Hilarity ensues when a slacker teen boy discovers he's gay, in this unforgettably funny YA debut.
Mike Tate is a normal dude. He and his friends have a crappy band (an excuse to drink cheap beer and rock out to the Lemonheads) and hang out in parking lots doing stupid board tricks. But when Mike's girlfriend Lisa, who knows him better than he does, breaks up with him, he realizes he's about to have a major epiphany that will blow his mind. And worse--he gets elected to homecoming court.
It's like the apocalypse came, only instead of nuclear bombs and zombies, Mike gets school participation, gay thoughts, and mother-effin' cheerleaders.
With the free spirit of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the raw voice of Winger, and characters reminiscent of Freaks & Geeks, this debut YA offers a standout voice and a fresh, modern take on the coming-out story.
Flo's Review
It was interesting that I just happened to read this one so shortly after Been Here All Along by Sandy Hall. The two boys in BHAA are both simply huggable and adorable. I wouldn't call Mike or Wallace huggable or adorable. But what I liked about Mike were his group of friends. They were constant and dependable. Even those that struggled a bit with Mike's news came around in the end. Lisa was interesting. Despite her craziness, you can tell she really does care for Mike. This was an easy and fast read, which I largely completed in the span of a few hours.
The play on the title is great because at the core level, Mike says "Whatever" a lot. But on the deeper level, this book is a lot about things changing and being able to roll with the punches -- being able to say, "Okay, whatever" and embrace the crazy roller coaster that is emotional, beautiful unpredictable life.
Thank you to Macmillan for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
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