Monday, May 5, 2014

Winger by Andrew Smith

Winger (Winger, #1)



Ryan Dean West is a fourteen-year-old junior at a boarding school for rich kids. He’s living in Opportunity Hall, the dorm for troublemakers, and rooming with the biggest bully on the rugby team. And he’s madly in love with his best friend Annie, who thinks of him as a little boy.

With the help of his sense of humor, rugby buddies, and his penchant for doodling comics, Ryan Dean manages to survive life’s complications and even find some happiness along the way. But when the unthinkable happens, he has to figure out how to hold on to what’s important, even when it feels like everything has fallen apart.

I really wanted to love Winger. It had great reviews and the author just came out with a new book recently that has been getting great reviews. So I decided that before I read his new book I should read this one. I don't regret it. But it just took me forever to read because it wouldn't keep me interested enough to finish it fast. 

Ryan Dean aka Winger was a very likable character. The thing is that he is a teenager and he acts just like one. Obviously. He's indecisive and is always saying or doing the wrong thing. His thoughts are almost all the time about sex or how hot this girl or the other is. At the same time, he's funny and  a character you can help but care for. He's trying to stand out in a sea of other teenagers and finds it difficult to fit in. But ugh, I wanted him to grow up and make smarter decisions! I guess the author did a good job in creating Ryan Dean. He's a very believable character.

I also feel so-so about the writing. I liked it but didn't love it. There-was-a-lot-of-this-in-the-book. I found that very distracting and unnecessary. I found the dialogues that Ryan Dean would have with himself kind of boring. They would go on forever and they usually didn't bring anything new to the plot. The whole book was a little bit all over the place. I just didn't know where the plot was going to take me. On top of that, I didn't feel anything for Anni's and Ryan's relationship.

Like I said, I don't regret reading Winger but I didn't love it. There are many reviews out there raving about this book. So maybe give it a try. You never know if you might enjoy it.

2.5



10 comments:

  1. I've seen so many raving reviews for this one too, Beth. I have a feeling the character is an acquired taste. I don't know if I'll be reading my copy soon. Maybe someday.

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  2. Sounds like a quirky guy who at least thinks realistically, and at least gives us a male perspective. But a bit hit or miss too. Thank you for the honest review Bethzaida.

    Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

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  3. Man . . . I have this one already. And I was excited about it from the reviews too, but based on this . . I don't think I'd like it much either. See, this is the problem with YA--sometimes you read a blurb about a 14 y.o. guy, and the 14 y.o. guy and the book are AMAZING. Then there are the times (like this one) where what you get is a real life 14 y.o. guy. Albeit a funnier than average 14 y.o guy, but still. I'm sorry this was disappointing, but I appreciate your honestly ;)

    Jessica @ Rabid Reads

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  4. the cover on this one is just so..strange and for some reason makes me want to laugh. Sorry you didn't like this one more. I was hoping this would be a good read.

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  5. Eh, doesn't sound particularly brilliant, I have to admit. And the cover kind of made me cringe, maybe it's just a bit young, being about a 14 year old?? Pity the writing's just so-so.That really sucks.

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  6. Aw I'm sorry this was a bit of a miss. It seems like it would be a nice change to get a guys perspective since most books are geared toward us girls but it would still have to be interesting. I don't think I would be interested in a teenage boys inner sex/hot girl monolog. Thanks for the honest review :)

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  7. That's an interesting cover... LOL I don't need to add another so-so read to my pile, so I think I'm going to pass on this one. Thanks for the review!

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  8. It's always so difficult when you really want to love a book and it doesn't happen. I confess I didn't know this one but I think I'll pass...

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  9. Hmm sounds like this could be a hit or miss for me. I'm not much of a fan of bizarre writing habits like the hyphenated phrases and things like striked out words. It can work sometimes but most times I get really distracted by that stuff. Ryan sounds like a really well written character though as far as him being realistic. Wonderful review, hun!

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  10. The cover doesn't really call to me... I guess I was right to judge on the cover here. Winger seems like a nice guy, but the rest of the story sounds fairly forgettable. I'll pass. Thanks for your honesty! :)

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