I picked up this book because I saw Jordan Sonnenblick, the author, when he came here to Salem, and he reminded me of myself. He takes stories that are somewhat true in his real life, and he turns them into made-up stories in his writing. He wrote the novel our entire school read, "Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie", which was fairly decent, so I decided to give this one a try.
Love, death, and decapitation are all wrapped up in this very sarcastic, but touching novel. I was facsinated by the main character, Alex, who refuses to accept that in some cases, it might be he who has the faults, rather than everyone else around him. I particularly liked his relationship with the old man in the novel, whose name was Sol, because, being a teacher, I kind of felt like Sol. He was really tough and sarcastic with Alex sometimes, but I know he was being that way to help him learn more about himself and grow into a better guitar player and a better person. It was a perfect example of tough love that worked well in the book.
If I were the finish the book, I might have tied up some more loose ends. I didn't feel like the relationship with Laurie was ever really solidified, and I was left wanting to know more.
Overall, I would recommend this book, especially if you enjoy a plethora of sarcasm. It isn't always easy to find in the book, but when you do, you'll find yourself giggling out loud.
