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Perry & Gobi #1
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Preferring to play with his band during a much-anticipated gig, Perry is forced by his mother to escort a quiet, socially awkward Lithuanian exchange student to the prom and is astonished to learn that she is actually an undercover assassin on a high-stakes mission in Manhattan. A first young adult novel by the author of Red Harvest.
208 pages, Library Binding
First published September 19, 2011
69 people are currently reading
6406 people want to read
About the author
Joe Schreiber
25 books319 followersJoe Schreiber was born in Michigan but spent his formative years in Alaska, Wyoming and northern California. Until recently, he has never lived in the same address for longer than a year. Before settling in Hershey he lived in New York, Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland (OR), and Philadelphia. Becoming a parent forced him to consider a career with more reliable income, and he got a job as an MRI tech at Hershey Medical Center. Joe is married and has two children. He is the author of Chasing The Dead, Eat The Dark, and his newest tale of terror; No Doors, No Windows, which went on sale the same day as STAR WARS: DEATH TROOPERS. You can find him on the web at his blog ScaryParent.Blogspot.Com and on Suvudu.Com, where he is an occasional horror columnist.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 881 reviews
July 4, 2011
This is one of those young adult books where you feel like the author's attitude was "who cares! YA books aren't real books!" The concept is REALLY interesting. Structuring each chapter around a college application essay question is brilliant. The dialogue is dull but not terrible. The problem is the number of factual mistakes ... you know a little artistic license is fine, but when there are errors in location, plot, and characterization that could have been prevented with a quick google you really start to wonder what the author must think of his readers.
Some examples:
-Perry comes into NYC through Grand Central than later in the book inexplicably returns home via Penn Station (which by the way wouldn't have trains to where he lives anyway)
-Perry calls his parents at home in Connecticut, 45 minutes later he runs into them in the Lower East Side. Just getting to NYC would have taken over an hour with perfect traffic conditions, say nothing about going downtown.
-Male character named Milos Lazarova. Lazarova is a woman's name (Czech surnames are gendered). His name should be Milos Lazar unless he's a FTM transsexual. The same goes for Gobija's surname Zaksauskas this is the MASCULINE FORM the correct surname would be Zaksauskaite.
-Gobi's English skills vary wildly through the novel. One minute she can barely handle basic phrases, twenty pages later she's quoting Shakespeare?
These are just small things because I don't want to spoil anything for people who want to read the book ^_^ but trust me I could go on. All and all it's an okay book: a fast read with a few clever moments. I got an advanced copy so maybe (hopefully) the copy editor will fix the worst of the errors before it's released.
But give kids some credit, kids are smart. You can spend an extra fifteen minutes doing some research about what you've decided to write about.
Some examples:
-Perry comes into NYC through Grand Central than later in the book inexplicably returns home via Penn Station (which by the way wouldn't have trains to where he lives anyway)
-Perry calls his parents at home in Connecticut, 45 minutes later he runs into them in the Lower East Side. Just getting to NYC would have taken over an hour with perfect traffic conditions, say nothing about going downtown.
-Male character named Milos Lazarova. Lazarova is a woman's name (Czech surnames are gendered). His name should be Milos Lazar unless he's a FTM transsexual. The same goes for Gobija's surname Zaksauskas this is the MASCULINE FORM the correct surname would be Zaksauskaite.
-Gobi's English skills vary wildly through the novel. One minute she can barely handle basic phrases, twenty pages later she's quoting Shakespeare?
These are just small things because I don't want to spoil anything for people who want to read the book ^_^ but trust me I could go on. All and all it's an okay book: a fast read with a few clever moments. I got an advanced copy so maybe (hopefully) the copy editor will fix the worst of the errors before it's released.
But give kids some credit, kids are smart. You can spend an extra fifteen minutes doing some research about what you've decided to write about.
January 26, 2016
Totally a teenage boy, wet dream wish fulfillment book. Not that there's anything wrong with that ... It reminded me lots of the movie "Wanted," because of the whole "hey, this girl is really hot and she shoots guns and kills people and seems to like me and is giving me the night of my life" angle. Only, I remembering liking that movie a lot more than this book. Maybe because it starred James McEvoy and I think he's pretty.
November 15, 2018
Surprisingly good for 190 pages. Short, sweet, with a badass female assassin. All the good qualities a book should have.
October 25, 2011
so I am suppose to be asleep 2 hours ago, but this book is so small it just seemed dumb to not finish it. I know that's a poor excuse but it's so cute and little. The cover, not the cover you see, the cover cover that's attached to the book is a really beautiful map of new york. I actually did this old thing where I threw away the dust jacket (i was taught to do this as a child but stopped a few years ago) because compared to the actually book the jacket is total trash.
On topic. This isn't really a teen book, or it's like a fake teen book. This is what you would get if tom robbins wrote a james bond novel about hamlet who turned out to be a girl. Yes it is that fucking awesome. Go read it now before Gobi comes for you.
honestly though I'm mildly freaked that I'm praising an author that appears to be known for his star wars spin off novels... but I swear it's good.
On topic. This isn't really a teen book, or it's like a fake teen book. This is what you would get if tom robbins wrote a james bond novel about hamlet who turned out to be a girl. Yes it is that fucking awesome. Go read it now before Gobi comes for you.
honestly though I'm mildly freaked that I'm praising an author that appears to be known for his star wars spin off novels... but I swear it's good.
April 15, 2011
This is TOO good. It should be offered to every boy over the age of 13 who says he doesn't like to read. I promise no one will put it down until the very last page. It is filled with adventure, humor and great insight. I can't wait to sell it in the INDEPENDENT bookstore where I work.
May 13, 2012
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is all fast-paced excitement – it’s sort of like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for teens in the way that it’s totally outrageous, semi-unbelievable and great with entertaining dialogue. What I found especially unique about this story was that, even though it’s a suspenseful thriller, the important things about being a teenager – fun, romance, angst – were all present within the 190 pages of the book. I also recognized a reoccurring theme throughout the book, which was aspiration and planning for the future; Perry shot for the stars and he was very aware of his future, this sort of ambition being something I find lacking in a lot of YA. Schreiber’s sometimes clever and sometimes introspective tone really added class to the novel, and Perry’s voice was excellent.
Unfortunately, this book fell short in most of the key places. Despite astonishing wit and the convenient, sympathetic past of Gobi, the main character Perry was boring, clueless, and basically the unhelpful, unneeded sidekick. The plot was also a little sketchy for me, because it was 80% in to the book when finally the purpose of Gobi’s mission in New York and the whole problem in the story became clear, thus leaving me confused and uninterested throughout the beginning of the book. When writing a suspense novel, I think the most important thing is to make the objective of the story very clear in the beginning, because otherwise, how is the reader supposed to be anxious of the climax?
I’d recommend Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick to fans of books with a lot of the funny and just as much murder.
Unfortunately, this book fell short in most of the key places. Despite astonishing wit and the convenient, sympathetic past of Gobi, the main character Perry was boring, clueless, and basically the unhelpful, unneeded sidekick. The plot was also a little sketchy for me, because it was 80% in to the book when finally the purpose of Gobi’s mission in New York and the whole problem in the story became clear, thus leaving me confused and uninterested throughout the beginning of the book. When writing a suspense novel, I think the most important thing is to make the objective of the story very clear in the beginning, because otherwise, how is the reader supposed to be anxious of the climax?
I’d recommend Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick to fans of books with a lot of the funny and just as much murder.
June 3, 2015
Wait...there's a sequel to this?
January 8, 2012
Awesome, fun read! Give to those high schoolers who don't like to read and I guarantee they will like this. Should appeal to both guys and girls. The pace is high octane fast! Essentially, Perry Stormaire is a senior, with a lawyer father who runs his life (read: Tiger Dad) and he is trying to get into Columbia. The family has invited a foreign exchange student into their house for the year and instead of a gorgeous co-ed, they get Gobi. Plain, banal, and needing much help, Gobi, whom good guy Perry looks out for at school.
But when his parents pressure him into taking Gobi to the prom as his date, the train comes off the track and that's when it all starts to go completely nuts! So if you have teens who like action, assassins, mysteries, underdog heroes, a touch of romance, and some very close calls with death, the police and general mayhem, give them this book.
I can't tell you any more than to say that it kept me at the edge of my seat, so much that I finished reading it in two nights. The characters are great. The writing is funny, touching and really draws you into the moment. Two of my favorite lines from the book are: "I couldn't remember the theme of the prom but it seemed to be something along the lines of Social Darwinism Under the Stars. Lights and shimmering tinsel had transformed the gymnasium into a pulsating soup of glandular hostility." I mean reallY! How can you not love it?
I will say that having read some of the complaints about this book, you need to think of this book as a fantasy book, not a reality book. It's like a die-hard movie. Clearly, you will have to suspend belief. But if you can do that, it will be a fun ride.
A nice touch was having each chapter open with a college application question which the chapter then proceeded to answer in a roundabout way, which all plays into the climatic ending.
A must read for this year!
But when his parents pressure him into taking Gobi to the prom as his date, the train comes off the track and that's when it all starts to go completely nuts! So if you have teens who like action, assassins, mysteries, underdog heroes, a touch of romance, and some very close calls with death, the police and general mayhem, give them this book.
I can't tell you any more than to say that it kept me at the edge of my seat, so much that I finished reading it in two nights. The characters are great. The writing is funny, touching and really draws you into the moment. Two of my favorite lines from the book are: "I couldn't remember the theme of the prom but it seemed to be something along the lines of Social Darwinism Under the Stars. Lights and shimmering tinsel had transformed the gymnasium into a pulsating soup of glandular hostility." I mean reallY! How can you not love it?
I will say that having read some of the complaints about this book, you need to think of this book as a fantasy book, not a reality book. It's like a die-hard movie. Clearly, you will have to suspend belief. But if you can do that, it will be a fun ride.
A nice touch was having each chapter open with a college application question which the chapter then proceeded to answer in a roundabout way, which all plays into the climatic ending.
A must read for this year!
June 1, 2011
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is a pretty short tome. While I thought the writing was okay--hardly much damage one could do in barely 150 pages--it's really too short to be anything more than feature the boring, college-bound Perry running around New York City with a MPDG who also happens to be an assassin.
Yeah, it's about as bad as it sounds. The characterization of Gobi just made me ill. Schreiber attempts to undermine the stereotype of a "European foreign exchange student" by having Gobi be a bit weird for the first 8 months living with Perry's family, then reaffirms them all. Gobi pressures/kidnaps Perry on prom night to accompany her on her mad killing spree, and Perry, in the process, has an odd case of stockholm syndrome, does a bunch of whacko criminal things and finally gives his asshole dad a piece of his mind. Hurray.
One thing I did really like was that the beginning of every chapter began with a college admissions essay prompt. They are, as far as I know, real (I recognized a few). However, the chapters following don't exactly match the prompt very well, which makes me think they were inserted in hindsight and not interwoven seamlessly.
Also, pet peeve: I effing hate it when YA books get details of the college admission process wrong. ESPECIALLY THE TIMELINE. Do you understand, that for the majority of American four-year colleges, if you want to enroll in September, you have to apply by the previous Jan/Feb at the latest? And that decisions come at the end of March/beginning of April? And that waitlist decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the month of May? And that it's really, really hard to get in after that?
Maybe some boys or reluctant readers would find this interesting--maybe it's a gateway book and bravo for that. As for me, au revoir, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick.
Yeah, it's about as bad as it sounds. The characterization of Gobi just made me ill. Schreiber attempts to undermine the stereotype of a "European foreign exchange student" by having Gobi be a bit weird for the first 8 months living with Perry's family, then reaffirms them all. Gobi pressures/kidnaps Perry on prom night to accompany her on her mad killing spree, and Perry, in the process, has an odd case of stockholm syndrome, does a bunch of whacko criminal things and finally gives his asshole dad a piece of his mind. Hurray.
One thing I did really like was that the beginning of every chapter began with a college admissions essay prompt. They are, as far as I know, real (I recognized a few). However, the chapters following don't exactly match the prompt very well, which makes me think they were inserted in hindsight and not interwoven seamlessly.
Also, pet peeve: I effing hate it when YA books get details of the college admission process wrong. ESPECIALLY THE TIMELINE. Do you understand, that for the majority of American four-year colleges, if you want to enroll in September, you have to apply by the previous Jan/Feb at the latest? And that decisions come at the end of March/beginning of April? And that waitlist decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the month of May? And that it's really, really hard to get in after that?
Maybe some boys or reluctant readers would find this interesting--maybe it's a gateway book and bravo for that. As for me, au revoir, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick.
March 31, 2017
Reseña completa > http://www.palabrasquevuelan.com/2017...
Adrenalina condensada en menos de 200 páginas. Es bastante entretenida, pero cuando uno se pone a pensar en el trasfondo que hay y trata de explicar algunos puntos, la novela deja de sostenerse tan bien. De todos modos se lee rapidísimo y divierte en el proceso :)
Adrenalina condensada en menos de 200 páginas. Es bastante entretenida, pero cuando uno se pone a pensar en el trasfondo que hay y trata de explicar algunos puntos, la novela deja de sostenerse tan bien. De todos modos se lee rapidísimo y divierte en el proceso :)
April 18, 2012
Wow, what a ride. Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is one of the most enjoyable books I have read in quite awhile. That book is crazy, I don't even know the best way to describe it. It really reminded me of the TV show Chuck for some reason, but with a different type of twist. It's just an extremely entertaining book.
I really, really loved the concept of this book. As you're reading the book, it's like you're reading all these answers to different college application questions being answered by Perry. And that concept actually reminded me a lot of the movie "21" and I just really enjoy how it helps the story play out. It was really interesting to see how things played out between Perry and Gobi, and figuring out why she came to live with their family as a foreign exchange student. I did feel like things were a little to fast paced though, which I guess I can understand since it is a shorter book. Just think there were a few things throughout the book that could of been explained a little better. I can't really complain to much though, because as a whole it's a very good story.
Talk about some crazy characters. I am finding it hard to describe them. I've already talked about how entertaining of a story this was, but the characters turned this book into a gem. The chemistry between Perry and Gobi is amazing, while it might not be so much on the romantic side it is a great relationship. When he finds out about her, and is stuck in the middle of everything he really buckles down and does what he has to do to make certain situations have the best possible outcome. Joe does an epic job of explaining everything about the characters in a short amount of time.
The ending was a toss up for me. While I liked how part of it played out, I was really left wanting a little more. Maybe it's just because I enjoyed the book so much, but I was really hoping for more of a closure when it came to the ending. Don't get me wrong, things are wrapped up. It's just the way certain things play out that leaves you really wanting to know what happens next for everyone.
I was really impressed with this book as a whole. Only real issue I had was the ending, I just really enjoyed the story and wanted to see a little more of an ending then what we got. It left me with a feeling that it could possibly turn out to be a series, but I can't find any information to support that. I would really love it was to be a series though, it would be a blast to follow along with these characters again. I really hope you all will check out this book though, it's truly awesome. As I have said, I am probably being a little critical with my rating and ideas about the ending, but it's only because I enjoyed the story so much. It's well worth picking up if you're looking for a short and extremely enjoyable read.
I really, really loved the concept of this book. As you're reading the book, it's like you're reading all these answers to different college application questions being answered by Perry. And that concept actually reminded me a lot of the movie "21" and I just really enjoy how it helps the story play out. It was really interesting to see how things played out between Perry and Gobi, and figuring out why she came to live with their family as a foreign exchange student. I did feel like things were a little to fast paced though, which I guess I can understand since it is a shorter book. Just think there were a few things throughout the book that could of been explained a little better. I can't really complain to much though, because as a whole it's a very good story.
Talk about some crazy characters. I am finding it hard to describe them. I've already talked about how entertaining of a story this was, but the characters turned this book into a gem. The chemistry between Perry and Gobi is amazing, while it might not be so much on the romantic side it is a great relationship. When he finds out about her, and is stuck in the middle of everything he really buckles down and does what he has to do to make certain situations have the best possible outcome. Joe does an epic job of explaining everything about the characters in a short amount of time.
The ending was a toss up for me. While I liked how part of it played out, I was really left wanting a little more. Maybe it's just because I enjoyed the book so much, but I was really hoping for more of a closure when it came to the ending. Don't get me wrong, things are wrapped up. It's just the way certain things play out that leaves you really wanting to know what happens next for everyone.
I was really impressed with this book as a whole. Only real issue I had was the ending, I just really enjoyed the story and wanted to see a little more of an ending then what we got. It left me with a feeling that it could possibly turn out to be a series, but I can't find any information to support that. I would really love it was to be a series though, it would be a blast to follow along with these characters again. I really hope you all will check out this book though, it's truly awesome. As I have said, I am probably being a little critical with my rating and ideas about the ending, but it's only because I enjoyed the story so much. It's well worth picking up if you're looking for a short and extremely enjoyable read.
September 1, 2011
Perry Stormaire never wanted to go to prom. He wants to play the gig his band finally landed in New York City. Heck, he’d probably rather write more college application essays than go to prom. But then his parents get involved, and now, Perry finds himself stuck on a date with the Lithuanian exchange student named Gobi Zaksauskas that his family is hosting. Only, Gobi isn’t actually the shy, awkward girl in baggy clothes she’s pretended to be all along—she’s a sexy, tough, trained assassin. And tonight, prom night, is the only night that her five targets will be in New York City. So, instead of dancing the miserable night away in the school gym, Perry finds himself speeding through the streets of New York City with Gobi in his father’s Jaguar. He’ll be shot at and beat up, almost wreck his father’s precious car, and learn some surprising things about his family and himself, but there’s no question that this night will be one that Perry won’t ever forget.
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is like many of those mediocre action flicks with guns, mobsters, long buried secrets, and revenge, only in book form. Basically, this novel relies heavily on a fast paced and action packed plot that is just full of action sequences, weapons of varying degrees, secret identities, and the like. All this, of course, makes this Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick very exciting to read. What Schreiber brings to the novel, though, to lighten things up is a fresh voice and a good sense of humor. It’s so entertaining to read from Perry’s perspective, especially since he breaks the story of prom night up as answers to college application essay questions. The seriousness of the ending didn’t quite feel like it went with the more humorous and ridiculous tone of the rest of the novel, but I did appreciate the growth in Perry’s character. And though Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick doesn’t really have that much substance, it is still a quick, fun, and undoubtedly thrilling novel to read.
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick appeals to fans of Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood and Beauty Queens by Libba Bray.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is like many of those mediocre action flicks with guns, mobsters, long buried secrets, and revenge, only in book form. Basically, this novel relies heavily on a fast paced and action packed plot that is just full of action sequences, weapons of varying degrees, secret identities, and the like. All this, of course, makes this Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick very exciting to read. What Schreiber brings to the novel, though, to lighten things up is a fresh voice and a good sense of humor. It’s so entertaining to read from Perry’s perspective, especially since he breaks the story of prom night up as answers to college application essay questions. The seriousness of the ending didn’t quite feel like it went with the more humorous and ridiculous tone of the rest of the novel, but I did appreciate the growth in Perry’s character. And though Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick doesn’t really have that much substance, it is still a quick, fun, and undoubtedly thrilling novel to read.
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick appeals to fans of Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood and Beauty Queens by Libba Bray.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
June 15, 2013
In the few short years I've been reading books by Joe Schreiber, he has become one of my favorite authors. I had only read his horror output up to this point, but the plot of this Young Adult novel really intrigued me. Perry's family decides that it would be fun to host a foreign exchange student during his senior year. While Perry hopes it will be the male fantasy sexy girl who will teach him the ways of the world, what arrives is a dowdy Lithuanian girl named Gobi who dresses in loose fitting wool year round. As prom draws near, Perry's mom insists that he takes Gobi. Perry's band is playing at a dive bar in New York City that same night, so he had no plans to go to prom, let alone take Gobi. He is out voted, eventually, and takes her, but with plans of leaving early to drop her home and then try to get to the gig.
Gobi ends up being the one to suggest they leave early, and she gets Perry to take her into the city with him. She first wants to stop at a famous night club, where Perry is surprised that they actually get in rather than laughed at by the bouncer. Gobi disappears to the bathroom with her gigantic purse, and emerges as her true self, the epitome of Perry's initial foreign exchange student fantasy. This is when Perry finds out that Gobi is really an assassin and has been spending the last nine months doing recon for this specific night when her five targets will all be in the city at the same time. Perry gets dragged along to each location, becoming an unwitting accomplice to Gobi's revenge spree, at the same time learning more about this young Lithuanian than he ever learned the rest of her time in his house.
The book is a fun, action-filled romp that can only be described as "La Femme Nikita" meets the Ethan Hawke movie "Mystery Date." It's a short, quick read that feel perfectly suited for a film adaptation. I had a hard time putting the book down when I needed to, and was very excited to learn it has a sequel. This is especially a great book to pick up if you're looking for a quick read between other books.
Gobi ends up being the one to suggest they leave early, and she gets Perry to take her into the city with him. She first wants to stop at a famous night club, where Perry is surprised that they actually get in rather than laughed at by the bouncer. Gobi disappears to the bathroom with her gigantic purse, and emerges as her true self, the epitome of Perry's initial foreign exchange student fantasy. This is when Perry finds out that Gobi is really an assassin and has been spending the last nine months doing recon for this specific night when her five targets will all be in the city at the same time. Perry gets dragged along to each location, becoming an unwitting accomplice to Gobi's revenge spree, at the same time learning more about this young Lithuanian than he ever learned the rest of her time in his house.
The book is a fun, action-filled romp that can only be described as "La Femme Nikita" meets the Ethan Hawke movie "Mystery Date." It's a short, quick read that feel perfectly suited for a film adaptation. I had a hard time putting the book down when I needed to, and was very excited to learn it has a sequel. This is especially a great book to pick up if you're looking for a quick read between other books.
November 11, 2011
Okay, I'm going to get this off my chest right off the bat: I don't care what the marketing people say, but this isn't a young adult novel. Yes, you can make the protag eighteen; you can send him to prom; but that doesn't mean you've written a YA novel, especially when the protag acts and carries himself like, oh, a twenty-nine or thirty-something. I wasn't convinced and I don't think most readers will be either.
Just so we're clear on that.
Having said that, this book was a blast. Schreiber's also very active in the Star Wars universe, and if those books, which I've not read, even approach the fun and craft of his more popular novels (all of which I've read and of which Chasing the Dead is still my favorite) then those Star Wars fans are blessed. Here, Schreiber crafts yet another fast-paced page-turner. Think Ferris Bueller meets La Femme Nikita, and you'll get the picture. This breezy, action-packed novel follows high school senior Perry Stormaire, who only wants to get into Columbia and finds himself been roped by his parents into taking their lumpish Lithuanian exchange student, Gobija Zaksauskas, to prom. In very short order, Gobi reveals herself as anyting but boorish. Gobi is a trained assassin, in stiletto heels no less. What begins as the prom date from hell turns into a pedal-to-the-metal, high-octane ride through Manhattan as Gobi goes after her targets. Despite the very real tragedy driving Gobi's behavior, it's very hard to take this at all seriously, largely because I suspect Schreiber had such fun figuring out how he was going to get his charcters out of their next jam. Structuring each chapter around questions taken from college applications--What single word best describes you and why? (Princeton); What are the responsibilities of an educated person? (Yale); etc.)--is an inspired touch.
Just so we're clear on that.
Having said that, this book was a blast. Schreiber's also very active in the Star Wars universe, and if those books, which I've not read, even approach the fun and craft of his more popular novels (all of which I've read and of which Chasing the Dead is still my favorite) then those Star Wars fans are blessed. Here, Schreiber crafts yet another fast-paced page-turner. Think Ferris Bueller meets La Femme Nikita, and you'll get the picture. This breezy, action-packed novel follows high school senior Perry Stormaire, who only wants to get into Columbia and finds himself been roped by his parents into taking their lumpish Lithuanian exchange student, Gobija Zaksauskas, to prom. In very short order, Gobi reveals herself as anyting but boorish. Gobi is a trained assassin, in stiletto heels no less. What begins as the prom date from hell turns into a pedal-to-the-metal, high-octane ride through Manhattan as Gobi goes after her targets. Despite the very real tragedy driving Gobi's behavior, it's very hard to take this at all seriously, largely because I suspect Schreiber had such fun figuring out how he was going to get his charcters out of their next jam. Structuring each chapter around questions taken from college applications--What single word best describes you and why? (Princeton); What are the responsibilities of an educated person? (Yale); etc.)--is an inspired touch.
December 16, 2015
I have just completed the book Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber. The genre of this book is realistic-fiction. This book is about a high schooler named Perry who has just lived a normal life until a foreign exchange student named Gobi came to live with his family for a year. Everything was going well until Prom became a hot topic. Perry didn’t want to go because his band was performing downtown but Gobi said she wanted to go with Perry so his parents made him go. It was prom night and it started out with them both at the dance, but then Gobi got bored. She requested to leave to go downtown so they did. Gobi tells Perry to pull the car around and as he pulls up, he sees a body smash through the window right in front of his eyes. Perry is in shock as Gobi walks out that window like nothing just happened. When she gets in the car, all she says is, “Drive.”
What I liked about the book was how it was a page turner and I never wanted to put it down. What I would’ve liked to see was that the beginning of the book could’ve had more action because it started out slow.
I personally would read this book again for two reasons. One, because I really liked it. Two, I would want to go back now that I know how it ends, and see any signs of foreshadowing or clues it gave at the beginning of the book.
I would recommend this book to mature people who love lots of actions and an overall good book.
What I liked about the book was how it was a page turner and I never wanted to put it down. What I would’ve liked to see was that the beginning of the book could’ve had more action because it started out slow.
I personally would read this book again for two reasons. One, because I really liked it. Two, I would want to go back now that I know how it ends, and see any signs of foreshadowing or clues it gave at the beginning of the book.
I would recommend this book to mature people who love lots of actions and an overall good book.
August 16, 2011
I read it cover-to-cover in an afternoon. It wasn’t hard considering there’s only 190 pages. Maybe that’s why the publisher recommends it for ages 12 and up… because I certainly don’t.
It was a fun and funny book and very easy to read. But it’s not for a 12 year old. There’s A LOT of violence – including five murders. There’s sexual references and some bad language.
So, not for a 12 year old… but an absolutely great read for a 16 year old boy who’s off from school during the summer and looking for a fun read. Bummer that it won’t be published by the summer (not until October 24) … but the same 16 year old boy can read it during winter break.
Perry is an aspiring lawyer and musician. His family has been hosting an extremely geeky Lithuanian exchange student and his parents make him miss a band gig to take her to prom. Little do they know, she is really a hot 24 year old assassin who kidnaps Perry and takes him along as she attempts to kill five people by the end of the night.
Perry’s story is told in very short chapters and each chapter is titled with a college essay prompt, ex. “Discuss how your travel experiences have affected you as a student and a citizen of the world (University of Florida).” I don’t know if these are real or imagined prompts but they help make the book pretty hilarious, despite the violence.
It was a fun and funny book and very easy to read. But it’s not for a 12 year old. There’s A LOT of violence – including five murders. There’s sexual references and some bad language.
So, not for a 12 year old… but an absolutely great read for a 16 year old boy who’s off from school during the summer and looking for a fun read. Bummer that it won’t be published by the summer (not until October 24) … but the same 16 year old boy can read it during winter break.
Perry is an aspiring lawyer and musician. His family has been hosting an extremely geeky Lithuanian exchange student and his parents make him miss a band gig to take her to prom. Little do they know, she is really a hot 24 year old assassin who kidnaps Perry and takes him along as she attempts to kill five people by the end of the night.
Perry’s story is told in very short chapters and each chapter is titled with a college essay prompt, ex. “Discuss how your travel experiences have affected you as a student and a citizen of the world (University of Florida).” I don’t know if these are real or imagined prompts but they help make the book pretty hilarious, despite the violence.
June 30, 2012
4 stars
I must start with I am coming off of a line of truly painful reads; so when I came across this one, well, it was a breath of fresh air.
No fallen angels, no magic, no stupid love triangles, just a crazy night in the best city in the world with two characters that are truly likeable. No matter how crazy Zusane was, I completely adored her. Perry didn't whine, he objected, but he didn't whine and for that I thank you Joe. Seriously. I finally get to read about a male that didn't spend so much time whining like a girl...
I found myself really, really enjoying this book from page one. It's funny, action packed, incredibly cute and a really quick read (BONUS!) Which translates to: the story doesn't freaking drag on. The point is made and for that I am grateful.
I loved the college essay question prompts that began each chapter. I cringed at a few of them hoping they weren't real because they are utterly ridiculous. How is someone supposed to hand in pg 216 of a 300 page autobiography???? I'm positive that those colleges are not for me. Ha. But seriously, nuh-uh.
I was actually sad that it was over so soon but I am truly ecstatic that there will be more of Perry Stormaire!
I am happy to admit that I never rolled my eyes at the plot or the characters, not once, and believe me, thats saying something.
KUDOS, Mr. Schreiber!
I must start with I am coming off of a line of truly painful reads; so when I came across this one, well, it was a breath of fresh air.
No fallen angels, no magic, no stupid love triangles, just a crazy night in the best city in the world with two characters that are truly likeable. No matter how crazy Zusane was, I completely adored her. Perry didn't whine, he objected, but he didn't whine and for that I thank you Joe. Seriously. I finally get to read about a male that didn't spend so much time whining like a girl...
I found myself really, really enjoying this book from page one. It's funny, action packed, incredibly cute and a really quick read (BONUS!) Which translates to: the story doesn't freaking drag on. The point is made and for that I am grateful.
I loved the college essay question prompts that began each chapter. I cringed at a few of them hoping they weren't real because they are utterly ridiculous. How is someone supposed to hand in pg 216 of a 300 page autobiography???? I'm positive that those colleges are not for me. Ha. But seriously, nuh-uh.
I was actually sad that it was over so soon but I am truly ecstatic that there will be more of Perry Stormaire!
I am happy to admit that I never rolled my eyes at the plot or the characters, not once, and believe me, thats saying something.
KUDOS, Mr. Schreiber!
May 30, 2012
Holy Macanoli! I think this has got to be one of the fastest books I have read in a very long time! It started out kind of draggy with Perry wanting to do one thing and as usual his parents wanting him to do what they wanted but once prom night got there oh boy oh boy was Perry and I both in for the surprise of our life! Gobi turns out to be so much more than the usual exchange student..in fact she was not an exchanghe student at all but instead a hired assasin hired to right a huge wrong from the past and she plans on taking Perry with her for the ride no matter how unwilling a soul he is!
Perry is petrified as anybody would be when you find yourself immersed into the danger he found but he was in a hard spot because although he was afraid he still felt something undescribable for Gobi especially as things begin to unravel and he learns more of the actual situation. Gobi opens his eyes to alot of things even things happening in his own life and he has some decisions to make because of it.
A whirwind of a ride! Hang onto your seats because once the car leaves the station slowing down is not an option! You will not be able to put this book down because each breath you take into it more action has spilled onto the pages!
Perry is petrified as anybody would be when you find yourself immersed into the danger he found but he was in a hard spot because although he was afraid he still felt something undescribable for Gobi especially as things begin to unravel and he learns more of the actual situation. Gobi opens his eyes to alot of things even things happening in his own life and he has some decisions to make because of it.
A whirwind of a ride! Hang onto your seats because once the car leaves the station slowing down is not an option! You will not be able to put this book down because each breath you take into it more action has spilled onto the pages!
November 17, 2011
Teenager goes on a forced date with a seemingly geeky exchange student. About as much fun as it gets, this is about a prom night that turns into a wild, bloody, hilarious, life changing shoot-em-up, and it reads like a cross between (among) STARGIRL, NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST, and LA FEMME NIKITA.
August 17, 2012
Absoluely brilliant. Clever, witty with laugh out loud moments. Wierd, fast moving, thrilling, exciting, totally unexpected, amazing and the best book I have read all year.
October 30, 2019
This book was SO MUCH better than the one i was struggling through before(the witch one) that i blasted through it in like two seconds and liked it a lot. Pretty good! kinda weird and random though but Gobi was pretty badass and Perry was so not that it was pretty entertaining.
January 1, 2019
Fun book, but definitely weird. I love the extra touch in the college application question chapters! I recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting read.
June 7, 2020
Despite the brilliant/terrible title (Europe is not a country!) and that I am way too old for this book, I enjoyed its madness, speed and all round violent glee.
Perry is a good narrator and who wouldn't fall in love with a woman who takes you out for a night, kills 5 (bad) people and then blows up your house?
Perry is a good narrator and who wouldn't fall in love with a woman who takes you out for a night, kills 5 (bad) people and then blows up your house?
April 9, 2018
A fast-paced, funny thriller for every kind of reader. Schreiber takes his reader along on Perry and Gobi's wild New York City prom night gone wrong. This was a fun page-turner!
October 8, 2017
This was a fun, short, and exciting read!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
December 28, 2017
I'm in love with this book. Short and sweet and to the point, but filled with action and excitement. This book was the only one that couldn't make me cry. Probably because it was so short, without a lot of backstory and getting to connect with the main characters, the aspect is gone.
Nevertheless, this was a great book. All the way to the end I was biting my nails, wondering where this was all leading up too.
Nevertheless, this was a great book. All the way to the end I was biting my nails, wondering where this was all leading up too.
February 5, 2023
Really stupid but also fun and fast-paced and mindless (which is what I asked for!). I needed an intellectual break, and this sufficed.
October 2, 2017
The is a great book this guy Perry and Gobi are going on an adventure in their prom night, Gobi ask Perry to go to New York city in his dad cars and there is where the adventure starts. Perry has a band and in prom night he has a show, in the other side Gobi has a secret that no body knows. I recommend this book because I like it and is a great book.
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