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More Than Good Enough
Trent Osceola's life is turned upside down when his mother announces that he will be moving to the Miccosukee reservation to live with his father, who was recently released from prison. Only half Miccosukee, Trent feels alienated from rez society and starts to question who he really is. When he changes schools, he reconnects with Pippa, a childhood friend who moved away, and together they tackle the class assignment to make a film of their lives. When he starts to see himself through Pippa's eyes, Trent’s not sure he likes what he sees. Will he ever be good enough for the rez, for school, and for her?
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2014
4 people are currently reading
1148 people want to read
About the author
Crissa-Jean Chappell
8 books148 followersCrissa-Jean Chappell was born in Miami and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Her debut young adult novel, TOTAL CONSTANT ORDER (HarperTeen) is a NYPL Book For The Teen Age and a VOYA Perfect Ten. Chappell’s second novel, NARC (Flux Books) is currently optioned for film. MORE THAN GOOD ENOUGH (Flux Books) is a Florida Book Awards medalist, which Kirkus calls, "compelling and emotionally nuanced." Chappell's newest YA novel is SNOWBIRDS (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). “…an engrossing mystery,” School Library Journal. Next up: SUN DON’T SHINE (Fitzroy Books, spring 2024). She holds a PhD and MFA from the University of Miami and has taught creative writing and cinema studies for over fifteen years. When she misses South Florida, she talks to the parrots in Green-Wood Cemetery.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 15, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Trent is a troubled teen with identity issues. His parents aren't together and come from very different backgrounds - father is American Indian mother is British and he isn't really sure where he belongs. Sent to the Rez to live with his father, at school he meets up again with a childhood friend, Pippa who believes in him.
At first I wasn't keen on Trent but after finding out more about his life he stopped irritating and I grew to quite like him. Pippa was great from the start and I liked her character all the way through the story.
This was a good read that I enjoyed but felt the ending was missing something, sadly I couldn't say what! Worth a read? Yes. Teenage girls will enjoy this story and so will the boys!
Trent is a troubled teen with identity issues. His parents aren't together and come from very different backgrounds - father is American Indian mother is British and he isn't really sure where he belongs. Sent to the Rez to live with his father, at school he meets up again with a childhood friend, Pippa who believes in him.
At first I wasn't keen on Trent but after finding out more about his life he stopped irritating and I grew to quite like him. Pippa was great from the start and I liked her character all the way through the story.
This was a good read that I enjoyed but felt the ending was missing something, sadly I couldn't say what! Worth a read? Yes. Teenage girls will enjoy this story and so will the boys!
February 10, 2014
Trent has a Miccosukee father and English mother. Neither of them seem to be on his side, although he goes to live with his father, an ex-convict. A spiteful ex-girlfriend proves to be a pain in the butt, and he’s trying to get closer to Pippa, a girl he’s known for years who now seems incredibly gorgeous and cool to hang out with.
Yes, there are people in his way who aren’t looking out for his best interest, and Trent is imperfect himself, messing up in school and in relationships. He doesn’t feel good enough, he’s not a great student, he doesn’t fit in with many people his age, and he perhaps isn’t Miccosukee enough for the reservation. The setting and situations in this fast, YA contemporary read are realistic and kept me interested throughout.
Yes, there are people in his way who aren’t looking out for his best interest, and Trent is imperfect himself, messing up in school and in relationships. He doesn’t feel good enough, he’s not a great student, he doesn’t fit in with many people his age, and he perhaps isn’t Miccosukee enough for the reservation. The setting and situations in this fast, YA contemporary read are realistic and kept me interested throughout.
January 14, 2014
Once again, I find myself wanting to protect a character, from himself, from the flawed people around him. In the end it's about choosing to take responsibility. Loved how in this book, there are no perfect people. No good guys or bad, just complex and normal human beings.
September 6, 2016
More Than Good Enough is a very interesting novel. It was hard for me to get into the story while reading the first chapter, but by the end of the second chapter I really wanted to know where Chappell was going with Trent.
While there is obviously a plot, More Than Good Enough was really a character driven story. Trent is constantly having to examine himself and question not only who he is, but who he wants to be. For years, he has been bombarded with the idea that he's worthless. He's been physically and emotionally abandoned by his parents, the school system is failing him, and the people on the rez are reluctant to embrace him into their society. Chappell, though, doesn't let this be a case of blame everyone else. Instead she brings out an awareness that Trent's attitudes and actions contribute to his circumstance as much as other of others.
I really liked the inclusion of Pippa's character. While Trent initially views her as having what he wants for himself, she comes with her own baggage that is completely different than what he has had to deal with. It is her attitude though that balances Trent's and makes their relationship believable.
The only issue I had was the ending, which felt rushed. There were threads left hanging that I had been wanting closure to, but I could see how doing that would have taken away the realistic feel to the story. That said, a few more pages would have fleshed things out a bit and felt more satisfying.
While there is obviously a plot, More Than Good Enough was really a character driven story. Trent is constantly having to examine himself and question not only who he is, but who he wants to be. For years, he has been bombarded with the idea that he's worthless. He's been physically and emotionally abandoned by his parents, the school system is failing him, and the people on the rez are reluctant to embrace him into their society. Chappell, though, doesn't let this be a case of blame everyone else. Instead she brings out an awareness that Trent's attitudes and actions contribute to his circumstance as much as other of others.
I really liked the inclusion of Pippa's character. While Trent initially views her as having what he wants for himself, she comes with her own baggage that is completely different than what he has had to deal with. It is her attitude though that balances Trent's and makes their relationship believable.
The only issue I had was the ending, which felt rushed. There were threads left hanging that I had been wanting closure to, but I could see how doing that would have taken away the realistic feel to the story. That said, a few more pages would have fleshed things out a bit and felt more satisfying.
October 22, 2013
I have a love-hate relationship with this book. Some parts were good, some parts so-so, some parts bad. It was all over the place and I really didn't like the main character or his decisions. The book really made me mad most of the time and I honestly don't know if I can recommend this book to anyone.
April 30, 2015
An interesting short read. The main character flopped through the book but ended upright at the close.
January 5, 2014
Actual Rating: 3.5
Born to a British mother and Miccosukee father, seventeen-year old Trent Osceola feels like he doesn't fit in anywhere he goes: not "Indian enough" for the Rez, but he certainly doesn't pass for a white kid either. After some trouble in school, Trent is sent to live with his father on the Rez, despite not having much contact with him since he was a child. Feeling ostracized, and attempting to escape the pressure of his homelife and school, Trent begins down a similar path to that of his father's: drinking, getting into trouble, and making rash decisions. But then he reunites with his childhood friend, Pippa, who knows more about him than anyone. Navigating a film class project together, the two rekindle their friendship and become something more, as they attempt to figure out who they are, and how, if at all, their families define them.
More Than Good Enough is not a perfect book. It's a bit messy and disjointed in spots, and it took a bit to get into. Yet, I think it fairly accurately portrays part of the teenage experience, and will appeal to high-school aged readers. Trent is a frustrated and confused young man, grappling with his racial identity and dysfunctional, abusive family. He loves to skateboard, play music and is discovering a love for film. Trent swears, has sex, and binge drinks. He may actually be the most accurately written teenage boy I've come across in a while. His struggles, worries, and attitude all felt very real, and I think a lot of teens will feel validation in that. He's not perfect - he's still figuring things out, as are all youth.
I also really loved Pippa, Trent's best friend from his younger years. The interactions between the two were such fun, and I liked watching their relationship blossom! Pippa had her own backstory and I liked the comparison between the two families - everybody's family is messed up in their own way (note: I'm not referring to physical and verbal abuse here - that is not normal or acceptable), but as a teen, you often feel like you are the only one. Pippa was a good friend to Trent, and I liked how their relationship was mutually supportive!
To read the rest of this review, please visit my blog Bookish Comforts (review goes live 01.13.14). Thanks!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Born to a British mother and Miccosukee father, seventeen-year old Trent Osceola feels like he doesn't fit in anywhere he goes: not "Indian enough" for the Rez, but he certainly doesn't pass for a white kid either. After some trouble in school, Trent is sent to live with his father on the Rez, despite not having much contact with him since he was a child. Feeling ostracized, and attempting to escape the pressure of his homelife and school, Trent begins down a similar path to that of his father's: drinking, getting into trouble, and making rash decisions. But then he reunites with his childhood friend, Pippa, who knows more about him than anyone. Navigating a film class project together, the two rekindle their friendship and become something more, as they attempt to figure out who they are, and how, if at all, their families define them.
More Than Good Enough is not a perfect book. It's a bit messy and disjointed in spots, and it took a bit to get into. Yet, I think it fairly accurately portrays part of the teenage experience, and will appeal to high-school aged readers. Trent is a frustrated and confused young man, grappling with his racial identity and dysfunctional, abusive family. He loves to skateboard, play music and is discovering a love for film. Trent swears, has sex, and binge drinks. He may actually be the most accurately written teenage boy I've come across in a while. His struggles, worries, and attitude all felt very real, and I think a lot of teens will feel validation in that. He's not perfect - he's still figuring things out, as are all youth.
I also really loved Pippa, Trent's best friend from his younger years. The interactions between the two were such fun, and I liked watching their relationship blossom! Pippa had her own backstory and I liked the comparison between the two families - everybody's family is messed up in their own way (note: I'm not referring to physical and verbal abuse here - that is not normal or acceptable), but as a teen, you often feel like you are the only one. Pippa was a good friend to Trent, and I liked how their relationship was mutually supportive!
To read the rest of this review, please visit my blog Bookish Comforts (review goes live 01.13.14). Thanks!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2014
Not only has Trent Osceola just been kicked out of the special music school he attended, his parents are making him go live with his ex-con father on the Miccosukee reservation. As only half-Miccosukee, Trent doesn't feel like he really belongs, plus he's still driving all the way out to go to public high school in his mother's jurisdiction. His ex-girlfriend Michelle is toying with him, he keeps getting in trouble for skipping classes, his father is still drinking all day and bothering him, and all he has left is his music. Lucky for him he runs into an old friend and neighbor, Pippa, and boy has she grown up. Finally he has someone in his life who's worth impressing, if only he can get his life together enough to do it.
This book was kind of all over the place, it seemed like it jumped from one event to another or over chunks of time without any notice, making it a bit hard to follow. Trent was mixed up, too, and the people around him were either extremely moody or something he did was left out of the story. But, overall, I liked the setting and Trent's feelings were genuine. He felt like a mixed up, angry, confused, not always likable teenager, which is pretty realistic. He screwed up a lot, put up with a lot of bad behavior from other people, and rarely explained what he was thinking to others. In other words, he acted like a real teenager. I can appreciate that. His path made sense upon completion, even if it didn't along the way. I think that's where some readers run into issues with this book, but it was a quick enough read and Trent's voice was genuine enough that it didn't bother me.
Due to some sexual content, drinking, and cursing this would be appropriate for HS.
I received a digital galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was kind of all over the place, it seemed like it jumped from one event to another or over chunks of time without any notice, making it a bit hard to follow. Trent was mixed up, too, and the people around him were either extremely moody or something he did was left out of the story. But, overall, I liked the setting and Trent's feelings were genuine. He felt like a mixed up, angry, confused, not always likable teenager, which is pretty realistic. He screwed up a lot, put up with a lot of bad behavior from other people, and rarely explained what he was thinking to others. In other words, he acted like a real teenager. I can appreciate that. His path made sense upon completion, even if it didn't along the way. I think that's where some readers run into issues with this book, but it was a quick enough read and Trent's voice was genuine enough that it didn't bother me.
Due to some sexual content, drinking, and cursing this would be appropriate for HS.
I received a digital galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2014
More Than Good Enough is the story of Trent Osceola, half Miccosukee and half white, a teenager who is living with his father for the first time since his childhood on the Miccosukee Reservation, a piece of his culture he really doesn't know much about. Having recently failed out of his prestigious music high school, Trent is drifting through life without much direction.
There are aspects to this book that I like. I think Trent's identity struggle, not knowing where he belongs and feeling disconnected from the reservation community is the more interesting piece of this novel. But it's not enough of the book. We don't meet Cookie, one of his relatives on the reservation and probably the best character in the whole story, until nearly the end of the book.
Instead we're given the story of Trent breaking up with his DJ girlfriend Michelle, starting a new public high school and trying to romance his childhood sweetheart Pippa. These sections of the book seem like they're trying to be hip, painfully so, using slang like "homeslice" and having Pippa dress like something off the hot-topic website.
The book is short, which makes it a quick and easy read, but also prevents the relationship between Trent and almost anyone (his father, Pippa, etc) from developing. Sometimes the conversations and Trent's internal monologue were too random. Though that's probably realistic for teenagers, it's not particularly enjoyable to read. While I like what this book was trying to do, it feels too scattered and plotless for the first half while simultaneously trying too hard to be cool.
I received an advanced reading e-book in exchange for an honest review.
There are aspects to this book that I like. I think Trent's identity struggle, not knowing where he belongs and feeling disconnected from the reservation community is the more interesting piece of this novel. But it's not enough of the book. We don't meet Cookie, one of his relatives on the reservation and probably the best character in the whole story, until nearly the end of the book.
Instead we're given the story of Trent breaking up with his DJ girlfriend Michelle, starting a new public high school and trying to romance his childhood sweetheart Pippa. These sections of the book seem like they're trying to be hip, painfully so, using slang like "homeslice" and having Pippa dress like something off the hot-topic website.
The book is short, which makes it a quick and easy read, but also prevents the relationship between Trent and almost anyone (his father, Pippa, etc) from developing. Sometimes the conversations and Trent's internal monologue were too random. Though that's probably realistic for teenagers, it's not particularly enjoyable to read. While I like what this book was trying to do, it feels too scattered and plotless for the first half while simultaneously trying too hard to be cool.
I received an advanced reading e-book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2017
Hmmm...
I received this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway and was looking forward to reading it especially as it wasn't to long. My copy is singed and features notes and doodles by the author. It appeared to be the perfect quick read book. As indicated by the low star rating of 2/5 I didn't enjoy it, and I'm not even sure why so I'll just run through some main points.
First Reason: The Character
I just couldn't relate to Trent one iota and most of the time I couldn't understand his actions at all, which I found very strange in a story told in first person. I didn't feel like there was any character development or that he learned anything. This rings true for all of the characters and if I'm honest it was all a bit stereotypical for me
Second Reason: Lack of Explanations
I don't know if it was just me but I felt like the whole native reservation thing wasn't done well enough. As someone with no prior knowlage whatsoever about it I was intrigued to if ad out more but unfortunately that didn't happen. It just seemed a little half-baked to me
Third Reason: Plot
What was to story? Well I have no idea, all I got out of it was him getting with Pippa even though she's a little strange and it was completely obvious from the blurb. What was with the hot and cold vibe I was getting? Also talk about slow and it didn't even build up to anything, what's that all about?
I received this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway and was looking forward to reading it especially as it wasn't to long. My copy is singed and features notes and doodles by the author. It appeared to be the perfect quick read book. As indicated by the low star rating of 2/5 I didn't enjoy it, and I'm not even sure why so I'll just run through some main points.
First Reason: The Character
I just couldn't relate to Trent one iota and most of the time I couldn't understand his actions at all, which I found very strange in a story told in first person. I didn't feel like there was any character development or that he learned anything. This rings true for all of the characters and if I'm honest it was all a bit stereotypical for me
Second Reason: Lack of Explanations
I don't know if it was just me but I felt like the whole native reservation thing wasn't done well enough. As someone with no prior knowlage whatsoever about it I was intrigued to if ad out more but unfortunately that didn't happen. It just seemed a little half-baked to me
Third Reason: Plot
What was to story? Well I have no idea, all I got out of it was him getting with Pippa even though she's a little strange and it was completely obvious from the blurb. What was with the hot and cold vibe I was getting? Also talk about slow and it didn't even build up to anything, what's that all about?
Read
January 14, 2014A bright teen on a downward spiral moves in with his alcoholic father who lives on one of the biggest reservations in Florida. In the book More Than Good Enough by the inspiring author Crissa-Jean Chappell. A gifted young bass player, Trent has been ejected from his music magnet school, and is failing in his new public school. Until he runs into an old friend named Pippa, the loyal friend he hasn't seen since Middle School. They team up on a class film making project: documenting each other’s home lives. Pippa becomes his anchor in a sea of troubles: an untrustworthy, neglectful girlfriend. An English immigrant mother, and abusive, alcoholic father, recently released from prison. Trent’s misery at home, compelled and emotionally drained him. Through the book Trent goes through self hatred, feeling as though he isn't good enough. Like he didn't belong at the reservation. At the end of the book Trent ends up finding who his real friends are, who to trust, and not to trust. But most importantly who he really is.
December 30, 2015
Trent is half-white, half Native American. His father’s been in and out of jail for most of his life, and his mom drinks most of the day away. Trent ditches school, drinks too much and has no goals. When his dad is released from jail and Trent gets kicked out of his “special” school for talented musicians, Trent’s parents get into a huge fight and his mom makes Trent go live with his dad on the reservation. Trent switches to the local public high school, where he’s reacquainted with his friend Pippa. But his sorta ex-girlfriend Michelle is still in the picture, which Pippa doesn’t like.
Lacking character development and a solid plot, this book has no real hooks. Trent’s an interesting character but not as well-rounded as he could be. There are some interesting elements to the book - alligator wrestling being one. But it never fully gels enough to keep a reader’s interest.
Lacking character development and a solid plot, this book has no real hooks. Trent’s an interesting character but not as well-rounded as he could be. There are some interesting elements to the book - alligator wrestling being one. But it never fully gels enough to keep a reader’s interest.
did-not-finish
January 5, 2014I wanted to like this one. I don't feel like there are too many books out there about Native American teens, and I thought this could be an interesting look at a kid caught between two worlds. Unfortunately, it didn't keep my attention. After I got about halfway through and realized I didn't really care about what happened and wasn't interested in the characters, I just skimmed through to see how the plots resolve, so I can't give it a fair review if I really only read to see if anything jumped out at me. Maybe if I hadn't just read a bunch of four/five-star books in a row, I would have been more into this one. The book and its tone are all over the place, and there just wasn't enough going on to keep me hooked.
March 27, 2014
Trenton lives with his Mom until his Dad gets out of prison and then his Mom basically drops Trenton off at the Reservation where his father lives, and tells him he needs to take care of Trenton. Trenton is confused with his identity; he is half Native American and half French. He doesn’t fit in at the regular school, which he has been going to, nor does he fit in at the reservation school. He gets in fights with his drunken Dad and feels like dropping out of school since he is 17. However, his mind set changes once he enrolls in a film class with a former friend Pippa. He begins to discover that he is smart and capable of doing a lot in the world.
January 13, 2014
2.5
More Than Good Enough was a quick read, and had a couple noteworthy quotes here and there. But it dealt with some heavy issues without actually dealing with them. I didn't feel like any of the issues were explored as much as they should have been. It might have been better if it was meant to be a fluff read, but I don't think it was.
Full review to come.
More Than Good Enough was a quick read, and had a couple noteworthy quotes here and there. But it dealt with some heavy issues without actually dealing with them. I didn't feel like any of the issues were explored as much as they should have been. It might have been better if it was meant to be a fluff read, but I don't think it was.
Full review to come.
October 3, 2013
08/25
25.0% "A little all over the place but hoping it settles down."
08/27
44.0% "Almost half way through and there just isn't anything keeping me here. Going as DNF, which saddens me because I wanted to love this book! :("
08/27 marked as: dnf
25.0% "A little all over the place but hoping it settles down."
08/27
44.0% "Almost half way through and there just isn't anything keeping me here. Going as DNF, which saddens me because I wanted to love this book! :("
08/27 marked as: dnf
December 13, 2013
Review Coming Soon!
February 16, 2014
Full review can be found here:
http://www.teenink.com/reviews/hot_ne...
http://www.teenink.com/reviews/hot_ne...
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January 17, 2018I had a really hard time with this book. I didn't like the main character, so I found myself not caring at all as to what happened and didn't finish.
August 1, 2014
Couldn't relate to these characters at all...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews