Book Review: Stand-Off by Andrew Smith

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Stand-Off 
Winger #2
Author: Andrew Smith
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: September 8th 2015
Review Source: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

It’s his last year at Pine Mountain, and Ryan Dean should be focused on his future, but instead, he’s haunted by his past. His rugby coach expects him to fill the roles once played by his lost friend, Joey, as the rugby team’s stand-off and new captain. And somehow he’s stuck rooming with twelve-year-old freshman Sam Abernathy, a cooking whiz with extreme claustrophobia and a serious crush on Annie Altman—aka Ryan Dean’s girlfriend, for now, anyway.

Equally distressing, Ryan Dean’s doodles and drawings don’t offer the relief they used to. He’s convinced N.A.T.E. (the Next Accidental Terrible Experience) is lurking around every corner—and then he runs into Joey’s younger brother Nico, who makes Ryan Dean feel paranoid that he’s avoiding him. Will Ryan Dean ever regain his sanity?

From the author of the National Book Award–nominated 100 Sideways Miles, which Kirkus Reviews called “a wickedly witty and offbeat novel,” Stand-Off is filled with hand-drawn infographics and illustrations and delivers the same spot-on teen voice and relatable narrative that legions of readers connected with in Winger.

After reading Winger during Thanksgiving of 2014, Stand Off officially became one of my most anticipated books of 2015. Ryan Dean is a 15 year old boy who stole my heart. He’s a genius with a great sense of humor. I devoured his words, became addicted to his persona and I wanted more of him. I have to be honest, when the cover was revealed for Stand Off, I was worried. Little did I know I would enjoy this book as much as I did with Winger. Silly Leydy, there is no need worry when Andrew Smith is involved. So if you haven’t read this duology, I highly recommend that you start soon.

There is a new kid in town, well in school. His name is Sam Abernathy and he is Ryan Dean’s nightmare. Poor Ryan Dean gets bombarded and stuck with this kid during his last year of high school. ONLY IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU, RYAN DEAN!

Not only is he the only 15 year old senior but now he has to advise a 12 year old throughout his last year of high school. And he is not easy to deal with. This kid is claustrophobic and quite annoying. He loves to talk and ask many questions. Worst of all, Ryan Dean thinks Sam is after his girlfriend. Not only is he stuck with Sam but N.A.T.E (the Next Accidental Terrible Experience) is still lurking around. Ryan Dean is about to have the worst high school year experience. How would Ryan Dean survive his last year of high school?

Stand Off was freaking epic. After all this is what Andrew Smith is best at. Writing epic stories. Yet, I didn't expect to tear up with Stand Off. This was a reminder of my love for Ryan Dean. Even though sometimes he makes silly decisions, his flaws is what makes me love him more. Because at the end of the story, Ryan Dean always figure a way out all on his own.

I highly recommend Winger and Stand Off. Shit¹, what are you waiting for? GO BUY WINGER & PRE-ORDER STAND OFF NOW!

¹ Nope, I didn't say that, just imagined it.

Waiting on Wednesday: Stand-Off by Andrew Smith

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Stand-Off

Winger#2

Author: Andrew Smith

Release Date: September 8th 2015

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

It’s his last year at Pine Mountain, and Ryan Dean should be focused on his future, but instead, he’s haunted by his past. His rugby coach expects him to fill the roles once played by his lost friend, Joey, as the rugby team’s stand-off and new captain. And somehow he’s stuck rooming with twelve-year-old freshman Sam Abernathy, a cooking whiz with extreme claustrophobia and a serious crush on Annie Altman—aka Ryan Dean’s girlfriend, for now, anyway.

Equally distressing, Ryan Dean’s doodles and drawings don’t offer the relief they used to. He’s convinced N.A.T.E. (the Next Accidental Terrible Experience) is lurking around every corner—and then he runs into Joey’s younger brother Nico, who makes Ryan Dean feel paranoid that he’s avoiding him. Will Ryan Dean ever regain his sanity?

From the author of the National Book Award–nominated 100 Sideways Miles, which Kirkus Reviews called “a wickedly witty and offbeat novel,” Stand-Off is filled with hand-drawn infographics and illustrations and delivers the same spot-on teen voice and relatable narrative that legions of readers connected with in Winger.

Book Review: Winger by Andrew Smith

Winger
Winger #1
Author: Andrew Smith
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: May 14th 2013
Review Source: Purchased

Ryan Dean West is a fourteen-year-old junior at a boarding school for rich kids in the Pacific Northwest. He’s living in Opportunity Hall, the dorm for troublemakers, and rooming with the biggest bully on the rugby team. And he’s madly in love with his best friend Annie, who thinks of him as a little boy.

With the help of his sense of humor, rugby buddies, and his penchant for doodling comics, Ryan Dean manages to survive life’s complications and even find some happiness along the way. But when the unthinkable happens, he has to figure out how to hold on to what’s important, even when it feels like everything has fallen apart.

Filled with hand-drawn info-graphics and illustrations and told in a pitch-perfect voice, this realistic depiction of a teen’s experience strikes an exceptional balance of hilarious and heartbreaking.

Merry Christmas All!

Not to make you blue, but I had the flu during Thanksgiving Day. Yeah, it sucks to be sick while everyone else is enjoying a nice meal (more like meals). Anyways, I have about 40 books that I want need to read (not including review books) pile next to me, so I picked up the top book and Winger was the one. I had purchased this book after reading a friend’s review. She loved this book and well when I read the synopsis, Winger is right up in my alley.

Thank you Andrew Smith for making my Thanksgiving Day more exciting. I had a ritual between laughing and coughing every 5 minutes. It was sad yet funny. I didn’t feel such a loser having Ryan Dean as my company on this day.

Ryan Dean is one heck of a unique character. He will have you chucked throughout the book. Right from the cover, you get facts: a) he goes to a private school b) he looks wealthy c) poor guy, he is bleeding, his life at this school may be hell. Well he is all this! Once you start reading you find out why. He is a fourteen year old junior and he is pretty darn smart. He is treated as a kid because comparing to his classmates, he is one. What sucks about his situation is, his crush and best friend also thinks he’s a little kid. SUCKS FOR HIM! But don't feel too bad for him. He tells us his story and when you get to know him better,  you will fall in love with his funny, smart and awkward self. He is genuine and loved. He teaches you such great lessons about life, friendship and love.

So if you’re looking for a holiday break read - this one is a must read. If you’re feeling blue, then pick Winger and this will bright your day! Go and read it now!