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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
Nothing redeemable about this book at all. I was so disappointed in it, I would never recommend this to any of my teen readers.
Flawed characters yet I couldn't quite get into the shoes of a high school senior lush with nary a care and the wrong idea (in my opinion, anyway) of how to have a fun time. The teen language also began to grow repetitive and grated on my nerves at times.
Admittedly, I picked up The Spectacular Now because of the upcoming movie. The trailer looked great, and one Sundance reviewer called it a movie that would "make John Hughes proud." John Hughes, people! Of course, I had to get my hands on the nearest copy with that glowing review!
Nonetheless, a John Hughes story this is not. Readers, I'm not sure how the movie writers and director have interpreted Tharp's YA novel, but I can tell you with confidence that there will be no highly-anticipated makeout scene featuring a Molly Ringwald-esque underdog heroine to cheer on. A dorky Anthony Michael Hall-type will not narrate an inspiring monologue that sticks it to the man. And one cannot even expect a Judd Nelson-inspired triumphant fist pump in the concluding moments. Although the publisher's summary for The Spectacular Now makes it sound like a book version of She's All That, it is not that! Expect a hard, cold dose of painful reality from this one.
I have such mixed feelings about this book. I loved protagonist Sutter Keely, but about halfway through the novel I started wanting to wring his fictional neck. I was glued to the text but, again, about halfway through, I had to pause every few pages so I could repeatedly pound my head against the hardcover in frustration or disgust. Tim Tharp is a genius (loved [b:Knights of the Hill Country|590127|Knights of the Hill Country|Tim Tharp|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388332756s/590127.jpg|576890], too), and a book that has me worked up and rehashing the final pages this long after completing it is clearly something special. Don't expect a fun party Rom Com in The Spectacular Now but do expect to be drawn into a raw, emotional story that will not be easily forgotten.
Nonetheless, a John Hughes story this is not. Readers, I'm not sure how the movie writers and director have interpreted Tharp's YA novel, but I can tell you with confidence that there will be no highly-anticipated makeout scene featuring a Molly Ringwald-esque underdog heroine to cheer on. A dorky Anthony Michael Hall-type will not narrate an inspiring monologue that sticks it to the man. And one cannot even expect a Judd Nelson-inspired triumphant fist pump in the concluding moments. Although the publisher's summary for The Spectacular Now makes it sound like a book version of She's All That, it is not that! Expect a hard, cold dose of painful reality from this one.
I have such mixed feelings about this book. I loved protagonist Sutter Keely, but about halfway through the novel I started wanting to wring his fictional neck. I was glued to the text but, again, about halfway through, I had to pause every few pages so I could repeatedly pound my head against the hardcover in frustration or disgust. Tim Tharp is a genius (loved [b:Knights of the Hill Country|590127|Knights of the Hill Country|Tim Tharp|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388332756s/590127.jpg|576890], too), and a book that has me worked up and rehashing the final pages this long after completing it is clearly something special. Don't expect a fun party Rom Com in The Spectacular Now but do expect to be drawn into a raw, emotional story that will not be easily forgotten.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The movie is absolutely AMAZING. The book was a little dry but it was an accurate portrayal of love. Off to watch the brilliant movie again :)
I wish it ended differently but that's The Spectacular Now. It's realistic.
emotional
reflective
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
I loved this book and how it was written but what the heck kind of ending is that?!