“That’s actually the most confusing part about being alive without knowing the end of your own hero’s journey. You never know if it’s time to go home or head into battle. You never know if you’ve already faced your biggest monster.” -Tim Federle, The Great American Whatever
Quinn Roberts has spent the last six months in hibernation; after the accident, he didn’t think he could ever face the world again. Enter: Geoff. Quinn’s best friend. One haircut later and Quinn is on his way to his first ever college party. Where he meets a guy. The week that follows has Quinn imagining all sorts of scenarios until he can finally take the reigns back and control his own life story.
This book was given to me by a friend for Christmas, and it was thoroughly enjoyable! Quinn’s witty, sarcastic take on life shines through the text and hooks the reader right from the beginning. But it isn’t pushed to the extent that Quinn feels fake–in fact, they almost make Quinn feel more real, using his sarcasm and humor to hide his true feelings. They make him more rounded, and they make the book difficult to put down.
None of the characters in this story are flat–they all have their quirks that together, create a cast of characters that you wish could be your friends. Federle is able to write with such an authentic teen voice that this book will be sure to remain in your thoughts long after you finish it.
For a YA debut, Federle has definitely hit it out of the park.
5/5 stars