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Lucky Fools
David Ellison dreams of acting at Juilliard, but he's expected to attend nearby Stanford University, just like all of his classmates at hard-driving Oak Fields Prep. As if wasting his private school education weren't enough, David is also on track to destroy his relationship with his girlfriend, Ellen, when he finds himself falling for his new co-star, Vanessa.
With David's Juilliard audition approaching, and his relationship teetering on the brink of disaster, Oak Fields is thrown into chaos as a mysterious prankster begins attacking the school's highest achievers, determined to sabotage their college aspirations. Anyone who excels is a potential target, and David, the star of every play, could be next.
From the author of the highly praised The Brothers Torres comes a dangerously insightful book about enduring the pressures of high school, surviving the ins and outs of love, and fighting for your dreams, no matter what.
With David's Juilliard audition approaching, and his relationship teetering on the brink of disaster, Oak Fields is thrown into chaos as a mysterious prankster begins attacking the school's highest achievers, determined to sabotage their college aspirations. Anyone who excels is a potential target, and David, the star of every play, could be next.
From the author of the highly praised The Brothers Torres comes a dangerously insightful book about enduring the pressures of high school, surviving the ins and outs of love, and fighting for your dreams, no matter what.
293 pages, Hardcover
First published July 10, 2012
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1295 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 12, 2012
I really had to think about this one, at times I wasn't quite sure what I'd just read, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Lucky Fools. First of all, a contemporary for guys? Hell yes. But more than that, this isn't some light fluff read about a guy's high school hijinks trying to climb his way to the top, get into the acting school of his choice, it's about meeting other people's expectations, discovering things about yourself, and figuring out what you want in life. As the summary says, dangerously insightful.
It helps too that this is the rare book that got a range of responses from me. I was laughing, I was floored, at times I was just as confused as David was. I really liked David's character, he's hilarious and has sort of an inflated head - but don't we all - and he just had me glued to the book as he's trying to figure out what exactly he wants, whether its girls or colleges or his acting career. Loved what he has to say - all sisters twenty percent off? Absolutely. But he also knows when to be serious. When his life falls apart towards the end of the book, that's when I just knew he's a great character, because he knows exactly what to say to get across exactly what went wrong. And yeah, I've also been accused of being the clueless guy who doesn’t realize what he just did wrong, so of course I appreciate Ellen and Vanessa setting David straight - of course it's not ok to take two girls out at the same time, even if your plan is to set them up as BFFs.
I guess another part of what makes David so relatable to me is I went to an ultracompetitive high school too, so everything David goes through, everything he describes, it really resonated with me. A lot of it is open to interpretation, but I totally get all the pressure, from parents, from other students, how it totally shapes your outlook, who you are as a person. So David's confusion over what he wants, it all made a lot of sense to me, down to how he feels about applying to a top notch college, a place he doesn't really want to go to at first but decides he has to apply to, because everyone else is so he has to do that too as part of what defines him. And the different storylines, David and his friends going for that one slot at Stanford, the Artist exposing the various hypocrisies of the top students, people like Iggy and Vanessa getting hit by the pressure, it all offers snippets and glimpses of how crazy the whole system is, coming together as this awesome social commentary of what happens when people let that competitive pressure, and not what they truly want, define them.
I think I also have to say this book can be rather chaotic, it's jumpy in places and not at all nice or clean. David doesn't spell out any of his points, I had to figure them out from his story. And the ending isn't neat or tidy, it's open ended and leaves more things unresolved than resolved. But it really worked for me, for a book about finding yourself, David hasn't really found himself, and that's ok, who really finds themselves in high school anyway? He has college and then the rest of his life for that. So I like how this book gives closure to just one part of David's story, his high school experience, and sends him on his way, because that's the way life is too.
For me, I like having to think about a book when I read it, after I read it. That's the difference between a really good book and an amazing book. And David just had so much to say, just by telling it as it is, about high school, about life, I really connected with him.
It helps too that this is the rare book that got a range of responses from me. I was laughing, I was floored, at times I was just as confused as David was. I really liked David's character, he's hilarious and has sort of an inflated head - but don't we all - and he just had me glued to the book as he's trying to figure out what exactly he wants, whether its girls or colleges or his acting career. Loved what he has to say - all sisters twenty percent off? Absolutely. But he also knows when to be serious. When his life falls apart towards the end of the book, that's when I just knew he's a great character, because he knows exactly what to say to get across exactly what went wrong. And yeah, I've also been accused of being the clueless guy who doesn’t realize what he just did wrong, so of course I appreciate Ellen and Vanessa setting David straight - of course it's not ok to take two girls out at the same time, even if your plan is to set them up as BFFs.
I guess another part of what makes David so relatable to me is I went to an ultracompetitive high school too, so everything David goes through, everything he describes, it really resonated with me. A lot of it is open to interpretation, but I totally get all the pressure, from parents, from other students, how it totally shapes your outlook, who you are as a person. So David's confusion over what he wants, it all made a lot of sense to me, down to how he feels about applying to a top notch college, a place he doesn't really want to go to at first but decides he has to apply to, because everyone else is so he has to do that too as part of what defines him. And the different storylines, David and his friends going for that one slot at Stanford, the Artist exposing the various hypocrisies of the top students, people like Iggy and Vanessa getting hit by the pressure, it all offers snippets and glimpses of how crazy the whole system is, coming together as this awesome social commentary of what happens when people let that competitive pressure, and not what they truly want, define them.
I think I also have to say this book can be rather chaotic, it's jumpy in places and not at all nice or clean. David doesn't spell out any of his points, I had to figure them out from his story. And the ending isn't neat or tidy, it's open ended and leaves more things unresolved than resolved. But it really worked for me, for a book about finding yourself, David hasn't really found himself, and that's ok, who really finds themselves in high school anyway? He has college and then the rest of his life for that. So I like how this book gives closure to just one part of David's story, his high school experience, and sends him on his way, because that's the way life is too.
For me, I like having to think about a book when I read it, after I read it. That's the difference between a really good book and an amazing book. And David just had so much to say, just by telling it as it is, about high school, about life, I really connected with him.
July 12, 2012
3.5 stars - Hmmm, to round up or down...
My head hurts because my thoughts are a bit all over the place - much like the book. I have mixed feelings about it because on one hand, I liked it very much. But on the other hand, it's not an easy, quick, fun read like I was expecting, and I'm not sure I interpreted it right, and the end has left me a bit disoriented.
First the good points. I don't get to read too many male POV, and I thought David was written quite well. He was such a quirky character - a theater nerd, who had this dorky cluelessness to him, but at the same time, his melodramatic personality was quite hilarious. He had many, many great lines that had me either grinning, rolling my eyes or throwing my hands in the air, saying, "Ugh! You are SUCH a guy!" I mean, come on, who throws your girlfriend and your potential crush together and tell them they're practically the same person.
My favorite character, though, is Colter hands down. He had me from the beginning as he was climbing the catwalk and teasing David and Vanessa. I liked that he just "got it" from being able to answer David's questions without David really having to ask them to knowing the right thing to say or providing comic relief just at the right time. I liked the he was loyal, and he was just really well written as a supporting character. Both Ellen and Vanessa weren't bad characters either.
Having said that, there were a number of times in the book where the dialogue didn't flow right, and the writing was a bit choppy, and I had to go back and reread certain parts more than once. At the same time, the book kind of jumped all over the place, and the transition from scene to scene could have been smoother.
I also felt there were a lot of things - many too many things - thrown into the book that I never really understood the importance of like the story about JJ and why it has so much of an impact on Vanessa, or Lisa and her technological geniusness other than being a researching tool for David, or even the lawsuit or the race for the Stanford spot although I guess we figured out who got it. I know a lot of those were thrown in there for the convenience of the story, but they were distracting from the main point of the book because my mind kept wondering what happened there. And I don't think the book used The Artist to its full potential other than as a tool to depict the irony of people's facade and their true selves.
I was left with SO many questions - important ones like wanting to know who The Artist really was to what happened to other characters like Iggy and Geoff, especially since those two characters had gone through some intense situations in the book.
What really got me was the end - if you would call it that. I just spent a few hours reading a book about how this high school senior is trying to balance what is expected of him and what he really wants. He makes some dumb mistakes, and he grows as a person as he learns from them. But at the same time, the end wasn't really your typical finding-out-who-you-really-are, looking-forward-to-a-bright-future resolve that leaves you feeling good. It was kind of left up in the air, which would have been fine, but I went through a lot with these characters, and I kind of wanted some sort of conclusion.
So yes, I did like the book very much. But with all that's left unanswered, can I really say that I liked something as much as I think I did if I'm not sure I interpreted it the way I was supposed to? And there you have it, the reason for my headache.
My head hurts because my thoughts are a bit all over the place - much like the book. I have mixed feelings about it because on one hand, I liked it very much. But on the other hand, it's not an easy, quick, fun read like I was expecting, and I'm not sure I interpreted it right, and the end has left me a bit disoriented.
First the good points. I don't get to read too many male POV, and I thought David was written quite well. He was such a quirky character - a theater nerd, who had this dorky cluelessness to him, but at the same time, his melodramatic personality was quite hilarious. He had many, many great lines that had me either grinning, rolling my eyes or throwing my hands in the air, saying, "Ugh! You are SUCH a guy!" I mean, come on, who throws your girlfriend and your potential crush together and tell them they're practically the same person.
My favorite character, though, is Colter hands down. He had me from the beginning as he was climbing the catwalk and teasing David and Vanessa. I liked that he just "got it" from being able to answer David's questions without David really having to ask them to knowing the right thing to say or providing comic relief just at the right time. I liked the he was loyal, and he was just really well written as a supporting character. Both Ellen and Vanessa weren't bad characters either.
Having said that, there were a number of times in the book where the dialogue didn't flow right, and the writing was a bit choppy, and I had to go back and reread certain parts more than once. At the same time, the book kind of jumped all over the place, and the transition from scene to scene could have been smoother.
I also felt there were a lot of things - many too many things - thrown into the book that I never really understood the importance of like the story about JJ and why it has so much of an impact on Vanessa, or Lisa and her technological geniusness other than being a researching tool for David, or even the lawsuit or the race for the Stanford spot although I guess we figured out who got it. I know a lot of those were thrown in there for the convenience of the story, but they were distracting from the main point of the book because my mind kept wondering what happened there. And I don't think the book used The Artist to its full potential other than as a tool to depict the irony of people's facade and their true selves.
I was left with SO many questions - important ones like wanting to know who The Artist really was to what happened to other characters like Iggy and Geoff, especially since those two characters had gone through some intense situations in the book.
What really got me was the end - if you would call it that. I just spent a few hours reading a book about how this high school senior is trying to balance what is expected of him and what he really wants. He makes some dumb mistakes, and he grows as a person as he learns from them. But at the same time, the end wasn't really your typical finding-out-who-you-really-are, looking-forward-to-a-bright-future resolve that leaves you feeling good. It was kind of left up in the air, which would have been fine, but I went through a lot with these characters, and I kind of wanted some sort of conclusion.
So yes, I did like the book very much. But with all that's left unanswered, can I really say that I liked something as much as I think I did if I'm not sure I interpreted it the way I was supposed to? And there you have it, the reason for my headache.
November 27, 2012
I absolutely HATE the ending....
September 22, 2012
the last of my high school YA reads for now. And definitely the best!
finally i got my act together!
22/9/12
First off I should mention that this is not your usual or fluffy High School story. This is as it warns in the summary dangerously insightful. It IS going to leave you thinking, so if you looking for fluffy fun. This isn't your book.
And after saying this, I might add. I did a lot of thinking. So this is going to be a tad on the long side. Oh and its going to be personal.
Your second chance to up and go….
Well you have been warned. So here we go:
I read this at a recommendation of a friend. After reading "Smart Girls Get What They Want" I was surprised by the different groups at high school and their seemingly huge amount of separation and even disregard for each other . Since I schooled in Switzerland and the school systems really different there, I asked said friend how close the setting of smart girls was to the truth. As way of answer I was told to read this book since it was closest to my friends High School experience speaking in both cases in general.
And this book totally floored me. What an amazing book! Really well written, funny and it hit me straight in the gut.
Ah let me stop babbling and start at the beginning. The book is all about David. This dorky theater geek, with a slightly inflated ego who does seem very sure of what he wants in life. Well at first any way. The book is his journey through those last months in High School David trying to figure out what he should do.
I really liked David, with all his flaws and cluelessness. My absolute favorite was him trying to set up his girlfriend and his love interest to be BFF's and told them they were practically the same person. SUCH a guy thing to do. He does so many clueless guy things, and lets be honest its not only funny, but at time guys really are. David is a really witty and well rounded character, so well written that i felt like i actually know him… The fact that he messed up and then thought learnt from it and picked the pieces up and went with it, made him all the more lovable. His relationship with his father was especially well written.
And here is another fabulous things about this book the characters are really great, really well written. The different parents, teachers, the students all the support characters even if they only mentioned briefly they are believable and realistic.
Colter was a fun character and i was always at first not sure if he was trust worthy because he seemed so out of place, in the midst of those aspiring high schoolers. He's teasing made me laugh so much and I loved how one learns how in some way he was also affected by the pressure all of those youngsters were under.
Vanessa and Elle are great characters, again i think Voorhees has nailed it. I loved the girls dislike for each other. Their snarling and their reactions to David. I think their 'bitchyness' was way more realistic than one often encounters in High School or YA novels. Elle's reaction to feeling hurt, is so so realistic. I can tell you of countless girls i know who would have reacted the same. They would have gone out and gotten vengeance.
The story line is a bit jumpy at time, but again for me that was ok, it was like David was actually telling me the story. So I didn't mind and I throughly enjoyed the Guy POV and Voorhees's style of writing. It's straight forward with a dry wit. Very amusing but it still is also very insightful.
I guess all of these points would have made me give this book at least 4 stars. BUT as i said, after reading the novel, it not only stayed with me it rendered me unable to read another book for several days. I was totally taken by it. The social critic and observations that were in some parts just hinted at but also it made me ponder over being in that boat myself. See I am one of those lucky fools. While I never pondered over being popular or whatever… I didn't know at 17 what I wanted to be. How could I, I was asking myself who am I? And there I had to choose.. unable to say what I wanted I only knew that I didn't want to do Accounting, Economics, Law or Medicine. I watch my whole class go mad trying to secure their future, still not sure what I should be doing. And then was offered a place, just like that. Because I happened to impress them while I was there for Info-week.
Reading this, while as I said the school system was different, the pressure are the same. As a 17/18year old you have to secure a place for your future education and everybody, and most of the parents as well, scramble to get one. At that age you are expected not only to know what you wanna do for the rest of your life, everybody expects you to chose something reasonable. The competition between peers becomes huge just because of that.
For me the artist was a brilliant way of showing what can happened if you put pressure onto a group of people, when the aim is just what is expected rather than the means and everybody blindly follows those expectations.
Voorhees not only written a brilliant story with great characters he managed with his dry wit to point all those issues out while making me go through a whole range of emotions (i was laughing, floored, upset, hopefull) and then at the end left me with hope for Davids future.
A great book that deserved each one of the shinny five stars!
finally i got my act together!
22/9/12
First off I should mention that this is not your usual or fluffy High School story. This is as it warns in the summary dangerously insightful. It IS going to leave you thinking, so if you looking for fluffy fun. This isn't your book.
And after saying this, I might add. I did a lot of thinking. So this is going to be a tad on the long side. Oh and its going to be personal.
Your second chance to up and go….
Well you have been warned. So here we go:
I read this at a recommendation of a friend. After reading "Smart Girls Get What They Want" I was surprised by the different groups at high school and their seemingly huge amount of separation and even disregard for each other . Since I schooled in Switzerland and the school systems really different there, I asked said friend how close the setting of smart girls was to the truth. As way of answer I was told to read this book since it was closest to my friends High School experience speaking in both cases in general.
And this book totally floored me. What an amazing book! Really well written, funny and it hit me straight in the gut.
Ah let me stop babbling and start at the beginning. The book is all about David. This dorky theater geek, with a slightly inflated ego who does seem very sure of what he wants in life. Well at first any way. The book is his journey through those last months in High School David trying to figure out what he should do.
I really liked David, with all his flaws and cluelessness. My absolute favorite was him trying to set up his girlfriend and his love interest to be BFF's and told them they were practically the same person. SUCH a guy thing to do. He does so many clueless guy things, and lets be honest its not only funny, but at time guys really are. David is a really witty and well rounded character, so well written that i felt like i actually know him… The fact that he messed up and then thought learnt from it and picked the pieces up and went with it, made him all the more lovable. His relationship with his father was especially well written.
And here is another fabulous things about this book the characters are really great, really well written. The different parents, teachers, the students all the support characters even if they only mentioned briefly they are believable and realistic.
Colter was a fun character and i was always at first not sure if he was trust worthy because he seemed so out of place, in the midst of those aspiring high schoolers. He's teasing made me laugh so much and I loved how one learns how in some way he was also affected by the pressure all of those youngsters were under.
Vanessa and Elle are great characters, again i think Voorhees has nailed it. I loved the girls dislike for each other. Their snarling and their reactions to David. I think their 'bitchyness' was way more realistic than one often encounters in High School or YA novels. Elle's reaction to feeling hurt, is so so realistic. I can tell you of countless girls i know who would have reacted the same. They would have gone out and gotten vengeance.
The story line is a bit jumpy at time, but again for me that was ok, it was like David was actually telling me the story. So I didn't mind and I throughly enjoyed the Guy POV and Voorhees's style of writing. It's straight forward with a dry wit. Very amusing but it still is also very insightful.
I guess all of these points would have made me give this book at least 4 stars. BUT as i said, after reading the novel, it not only stayed with me it rendered me unable to read another book for several days. I was totally taken by it. The social critic and observations that were in some parts just hinted at but also it made me ponder over being in that boat myself. See I am one of those lucky fools. While I never pondered over being popular or whatever… I didn't know at 17 what I wanted to be. How could I, I was asking myself who am I? And there I had to choose.. unable to say what I wanted I only knew that I didn't want to do Accounting, Economics, Law or Medicine. I watch my whole class go mad trying to secure their future, still not sure what I should be doing. And then was offered a place, just like that. Because I happened to impress them while I was there for Info-week.
Reading this, while as I said the school system was different, the pressure are the same. As a 17/18year old you have to secure a place for your future education and everybody, and most of the parents as well, scramble to get one. At that age you are expected not only to know what you wanna do for the rest of your life, everybody expects you to chose something reasonable. The competition between peers becomes huge just because of that.
For me the artist was a brilliant way of showing what can happened if you put pressure onto a group of people, when the aim is just what is expected rather than the means and everybody blindly follows those expectations.
Voorhees not only written a brilliant story with great characters he managed with his dry wit to point all those issues out while making me go through a whole range of emotions (i was laughing, floored, upset, hopefull) and then at the end left me with hope for Davids future.
A great book that deserved each one of the shinny five stars!
December 18, 2017
Lucky Fools by Coert Voorhees is a book about a boy named David Ellison who goes to a prep school and wants to be an actor, was published in 2012. David has his dreams set on Julliard instead of Stanford like every other kid in his grade and David knows the risk he is taking by trying to get into Julliard. David Ellison has a girlfriend named Ellen, but with a girl named Vanessa playing a role in which contains a kissing scene with David in the school play, tension rises in David’s love life.
You might recognize the name Coert Voorhees from the books Storm Wrangler or The Brothers Torres that he has already written. Like these other books Lucky Fools is another fiction book. This book is very well written and should be read by anyone. The plot is realistic to today’s society, but can be seen as easy to predict what will happen next. The theme of the book is you never really know what can happen in life. Speaking of in life, this story reminds me of The Game of Life because at the start of the game you choose if you want to go to college or not and that shows that before college is only a small portion of your life. The book is about up to college through high school years which is only a portion of David’s life.
Within the story you will realize that the characterization of each character is different. David is more controlling of himself because he has that one goal of getting into Julliard, when many other characters like the other students of the prep school are more stressed because there is only one spot for a kid to get to go to Stanford. I think the characters are very relatable especially to high school students today, and I’d say that is who I’d recommend this book to, any high school student, boy or girl. Even advanced students should read this book to relate to it and even if they don’t relate to it they know this actually happens and is live today.
To wrap up there is nothing really controversial within the book. The only possible controversial moment in the book is under age drinking within one part of the book, but otherwise everything is appropriate. Lucky Fools is definitely worth reading.
You might recognize the name Coert Voorhees from the books Storm Wrangler or The Brothers Torres that he has already written. Like these other books Lucky Fools is another fiction book. This book is very well written and should be read by anyone. The plot is realistic to today’s society, but can be seen as easy to predict what will happen next. The theme of the book is you never really know what can happen in life. Speaking of in life, this story reminds me of The Game of Life because at the start of the game you choose if you want to go to college or not and that shows that before college is only a small portion of your life. The book is about up to college through high school years which is only a portion of David’s life.
Within the story you will realize that the characterization of each character is different. David is more controlling of himself because he has that one goal of getting into Julliard, when many other characters like the other students of the prep school are more stressed because there is only one spot for a kid to get to go to Stanford. I think the characters are very relatable especially to high school students today, and I’d say that is who I’d recommend this book to, any high school student, boy or girl. Even advanced students should read this book to relate to it and even if they don’t relate to it they know this actually happens and is live today.
To wrap up there is nothing really controversial within the book. The only possible controversial moment in the book is under age drinking within one part of the book, but otherwise everything is appropriate. Lucky Fools is definitely worth reading.
July 7, 2012
This is really a 4 1/2 stars for me. You can also read this review on my blog: Into the Mystic
You can click over there to see the embedded videos.
Initial impression
Dude! That was way more substantial than I thought it would be.
Title and Cover
I”m still not sure where the title came from, but it doesn’t bother me. I like the cover a lot. There are so many girl in dress covers out there that this one was a refreshing change. And the guy loosening the tie sort of fits in to the whole “what am I doing with my life” sort of feel. It works.
Plot, characters, etc.
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. Well, let me back up. I thought this book would be some light, fluffy read about a boy who wants to go to Juilliard, but his parents are against it but in the end, it all works out and everyone realizes that he will be the next Johnny Depp....or something like that.
No, this book was NOT that. This book was about a 17 year old boy who ends up doing a huge amount of soul-searching and questioning. This book is the embodiment of Eric Erikson’s Theory of Adolescent Self-Actualization! For reals.
I liked David, a lot. Not because he was perfect, but because he was realistic. He seemed like a real 17 year old boy. He did some stupid things and he was confused and he had no idea what he wanted in life and yet, he was somehow supposed to have it all figured out. He did something that he thought he enjoyed, he was easily distracted by a new pretty face, even though he still cared for his girlfriend and he was basically a big, hot mess. As a high school teacher, I’m pretty familiar with that character because it describes most of the senior boys that I teach every day.
This book was about David’s voyage of self-discovery. He is so used to being told what he should do by others eg. his parents, his girlfriend and other students that he has never really been able to figure it out for himself. He is sort of drifting along until things start to come together in ways that force him to act on something.
The secondary characters were good in this book as well. They were real too. There’s the jock, the smart girls, the theatre geeks, the weirdo loner. The whole cast of high school characters are there. It’s cliche, but that’s because those are the groups that you find in any high school. I think the author did a good job of representing those groups without dipping into the cliches a whole lot. It worked.
There really wasn’t a lot going on in the plot. There’s the play and there’s the Artist, who keeps posting collages about random people in the school, revealing sordid secrets that they have, but that is really a sideline plot. In fact, it almost felt distracting to me. Because the real crux of this story is David’s painful growth throughout the book.
It’s funny that, even though the plot was fairly mundane, I found that I didn’t want to put the book down. David’s voice was fun to read and I kept wondering what stupid thing he might do next and just how he was going to manage to get himself out of the whole mess he created with his life. And happily, the author did NOT give up a rainbows and unicorns ending where everyone lived happily ever after. He gave us a realistic ending, and when I closed the book, I felt like David was a little more mature, but still have room to grow. Which is where a 17-18 year old boy should be. Kudos to the author for making that real.
So why a B+? I’m not really sure myself. I guess it’s just that when I closed the book, I felt like I liked the book, but I wasn’t going gaga over it. ::shrugs:: So a B+ puts it above average for sure, but it isn’t one of those books that made me want to go fangirl. However, it was a good read that was quick and it made me think, so I’m happy about it.
Songs
This one was fun! Since David is a theatre geek, this song seemed perfect for this book.
Seasons of Love by the original cast of Rent
Let Me Go by Three Doors Down
Some Day by Shinedown
There are parts of this song that feel like they were written just for this book.
The final grade
My grade for this book is a B+. It was a really good book and it was very realistic. It made me stop and think and it made me happy that there are authors who seem to completely “get” what it means to be a teen boy. This book will especially appeal to teens who are involved the arts. If you are looking for a quick but thoughtful read, pick up Lucky Fools.
Thank you to Hyperion and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I received no compensation for my honest review, not even a pair of theatre tickets.
You can click over there to see the embedded videos.
Initial impression
Dude! That was way more substantial than I thought it would be.
Title and Cover
I”m still not sure where the title came from, but it doesn’t bother me. I like the cover a lot. There are so many girl in dress covers out there that this one was a refreshing change. And the guy loosening the tie sort of fits in to the whole “what am I doing with my life” sort of feel. It works.
Plot, characters, etc.
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. Well, let me back up. I thought this book would be some light, fluffy read about a boy who wants to go to Juilliard, but his parents are against it but in the end, it all works out and everyone realizes that he will be the next Johnny Depp....or something like that.
No, this book was NOT that. This book was about a 17 year old boy who ends up doing a huge amount of soul-searching and questioning. This book is the embodiment of Eric Erikson’s Theory of Adolescent Self-Actualization! For reals.
I liked David, a lot. Not because he was perfect, but because he was realistic. He seemed like a real 17 year old boy. He did some stupid things and he was confused and he had no idea what he wanted in life and yet, he was somehow supposed to have it all figured out. He did something that he thought he enjoyed, he was easily distracted by a new pretty face, even though he still cared for his girlfriend and he was basically a big, hot mess. As a high school teacher, I’m pretty familiar with that character because it describes most of the senior boys that I teach every day.
This book was about David’s voyage of self-discovery. He is so used to being told what he should do by others eg. his parents, his girlfriend and other students that he has never really been able to figure it out for himself. He is sort of drifting along until things start to come together in ways that force him to act on something.
The secondary characters were good in this book as well. They were real too. There’s the jock, the smart girls, the theatre geeks, the weirdo loner. The whole cast of high school characters are there. It’s cliche, but that’s because those are the groups that you find in any high school. I think the author did a good job of representing those groups without dipping into the cliches a whole lot. It worked.
There really wasn’t a lot going on in the plot. There’s the play and there’s the Artist, who keeps posting collages about random people in the school, revealing sordid secrets that they have, but that is really a sideline plot. In fact, it almost felt distracting to me. Because the real crux of this story is David’s painful growth throughout the book.
It’s funny that, even though the plot was fairly mundane, I found that I didn’t want to put the book down. David’s voice was fun to read and I kept wondering what stupid thing he might do next and just how he was going to manage to get himself out of the whole mess he created with his life. And happily, the author did NOT give up a rainbows and unicorns ending where everyone lived happily ever after. He gave us a realistic ending, and when I closed the book, I felt like David was a little more mature, but still have room to grow. Which is where a 17-18 year old boy should be. Kudos to the author for making that real.
So why a B+? I’m not really sure myself. I guess it’s just that when I closed the book, I felt like I liked the book, but I wasn’t going gaga over it. ::shrugs:: So a B+ puts it above average for sure, but it isn’t one of those books that made me want to go fangirl. However, it was a good read that was quick and it made me think, so I’m happy about it.
Songs
This one was fun! Since David is a theatre geek, this song seemed perfect for this book.
Seasons of Love by the original cast of Rent
Let Me Go by Three Doors Down
Some Day by Shinedown
There are parts of this song that feel like they were written just for this book.
The final grade
My grade for this book is a B+. It was a really good book and it was very realistic. It made me stop and think and it made me happy that there are authors who seem to completely “get” what it means to be a teen boy. This book will especially appeal to teens who are involved the arts. If you are looking for a quick but thoughtful read, pick up Lucky Fools.
Thank you to Hyperion and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I received no compensation for my honest review, not even a pair of theatre tickets.
November 20, 2012
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Due to copy and paste, formatting has been lost.
Well, this book was certainly a surprise. It's not near five stars, it's not extremely realistic, nor is it something we can all relate to, but it's definitely surprising. It's surprising that I enjoyed it as much as I did, but I also think that it had some flaws, and I will try to constructively point them out.
For one, like I said before, we can't all relate. My family doesn't have the money to even consider sending us to Stanford or Juilliard, and I don't know anyone at all who has that kind of money. They didn't expect a scholarship--they were going to pay full admission fees. I just can't understand that.
I also can't understand David's near impulsive need to lie all the time. It doesn't make very much sense to me. I mean sure, it's easy at the time, but he seems to get bit back so often that I'm seriously shocked that he even bothers to lie! I wouldn't, but I'm not him, so no big deal.
I can however understand his need to prove himself--he simply thinks that he needs to get into Juilliard to prove himself, but his parent really want him to go to Stanford, so he's trying to appease his parents, while being himself. I understand the need to do what your parents want you to, but I'm also a big fan of the this thought train, "Your parents will love you even if you fail."
Moving on from that thought train, because honestly, I've got other things to say about this book.
I thought that David was a fairly good character--he had many flaws, but not in the in-your-face way that writers do in an effort to make the characters sound more real. I didn't think that the love triangle (Ellen/Vanessa) was necessary, but it may have been a key plot element. I'm honestly really tired of that plot element though.
All in all, Lucky Fools was a pretty good book from the author The Brothers Torres, with surprising depth, but it's simply not a favorite of mine. Like is different than love, and all that jazz.
Favorite Quote:
"My point is that the second--the second--you start basing your definition of success on what other people think, you've lost. If you know what you want, and you're doing everything you can control, then it doesn't matter who tells you that you suck or how privileged you are or how normal your childhood was; your self-worth is safe no matter what happens.
Due to copy and paste, formatting has been lost.
Well, this book was certainly a surprise. It's not near five stars, it's not extremely realistic, nor is it something we can all relate to, but it's definitely surprising. It's surprising that I enjoyed it as much as I did, but I also think that it had some flaws, and I will try to constructively point them out.
For one, like I said before, we can't all relate. My family doesn't have the money to even consider sending us to Stanford or Juilliard, and I don't know anyone at all who has that kind of money. They didn't expect a scholarship--they were going to pay full admission fees. I just can't understand that.
I also can't understand David's near impulsive need to lie all the time. It doesn't make very much sense to me. I mean sure, it's easy at the time, but he seems to get bit back so often that I'm seriously shocked that he even bothers to lie! I wouldn't, but I'm not him, so no big deal.
I can however understand his need to prove himself--he simply thinks that he needs to get into Juilliard to prove himself, but his parent really want him to go to Stanford, so he's trying to appease his parents, while being himself. I understand the need to do what your parents want you to, but I'm also a big fan of the this thought train, "Your parents will love you even if you fail."
Moving on from that thought train, because honestly, I've got other things to say about this book.
I thought that David was a fairly good character--he had many flaws, but not in the in-your-face way that writers do in an effort to make the characters sound more real. I didn't think that the love triangle (Ellen/Vanessa) was necessary, but it may have been a key plot element. I'm honestly really tired of that plot element though.
All in all, Lucky Fools was a pretty good book from the author The Brothers Torres, with surprising depth, but it's simply not a favorite of mine. Like is different than love, and all that jazz.
Favorite Quote:
"My point is that the second--the second--you start basing your definition of success on what other people think, you've lost. If you know what you want, and you're doing everything you can control, then it doesn't matter who tells you that you suck or how privileged you are or how normal your childhood was; your self-worth is safe no matter what happens.
February 15, 2013
Lucky Fools is about a boy named David Ellison who dreams of acting at Julliard, but he is expected to attend nearby Stanford University, just like all of his classmates at hard-driving Oak Fields Prep. He attends a private school and he would always waste his time and wouldn't get enough education. He also is about to destroy his relationship with his girlfriend Ellen, because he is falling for his new co-star Vanessa. The Great Gatsby, and she can provide necessary heartbreak by driving a wedge between him and his girlfriend. He is also distracted by a shady presence known only as The Artist, who is targeting all the high achieving seniors at his prep school by revealing their secret flaws on a public bulletin board. Through suffering always appears imminent, Davids emotional pain is limited to insisting over his unrequited love and potentially college-free future. Through he fluffs the Julliard audition he still manages to be the Sole Student from his school who is accepted to Stanford. And even the artist is an empty threat as his or her identity is never revealed and casually dismissed at novel's end.
February 2, 2015
It was an interesting book with great plot twist.
August 10, 2013
I'm craving fantasy now.
January 23, 2018
For me, "Lucky Fools" was a really good book. At first it comes off as a cliche high school story where the kid is discovering themselves and faces hardships along the way. As the book does follow this pattern it also throws in some twists but is able to capture the high school experience in a very gripping way. While reading the book the author is able to connect you to David Ellison and his wants. The book gives a great insight on the pressures of doing what you want or what others around you want. As I read on in the book I was deeply captured into David, the main characters next move. The unpredictability but at the same time the realness present in the story allowed me to be fully involved in the story. When the book is jumping around it is able to capture the real truths behind the high school experience with the drama. Throughout the book I was captured into the life of David Ellison and what his wants were, the author does a great job with capturing real emotions that allow the book to come to life. I couldn't put this book down and would recommend it highly to a friend. When I finished the book I was left with so many more thoughts about what was to come with all the characters.
April 26, 2019
Is it bad to say that it was completely obvious this book was written by a man? I was already not keen on the whole college admissions through-line, because even in high school I was not all that wrapped up in it. But my oh my was this book just lacking depth or character. I gave the occasional laugh, I'll give it two stars for that, but I would not want to revisit. Almost nothing was tied up and yet it ended too perfectly? Woof. Sorry, but no.
Read
December 5, 2019Coert Voorhees is a good writer. He writes with detaile on how the characters are feeling in the moment not in the past, but sumetimes he uses pat expereance in the moment. the book was a prity good one for what i thaught it was going to be when i got the book.I'd suggest the book to my friends and family because of how good the book is.
May 27, 2012
I was really looking forward to this for several reasons, it's a male POV, it has to do with the theater - something I've always loved and wish I'd had enough confidence to pursue further in college and because it looked like a great read.
It's well written and while the story ebbs and flows in places, the characters are interesting. David Ellison, the MC is the school's theater star with the long-time girlfriend, Ellen, who has his sights set on Julliard. His parents want him to have a back-up plan just in case Julliard doesn't work out but David doesn't really see the point. He's a decent enough guy but he's also slightly egotistical and his attitude doesn't begin to change until a series of anonymous attacks on his fellow students begin to take place. These mysterious attacks are done by someone who calls themselves, "The Artist" whose intent is to take out the school's most promising students by tarnishing their reputations.
Ellen, David's girlfriend is smart, pretty and loyal, almost to a fault but I had a hard time with their relationship. It lacked any kind of romance for me and I'm not sure if that's because he seemed so focused on himself and his infatuation with his costar Vanessa or because there weren't many opportunities for them to be alone. Vanessa didn't impress me either and I felt like David was more enamored with her than he should've been; something Ellen and his sister Lisa tried to warn him about. Colten was refreshing and funny, albeit quirky but good for David nonetheless.
As David's Julliard audition approaches, the pressure begins to build making him doubt whether he's good enough, not just for the school of his dreams but for the stage at all. It doesn't help matters that his feelings for Vanessa, his beautiful co-star are growing harder to deny each day and causing more problems in his relationship with Ellen. Before David can say, "Break a leg!', his real life becomes more dramatic than any play he's ever performed in and once again, he's got the starring role, one he doesn't remember auditioning for.
As his life begins to slowly unravel, leaving David to wonder how things could possibly get any worse, "The Artist" strikes one final blow. David will learn who his real friends are and what matters most. He'll also learn the true meaning of success. Is it measured in the amount of fame one receives? How much money one makes? What other people think or is it how YOU feel about yourself and the career you've chosen to pursue? Ultimately, David will have to decide if following a dream is worth the risk of failure or of not ever knowing because you never tried.
My favorite quote comes from a conversation David has with his drama teacher...
"My point is that the second-the second-you start basing your definition of success on what other people think, you've lost. If you know what you want, and you're doing everything you can control, then it doesn't matter who tells you that you suck or how privileged you are or how normal your childhood was; your self-worth is safe no matter what happens." ~ Big Pro
It's well written and while the story ebbs and flows in places, the characters are interesting. David Ellison, the MC is the school's theater star with the long-time girlfriend, Ellen, who has his sights set on Julliard. His parents want him to have a back-up plan just in case Julliard doesn't work out but David doesn't really see the point. He's a decent enough guy but he's also slightly egotistical and his attitude doesn't begin to change until a series of anonymous attacks on his fellow students begin to take place. These mysterious attacks are done by someone who calls themselves, "The Artist" whose intent is to take out the school's most promising students by tarnishing their reputations.
Ellen, David's girlfriend is smart, pretty and loyal, almost to a fault but I had a hard time with their relationship. It lacked any kind of romance for me and I'm not sure if that's because he seemed so focused on himself and his infatuation with his costar Vanessa or because there weren't many opportunities for them to be alone. Vanessa didn't impress me either and I felt like David was more enamored with her than he should've been; something Ellen and his sister Lisa tried to warn him about. Colten was refreshing and funny, albeit quirky but good for David nonetheless.
As David's Julliard audition approaches, the pressure begins to build making him doubt whether he's good enough, not just for the school of his dreams but for the stage at all. It doesn't help matters that his feelings for Vanessa, his beautiful co-star are growing harder to deny each day and causing more problems in his relationship with Ellen. Before David can say, "Break a leg!', his real life becomes more dramatic than any play he's ever performed in and once again, he's got the starring role, one he doesn't remember auditioning for.
As his life begins to slowly unravel, leaving David to wonder how things could possibly get any worse, "The Artist" strikes one final blow. David will learn who his real friends are and what matters most. He'll also learn the true meaning of success. Is it measured in the amount of fame one receives? How much money one makes? What other people think or is it how YOU feel about yourself and the career you've chosen to pursue? Ultimately, David will have to decide if following a dream is worth the risk of failure or of not ever knowing because you never tried.
My favorite quote comes from a conversation David has with his drama teacher...
"My point is that the second-the second-you start basing your definition of success on what other people think, you've lost. If you know what you want, and you're doing everything you can control, then it doesn't matter who tells you that you suck or how privileged you are or how normal your childhood was; your self-worth is safe no matter what happens." ~ Big Pro
November 22, 2016
In the book Lucky Fools the author, Coert Voorhees, tells the story of David Ellison's high school adventures and the difficult choices he is forced to make. The author's purpose of this book was to entertain the reader. Voorhees entertains the reader by constantly facing the reader with difficult choices the protagonist, David, must make. The point of view of this story is first person, with the narrator being David. Most books I read have the point of view coming from a girl and I really enjoyed reading a book from a boy's point of view. The audience of this book probably begins around 15 years old. It is a good book for high school students to read as it has a lot of instances in it that students can relate to, as the main character is in high school.
The theme of this book is doing what is best for you, and not worrying about what others may think. David has his heart set on pursuing a career in acting by going to Juliard, but coming from a fancy prep school, everyone expects him to go to Stanford University with all of his classmates. There is also a mysterious person who is going to great lengths to make sure those who are thriving in their activities fail in some way. This scares David while he is trying to make his decision about his plans after high school. Eventually, David decides to go to Stanford with the rest of his classmates and is only content, when he knows he should have followed his heart to Julliard to do what he loved.
The author, Coert Voorhees, tells this story as a narration. He begins with a little bit of background information on David and then it goes on to tell his story about the decisions he must make that could change his future. I really felt that the author did a very good job of explaining David's situations, as I was constantly finding myself relating my own life to his predicaments.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I extremely enjoyed the point of view coming from a boy. I also loved the way the author threw in a mix of emotions. You could go straight from laughing to a life changing decision in a matter of a page. It was also very suspenseful, as there was always a lot on the line when David was making his choices. The only thing that I disliked about this book was that there was quite a bit of irrelevant pieces of the story. There were some times I would read a whole page about something that had no affect on anything that was happening in the story. I would most definitely recommend this book to my friends.
The theme of this book is doing what is best for you, and not worrying about what others may think. David has his heart set on pursuing a career in acting by going to Juliard, but coming from a fancy prep school, everyone expects him to go to Stanford University with all of his classmates. There is also a mysterious person who is going to great lengths to make sure those who are thriving in their activities fail in some way. This scares David while he is trying to make his decision about his plans after high school. Eventually, David decides to go to Stanford with the rest of his classmates and is only content, when he knows he should have followed his heart to Julliard to do what he loved.
The author, Coert Voorhees, tells this story as a narration. He begins with a little bit of background information on David and then it goes on to tell his story about the decisions he must make that could change his future. I really felt that the author did a very good job of explaining David's situations, as I was constantly finding myself relating my own life to his predicaments.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I extremely enjoyed the point of view coming from a boy. I also loved the way the author threw in a mix of emotions. You could go straight from laughing to a life changing decision in a matter of a page. It was also very suspenseful, as there was always a lot on the line when David was making his choices. The only thing that I disliked about this book was that there was quite a bit of irrelevant pieces of the story. There were some times I would read a whole page about something that had no affect on anything that was happening in the story. I would most definitely recommend this book to my friends.
July 19, 2012
I found this book to be very relatable. As I'm approaching my junior year in high school, I am bombarded with homework and stress over college. I go to a very competitive high school and every year the pressure keeps building and building. Not only do grades and high test scores matter, but they've become the standard. Colleges are more interested in a student's extracurricular activities and personal essays than their transcripts. But, what would you do if only one person from your school could get into Stanford, Harvard, Yale, or Princeton?
It's very refreshing for me to read about a guy's point-of-view especially in the young adult genre that isn't about sci-fi or fantasy. But, I found all the characters (even David) to be underdeveloped. It bothered me that I couldn't remember the names of some of the characters (especially the supporting characters). Then, I realized that the reason being that none of the characters were really memorable. All of David's "friends" seemed like acquaintances. The type of people you say "hey" when you see them in the hallways, but don't really talk to outside of school. Maybe it's because I'm a girl, but David seemed to lack any emotions besides anxiety, guilt, and (at the end) insecurity. I found the characters in this book to be very bland and 2-D.
Regarding plot, I thought the book was all over the place. It tries to juggle David's relationships, hopes and dreams, and expectations in a haphazard mess. There are areas of the book that need more attention put into it than others.
Overall: I think this book portrayed the teen angst realistically, but in other areas in fell behind. If you're looking for a change of pace, pick up this male POV book.
It's very refreshing for me to read about a guy's point-of-view especially in the young adult genre that isn't about sci-fi or fantasy. But, I found all the characters (even David) to be underdeveloped. It bothered me that I couldn't remember the names of some of the characters (especially the supporting characters). Then, I realized that the reason being that none of the characters were really memorable. All of David's "friends" seemed like acquaintances. The type of people you say "hey" when you see them in the hallways, but don't really talk to outside of school. Maybe it's because I'm a girl, but David seemed to lack any emotions besides anxiety, guilt, and (at the end) insecurity. I found the characters in this book to be very bland and 2-D.
Regarding plot, I thought the book was all over the place. It tries to juggle David's relationships, hopes and dreams, and expectations in a haphazard mess. There are areas of the book that need more attention put into it than others.
Overall: I think this book portrayed the teen angst realistically, but in other areas in fell behind. If you're looking for a change of pace, pick up this male POV book.
August 19, 2012
In
Lucky Fools
, David Ellison has been dreaming of attending the prestigious Julliard. He has exceptional acting abilities and wants to study acting seriously, however, it's expected of him to attend Stanford University. His relationship with his current girlfriend is also threatened by his developing crush on his co-star Vanessa. As David's audition for Julliard f ast approaches and his relationship seems to be suffering, chaos ensues at his private prep school Oak Feilds when a mysterious prankster starts targetting a series of attacks on some of the schools most promising acheivers. It seems anyone who has the potential of acheiving high standards could be next, including David.
Coert Vorhees does a masterful job of tackling the everyday pressures of being an exceptionally talented young adult in such a realistic way that readers are able to connect with. In a world of young adult fiction that is mostly brimming with female heriones, it is refreshing to see this story told from a male's persepctive. David is just as confused about college life and love, as anyone should be at that point in their life. The only drawback to his character was the lack of growth and dvelopment, except for the last few chapters of the book. This made it a little bit harder to connect with him on some levels.
The plot and premise of Lucky Fools itself, was fun and interesting to read even though it may have been a little bit predictable in some areas. There is unbelievable amounts of pressure put on these young characters as well as other happenings going on in the book, but despite all of that the author takes the story and makes it come together and really work. It's a fast and enjoyable read that may be best suited for those in high school. The romance is sweet and endearing and there are some really fun moments in the book overall. It was a pretty good read and I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
Coert Vorhees does a masterful job of tackling the everyday pressures of being an exceptionally talented young adult in such a realistic way that readers are able to connect with. In a world of young adult fiction that is mostly brimming with female heriones, it is refreshing to see this story told from a male's persepctive. David is just as confused about college life and love, as anyone should be at that point in their life. The only drawback to his character was the lack of growth and dvelopment, except for the last few chapters of the book. This made it a little bit harder to connect with him on some levels.
The plot and premise of Lucky Fools itself, was fun and interesting to read even though it may have been a little bit predictable in some areas. There is unbelievable amounts of pressure put on these young characters as well as other happenings going on in the book, but despite all of that the author takes the story and makes it come together and really work. It's a fast and enjoyable read that may be best suited for those in high school. The romance is sweet and endearing and there are some really fun moments in the book overall. It was a pretty good read and I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
July 10, 2012
High school senior David Ellison has an audition for Julliard in nineteen days. Most of his classmates at Oak Fields Prep want to go to Stanford, the ivy they live in the shadow of. But Stanford has decided to admit one student only from each of the local prep schools. His classmates are melting down over their college essays and David is starting to suspect that he might be a big fish in a small pond.
David acts like a realistic teen boy. He's capable of compassion and romance, but he's often self-centered and thoughtless. Luckily, the people in his life call him out when he's acting like a jerk. This is not a book where people find the protagonist's worst qualities charming. It is a book where people often find their worst qualities on display.
A rogue provocateur known only as The Artist has been posting bulletins revealing the secrets of the richest, most popular, most perfect seniors. It's cruel behavior, but it's the background to David's coming-of-age.
The current school play is The Great Gatsby and David is playing Nick Carraway. I initially started thinking about Gatsby since the new movie is coming out soon. Although, some things didn't seem to fit. But that was because the adaptation they're performing is some odd interpretation wherein Nick kisses Daisy. At first, it seems like David is just going to be an observer of The Artist bringing anarchy to the Oak Fields' campus. As things continue, David begins to assert his own narrative. He has an epiphany. The Artist remains unmasked.
LUCKY FOOLS is a terrific contemporary bildungsroman. I know many people who avoid fiction about rich people, but the kids in LUCKY FOOLS are often aware of their privilege. The male protagonist will appeal to male readers, and there are a number of female secondary characters who have interests other than David. There is a love triangle, but plays out in an organic and original way. I particularly recommend LUCKY FOOLS for theater fans.
David acts like a realistic teen boy. He's capable of compassion and romance, but he's often self-centered and thoughtless. Luckily, the people in his life call him out when he's acting like a jerk. This is not a book where people find the protagonist's worst qualities charming. It is a book where people often find their worst qualities on display.
A rogue provocateur known only as The Artist has been posting bulletins revealing the secrets of the richest, most popular, most perfect seniors. It's cruel behavior, but it's the background to David's coming-of-age.
The current school play is The Great Gatsby and David is playing Nick Carraway. I initially started thinking about Gatsby since the new movie is coming out soon. Although, some things didn't seem to fit. But that was because the adaptation they're performing is some odd interpretation wherein Nick kisses Daisy. At first, it seems like David is just going to be an observer of The Artist bringing anarchy to the Oak Fields' campus. As things continue, David begins to assert his own narrative. He has an epiphany. The Artist remains unmasked.
LUCKY FOOLS is a terrific contemporary bildungsroman. I know many people who avoid fiction about rich people, but the kids in LUCKY FOOLS are often aware of their privilege. The male protagonist will appeal to male readers, and there are a number of female secondary characters who have interests other than David. There is a love triangle, but plays out in an organic and original way. I particularly recommend LUCKY FOOLS for theater fans.
May 19, 2012
A HUGE Thank You to Around The World ARC Tours for allowing me to read Lucky Fools. I had been dying to read this book so when the opportunity came I jumped at it.I really enjoyed Lucky Fools but there were some places when I was like is this for real? So all in all I really enjoyed reading about David and his senior year escapades.
David is in his senior of high school and his dream is to be an actor but his family wants him to go to Stanford. So he is trying to convince his parents he can make it in Julliard if they just give him a chance. He is the leading star in his high school play and his co-star is none other than the gorgeous Vanessa. He is so excited about this play and where it will lead him he starts to have a crush on Vanessa even though he has a girlfriend Vanessa.
Then the school gets some bad news at the senior assembly. The receive the news that Stanford will only be admitting one student from each school surrounding the college. Everyone is up in arms because they usually take a few kids but the admissions office is trying something new this year.That leaves the senior class up in arms and fighting each other for that coveted space at Stanford. Then if timing could not have been better there is this person called "The Artist" who is drawing pictures of the students and staff and outing their inner most secrets. This person is trying to sabotage the other seniors so they can get into Stanford.
David and everyone in the senior class is a target and everyone is trying to figure out who the person is so they can stop them from outing the dirty laundry. Will David find out who it is? Will he chose Stanford or Julliard? What will happen between him and Ellen and him and Vanessa? This story is a cute one to read. Come along for the ride of a lifetime and see what happens to David and his classmates.
David is in his senior of high school and his dream is to be an actor but his family wants him to go to Stanford. So he is trying to convince his parents he can make it in Julliard if they just give him a chance. He is the leading star in his high school play and his co-star is none other than the gorgeous Vanessa. He is so excited about this play and where it will lead him he starts to have a crush on Vanessa even though he has a girlfriend Vanessa.
Then the school gets some bad news at the senior assembly. The receive the news that Stanford will only be admitting one student from each school surrounding the college. Everyone is up in arms because they usually take a few kids but the admissions office is trying something new this year.That leaves the senior class up in arms and fighting each other for that coveted space at Stanford. Then if timing could not have been better there is this person called "The Artist" who is drawing pictures of the students and staff and outing their inner most secrets. This person is trying to sabotage the other seniors so they can get into Stanford.
David and everyone in the senior class is a target and everyone is trying to figure out who the person is so they can stop them from outing the dirty laundry. Will David find out who it is? Will he chose Stanford or Julliard? What will happen between him and Ellen and him and Vanessa? This story is a cute one to read. Come along for the ride of a lifetime and see what happens to David and his classmates.
May 31, 2012
Lucky Fools drew me in because of it's summary. I'll be a senior in the fall and I have no idea what I want to do you college. David seemed just a confused as I am, expect he knows where he want's to go. He's just expected to go somewhere. There's a big difference from Juilliard and Stanford. Both amazing school but excel in different things. This is why I was connected to the book, he had college problems. Just like I do.
While David is torn between school's he is also torn between girls. He has a long time girlfriend that he still loves, but is starting to have feels for his co-star Vanessa. I actually love love triangles, I like that feel they add to the novel.
The main character David wasn't my favorite. I just didn't feel the connection to him. At first I thought it was because he was a male narrator but then I realized that wasn't it. He didn't grow at all in the novel until the very last chapters. He didn't have an layers or anything to give you that connection to him.
The plot it's self was not bad. As I said above, I could connect to it because I'm going to be a senior in the fall. Yet one thing I don't think will happen to me is fighting for a chance to get into Stanford. When the school announces that only one student from each high-school can be accepted to the college the pressure on David gets even worse. While this sounds like an unbelievable situation, the author actually made it work. I really didn't think twice when I read it.
Lucky Fools was a fun quick read. It's a novel that I would recommend to high-schooler's. I feel that they will be able to connect to the plot more then anyone else. It might even be able to help people that are put into between two schools as David is. It also has the cute romance for anyone who loves reading romance as I do. This is a really cute novel if it falls into a genre that you like.
While David is torn between school's he is also torn between girls. He has a long time girlfriend that he still loves, but is starting to have feels for his co-star Vanessa. I actually love love triangles, I like that feel they add to the novel.
The main character David wasn't my favorite. I just didn't feel the connection to him. At first I thought it was because he was a male narrator but then I realized that wasn't it. He didn't grow at all in the novel until the very last chapters. He didn't have an layers or anything to give you that connection to him.
The plot it's self was not bad. As I said above, I could connect to it because I'm going to be a senior in the fall. Yet one thing I don't think will happen to me is fighting for a chance to get into Stanford. When the school announces that only one student from each high-school can be accepted to the college the pressure on David gets even worse. While this sounds like an unbelievable situation, the author actually made it work. I really didn't think twice when I read it.
Lucky Fools was a fun quick read. It's a novel that I would recommend to high-schooler's. I feel that they will be able to connect to the plot more then anyone else. It might even be able to help people that are put into between two schools as David is. It also has the cute romance for anyone who loves reading romance as I do. This is a really cute novel if it falls into a genre that you like.
December 5, 2012
David Ellison has known that he wants to be an actor ever since he starred in a commercial for Sparkles iced tea in junior high. Throughout his four years at Oak Field Prep, a prestigious California prep school, he has earned a reputation as a talented actor; much to his father’s dismay, his dream is to go Juilliard to follow this dream. The auditions for Juilliard are fast approaching and so is his final school play at Oak Prep – a stage adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Though he professes to love his long term girlfriend Ellen, David can’t help feeling attracted to his co-star, the beautiful and mysterious Vanessa. Meanwhile, a vandal who calls himself The Artist is causing a stir by publically exposing the secrets of the school’s elite students and staff.
On the positive side, the book’s title is certainly apt. David screws up a lot, but everything turns out pretty well for him in the end and through not much effort on his part. This book isn’t badly written, it’s just difficult to care about David or any of the other characters. They are all wealthy white people who have the advantage of a prep school education, college coaches and parents who have both money and influence. David is self-absorbed and often dishonest, and his character doesn’t really develop much throughout the book. In the end David comes to a realization about the ways in which he’s been simply playing the roles set out for him instead of being himself, but he expresses this realization in a completely selfish way. David ends up using his so called epiphany as the topic of the essay that his college coach helps him write. The essay gets him into Stanford, which is what his parents wanted him to do all along, making the reader question whether he’s really changed at all or if he’s just happy being a lucky fool.
On the positive side, the book’s title is certainly apt. David screws up a lot, but everything turns out pretty well for him in the end and through not much effort on his part. This book isn’t badly written, it’s just difficult to care about David or any of the other characters. They are all wealthy white people who have the advantage of a prep school education, college coaches and parents who have both money and influence. David is self-absorbed and often dishonest, and his character doesn’t really develop much throughout the book. In the end David comes to a realization about the ways in which he’s been simply playing the roles set out for him instead of being himself, but he expresses this realization in a completely selfish way. David ends up using his so called epiphany as the topic of the essay that his college coach helps him write. The essay gets him into Stanford, which is what his parents wanted him to do all along, making the reader question whether he’s really changed at all or if he’s just happy being a lucky fool.
March 30, 2012
http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...
When he was younger, David Ellison was cast in a small, local commercial and got bit by the acting bug. Now, that is his only focus in life. While all of his classmates are considering Ivy League schools, David only wants to go to Julliard and the auditions are coming up fast.
As David prepares for the most important four minutes of his entire life, he's also preparing to star in his school's play adaptation of The Great Gatsby, and he's preparing with the first new girl to arrive at their fairly exclusive private school in years.
The fact that David has been dating one girl, his near perfect match in high school terms, for the last two years doesn't seem to stop him from wanting Vanessa, even while Ellen tries to help him with everything that's going on around him.
To top it all off, someone calling him (or her)self "The Artist" has been going after the seniors, embarrassing them on the school's bulletin board, and exposing their deepest secrets.
As one of the best known and most high-profile seniors, is David the next target?
Final thoughts: It's going to be hard for most teens to get into this one. Focusing on the problems of the fairly-to-mega wealthy is difficult to pull off when most people wish they would have those kinds of problems instead of their own. The beginning starts off well, but the middle drags, and the ending is like falling off a cliff. One moment, you're just walking along, trying to follow the path of the story, and the next, you've tumbled over the edge and the story ends. I was also really disappointed in The Artist; it seems that the entire plot point was created to be just a peg in the final story, rather than an actual problem to be resolved (and it never is).
When he was younger, David Ellison was cast in a small, local commercial and got bit by the acting bug. Now, that is his only focus in life. While all of his classmates are considering Ivy League schools, David only wants to go to Julliard and the auditions are coming up fast.
As David prepares for the most important four minutes of his entire life, he's also preparing to star in his school's play adaptation of The Great Gatsby, and he's preparing with the first new girl to arrive at their fairly exclusive private school in years.
The fact that David has been dating one girl, his near perfect match in high school terms, for the last two years doesn't seem to stop him from wanting Vanessa, even while Ellen tries to help him with everything that's going on around him.
To top it all off, someone calling him (or her)self "The Artist" has been going after the seniors, embarrassing them on the school's bulletin board, and exposing their deepest secrets.
As one of the best known and most high-profile seniors, is David the next target?
Final thoughts: It's going to be hard for most teens to get into this one. Focusing on the problems of the fairly-to-mega wealthy is difficult to pull off when most people wish they would have those kinds of problems instead of their own. The beginning starts off well, but the middle drags, and the ending is like falling off a cliff. One moment, you're just walking along, trying to follow the path of the story, and the next, you've tumbled over the edge and the story ends. I was also really disappointed in The Artist; it seems that the entire plot point was created to be just a peg in the final story, rather than an actual problem to be resolved (and it never is).
October 7, 2012
3.5
A love triangle from a male pov! You don't get one of those very often.
But I have to be honest and say that this is so much more than a male pov love triangle romance. Although, the romance part of this book was one of my favorite parts. David, to me, was written so authentically. I loved his confused 'guy' thoughts. It broke my heart at times to watch him flail and ruin himself, but at the same time I was so impressed with how well his character was executed.
There were some parts of this book that made me a bit crazy at times and sometimes the pacing was a bit off for me, but overall I still enjoyed it.
I was hoping it would be a good book to give to some of my teen readers as an exploration about making college choices and what your senior year can be like when the unknown is drawing near. This book did not end up fitting that category as much as I'd hoped. I think it will really be enjoyed more by those of us that have been there, done that. David makes so many mistakes along this journey, ones that some of us can relate to. And the ending, to be honest, was a bit unsatisfying.
This was a tough review because I really liked David. I also really liked Vanessa's brother Colter. He might have been my favorite. But overall I think I'm left feeling there was just...more. Or something.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
A love triangle from a male pov! You don't get one of those very often.
But I have to be honest and say that this is so much more than a male pov love triangle romance. Although, the romance part of this book was one of my favorite parts. David, to me, was written so authentically. I loved his confused 'guy' thoughts. It broke my heart at times to watch him flail and ruin himself, but at the same time I was so impressed with how well his character was executed.
There were some parts of this book that made me a bit crazy at times and sometimes the pacing was a bit off for me, but overall I still enjoyed it.
I was hoping it would be a good book to give to some of my teen readers as an exploration about making college choices and what your senior year can be like when the unknown is drawing near. This book did not end up fitting that category as much as I'd hoped. I think it will really be enjoyed more by those of us that have been there, done that. David makes so many mistakes along this journey, ones that some of us can relate to. And the ending, to be honest, was a bit unsatisfying.
This was a tough review because I really liked David. I also really liked Vanessa's brother Colter. He might have been my favorite. But overall I think I'm left feeling there was just...more. Or something.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 29, 2013
At Oak Fields Prep, students are expected to attend top-notch universities like Stanford, which can be seen from the school parking lot, but all David Ellison wants to do is attend Julliard and purse an acting career. When new girl Vanessa wins the role opposite David in the school play, he begins to fall for her...despite his relationship with long-time girlfriend Ellen and the need to focus on his audition to Julliard. Will he be lucky enough to get everything he wants?
I liked this book, but it could have been much more. Instead of ending with a deeper sense of himself or the world, David seems pretty much the same, but perhaps that was the author's point. I also thought that while the characters, especially Vanessa's brother, were well-written and authentic, there were some random things thrown in like a lawsuit (that's randomly dropped), a few "friends" who pop in and out without a purpose, and no finality with David.
On the flip side, I couldn't put it down, so despite a few set-backs, this is an engaging read with a few twists I didn't see coming (audition, Vanessa, and The Artist).
Fans of YA will enjoy this book, especially those wanting a book from a male POV. I would have rated this a five-star if there had just been a little more closure at the end.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
I liked this book, but it could have been much more. Instead of ending with a deeper sense of himself or the world, David seems pretty much the same, but perhaps that was the author's point. I also thought that while the characters, especially Vanessa's brother, were well-written and authentic, there were some random things thrown in like a lawsuit (that's randomly dropped), a few "friends" who pop in and out without a purpose, and no finality with David.
On the flip side, I couldn't put it down, so despite a few set-backs, this is an engaging read with a few twists I didn't see coming (audition, Vanessa, and The Artist).
Fans of YA will enjoy this book, especially those wanting a book from a male POV. I would have rated this a five-star if there had just been a little more closure at the end.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
December 28, 2011
Would you do what was expected of you or what you wanted to do? That is the question for graduating senior David Ellison. He knows he is expected to go to an Ivy League school, but he still has some choices to make. Not even his love life is uncomplicated. He does have a girlfriend, Ellen; however, his costar, Vanessa, is looking more and more appealing. His life will undoubtedly change a lot in the months before graduation, but it is up to David in which direction his life goes.
David's character was ok. He was mostly likable, but not always-could've paid more attention to his girlfriend, should've tried harder in school, etc... Veronica is ok as well, she probably won't be the readers' favorite character, but the author does not portray her to be. Even Ellen is very imperfect, with a jealous streak that has no boundaries. These three characters form an awkward love triangle that continues through most of the novel. The other secondary characters are fun to get to know, round out the story. The events were pretty fast-paced, at times it seemed to take David a while to get to what he was planning on doing. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.
Currently reading
December 8, 2014The authors purpose about this book is to have luck. If you don't have luck then you don't try your hardest at what you do the best. If I went out to play basketball I would always have luck but it just might not work on that game or at that time. Everyone has luck it just might not work for you all the time.
The theme of the book is when these kids go off and they need luck but they don't have any luck with them. They try to find there way out and they don't know where to go. They find their way out and there is a lot of people outside of the building. They try and find their parents and they cant find them so they just go home and their not there either.
The author uses argument because the author argues about what to do with the luck and what to do. He goes off and tries to find where to go and he got lost again. He does not know anyone one so he just cant find anyone to help him. He tries to find people but no one will help him.
I think that the book was a good book. I liked the whole book it was fun to read. I didn't really dislike anything about the book I thought it was fun and cool. I wouldn't change anything about the book. it was similar to the swindle book I read last time. I think this book was fun to read and to learn about.
The theme of the book is when these kids go off and they need luck but they don't have any luck with them. They try to find there way out and they don't know where to go. They find their way out and there is a lot of people outside of the building. They try and find their parents and they cant find them so they just go home and their not there either.
The author uses argument because the author argues about what to do with the luck and what to do. He goes off and tries to find where to go and he got lost again. He does not know anyone one so he just cant find anyone to help him. He tries to find people but no one will help him.
I think that the book was a good book. I liked the whole book it was fun to read. I didn't really dislike anything about the book I thought it was fun and cool. I wouldn't change anything about the book. it was similar to the swindle book I read last time. I think this book was fun to read and to learn about.
February 23, 2016
This book is great. Honestly, if I was to count all the things I disliked about it, that list would be less then five. I have very few complaints about this book. It was very well written and well put together.
I think this book summarized life in high school perfectly. As David, the main character, goes through some hard times, and slowly figures out who he really is. Even though he makes some really bad decisions in the book, you can really how much he has changed in the end. The character growth in this book is probably the best part. Every character has experiences that change how they act. Which is what makes it so well written.
Now, this book is really close to being my favorite of all time, but it's missing a proper resolution. The ending left several questions left unanswered. A few of which had been asked the entire book, just seem forgotten at the end, as if it was ending was hurried.
In the end, I think I would give this book about a 9.5/10. It comes so close to perfection, but just falls short. I still encourage anyone to read this book, as it is probably one of the best I've read. Coert Voorhees scores with a greatly written book with Lucky Fools.
I think this book summarized life in high school perfectly. As David, the main character, goes through some hard times, and slowly figures out who he really is. Even though he makes some really bad decisions in the book, you can really how much he has changed in the end. The character growth in this book is probably the best part. Every character has experiences that change how they act. Which is what makes it so well written.
Now, this book is really close to being my favorite of all time, but it's missing a proper resolution. The ending left several questions left unanswered. A few of which had been asked the entire book, just seem forgotten at the end, as if it was ending was hurried.
In the end, I think I would give this book about a 9.5/10. It comes so close to perfection, but just falls short. I still encourage anyone to read this book, as it is probably one of the best I've read. Coert Voorhees scores with a greatly written book with Lucky Fools.
Want to read
May 2, 2012I am a huge fan of the YA books that center around the performing arts. I've always been fascinated by the arts, and probably always will be. When I first heard about this book I was really excited about it! Highschool hi-jinks, and the performing arts? I'm totally in!
I liked that this book had elements of the performing arts. Obviously! I also enjoyed the presence of "The Artist" who goes around spilling embarassing secrets about the seniors. "The Artist" definitely shook things up!
I wasn't too crazy about the main character himself. I didn't dislike him, but I didn't really identify with him either. There's also a bit of a love triangle going on. When done right, I love me a good love triangle!
Overall this was an okay book. Not one of my favorites. If your into the performing arts, like I am, I recomment Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg. And if its high school hijinks your after, I'd go with The List by Siobahn Vivian.
I liked that this book had elements of the performing arts. Obviously! I also enjoyed the presence of "The Artist" who goes around spilling embarassing secrets about the seniors. "The Artist" definitely shook things up!
I wasn't too crazy about the main character himself. I didn't dislike him, but I didn't really identify with him either. There's also a bit of a love triangle going on. When done right, I love me a good love triangle!
Overall this was an okay book. Not one of my favorites. If your into the performing arts, like I am, I recomment Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg. And if its high school hijinks your after, I'd go with The List by Siobahn Vivian.
October 8, 2013
This is a pretty lightweight YA novel -- set in a private school near Stanford University, whose announcement that they will accept only one student from each of the area high schools has sent the senior class into a tailspin. Meanwhile the young man at the center of the story is in a tailspin of his own making -- lusting after the new senior, who has the lead opposite him in the school play, while chafing in the relationship with his longtime girlfriend. His ambition, often announced and in defiance of his parents' wishes, is to study acting at Juilliard; but first he has to get accepted. Lots of this kind of low-grade drama, mixed in with an anonymous menace on campus who is 'outing' students whose perfect exteriors mask unsavory truths.
May 4, 2012
I finished this book this morning and I have to say I was a bit confused about how I felt about it. I didn't really like the main character David, but I found the supporting characters quite interesting. The writing was good, but the subplots were brought up and kind of dropped- like the infinitely interesting Artist. The book title sums up David- he is lucky in life and he's a fool. And while he does go through some change I honestly don't feel he's learned anything in the end. So while I didn't love this book, I would read Vorhees other book and future work. Full review will be up on my blog later!
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