's YA romance! But there's lot's of it!
***I wrote Brent Hartinger an email to tell him how much I loved the novel right after I finished it. You know that feeling you have inside right after you read a great novel? I told him I felt all glowy inside like a warm chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven! I love books that can make me feel that way! What about you?***
As mentioned in the beginning of the Goodreads Summary, The first book in this series, The Geography Club will be coming to theaters later this year, I think. I hope so!
jugglingpup's review
3.0
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I am a total fan of the Russel Middlebrook series, but there is only so much Russel a guy can take. I got this book as part of a gift exchange on Goodreads and I am still happy I got it (THANK YOU SO MUCH, SECRET SANTA). My issue is Russel kept saying the title of the book, like I wouldn’t have been able to get the point that the “elephant of surprise” always comes along in *gasp* a surprising way.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the series. This was just my least favorite book in it. It seemed out of character for Min to do what she did about her girlfriend. That was over the top and a bit ridiculous. So was the basis for the plot for Russel. This book didn’t feel like a coming of age tale anymore, but instead it was a tale of things that teenagers shouldn’t be doing (Min) and a tale of Freeganism (which if you have spent much time around Freegans you will realize that the author presented a very romanticized view of the community. I really wish this was how Freegans really are, but sadly I have yet to see someone as awesome as the main Freegan in the book).
If you are a fan of this series, then by all means read this one too. It really gives you that closure about the whole Kevin plot line that never seems to end (nor do I ever want it to), but if you are not that into the characters or the books for some strange reason then this is a good one to skip. It isn’t awful, but I just don’t love Russel in this one like I did in all of the other books.
I am excited beyond belief that there is an older audience book (December 15th). I WANT IT SO BAD. I started this series when I was in middle school, now I am 22. Russel is now 23. Can this be as awesome as I see it? I will find out!
I am a total fan of the Russel Middlebrook series, but there is only so much Russel a guy can take. I got this book as part of a gift exchange on Goodreads and I am still happy I got it (THANK YOU SO MUCH, SECRET SANTA). My issue is Russel kept saying the title of the book, like I wouldn’t have been able to get the point that the “elephant of surprise” always comes along in *gasp* a surprising way.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the series. This was just my least favorite book in it. It seemed out of character for Min to do what she did about her girlfriend. That was over the top and a bit ridiculous. So was the basis for the plot for Russel. This book didn’t feel like a coming of age tale anymore, but instead it was a tale of things that teenagers shouldn’t be doing (Min) and a tale of Freeganism (which if you have spent much time around Freegans you will realize that the author presented a very romanticized view of the community. I really wish this was how Freegans really are, but sadly I have yet to see someone as awesome as the main Freegan in the book).
If you are a fan of this series, then by all means read this one too. It really gives you that closure about the whole Kevin plot line that never seems to end (nor do I ever want it to), but if you are not that into the characters or the books for some strange reason then this is a good one to skip. It isn’t awful, but I just don’t love Russel in this one like I did in all of the other books.
I am excited beyond belief that there is an older audience book (December 15th). I WANT IT SO BAD. I started this series when I was in middle school, now I am 22. Russel is now 23. Can this be as awesome as I see it? I will find out!
blaskolevi's review
Modt azonnal vegye meg egy magyar kiadó a jogokat a magyar kiadásra. Zseniális Young Adult sorozat. :)
anna_sun's review against another edition
3.0
The freeganism movement explained was interesting but...
*SPOILERS*
I was disappointed on several accounts. Mostly, the lack of character development/relationships in this. I don't read the series to learn about freeganism-- I read them because I like Russel and his friends and I want to see what happens in their lives. Also, several other reviewers mentioned that Wade, the character explaining freeganism, sometimes feels too preachy. I wanted to know more about Kevin-- was he taking those hamburgers to the homeless? Tell me about his friendship with Brian Bund, his helping autistic kids, his devotion to Russel... don't just throw these things out there and never get around to addressing them. When Russel and Kevin do get back together, the chapter was too brief and felt rushed. I had been a fan of Kevin since book one-- even though "The Elephant of Surprise" could be read as a stand-alone, I had read them all and was invested in the characters. After breaking into Leah's house, the confrontation/break-up between Leah and Min was barely a blimp in the book. I wanted to know why Leah was planning a birthday party for Min while cheating, I wanted to hear more from Em and Gunnar, and I was disappointed Otto got so little focus. I really only bought the book to see who Russel ended up with, and the reunion was not worth wading through 200 pages of Wade.
*SPOILERS*
I was disappointed on several accounts. Mostly, the lack of character development/relationships in this. I don't read the series to learn about freeganism-- I read them because I like Russel and his friends and I want to see what happens in their lives. Also, several other reviewers mentioned that Wade, the character explaining freeganism, sometimes feels too preachy. I wanted to know more about Kevin-- was he taking those hamburgers to the homeless? Tell me about his friendship with Brian Bund, his helping autistic kids, his devotion to Russel... don't just throw these things out there and never get around to addressing them. When Russel and Kevin do get back together, the chapter was too brief and felt rushed. I had been a fan of Kevin since book one-- even though "The Elephant of Surprise" could be read as a stand-alone, I had read them all and was invested in the characters. After breaking into Leah's house, the confrontation/break-up between Leah and Min was barely a blimp in the book. I wanted to know why Leah was planning a birthday party for Min while cheating, I wanted to hear more from Em and Gunnar, and I was disappointed Otto got so little focus. I really only bought the book to see who Russel ended up with, and the reunion was not worth wading through 200 pages of Wade.
crtsjffrsn's review
5.0
The fourth installment in the Russel Middlebrook series is probably my favorite. The story isn't too far out from the previous three books, but there were a few things about it that I think pulled me in a bit more.
For one, I like the way the author is able to show that Russel is gaining a bit more maturity. It shows not only in the character's actions, but also in the voice of the narration. Secondly, the development of some of the side characters over the course of the series has helped to give more depth to Russel's world. And, finally, this is one where I actually didn't see one of the major twists coming until I was up to that particular scene (some of the previous books have been a bit more, well, predictable at times).
I'm not sure if there's a fifth book in store, but at this point I hope there is if the series is going to continue moving in this direction.
For one, I like the way the author is able to show that Russel is gaining a bit more maturity. It shows not only in the character's actions, but also in the voice of the narration. Secondly, the development of some of the side characters over the course of the series has helped to give more depth to Russel's world. And, finally, this is one where I actually didn't see one of the major twists coming until I was up to that particular scene (some of the previous books have been a bit more, well, predictable at times).
I'm not sure if there's a fifth book in store, but at this point I hope there is if the series is going to continue moving in this direction.
tim5alive's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't really understand the point of this book. It didn't really add anything to the story except creating drama for the sake of drama in my opinion.
This series really needs to spend more time on the deeper conversations that are merely skimmed over in a sentence. For example, Russell's relationship with his parents is glossed over as is the end of Otto x Russell. It only served one purpose...to allow Russell to get with Kevin.
...Except instead of focusing on Kevin, we have to get this long segue about Wade, which honestly I cared nothing for. It was unnecessary to have this additional plot and place these teenagers in pretty dangerous/not realistic scenarios. As well, we spent what, like 10 pages on reuniting with Kevin? Come on, if it's the last book of the series and we've been teased about them coming together again, this book should have focused mainly on that.
This series really needs to spend more time on the deeper conversations that are merely skimmed over in a sentence. For example, Russell's relationship with his parents is glossed over as is the end of Otto x Russell. It only served one purpose...to allow Russell to get with Kevin.
...Except instead of focusing on Kevin, we have to get this long segue about Wade, which honestly I cared nothing for. It was unnecessary to have this additional plot and place these teenagers in pretty dangerous/not realistic scenarios. As well, we spent what, like 10 pages on reuniting with Kevin? Come on, if it's the last book of the series and we've been teased about them coming together again, this book should have focused mainly on that.
douglasplease's review
2.0
Unique story, just like all of Hartinger's other books, but I read it in one sitting without the usual excitement that comes from doing that. At some points, he talks down to his readers (by defining big words, but then dismissing their use several sentences later), but it was still relatively enjoyable. I enjoyed the other three novels in the series much more.
kaje_harper's review
5.0
4.5 stars rounded up.
This is the fourth book in the Russel Middlebrook YA series. If you haven't yet read the award-winning first book, [b:Geography Club|94072|Geography Club (Russel Middlebrook, #1)|Brent Hartinger|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388423697s/94072.jpg|891138], you should start there. The characters learn and grow throughout the series. That book will introduce you to Russel, and to his wide-eyed, fun and engaging narrative voice. Russel is a young man learning how to navigate the world, trying to fit his desires, his curiosity and his good intentions alongside his worries, mistakes and tendency to be over-imaginative. The teen voice feels authentic, and I've enjoyed the whole series.
In this book, Russel and his friends come to grips with the Elephant of Surprise - the way things are so often not what they seem, and how sometimes finding out the truth stomps you flat. But then, other times, it can lift you to ride above the crowd. His straight, quirky friend Gunnar and bi best friend Min are familiar and well-loved characters who add depth, humor and plot twists to this story.
Russel and his friends meet up with a group of "freegans", social activists who try to live lightly on the planet by using things that otherwise would be wasted or thrown away, living by scavenging, gathering, and borrowing. One of them is Wade, a good-looking guy who seems taken by Russel. But what's the truth behind Wade? And is freeganism a way to save the world from our horribly wasteful modern ways, or just a quirky cult that has a few good ideas among the rest of the dross?
Min is in a relationship, but her girlfriend is acting strangly. Imagination, or is something going on?
Gunnar is chronicling his day to day life by the minute. Will this be just boring, or will evidence of every moment reveal important secrets? Or inconvenient and private ones?
I enjoyed this chapter in the life of Russel and his friends. There were twists I didn't see coming any better than the main characters. A stomp or two from the Elephant of Surprise. But the tone is generally upbeat, despite some of the things Russel and his friends have to face. His forward-looking optimism and clean narrative voice make this book a fun read. This is the opposite of wallowing in overdone YA angst - it slides through the muddy waters of life up in the sunshine, and even when someone's heart is bruised, there is room for a better tomorrow. I like that.
This is the fourth book in the Russel Middlebrook YA series. If you haven't yet read the award-winning first book, [b:Geography Club|94072|Geography Club (Russel Middlebrook, #1)|Brent Hartinger|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388423697s/94072.jpg|891138], you should start there. The characters learn and grow throughout the series. That book will introduce you to Russel, and to his wide-eyed, fun and engaging narrative voice. Russel is a young man learning how to navigate the world, trying to fit his desires, his curiosity and his good intentions alongside his worries, mistakes and tendency to be over-imaginative. The teen voice feels authentic, and I've enjoyed the whole series.
In this book, Russel and his friends come to grips with the Elephant of Surprise - the way things are so often not what they seem, and how sometimes finding out the truth stomps you flat. But then, other times, it can lift you to ride above the crowd. His straight, quirky friend Gunnar and bi best friend Min are familiar and well-loved characters who add depth, humor and plot twists to this story.
Russel and his friends meet up with a group of "freegans", social activists who try to live lightly on the planet by using things that otherwise would be wasted or thrown away, living by scavenging, gathering, and borrowing. One of them is Wade, a good-looking guy who seems taken by Russel. But what's the truth behind Wade? And is freeganism a way to save the world from our horribly wasteful modern ways, or just a quirky cult that has a few good ideas among the rest of the dross?
Min is in a relationship, but her girlfriend is acting strangly. Imagination, or is something going on?
Gunnar is chronicling his day to day life by the minute. Will this be just boring, or will evidence of every moment reveal important secrets? Or inconvenient and private ones?
I enjoyed this chapter in the life of Russel and his friends. There were twists I didn't see coming any better than the main characters. A stomp or two from the Elephant of Surprise. But the tone is generally upbeat, despite some of the things Russel and his friends have to face. His forward-looking optimism and clean narrative voice make this book a fun read. This is the opposite of wallowing in overdone YA angst - it slides through the muddy waters of life up in the sunshine, and even when someone's heart is bruised, there is room for a better tomorrow. I like that.