While I think the author's premise and themes are good, I found this book to be contrived and not authentic. The voice of the protagonist didn't sound like a real teenager to me, but rather like an adult trying to sound like a teen. I realize that Mike is supposed to be more responsible than other kids due to his circumstances, but it still didn't ring true for me. Also, the character of the mother was too contradictory and confusing. She was overprotective and didn't let Mike play football, but she left her kids alone to fend for themselves for hours, rarely checking in with them, and she avoided talking to them about real issues? The town is so small that there are only 40 kids in the senior class, but she doesn't ever find out that Mike is playing football? In fact, few of the female characters are portrayed positively, except the librarian - even Isma has issues. Mike's mother, Isma's mother, the sister, the sleazy girl - all negative characters. I noticed that the author didn't thank his mother in the acknowledgements... issue there? All this being said, my teachers' book club decided that this is a 'niche' book- many kids will try it and put it down because of the slow pace. But other kids (perhaps boys who play football, and/or have a parent in the military) will stick with it and enjoy it. We will promote it in the hope that that one kid is reached. Already had this book on my radar because it was featured at my school's book fair a couple of weeks ago, however, after hearing a panel yesterday with Trent Reedy at Texas Book Festival, this one shot to the top of my TBR. It was interesting to hear how the author's own experiences in Afghanistan influenced the storytelling, and yet how difficult it was for him to write. I enjoyed the telling of the story, even as Michael's family struggles to overcome the grip of grief that is holding them all from moving forward. Highly recommend this one.
Do You like book If You're Reading This (2014)?
Loved it! Can't wait to recommend it to my eighth graders!
—skittleskay21
Excuse me while I wipe the tears from my eyes.
—Nona
