Winger

It is hard to capture in words what this book did to me. So many emotions ran through me when I was reading it, and at the end I was left broken hearted, in tears, but with a sense of hope and happiness that seemed so paradoxical. Andrew Smith has created such and authentic voice with this character Ryan Dean, our awkward, insecure, angsty 14-year-old narrator. Much of the book reads like a journal, really giving you a chance to become so invested in Ryan Dean you won't want to stop reading. I couldn't put this book down. All I know going into it was what the little blurb on the inside of the book jacket, your standard story of hormonal driven teen dealing with life, and then tragedy strikes. So as read, I guess I prepared for a turn, a twist, a shock, and I kept waiting...With each turn of the page, each new chapter, I kept expecting something to happen, tragedy to strike. And then it did. A twenty nine word chapter that ripped my heart out, and literally had me fighting back tears. Not only was I so invested in Ryan Dean, and his life, and his obstacles and challenges, but also his successes and mini triumphs. Twenty nine words crushed his world, and mine. I will not give any spoilers or specifics here though. It is just something you have to read, and face, on your own, just like Ryan Dean has to. I kept reading after being punched in the face, kicked in the gut, and having my heart shattered. As I fought back tears I kept going, and made it through to the end, and was left with tears in my eyes, hope in my heart, and struggling for breath as I closed the last page. Andrew Smith has created a character you get frustrated with, but turn the page as you root for him. Ryan is hilarious as times, ranting with over hyphenated phrases that caused me to chuckle out loud. Ryan at times is too smart for his own good, awkward and riddled with hormones and the angst and insecurity that is such a part of puberty that we live to forget. But Ryan Dean captures that awkwardness with his authentic angsty teenage voice. After I finished the last page, I was left with some many feelings and emotions that I cannot describe in words what Andrew Smith, and his brilliant creation Ryan Dean, have done to me. This is a amazing story of one kid just trying to fit in, trying to find his place, and trying to break out and beyond the way he thinks others see him. I laughed, I cried, I had my heart broken, and my breath taken away, and I am so glad that I did.