Flash Burnout

The writer, who wrote under a pseudonym, just died yesterday & only when I read her obituary in the Oregonian did I realize that she is a woman I worked with, knew & corresponded with for some years. I just ordered her book today.

I just finished this funny high school boy story about decisions both good and bad. I really enjoyed it, but found some of the latter part of the book a little farfetched--too many problems in too little space. That said, the author nails the voice--refreshing, candid and full of wit which would appeal to sophomores of all stripes.

For me, much of the joy in reading this book was in hearing an old friend's voice and humor brought forth in a published, awarded book. She was so justifiably proud. ( )

The writer, who wrote under a pseudonym, just died yesterday & only when I read her obituary in the Oregonian did I realize that she is a woman I worked with, knew & corresponded with for some years. I just ordered her book today.

I just finished this funny high school boy story about decisions both good and bad. I really enjoyed it, but found some of the latter part of the book a little farfetched--too many problems in too little space. That said, the author nails the voice--refreshing, candid and full of wit which would appeal to sophomores of all stripes.

For me, much of the joy in reading this book was in hearing an old friend's voice and humor brought forth in a published, awarded book. She was so justifiably proud. ( )

Narrated by MacLeod Andrews. As the jacket copy says, Blake's girlfriend Shannon loves him, but his friend Marissa needs him. After he takes a picture of a homeless woman who turns out to be Marissa's meth-addicted mother, he finds himself becoming more and more of a support for Marissa as she tracks down her mother and brings her back home. It's not hard to guess what happens eventually with his relationships, but the description of his agony and guilt is palpable and real. I didn't really care for how narrator Andrews voiced the girls; they sounded whiny and a bit too girly-girl. ( )

Great character development, and the dynamics between Blake and several other important characters were interesting and well developed.

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Great character development, and the dynamics between Blake and several other important characters were interesting and well developed.

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