Friday, August 22, 2014

Timmy's Review of Geography Club by Brent Hartinger


This story had great characters that were very believable. Every character in this story could have been a kid I went to school with. The average gay boy trying to hide and stay just there on the line between popular and bullied, the gay jock that is scared of being outed, the friend that would do anything to be popular, the lesbian that hides her relationship, but is proud of it as well, and the boy nobody likes and was always bullied and abused. 

The feelings that Russell displayed were similar feelings to what I had felt at one time or another in my life, and this helps to bring out the “real” in the story. Kevin, I believe could have been so much more then he ended up being. (More on this later.) Gunnar was a self-absorbed ass who was willing to sell out and exploit his best friend for a chance at a girl that didn’t even exist (she didn’t like him). Sadly not uncommon in school. Min was very laid back, but also very true to herself and her beliefs. She was willing to fight for what he believed in. Brian was my favorite character in the book. He had the strength and poise under attack that I wish I could master. Though, I would like to point out that there were a few parts about Brian I didn’t believe. I have been bullied and abused all my life, so to me it’s hard to believe that he didn’t remember who bullied him especially when it’s a new bully. While at school, a bullied kid ALWAYS remembers and knows whom to hide from. Now, no longer at that school, I can understand why only the worst bullies stand out in his mind. 

I loved the club idea and thought that played well in the story. It started for only LGBT and grew from there. I loved the way that the club members interacted, and could see this as a real club at school. 

One thing didn’t like was that I felt the author was telling me the story instead of me being able to get in the story as I was living it. I would prefer to feel what the characters feel and not be told what they feel. 

When I look for the perfect book for me, I look at whether I can relate to the book and its characters and, whether the book left me with hope. I have said it before, but I feel it bears repeating: hope is a very important and can be a very strong, sometimes the only, inspiration to a kid who needs help. This book was well written, and the scenario could be something that does happen high school life. Sadly, it was not the book for me. This is not to say many of you won’t like it. It was made into a movie so there are many who did like it. I feel there were many ways this book could have ended that would have brought me hope. I have a hard life, so I understand that life is not easy and not perfect. I however, would like to hope and wish for the better future.

I have read books that have ripped my heart to shreds and I have hurt along with the characters in the book, but a good story for me, will sew my heart back together and leave me feeling hopeful. The end of this book just didn’t do it for me. I was so mad that Kevin couldn’t take the pressure. He became exactly what that club was against. Though Russell started to lose himself, he found himself again. Kevin just became the jock that gives gay Jocks a bad name. I feel that by doing that, the author gave those actions approval. I truly work hard to overcome the abuse I endure at school, so it hurt me a little when I felt that this book was saying it was ok to hide and not be yourself out of fear. It’s ok to turn your back on someone you claim to care about, as long as you are safe. There was no hope in that message for someone like me, and it goes against what I feel a YA LGBT author should show us kids. I give this book 2 marbles. ~Timmy


Geography Club by Brent Hartinger
Available in Print and eBook

About Geography Club

Russel Middlebrook is convinced he’s the only gay kid at Robert L. Goodkind High School. Then his online gay-chat buddy turns out to be none other than Kevin, the popular but closeted star of the school’s baseball team. Soon Russel meets other gay students too. There’s his best friend, Min, who reveals she‘s bisexual; Min’s soccer-playing girlfriend, Terese; and Terese’s politically active friend, Ike.

But how can kids this diverse get together without drawing attention to themselves?

Find Brent Hartinger on his website, Tumblr, Twitter, Goodreads and Facebook
Like Geography Club, the movie, on Facebook


22 comments:

  1. Very well thought out Timmy! I have a lot of respect for reviewers than can rate a book fairly and back up their opinion.

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    1. This was a hard book to rate, because while it wasn't a bad book, I just couldn't support the message it gives out. Thanks for stopping bye and leaving a comment. It's always awesome to hear what you guys think of the review.
      <3 Timmy

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  2. Awesome review, Timmy! I saw this book is a part of a series- do you know if book is for the same characters or a new set? I've bought this was to read and now I'm kind of scared. I'll still read it though. We'll swap thoughts ;)

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    1. Oi, I forgot to add the "2" after book. *covers face*

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    2. I don't know if it is or not. I won't be reading anymore of them. But I would love to hear your thoughts after you read it.
      <3 Timmy

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  3. Amazing review, Timmy. I agree with you, I also need hope at the end. Your words really explain well what you liked and didn't like with this book, this is how you review. You are so good at this.
    Sorry this book didn't help you, and made you feel sad. Hopefully next book will be more of the kind you love! It is so much harder to review for 2 marbles than for 5, isn't it? Well done.
    love

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    1. It is hard Anna, because I never want to put down somebody's hard work. And as I said in the review many others may like it. Not every book is going to work for every person. Tomorrow's review will be better.
      <3 Timmy

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  4. Very solid review Timmy. Like Mary I admire how you can review in a positive way even if you did not find the book to your personal taste. <3

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    1. Thanks Deeze! Thank you for all your support!
      <3 Timmy

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  5. I love your honest review, Timmy. Even though this wasn't the book for you, you were still able to point out the finer points in the book, while conveying why it didn't work for you. No one can ask for a better reviewer for their book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

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    1. Just because one of the messages in the story upset me didn't mean this wasn't a good book for others. I find it important to tell people what they might like about the book as well as what they might not like.
      <3 Timmy

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  6. Another great review. I really admire how you can review a book. You are honest with what you liked then explain what you did not like. You never belittle or bash the author. I truly believe that a lot of reviewers could learn a lot from you. Like you I like a HEA and hope in my books. Real life in general is hard so I read books to take me away for awhile . Thanks again for your thoughts

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    1. Yes Denise, you get me! I need that getaway, someday's when life is hard, I like to read about others making it in the world and giving me hope that I can as well.
      <3 Timmy

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  7. I agree with you completely, Timmy. I liked the sequel, The Order of the Poison Oak, much better. Russel's experiences as a summer camp counselor to young burn victims brings him out of himself and teaches him empathy. It's a very hopeful story. The best of the series.

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    1. I wasn't going to finish the series, but I think I might try giving the second book a chance. Thanks Michael!
      <3 Timmy

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  8. I agree that it is essential in YA books to finish the story on a note of hope, even when they are part of a series. Well reviewed, Timmy.

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    1. It wasn't the lack of hope for the MC that upset me as much as the message his boyfriend sent did. I will try the second book and see if it is better. Thanks for the comment.
      <3 Timmy

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  9. Excellent review Timmy! This is exactly the kind of review I need to help my teens! I know life doesn't turn rosy ... but ... like you said ... There has to be hope. If one of my kids every expresses a desire to read this book ... I will read it & have a better insight into what we need to discuss about this book. Thank you Michael Bowler for giving us an alternate story. Sounds more like what I want to have the teens figure out for themselves. Wonderful ... well written ... informative review Timmy! Thank you! Ann Alaskan

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    1. That's a great idea Ann, if you read it first maybe you can explain why some of the ations in this book and not the best choices.
      <3 Timmy

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  10. This is a great review, Nephew Timmy!! Very clear and fair! I'm proud of you!! You didn't out down the book at all. You just said why it wasn't the right book for you.
    I agree with you about the need for a book ending to leave you with hope. Especially in a book geared to YA readers. Young readers need to know that there is hope out there. That they can have a wonderful life regardless of the bullying, fear, and abuse they may be going through. It needs to leave you knowing you are beautiful and wonderful as you are. And you are, Timmy!!
    Again, I'm very proud of you for writing such a thoughtful review. You did a great job!! **HUGS** <3

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    1. UGH!!! I sooo need an edit button!!! It should say, "You didn't put down the book at all." Sorry!! :)

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    2. Thanks so much Uncle Jase! I love hearing from you. <3 And I wouldn't put a book down, because I understand that authors put a lot of effort into them.
      <3 Timmy

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