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Punk and Zen
Angst, sex, love, rock. Trace, Candace, Francesca...Samantha. Losing control--and finding the truth within.
Nina is an adult and free on her own terms, but what do you do after you break free? Freedom to...what? She doesn't feel too much, doesn't trust anyone, and she certainly knows better than to look for love. That? She saves for music, whether she's playing guitar or DJing...and everyone dances to her tune.
But when the dreams Nina works so hard for start to fall into place, the past she thinks she's left behind returns. As she opens herself--to everything--Nina learns that being punk alone is not enough. She needs to love and be loved, to let go--without losing herself.
Angst. Sex. Love. Rock. 'Nuff said.
Nina is an adult and free on her own terms, but what do you do after you break free? Freedom to...what? She doesn't feel too much, doesn't trust anyone, and she certainly knows better than to look for love. That? She saves for music, whether she's playing guitar or DJing...and everyone dances to her tune.
But when the dreams Nina works so hard for start to fall into place, the past she thinks she's left behind returns. As she opens herself--to everything--Nina learns that being punk alone is not enough. She needs to love and be loved, to let go--without losing herself.
Angst. Sex. Love. Rock. 'Nuff said.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
3 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Glass
52 books89 followersJD Glass is a well-known author and musician. She's from New York City, and has a strong following for both her writing and her music.
JD Glass is the author of American Library Association (Stonewall) and Lambda Literary Award (Literature) finalist Punk Like Me, Punk And Zen, Lambda Literary Award and Ben Franklin Award finalist Red Light, GCLS finalist American Goth, and the critically acclaimed X; selection editor (and contributor) of GCLS Award winning anthology Outsiders, and listed on the Advocate's Top 100 (2011) for CORE, Vol.1 Iss.1. JD is also contributor to the 50 Gay and Lesbian Books You Must Read, and is a GCLS Finalist for Nocturnes (an erotic anthology). Her latest works include Punk And Zen Pt. 1: The ReMix, Interludes, and First Blood.
Called by some the voice of a generation and the erotic philospher by others, JD works in often familiar-seeming worlds, with people we know, people like ourselves, people we’d like to meet, and provides powerful stories that allow the reader to rejoice and wonder, stumble and fall, then rejoice victoriously again at the amazing experience of being human.
JD Glass is the author of American Library Association (Stonewall) and Lambda Literary Award (Literature) finalist Punk Like Me, Punk And Zen, Lambda Literary Award and Ben Franklin Award finalist Red Light, GCLS finalist American Goth, and the critically acclaimed X; selection editor (and contributor) of GCLS Award winning anthology Outsiders, and listed on the Advocate's Top 100 (2011) for CORE, Vol.1 Iss.1. JD is also contributor to the 50 Gay and Lesbian Books You Must Read, and is a GCLS Finalist for Nocturnes (an erotic anthology). Her latest works include Punk And Zen Pt. 1: The ReMix, Interludes, and First Blood.
Called by some the voice of a generation and the erotic philospher by others, JD works in often familiar-seeming worlds, with people we know, people like ourselves, people we’d like to meet, and provides powerful stories that allow the reader to rejoice and wonder, stumble and fall, then rejoice victoriously again at the amazing experience of being human.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 10, 2018
3.75 Stars. I have wanted to read Glass for a while now. After getting a new edition of Punk and Zen, from YLVA to review, I decided I should start at the beginning. This book, Punk Like Me, is a YA-coming of age book about Nina as a 16 year-old. Punk and Zen, which I will be reading shortly, is about Nina when she is 21. I’m happy to say I enjoyed this more than I expected. The reviews seem to be all over the place, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Luckily this is the kind of YA book I like to read.
I do have to say the writing takes a while to get used to. Nina not only is the main character, but also the narrator; she actually speaks to you throughout the book. I don’t really care for that style; I find it can jar me out of the flow of the story. And to also be frank, Glass’ writing can be a bit spastic at times, actually a lot. But the more I read, the more I didn’t mind and found I was totally sucked into the story.
I can be hard on YA’s. I seem to only really enjoy them if they make me feel something. As I said above, this is the kind of YA book I enjoy. Talk about emotional at times. I actually finished off my box of tissues. Some of the scenes with the parents just absolutely break your heart. And what really made this a good YA... The teenagers felt like teenagers. I didn’t feel like I was reading about adults, or twelve year-olds, I felt like I was reading about high school teens. The writing was actually really well done in places.
I’m glad I can finally check a Glass book off my list. I’m hopefully I will enjoy Punk and Zen just as much. I clearly don’t think this book will work for everyone. But if you are a YA fan, and can be patient with the writing style, this is a pretty good read.
I do have to say the writing takes a while to get used to. Nina not only is the main character, but also the narrator; she actually speaks to you throughout the book. I don’t really care for that style; I find it can jar me out of the flow of the story. And to also be frank, Glass’ writing can be a bit spastic at times, actually a lot. But the more I read, the more I didn’t mind and found I was totally sucked into the story.
I can be hard on YA’s. I seem to only really enjoy them if they make me feel something. As I said above, this is the kind of YA book I enjoy. Talk about emotional at times. I actually finished off my box of tissues. Some of the scenes with the parents just absolutely break your heart. And what really made this a good YA... The teenagers felt like teenagers. I didn’t feel like I was reading about adults, or twelve year-olds, I felt like I was reading about high school teens. The writing was actually really well done in places.
I’m glad I can finally check a Glass book off my list. I’m hopefully I will enjoy Punk and Zen just as much. I clearly don’t think this book will work for everyone. But if you are a YA fan, and can be patient with the writing style, this is a pretty good read.
January 14, 2017
*ARC provided by the Publisher for an honest review*
I don't have much to say about this story and that is mainly because most of it went over my head. The authors approach to writing this book was far to complex which really distracted me from enjoying the storyline because I spent most of the time trying to make sense of what had been written.
When I pick up a fiction book, I am reading for enjoyment and unfortunately the author failed to give me that in this book.
I don't have much to say about this story and that is mainly because most of it went over my head. The authors approach to writing this book was far to complex which really distracted me from enjoying the storyline because I spent most of the time trying to make sense of what had been written.
When I pick up a fiction book, I am reading for enjoyment and unfortunately the author failed to give me that in this book.
December 16, 2016
I was given a review copy of the ebook from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I was a bit confused reading Punk Like Me and uncertain as to the timelines. It starts off in the present tense (it was originally published in 2006) but it moves to the past tense and seems to be referencing a much earlier era, presumably the 1980s. The references to punk music and to the Hopey and Maggie storyline in the Love and Rockets comic books, certainly seem to place the events in the 1980s.
However, the narrator sometimes stops with the story telling and starts talking directly to the reader in the present tense. For example, at one point, the narrator advises the reader to look something up on the internet, which indicates a late 1990s or early 2000s timeframe. So, it's an older person recounting their younger life story. However, there is no evidence of them having matured much. The tone of voice of the narrator is either juvenile or wanting to appeal to younger readers. I'm old enough to have lived through the punk era, so I'm certainly not a younger reader. I found the tone annoying and condescending and I can't imagine a younger reader would like it either.
I'm not quite sure what the point of the story is, beyond urging a younger reader to be 'authentic' and be themselves. The narrator is smugly sure that she, and other punks, were authentic and true to themselves – breaking away from the unthinking conservatism and expectations of society in general. She acknowledges that maybe the 1960s hippies tried to do this as well, but that the peace and love movement only left them 'stoned and disconnected', while punks were 'betrayed…angry… weren't fooled by the bullshit'. However, seems like punks did little to change the world beyond music and were more concerned with their individual lives. Maybe I'm cynical, but joining a punk 'movement' and wearing a punk 'uniform' doesn't seem authentic or individual to me. And not wanting to die in an 'international King-of-the-Mountain pissing contest' is fair enough, but what did punks do to try to stop it, beyond creating mostly bad loud music and being generally obnoxious?
As a coming of age story, Punk Like Me doesn't really work. The narrator learns nothing much, and as already mentioned, doesn't mature beyond what she was at sixteen. She seems to already know everything and doesn't even struggle with her sexuality, only with how others perceive and respond to it. So I was left feeling irritated and uninspired.
I was barely entertained by the book, although it's nowhere near the worst book I've ever read. At least I got through it. But it's nowhere near the best book I've ever read either.
I was a bit confused reading Punk Like Me and uncertain as to the timelines. It starts off in the present tense (it was originally published in 2006) but it moves to the past tense and seems to be referencing a much earlier era, presumably the 1980s. The references to punk music and to the Hopey and Maggie storyline in the Love and Rockets comic books, certainly seem to place the events in the 1980s.
However, the narrator sometimes stops with the story telling and starts talking directly to the reader in the present tense. For example, at one point, the narrator advises the reader to look something up on the internet, which indicates a late 1990s or early 2000s timeframe. So, it's an older person recounting their younger life story. However, there is no evidence of them having matured much. The tone of voice of the narrator is either juvenile or wanting to appeal to younger readers. I'm old enough to have lived through the punk era, so I'm certainly not a younger reader. I found the tone annoying and condescending and I can't imagine a younger reader would like it either.
I'm not quite sure what the point of the story is, beyond urging a younger reader to be 'authentic' and be themselves. The narrator is smugly sure that she, and other punks, were authentic and true to themselves – breaking away from the unthinking conservatism and expectations of society in general. She acknowledges that maybe the 1960s hippies tried to do this as well, but that the peace and love movement only left them 'stoned and disconnected', while punks were 'betrayed…angry… weren't fooled by the bullshit'. However, seems like punks did little to change the world beyond music and were more concerned with their individual lives. Maybe I'm cynical, but joining a punk 'movement' and wearing a punk 'uniform' doesn't seem authentic or individual to me. And not wanting to die in an 'international King-of-the-Mountain pissing contest' is fair enough, but what did punks do to try to stop it, beyond creating mostly bad loud music and being generally obnoxious?
As a coming of age story, Punk Like Me doesn't really work. The narrator learns nothing much, and as already mentioned, doesn't mature beyond what she was at sixteen. She seems to already know everything and doesn't even struggle with her sexuality, only with how others perceive and respond to it. So I was left feeling irritated and uninspired.
I was barely entertained by the book, although it's nowhere near the worst book I've ever read. At least I got through it. But it's nowhere near the best book I've ever read either.
November 3, 2011
This book is about a girl name nina she is, going through a change in her life and with her family and friends. She fine who she is and she likes who she is. Nina knows that that she is gay, and that is there is nothing wrong with her for having these feelings for girls and that she can not change who she is. Though her parents do not like this and as much as they wont tho kick her out, they have to let her live with them. They her that she is not there child and that they do not love her anymore. Though this hurts nina so much it just makes her want to give up life, she is more willing to prove her parents wrong and that there is nothing wrong with who she is and that she will be able to make it on her own. She as a lot of relationship problems with about four different girls. In the end she is the lead guitar player in a band that has made it pretty big she is happy with who she is and how are life has worked out, and she even gets the girl of her dreams.
I loved this book so much, it was a great read, and I can't wait for the next one to come out that is called punk and zen. I think that the athour was a little wordy on some parts, but is a great writer. I love how it had a twist, on must books and shows that a see on this matter it most of the time the parents are ok or that end up being ok with it. In this book the parents were really mean to her. It was really hard to read the part were her parents beat her till she was covered in blood. Coming out is really hard for any on to do, and she stuck with it she came out and stayed out and showed that it was ok to be who you really are. I love this book and I love Nina she was great.
I think that this book is not for everyone, but if you are into reading about the whole gay thing an like coming out story I think that this would be a great book for you. It was great and had a lot of info in it, so that other people can see what coming out is like for some people and show the life that gay people have and maybe the will understand more and be more open to it. So I would say that everyone can read this book not just gay people though some people with say different.
I loved this book so much, it was a great read, and I can't wait for the next one to come out that is called punk and zen. I think that the athour was a little wordy on some parts, but is a great writer. I love how it had a twist, on must books and shows that a see on this matter it most of the time the parents are ok or that end up being ok with it. In this book the parents were really mean to her. It was really hard to read the part were her parents beat her till she was covered in blood. Coming out is really hard for any on to do, and she stuck with it she came out and stayed out and showed that it was ok to be who you really are. I love this book and I love Nina she was great.
I think that this book is not for everyone, but if you are into reading about the whole gay thing an like coming out story I think that this would be a great book for you. It was great and had a lot of info in it, so that other people can see what coming out is like for some people and show the life that gay people have and maybe the will understand more and be more open to it. So I would say that everyone can read this book not just gay people though some people with say different.
January 21, 2019
Punk Like Me is the story of Nina Boyd, a HS student in New York, her friends in and outside of school, and her great adventures. The kind of shenanigans that you can only get into when you’re 16 and hungry to start experiencing everything and fear nothing. It does help that mom and dad are paying the bills and your only job is to study and go to your extracurricular activities, the only rule being that you be home by curfew.
Nina’s a really good character, funny and smart, with a gentle heart that attracts a lot of admirers, young and old. Her friends are a mixed bag and she herself is trying on different skins to see what fits. It gets deep and painful when she comes out but by then we know she’s got the strength of a survivor. I really liked this book but I did have to adjust to the style which reminded me more of the grittier “teen books” I read in the 70’s/80’s than the YA books of today or maybe it just reminded me of being that age hunting for some obscure vinyl or wearing my best black standing in some alley outside a club.
Nina’s a really good character, funny and smart, with a gentle heart that attracts a lot of admirers, young and old. Her friends are a mixed bag and she herself is trying on different skins to see what fits. It gets deep and painful when she comes out but by then we know she’s got the strength of a survivor. I really liked this book but I did have to adjust to the style which reminded me more of the grittier “teen books” I read in the 70’s/80’s than the YA books of today or maybe it just reminded me of being that age hunting for some obscure vinyl or wearing my best black standing in some alley outside a club.
July 25, 2015
This is possibly the worst book ever published. Poorly written, ridiculous plot, vapid-unrealistic characters. The sex scenes are laughably bad. "Her nipples felt like delcious raisins" or something like that. Reads like a bad life time movie written by a horny, 9 year old, lesbian, wannabe rock star. Please kids, read "Rubyfruit Jungle," Read "Annie on my Mind" read anything but this. If you want to read about queer punk kids having a tough time try "Silk" by Caitlin Kiernan. If you really want to read this book I will give it to you. I don't let my wife throw it away because it is so bad that it is almost good. This is the "Troll II" of lesbian fiction.
December 6, 2016
This book surprised me in so many wonderful ways.
I was skeptical when I requested this novel because I wasn't sure that I (who at my most fierce is more punk pebble than punk rock) would be able to relate to this young and punk main character. But after only a few pages in I was ready to punch anyone who tried to interrupt my reading (see I can be tough!) because I was so very hooked on this book.
The author paints an extremely realistic but also beautiful picture of what it's like to kiss a girl for the first time, to be with a girl for the first time, and all the wonders it brings. She does so in a way that I think anyone can relate too.
I don't want to simply call this a coming of age story because it feels like so much more than that. Nina is sixteen years old and balancing school, family, a boyfriend, swim team, and her best friend Kerry. But that balance is shifted one day when a playful joke between friends turns into something real. Real kisses. Real feelings. Feelings she didn't know she had or what to do with them. Nina stays true to herself throughout the novel as we follow her through the new challenges and wonders her life brings. Her integrity and her strength are both beautiful and inspiring.
Nina's voice is captivating. It touches your soul and touches your heart. You ache with her and you laugh with her and you feel each triumph and each sorrow as your own. This book is written in first person which normally I find difficult to read but I didn't notice until I was way into the book because the writing is JUST THAT GOOD.
Gosh I wish that I had read this when I was sixteen - I wonder how different my life might have been. But I'm glad I found this book now and I'm glad I took a chance because it truly changed my life. Thank you so much for this book and congratulations on ten years of its wonderful, beautiful existence!
I received and ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
I was skeptical when I requested this novel because I wasn't sure that I (who at my most fierce is more punk pebble than punk rock) would be able to relate to this young and punk main character. But after only a few pages in I was ready to punch anyone who tried to interrupt my reading (see I can be tough!) because I was so very hooked on this book.
The author paints an extremely realistic but also beautiful picture of what it's like to kiss a girl for the first time, to be with a girl for the first time, and all the wonders it brings. She does so in a way that I think anyone can relate too.
I don't want to simply call this a coming of age story because it feels like so much more than that. Nina is sixteen years old and balancing school, family, a boyfriend, swim team, and her best friend Kerry. But that balance is shifted one day when a playful joke between friends turns into something real. Real kisses. Real feelings. Feelings she didn't know she had or what to do with them. Nina stays true to herself throughout the novel as we follow her through the new challenges and wonders her life brings. Her integrity and her strength are both beautiful and inspiring.
Nina's voice is captivating. It touches your soul and touches your heart. You ache with her and you laugh with her and you feel each triumph and each sorrow as your own. This book is written in first person which normally I find difficult to read but I didn't notice until I was way into the book because the writing is JUST THAT GOOD.
Gosh I wish that I had read this when I was sixteen - I wonder how different my life might have been. But I'm glad I found this book now and I'm glad I took a chance because it truly changed my life. Thank you so much for this book and congratulations on ten years of its wonderful, beautiful existence!
I received and ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2007
The book description is misleading, since “Punk Like Me” deals not with an already grown-up person but with a sixteen-year old Nina and how the discovery of her lesbianism impacted her life. The book is written as a first person narrative, and that should help a connection of the main character with the reader. However, Nina surfaces as a two-dimensional character and a superficial person who likes to play the apparent rebel. Even her being punk looks more like a way of being trendy than resulting from a real analysis and rejection of societal values. This is made quite obvious from her concomitant wish to continue her studies after finishing high school in a military academy. And it is also emphasized in the way that JD Glass deals with the subject of being punk in the book, i.e. en passant.
The story was quite predictable, and even in the middle of dramatic events such as those occurring in the last part of the book it is difficult to empathize with Nina. This is probably due to the overdose of clichés, both in terms of events and of rhetoric from Nina.
JD Glass spend too much of the book detailing events and too less developing her characters and giving them depth. The result is a book that will be easily forgotten by its readers. For a good and unforgettable coming of age book, try Jeanette Winterson’s Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.
The story was quite predictable, and even in the middle of dramatic events such as those occurring in the last part of the book it is difficult to empathize with Nina. This is probably due to the overdose of clichés, both in terms of events and of rhetoric from Nina.
JD Glass spend too much of the book detailing events and too less developing her characters and giving them depth. The result is a book that will be easily forgotten by its readers. For a good and unforgettable coming of age book, try Jeanette Winterson’s Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.
December 31, 2008
This book was poorly written and I would be surprised to discover if it was edited at all. I finished it simply so I could speak in an informed manner about just how horrible it was.
December 14, 2017
Story:
Bis auf gelegentliche Auseinandersetzungen mit ihren Eltern verläuft Ninas Leben in geregelten und soliden Bahnen – sie geht auf eine New Yorker Klosterschule und bringt gute Noten nach Hause, ist Mitglied des Schwimmteams und hat eine Menge guter Freunde. Selbst ihre leicht punkige Natur wird hingenommen und kann weder Eltern noch Nonnen wirklich schockieren. Das ändert sich, als sie Kerry näherkommt, erkennt, dass sie auch ihrer Schwimmkollegin Samantha nicht abgeneigt ist und letztendlich feststellt, dass sie lesbisch ist. Plötzlich bröckelt die Fassade ihrer Eltern, die ihre Kinder zwar lieben und unterstützen, aber nur so lange sie sich den gängigen Regeln und Konventionen unterwerfen. Für Nina bedeutet das sich zwischen ihrer Familie und ihrer Liebe zu Frauen zu entscheiden, zwischen gelebter, aber sicherer Lüge und befreiender, ehrlicher Wahrheit.
Eigene Meinung:
„Punk like me“ stammt aus der Feder J.D. Glass und erschien erstmals 2004 bei Justice Horse Publishing, bevor der Ylva Verlag das Buch 2016 in den USA neu auflegte und schließlich ins Deutsche übersetzte. Die Geschichte um Nina wird in „Punk and Zen“ fortgeführt, in dem Ninas Leben als Erwachsene beleuchtet wird.
J.D. Glass legt einen klassischen Entwicklungsroman vor, sprich die Heldin der Geschichte schafft im Laufe der Zeit den Sprung zur Erwachsenen und findet für sich heraus, was ihr wichtig ist und welchen Weg sie einschlagen möchte. Dabei wirkt die Entwicklung durchaus authentisch und nachvollziehbar, wenngleich die Autorin immer wieder die thematische Gewichtung falsch zu legen scheint. So werden interessante Punkte und Dialoge nur kurz abgehandelt und zusammenfassend widergegeben, erotische Szenen wiederrum in einer Form ausgewalzt und sogar zusätzlich in einer Rückblende wiederholt, dass man die Passagen genervt überspringen möchte. Auch die ausufernde Beschreibung eines Schwimmwettkampfes (so schön und mitreißend sie auch beschrieben ist) passt nicht zur eigentlichen Thematik des Buches (Ninas Suche nach sich selbst und das Treffen eigener Entscheidungen). Das ist sehr schade, da die Autorin im Gegenzug für wichtige Dialoge und auch eine weiterführende, tiefgängige Auseinandersetzung mit einigen Dingen nur wenig Zeit aufwendet. So wirkt Nina nicht so punkig und überzeugend in ihrer Art, wie vielleicht gehofft, wenngleich sie sich zum Ende hin gegen die gängigen Konventionen stellt. Hinzu kommen einige unlogische Aspekte, die ein wenig an der Handlung zweifeln lassen, z.B. dass die Nonnen der Schule nur sehr zurückhaltend auf die Verletzungen eines Mädchens reagieren, das zusammengeschlagen wurde und blutend zusammenbricht. Sicher tickte man in der 80er Jahren (in dem Zeitrahmen dürfte „Punk like me“ angesiedelt sein) in den USA die Welt noch anders, aber gerade Nonnen sollten christliche Werte leben.
Schade ist auch, dass gerade die expliziten, ausgeschmückten Erotikszenen dem Buch die Möglichkeit nimmt für Jugendliche geeignet zu sein, denn Ninas Entwicklung und ihre Ansichten wären für ein Jugendbuch ideal und stimmig gewesen.
Die Charaktere wiederum wirken sehr authentisch und gut ausgearbeitet, insbesondere Nina, die im Laufe der Geschichte einiges hinter sich bringen muss. Ihre punkige Natur mag vielleicht nicht überzeugen, dafür jedoch ihre Beweggründe und die Art und Weise, wie sie mit Problemen umgeht. Sie ist eine sympathische Figur, die aus dem Rahmen fällt und gerade durch ihre ungewöhnliche Art Pluspunkte sammelt. Im Gegensatz dazu wirkt Kerry von Anfang an unsympathisch, man fragt sich als Leser, warum Nina so extrem an ihr festhält, selbst als einige unschöne Geheimnisse gelüftet sind. Lediglich Samantha kann punkten, ist ihre ruhige, ausgeglichene Art der perfekte Gegenpol zu Nina. Die übrigen Charaktere bleiben unheimlich blass – gerade Ninas Geschwister kommen nur am Rande vor und nehmen kaum eine tragende Rolle ein, was sehr schade ist. Auch sonst lernt man außerhalb der Protagonistin, Kerry und Samantha niemanden wirklich kennen.
Stilistisch passt sich die Autorin ihrer offenen und ungewöhnlichen Heldin an – frech, lockerleicht und sehr direkt wird die Geschichte aus Ninas Perspektive geschrieben. Dabei wendet sie sich immer wieder direkt an den Leser indem Gedankengänge in Klammern gesetzt werden oder einige Punkte auf diesem Weg erklärt werden. Dadurch ist „Punk like me“ jugendlicher und direkter und passt von der Erzählerstimme her eher zu einem Jugendbuch, als zu einem Roman für Erwachsene. JD Glass‘ lockerleichter, fast schon rotziger Stil unterstreicht die Diskrepanzen zwischen jugendlichem Grundtenor und expliziter Erotik, die nur bedingt zusammenpassen.
Fazit:
„Punk like me“ lässt sich nur schwer einem Genre zuordnen und passt von Stil und der inhaltlichen Ausrichtung am ehesten in die Gattung Jugendbuch. Dass dafür die Erotik zu stark gewichtet ist und einige interessante Punkte nur kurz beleuchtet werden, ist das größte Manko an JD Glass‘ Debüt „Punk like me“. Schade, das Buch hätte durchaus Potenzial gehabt, gerade durch die ungewöhnliche Heldin und den lockeren Stil. Am Besten reinlesen und selbst entscheiden …
Bis auf gelegentliche Auseinandersetzungen mit ihren Eltern verläuft Ninas Leben in geregelten und soliden Bahnen – sie geht auf eine New Yorker Klosterschule und bringt gute Noten nach Hause, ist Mitglied des Schwimmteams und hat eine Menge guter Freunde. Selbst ihre leicht punkige Natur wird hingenommen und kann weder Eltern noch Nonnen wirklich schockieren. Das ändert sich, als sie Kerry näherkommt, erkennt, dass sie auch ihrer Schwimmkollegin Samantha nicht abgeneigt ist und letztendlich feststellt, dass sie lesbisch ist. Plötzlich bröckelt die Fassade ihrer Eltern, die ihre Kinder zwar lieben und unterstützen, aber nur so lange sie sich den gängigen Regeln und Konventionen unterwerfen. Für Nina bedeutet das sich zwischen ihrer Familie und ihrer Liebe zu Frauen zu entscheiden, zwischen gelebter, aber sicherer Lüge und befreiender, ehrlicher Wahrheit.
Eigene Meinung:
„Punk like me“ stammt aus der Feder J.D. Glass und erschien erstmals 2004 bei Justice Horse Publishing, bevor der Ylva Verlag das Buch 2016 in den USA neu auflegte und schließlich ins Deutsche übersetzte. Die Geschichte um Nina wird in „Punk and Zen“ fortgeführt, in dem Ninas Leben als Erwachsene beleuchtet wird.
J.D. Glass legt einen klassischen Entwicklungsroman vor, sprich die Heldin der Geschichte schafft im Laufe der Zeit den Sprung zur Erwachsenen und findet für sich heraus, was ihr wichtig ist und welchen Weg sie einschlagen möchte. Dabei wirkt die Entwicklung durchaus authentisch und nachvollziehbar, wenngleich die Autorin immer wieder die thematische Gewichtung falsch zu legen scheint. So werden interessante Punkte und Dialoge nur kurz abgehandelt und zusammenfassend widergegeben, erotische Szenen wiederrum in einer Form ausgewalzt und sogar zusätzlich in einer Rückblende wiederholt, dass man die Passagen genervt überspringen möchte. Auch die ausufernde Beschreibung eines Schwimmwettkampfes (so schön und mitreißend sie auch beschrieben ist) passt nicht zur eigentlichen Thematik des Buches (Ninas Suche nach sich selbst und das Treffen eigener Entscheidungen). Das ist sehr schade, da die Autorin im Gegenzug für wichtige Dialoge und auch eine weiterführende, tiefgängige Auseinandersetzung mit einigen Dingen nur wenig Zeit aufwendet. So wirkt Nina nicht so punkig und überzeugend in ihrer Art, wie vielleicht gehofft, wenngleich sie sich zum Ende hin gegen die gängigen Konventionen stellt. Hinzu kommen einige unlogische Aspekte, die ein wenig an der Handlung zweifeln lassen, z.B. dass die Nonnen der Schule nur sehr zurückhaltend auf die Verletzungen eines Mädchens reagieren, das zusammengeschlagen wurde und blutend zusammenbricht. Sicher tickte man in der 80er Jahren (in dem Zeitrahmen dürfte „Punk like me“ angesiedelt sein) in den USA die Welt noch anders, aber gerade Nonnen sollten christliche Werte leben.
Schade ist auch, dass gerade die expliziten, ausgeschmückten Erotikszenen dem Buch die Möglichkeit nimmt für Jugendliche geeignet zu sein, denn Ninas Entwicklung und ihre Ansichten wären für ein Jugendbuch ideal und stimmig gewesen.
Die Charaktere wiederum wirken sehr authentisch und gut ausgearbeitet, insbesondere Nina, die im Laufe der Geschichte einiges hinter sich bringen muss. Ihre punkige Natur mag vielleicht nicht überzeugen, dafür jedoch ihre Beweggründe und die Art und Weise, wie sie mit Problemen umgeht. Sie ist eine sympathische Figur, die aus dem Rahmen fällt und gerade durch ihre ungewöhnliche Art Pluspunkte sammelt. Im Gegensatz dazu wirkt Kerry von Anfang an unsympathisch, man fragt sich als Leser, warum Nina so extrem an ihr festhält, selbst als einige unschöne Geheimnisse gelüftet sind. Lediglich Samantha kann punkten, ist ihre ruhige, ausgeglichene Art der perfekte Gegenpol zu Nina. Die übrigen Charaktere bleiben unheimlich blass – gerade Ninas Geschwister kommen nur am Rande vor und nehmen kaum eine tragende Rolle ein, was sehr schade ist. Auch sonst lernt man außerhalb der Protagonistin, Kerry und Samantha niemanden wirklich kennen.
Stilistisch passt sich die Autorin ihrer offenen und ungewöhnlichen Heldin an – frech, lockerleicht und sehr direkt wird die Geschichte aus Ninas Perspektive geschrieben. Dabei wendet sie sich immer wieder direkt an den Leser indem Gedankengänge in Klammern gesetzt werden oder einige Punkte auf diesem Weg erklärt werden. Dadurch ist „Punk like me“ jugendlicher und direkter und passt von der Erzählerstimme her eher zu einem Jugendbuch, als zu einem Roman für Erwachsene. JD Glass‘ lockerleichter, fast schon rotziger Stil unterstreicht die Diskrepanzen zwischen jugendlichem Grundtenor und expliziter Erotik, die nur bedingt zusammenpassen.
Fazit:
„Punk like me“ lässt sich nur schwer einem Genre zuordnen und passt von Stil und der inhaltlichen Ausrichtung am ehesten in die Gattung Jugendbuch. Dass dafür die Erotik zu stark gewichtet ist und einige interessante Punkte nur kurz beleuchtet werden, ist das größte Manko an JD Glass‘ Debüt „Punk like me“. Schade, das Buch hätte durchaus Potenzial gehabt, gerade durch die ungewöhnliche Heldin und den lockeren Stil. Am Besten reinlesen und selbst entscheiden …
July 10, 2019
Punk like me is a coming of age story that focuses largely on sexuality, between girls and also the protagonists relationship with her own body.
It has most of the expected elements of a coming of age story and was enjoyable in that it was nice to see a lesbian coming of age story.
However, the first person narration whilst providing a great deal of characterisation could be grating as there were constant definitions of “punk” or teenager specific terms that were unneeded and seemed clunky. The narrative voice was too self conscious for me to either immerse myself in or relate to.
There was one chapter that was about 95% graphic sex and it got to the point where I just wanted it to be over. But it was nice to know that someone had taken the time to write detailed lesbian sex that was accurate and not overly sexualised for a voyeuristic reader.
Side note: at least 4 queer female characters I’ve read have been swimmers? Is swimming a gay stereotype that’s just not as know as softball?
Also, if you choose to read this book TW for extreme homophobia and violence.
It has most of the expected elements of a coming of age story and was enjoyable in that it was nice to see a lesbian coming of age story.
However, the first person narration whilst providing a great deal of characterisation could be grating as there were constant definitions of “punk” or teenager specific terms that were unneeded and seemed clunky. The narrative voice was too self conscious for me to either immerse myself in or relate to.
There was one chapter that was about 95% graphic sex and it got to the point where I just wanted it to be over. But it was nice to know that someone had taken the time to write detailed lesbian sex that was accurate and not overly sexualised for a voyeuristic reader.
Side note: at least 4 queer female characters I’ve read have been swimmers? Is swimming a gay stereotype that’s just not as know as softball?
Also, if you choose to read this book TW for extreme homophobia and violence.
February 27, 2019
3.5 star rating
I didn't like the style of writing at the beginning, it took awhile of dedication on my part to adjust to it and then the first quarter of the book was just pretty much invested into juvenile mannerism which got me asking myself perhaps I need to drop the book and move on to something else.
But knowing me, I picked it up later determined to finish it and fortunately thereafter was when the book started to reveal more depth and imbue the characters etc. So I am glad I didn't give up because it's quite a story for that age range. On the other, the ending was poorly done in my opinion and the writing style as mentioned was kinda challenging.
I didn't like the style of writing at the beginning, it took awhile of dedication on my part to adjust to it and then the first quarter of the book was just pretty much invested into juvenile mannerism which got me asking myself perhaps I need to drop the book and move on to something else.
But knowing me, I picked it up later determined to finish it and fortunately thereafter was when the book started to reveal more depth and imbue the characters etc. So I am glad I didn't give up because it's quite a story for that age range. On the other, the ending was poorly done in my opinion and the writing style as mentioned was kinda challenging.
July 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! It's written in a straightforward, no-nonsense style which is the perfect voice for lead character, Nina. "Punk Like Me" opens with Nina getting ready to perform onstage at New York City's famous East Village venue CBGB's. She is the guitarist/lyricist for her band, Adam's Rib. Right off the bat, Nina reveals to us that she is gay: "Not confused, not experimenting, not bi," but definitely gay, and she tells us that if that's a problem, then we should get out now!
Truth is, I wasn't sure how well I WOULD relate to this story, as I am a "not confused, not experimenting" heterosexual, however, author J.D. Glass has a knack for conveying universal emotions so adeptly, there couldn't be a sensitive human being on the planet incapable of commiserating with Nina as she experiences life as an adolescent female (usually difficult enough) dealing with the pressure of being true to herself and honest about her sexuality in a world where even her own parents have trouble accepting the fact that their daughter might be a lesbian.
"Punk Like Me" is set mostly in high school where Nina attends "The Hill," a strict academy run by nuns who give their students no choice but to follow a long list of rules or else be penalized for things like "wearing their sweaters without the blazers." "Punk Like Me" is a very moving account of all of Nina's struggles, both inside and outside of school. Nina's high school life outside of school mostly focuses on her tempestuous relationship with her "confused" friend, Kerry.
Nina suffers a lot in this novel, both emotionally and physically, but her strength always comes through. She is an honest person who has morals and character. A person who wouldn't hurt anyone even at the expense of being profoundly damaged herself. In spite of some heavy, heart-wrenching moments, Nina's sense of humor always shines through which makes the reading of this emotional novel an overall pleasant one. I highly recommend it!
Truth is, I wasn't sure how well I WOULD relate to this story, as I am a "not confused, not experimenting" heterosexual, however, author J.D. Glass has a knack for conveying universal emotions so adeptly, there couldn't be a sensitive human being on the planet incapable of commiserating with Nina as she experiences life as an adolescent female (usually difficult enough) dealing with the pressure of being true to herself and honest about her sexuality in a world where even her own parents have trouble accepting the fact that their daughter might be a lesbian.
"Punk Like Me" is set mostly in high school where Nina attends "The Hill," a strict academy run by nuns who give their students no choice but to follow a long list of rules or else be penalized for things like "wearing their sweaters without the blazers." "Punk Like Me" is a very moving account of all of Nina's struggles, both inside and outside of school. Nina's high school life outside of school mostly focuses on her tempestuous relationship with her "confused" friend, Kerry.
Nina suffers a lot in this novel, both emotionally and physically, but her strength always comes through. She is an honest person who has morals and character. A person who wouldn't hurt anyone even at the expense of being profoundly damaged herself. In spite of some heavy, heart-wrenching moments, Nina's sense of humor always shines through which makes the reading of this emotional novel an overall pleasant one. I highly recommend it!
December 17, 2016
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
In this beautifully, powerfully written first-person narrative, Nina Boyd shares with us little bit of her present and a lot of her past. In her present she introduces us to her band, Adams Rib, her bandmates, Steffi, and Jeremy, her friend, Tracy, and her brother, Nico. From her past, she introduces us to her parents, her sister Nanny, her friends Kerry and Samantha, and her swimming teammates Kitt and Betta.
Nina, by way of fashion, and popular music (U2 and Concrete Blonde), takes us back to the 1990s, when she is a 16-year-old high school junior. She, like most teenagers, is trying to figure out who she is as individual, who she is in relation to each member of her family, in relation to her friends, and in relation to the world. She reveals herself through her interactions with her family, her friends, and her teammates. She wonders at her father's hostility towards her, and enjoys a close relationship with her brother. She explores the boundaries of her friendship with Kerry. She enjoys the support of and supporting her teammates during competition. She is a multifaceted pre-adult in the process of becoming.
JD Glass has given us one of the story to enjoy. It's beautifully told and perfectly crafted. I look forward to much, much more.
In this beautifully, powerfully written first-person narrative, Nina Boyd shares with us little bit of her present and a lot of her past. In her present she introduces us to her band, Adams Rib, her bandmates, Steffi, and Jeremy, her friend, Tracy, and her brother, Nico. From her past, she introduces us to her parents, her sister Nanny, her friends Kerry and Samantha, and her swimming teammates Kitt and Betta.
Nina, by way of fashion, and popular music (U2 and Concrete Blonde), takes us back to the 1990s, when she is a 16-year-old high school junior. She, like most teenagers, is trying to figure out who she is as individual, who she is in relation to each member of her family, in relation to her friends, and in relation to the world. She reveals herself through her interactions with her family, her friends, and her teammates. She wonders at her father's hostility towards her, and enjoys a close relationship with her brother. She explores the boundaries of her friendship with Kerry. She enjoys the support of and supporting her teammates during competition. She is a multifaceted pre-adult in the process of becoming.
JD Glass has given us one of the story to enjoy. It's beautifully told and perfectly crafted. I look forward to much, much more.
December 11, 2016
Disclaimer: I received ARC from Ylva publishing in exchange for my honest review.
My review may be a little different... I read the fourth book in this series (Glass Lions) before I read anything else. That was confusing because I didn't know until after I finished. Nina was one of the main characters in the fourth book so I was already familiar with her. This book was her "backstory" in my view and I appreciated that. The book almost felt like a young adult novel that was gritty in a good way. Nina was a high school kid who went through identity crisis (her sexual orientation, future plans, etc) and that was a typical YA novel. What I liked the most about this story is the punk culture elements and her relationships with other characters (her brother Nicky, Kerri, Samantha, and Fran). I have to warn potential readers that there is angsty issues like family members being homophobic and abusive. I wouldn't want anyone to be triggered. The author addressed those issues in realistic way in my opinion. The only reason this book didn't get five stars is that I reserve that for my favorite books and this one didn't quite reach that standard.
I'm definitely going to read the next book in this series.
My review may be a little different... I read the fourth book in this series (Glass Lions) before I read anything else. That was confusing because I didn't know until after I finished. Nina was one of the main characters in the fourth book so I was already familiar with her. This book was her "backstory" in my view and I appreciated that. The book almost felt like a young adult novel that was gritty in a good way. Nina was a high school kid who went through identity crisis (her sexual orientation, future plans, etc) and that was a typical YA novel. What I liked the most about this story is the punk culture elements and her relationships with other characters (her brother Nicky, Kerri, Samantha, and Fran). I have to warn potential readers that there is angsty issues like family members being homophobic and abusive. I wouldn't want anyone to be triggered. The author addressed those issues in realistic way in my opinion. The only reason this book didn't get five stars is that I reserve that for my favorite books and this one didn't quite reach that standard.
I'm definitely going to read the next book in this series.
May 12, 2017
O.M.G. This has to be one of the best books I have read in years. OK I know what you're thinking that I can't get out enough, but honestly I've read numerous books and most of the classics and I will remain with my original assessment that this is one of the best books I've read. It's written as the author is the main character Nina and you get all her thoughts and feelings of everything she encounters. Not everyone's cup of tea I know, and I admit not my first choice of a book. But JD Glass has such an exceptional writing style that you can't do anything but get involved and go on a journey with Nina with all it's ups and downs. And just for the record her parents are evil twisted human beings, no wait, they aren't human beings, just evil and twisted. Read you'll get the picture. But you really have to read this regardless of what others say it's a life journey of one strong and independent person, one although fictional, is someone I admire for her bravery and her kindness. Enjoy, if you haven't guessed I did.
December 21, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the third edition of this book, originally published in 2006. I have not read anything else by J.D. Glass, however since reading this book I am going to check out others that she has written. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but once I started reading I could not put it down.
This novel tells Nina's story, you meet her friends and family and you are there for some major events in her young life. It is a raw and honest account of Nina's growing up and coming out. This story will make you smile, it will make you cry and it will enrage you. It will show you what strength is and how one can stand up and over-come in order to survive.
This novel tells Nina's story, you meet her friends and family and you are there for some major events in her young life. It is a raw and honest account of Nina's growing up and coming out. This story will make you smile, it will make you cry and it will enrage you. It will show you what strength is and how one can stand up and over-come in order to survive.
December 15, 2016
Punk Like Me by J.D. Glass was really an awesome look into a YA coming out story and all the complications that come with that. Nina is young, carefree and punk. She's me growing up. Enjoying her time at comic books stores, hanging with her friends and doing her best in school, including being a really good swimmer. She has it all, but parents that really understand her. The story goes through her later high school years, finding herself, what she is made of and who her friends and family really are. I wish we saw more of the reunion between Razor and Blade, but it was sweet none the less. I see that there other books in the Punk series and I for one will be reading them all.
November 18, 2014
I must of read this book 1000 times haha I loved the story of Nina and Sam... Them at the beach was always made me smile... the feelings they share but never get into. The things she had to go through with her family made me cry. I was always worried that was going to happen to me in real life. Knowing she got out of it made me feel proud.
Kerry to me was like a bad dream that I wanted Nina to wake up from. I loved the book. I have spoken with JD Glass before when I was younger she was awesome! I even got my class in high school to read 3 of her books!
Kerry to me was like a bad dream that I wanted Nina to wake up from. I loved the book. I have spoken with JD Glass before when I was younger she was awesome! I even got my class in high school to read 3 of her books!
January 7, 2017
Before reading this book I read a lot of mixed reviews so I didn't really know what to expect. I know the style of writing in this book isn't for everyone, but I personally loved it. The chemistry was brilliantly written and I fell in love with Nina, she was dealing with unbelievable heart break caused by her family and I truly felt it, she is caring and loyal and always very honest with herself and others. This is a book I will definitely read again! An easy 5 stars from me.
January 23, 2011
I love JD's writing! I love her characters and her intensity . . . This was my second or third reading of Punk and Zen, and I always find something new in it. American Goth next . . . and then I'll be waiting . . . the story of Nina and Sam must go on!
January 10, 2017
This story flashes back early and pretty much takes place in the high school year of Nina. A good mix of teenage angst, uncertainty and clarity. This book doesn't shy away from some of the realities of families which makes Nina's story more relate-able. Glad I didn't miss this one.
March 9, 2008
The best written part of this book was the sex scene. Otherwise, it seemed like the editor was on vacation and the author was trying way too hard to create a "deep" story.
December 2, 2008
This is the follow up to JD Glass' Punk Like Me. Glass has a great voice and creates some interesting characters. Some character reactions seem a bit over the top, but the story is good.
March 16, 2017
The story is about Nina and tells a story about her growing up as a teenager some important points which leads to where she is now in the present. All in all good coming-of-age story.
It starts in the present and then goes right to the past to a certain important point. The story is told from Nina directly like she just recalls all this in her mind and there are often remarks in the test from present Nina. It´s a unique writing style that I really liked, you get really into the story. I could really sympathise with her.
But sometimes the Author got a little distracted and goes into to much detail at certain events that aent important for the story. These passages get a little bit boring that you want to skip them. These lines could have been investet to go more in detail with the ending because it was a little bit rushed, nevertheless is the ending quite nice.
*I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
It starts in the present and then goes right to the past to a certain important point. The story is told from Nina directly like she just recalls all this in her mind and there are often remarks in the test from present Nina. It´s a unique writing style that I really liked, you get really into the story. I could really sympathise with her.
But sometimes the Author got a little distracted and goes into to much detail at certain events that aent important for the story. These passages get a little bit boring that you want to skip them. These lines could have been investet to go more in detail with the ending because it was a little bit rushed, nevertheless is the ending quite nice.
*I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
February 9, 2021
Anfangs war ich hyped, dann zog sich die Story etwas und zum Schluss passierte auf den letzten 50 Seiten so viel, dass ich Bock auf die Fortsetzung habe, weil so viel offen gelassen wird.
Für mich als hetero Frau war es aber super spannend und auch erschreckend in Ninas Welt einzutauchen. Auch wenn ich mich nicht rein versetzen kann, wie es ist, plötzlich von den eigenen Eltern ignoriert oder direkt gehasst zu werden, Gewalt zu erleben, weil man nicht (mehr) der Norm entspricht, schlichtweg einen anderen Menschen liebt, den andere nicht für einen selbst vorsehen, hat es mir geholfen, mehr zu verstehen.
Für mich als hetero Frau war es aber super spannend und auch erschreckend in Ninas Welt einzutauchen. Auch wenn ich mich nicht rein versetzen kann, wie es ist, plötzlich von den eigenen Eltern ignoriert oder direkt gehasst zu werden, Gewalt zu erleben, weil man nicht (mehr) der Norm entspricht, schlichtweg einen anderen Menschen liebt, den andere nicht für einen selbst vorsehen, hat es mir geholfen, mehr zu verstehen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2017
Well, i didn't like at all. I try, but i just couldn't. It was really bad written and a bit confused jumping from the present to the past. The book was not what i expected at all when a read the summary.
*An ARC was given to me from YLVA for a honest review.
*An ARC was given to me from YLVA for a honest review.
September 9, 2020
An ebook copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I try really hard to enjoy books with f/f ships since there's not too many and most are rated low but silly reasons but I just could not like this book no matter how hard I tried.
We start with a random scene, then enter a flashback (that's basically the whole book till the epilogue when our protagonists stops zoning out after 250 pages). There are at least 10 different characters mention right at the start of this book, and each one of them has at least 3 nicknames (that aren't even remotely close to their names) so good luck following Nina's trail of thought. Actually same goes for the plot because in this book the whole "show don't tell" thing is non existent. One second Nina will talk how she's fishing and then randomly start talking about a thing that happened before, or about something she enjoys doing, none of which have any relevance to the story. (I'm sorry but I don't exactly need a whole paragraph on Nina taking off and putting on her shoes 3 times while she cleans the house??) She randomly interrupts her own train of thought in the middle of every sentence at least 3 times (sometimes 8). If this was done on purpose, then it's good, but personally it left me disoriented and completely unaware of what I was even reading.
Another thing I hated is that the word "faggot" was used at least 10 times in the book, alongside "nazi". I don't know who thought it was okay for characters to compare "faggots" to "nazis", you know, people who want them dead? Spoiler alert: it's not, especially if the character who does it just gets away with it. Other slurs like "dyke" and "retarded" are everywhere too. Here's one of my absolute favorite quotes (note: that is sarcasm) Fun, right?
This all happened within first 30 pages of the book, I read on hoping my mind might change but no, it just stayed that way till the end. I mostly skimmed through the rest of it just for the plot to see if at least the story made any sense but all I got was a whole chapter about a swimming competition (out of the blue) and another with child abuse (as in, actual parents beating a child multiple times because of homophobia) and vague notion of a girl lying about being raped multiple times (it's all implied but I don't even know why it's there). All the shitty people in the book stay that way, and ultimately nothing at all happens.
If it's your thing, then sure, you might enjoy it. I however, would not recommend it.
I try really hard to enjoy books with f/f ships since there's not too many and most are rated low but silly reasons but I just could not like this book no matter how hard I tried.
We start with a random scene, then enter a flashback (that's basically the whole book till the epilogue when our protagonists stops zoning out after 250 pages). There are at least 10 different characters mention right at the start of this book, and each one of them has at least 3 nicknames (that aren't even remotely close to their names) so good luck following Nina's trail of thought. Actually same goes for the plot because in this book the whole "show don't tell" thing is non existent. One second Nina will talk how she's fishing and then randomly start talking about a thing that happened before, or about something she enjoys doing, none of which have any relevance to the story. (I'm sorry but I don't exactly need a whole paragraph on Nina taking off and putting on her shoes 3 times while she cleans the house??) She randomly interrupts her own train of thought in the middle of every sentence at least 3 times (sometimes 8). If this was done on purpose, then it's good, but personally it left me disoriented and completely unaware of what I was even reading.
Another thing I hated is that the word "faggot" was used at least 10 times in the book, alongside "nazi". I don't know who thought it was okay for characters to compare "faggots" to "nazis", you know, people who want them dead? Spoiler alert: it's not, especially if the character who does it just gets away with it. Other slurs like "dyke" and "retarded" are everywhere too. Here's one of my absolute favorite quotes (note: that is sarcasm) Fun, right?
This all happened within first 30 pages of the book, I read on hoping my mind might change but no, it just stayed that way till the end. I mostly skimmed through the rest of it just for the plot to see if at least the story made any sense but all I got was a whole chapter about a swimming competition (out of the blue) and another with child abuse (as in, actual parents beating a child multiple times because of homophobia) and vague notion of a girl lying about being raped multiple times (it's all implied but I don't even know why it's there). All the shitty people in the book stay that way, and ultimately nothing at all happens.
If it's your thing, then sure, you might enjoy it. I however, would not recommend it.
February 11, 2017
I really enjoyed Punk Like Me . It's a little racy, has some strong language, and includes some LGBT+ characters, so if that's not your style, don't read it.
The storyline was compelling, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down at times. I really enjoyed the main character, Nina. She came across as really authentic and relatable. I felt like she could have been a good friend, and her story pulls you in. Punk Like Me follows Nina, a teenager growing up in New York and exploring her identity getting in trouble. She's a bold, tough, outspoken, and friendly girl who is absolutely the definition of punk. She values being authentic and being true to oneself, and never bails on her friends. When she's faced with tough decisions that could lead to her disownment and getting kicked out of school, she takes it like a true punk and sticks true to herself, in light of the consequences, which makes me like Nina even more. I couldn't call this a coming-of-age story or a coming out story, because it is so much more than that. It's also the story of high school shenanigans, and a rushed romance, and discovering new feelings, and leading a swim team to victory, and being bullied, and rebuilding old friendships, and learning how to live without the support of your family, and finding love. This story is a wonderful glimpse into a young girl's life when it takes a critical turn. I know not everyone will enjoy the writing style or the story, but I did.
The writing did leave something to be desired, particularly in character development. Nina was very well-developed, but some of the other characters were hard to understand. I felt like one of the more important characters was ignored until the very end, and pacing was a little bothersome at times.
Overall, I believe this was a good read and I would recommend it. Also, I think we all would have appreciated more Samantha.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway for the purpose of providing an honest review
The storyline was compelling, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down at times. I really enjoyed the main character, Nina. She came across as really authentic and relatable. I felt like she could have been a good friend, and her story pulls you in. Punk Like Me follows Nina, a teenager growing up in New York and exploring her identity getting in trouble. She's a bold, tough, outspoken, and friendly girl who is absolutely the definition of punk. She values being authentic and being true to oneself, and never bails on her friends. When she's faced with tough decisions that could lead to her disownment and getting kicked out of school, she takes it like a true punk and sticks true to herself, in light of the consequences, which makes me like Nina even more. I couldn't call this a coming-of-age story or a coming out story, because it is so much more than that. It's also the story of high school shenanigans, and a rushed romance, and discovering new feelings, and leading a swim team to victory, and being bullied, and rebuilding old friendships, and learning how to live without the support of your family, and finding love. This story is a wonderful glimpse into a young girl's life when it takes a critical turn. I know not everyone will enjoy the writing style or the story, but I did.
The writing did leave something to be desired, particularly in character development. Nina was very well-developed, but some of the other characters were hard to understand. I felt like one of the more important characters was ignored until the very end, and pacing was a little bothersome at times.
Overall, I believe this was a good read and I would recommend it. Also, I think we all would have appreciated more Samantha.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway for the purpose of providing an honest review
January 4, 2017
This book was one of my favorites within the last few months.
When i started to read it i wasnt sure if it would be my kind of book because i have no idea about punk and even isnt into music that much to made differences between styles and aras.Its not often for me that im right into i from the very beginning, but in this case i was. I could so relate with it when she draw the pictures of how it feels to be in love with a girl for the first time. To do everythink with your partner for the first time.
We follow the path of the sixteen years old Nina who struggels to keep her live together with her parents, school, swim team and a boyfriend. When one days a joke became so much more the result was a kiss with her best friend Kerry. She stays true to herself and accepts new challenges in her life.
Its very easy to like Nina and to relate to her that makes the book so amazing to read. Nina takes us in this book back to her youth when she discovers life – i realized ther must be more about Nina so i will definitly get the other books of JD Glass. I want to know more, i need to know more.
Also JD Glass way of writing makes me interessted in more of her work. I was given this book as a ARC from Ylva.
When i started to read it i wasnt sure if it would be my kind of book because i have no idea about punk and even isnt into music that much to made differences between styles and aras.Its not often for me that im right into i from the very beginning, but in this case i was. I could so relate with it when she draw the pictures of how it feels to be in love with a girl for the first time. To do everythink with your partner for the first time.
We follow the path of the sixteen years old Nina who struggels to keep her live together with her parents, school, swim team and a boyfriend. When one days a joke became so much more the result was a kiss with her best friend Kerry. She stays true to herself and accepts new challenges in her life.
Its very easy to like Nina and to relate to her that makes the book so amazing to read. Nina takes us in this book back to her youth when she discovers life – i realized ther must be more about Nina so i will definitly get the other books of JD Glass. I want to know more, i need to know more.
Also JD Glass way of writing makes me interessted in more of her work. I was given this book as a ARC from Ylva.
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