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One Butt Cheek at a Time
GERT GARIBALDI ISN'T ONE OF those people who believe high school is the best part of life. She has a whole notebook full of rants about high school, and she's fully aware of how ridiculous the experience is, thank you very much. Gert just wants to survive the next three years, one butt cheek at a time, with her best friend, Adam, by her side - and maybe Luscious Luke attached to her lips. With a stapler. Or something. But muddling through isn't even as easy as it seems - there are geriatric parents to deal with, Homecoming festivities (admit itÑthose words just sent a little chill down your spine), crushes, ed (both sex and driving), and potential new boyfriends - for both Gert and Adam. Frank, funny, and totally unique, Gert's ready to pull on the Pants of Life and start dancing.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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July 24, 2010
So. Two things. ONE: This is the most freaking hilarious book I have ever read. Gert is just...so open and honest and if you're sensitive to the more...eh...delicate issues of the female body, then you'd be blushing like crazy during a few parts of this book. Amber Kizer is both subtle and blatantly obvious with this book. And my second point ties in with the first. TWO: There is practically no plot structure to this whatsoever. It's written like a journal, not a real novel. And life usually doesn't have a nice and tidy, i's dotted, t's crossed plot. But it's just so funny and honest. There is no holding back with Amber Kizer.
I would have had a hard time reading this book a few years ago, when I was more mentally chaste than I am now--I know! Shocker, right? I mean, how could I possibly be more mentally chaste than I am now? It's a scary thought, I know. And many have remarked upon it and a few have taken it upon themselves to dirty my mind in anyway possible.
Tangent: sorry. (Something I picked up from this book, by the way. XD)
If you're currently down in the dumps--or if you ever get down in the dumps in future--think of this book and go grab it from the shelf. Just reading a few pages will have you laughing. Gert's rants and raves are eclectic. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this were Amber Kizer's own teenage journal--even though she has a particular thing to say about the word "journal". ;) Point is: this book helped alleviate the stress I was feeling today. (A hypocritical teacher + failing a class = comfort foods, holla!) So even if you AREN'T feeling a little down in the mouth--got sick of saying "dumps"--this is still a wonderful book to read.
While it is short and easy, Amber Kizer poses questions that I'm sure every female teenager has thought about at one point or another. NOTE: BOYS! Stay the heck away from this book. Go play a video game or something--not to be sexist--but this book is NOT to be read by boys. Course...what self-respecting boy would be caught dead reading a book titled, "One Butt Cheek At A Time"? Ooy. [insert rapidly deleted, definitely obscene statement here:]
Ladies, ever been caught in class and your monthly friend pays a visit--and you have NO backup to speak of? That's covered. Ever had a gay best friend that starts spending more time with his wanna-be boyfriend than you? Gert's feeling ya. Ever been suddenly horrifically embarrassed by your eyebrows and gone through the pains of plucking? Ooo, Gert's definitely feeling ya.
So if you want to laugh--and please, who doesn't?--grab this book from your library. It was so fun. Oh, you're still not convinced? Let me demonstrate, shall I? If you don't laugh, then you can go back to your intense drama reading. By all means.
Mr. Fritz tells Sarah to check her mirror, and we all fasten our seat belts. Giggle sucks. Is she driving or playing car croquet? Holy-Mother-of-Brake-Pads, it's not like we're learning to drive a stick. It's a freakin' automatic. There's no need to drive with both feet--at the same time. The right foot, Princess, use only the right one. // I wonder if anyone has ever sued the school district for whiplash brought on by other student drivers. I may break ground. Be a legal precedent. (p. 156, paperback)
The "//" shows a paragraph break. That's just a small sample of Gert's magnetic attitude.
Read it. Love it. Covet it. But don't get crazy.
Note: I recommend this for middle grade and high school students due to the sexual content--No sex scenes, but references to the body. Shall I provide visual aid? XD
Overall grade: A (I left off the plus only because there's practically no plot and me being me, it bugged me just a smidge)
I would have had a hard time reading this book a few years ago, when I was more mentally chaste than I am now--I know! Shocker, right? I mean, how could I possibly be more mentally chaste than I am now? It's a scary thought, I know. And many have remarked upon it and a few have taken it upon themselves to dirty my mind in anyway possible.
Tangent: sorry. (Something I picked up from this book, by the way. XD)
If you're currently down in the dumps--or if you ever get down in the dumps in future--think of this book and go grab it from the shelf. Just reading a few pages will have you laughing. Gert's rants and raves are eclectic. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this were Amber Kizer's own teenage journal--even though she has a particular thing to say about the word "journal". ;) Point is: this book helped alleviate the stress I was feeling today. (A hypocritical teacher + failing a class = comfort foods, holla!) So even if you AREN'T feeling a little down in the mouth--got sick of saying "dumps"--this is still a wonderful book to read.
While it is short and easy, Amber Kizer poses questions that I'm sure every female teenager has thought about at one point or another. NOTE: BOYS! Stay the heck away from this book. Go play a video game or something--not to be sexist--but this book is NOT to be read by boys. Course...what self-respecting boy would be caught dead reading a book titled, "One Butt Cheek At A Time"? Ooy. [insert rapidly deleted, definitely obscene statement here:]
Ladies, ever been caught in class and your monthly friend pays a visit--and you have NO backup to speak of? That's covered. Ever had a gay best friend that starts spending more time with his wanna-be boyfriend than you? Gert's feeling ya. Ever been suddenly horrifically embarrassed by your eyebrows and gone through the pains of plucking? Ooo, Gert's definitely feeling ya.
So if you want to laugh--and please, who doesn't?--grab this book from your library. It was so fun. Oh, you're still not convinced? Let me demonstrate, shall I? If you don't laugh, then you can go back to your intense drama reading. By all means.
Mr. Fritz tells Sarah to check her mirror, and we all fasten our seat belts. Giggle sucks. Is she driving or playing car croquet? Holy-Mother-of-Brake-Pads, it's not like we're learning to drive a stick. It's a freakin' automatic. There's no need to drive with both feet--at the same time. The right foot, Princess, use only the right one. // I wonder if anyone has ever sued the school district for whiplash brought on by other student drivers. I may break ground. Be a legal precedent. (p. 156, paperback)
The "//" shows a paragraph break. That's just a small sample of Gert's magnetic attitude.
Read it. Love it. Covet it. But don't get crazy.
Note: I recommend this for middle grade and high school students due to the sexual content--No sex scenes, but references to the body. Shall I provide visual aid? XD
Overall grade: A (I left off the plus only because there's practically no plot and me being me, it bugged me just a smidge)
August 15, 2011
Just under a 4.
The Gert Garibaldi's Rants and Raves
series is what I imagine the Georgia Nicolson series to be like (sorta). There's a frenetic smart energy to it, and a frankness that will strongly appeal to some readers and strongly turn off others. (And I do mean strongly turn off. I wouldn't be surprised to hear about a parent reading this and pitching a fit, and calling for a banning.)
I'm not going to lie, it was a bit of a slow-starter for me. Gert is funny in the beginning and all, but she's sort of funny in that "too much, enough already" way. And she's got a decided bitter streak which, coupled with some whininess, was off-putting for me. I didn't really connect to her as much in the beginning and she was starting to actually get on my nerves and make me doubt I wanted to finish when suddenly - something changed. It's hard to explain without giving things away, but it's sort of like Gert is at that dreaded teenager stage where you haven't really come into your own yet, or even realized that it was a possibility, but you can't let the sharks scent blood in the water so you fake it, and mask it with this extreme nonchalance that borrows a bit from Asshole Land. We've all been there, we all go through it, but once you are through it, you don't necessarily want to revisit it.
Gert's got a lot of scorn, but much of it is borne from having a lot of questions. She's a little oblivious to her world and the reality of who she is (and she's completely oblivious to the fact that she may be oblivious - she thinks she's got it all pegged), so when things start changing and she has to open her eyes a bit and risk putting herself out there, she becomes much more likable. She still keeps her biting wit, but it becomes more universally funny and less whiny. Gert started opening up and growing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book from then on. What really made it likable though was how unabashed Gert is. Part of it may be that she's still a little bit clueless, but part of it is this really fun mix of eagerness, curiosity, dubiousness and naiveté. She asks all of the questions that you wanted to ask but were too afraid to as a teen. Her narration and her rants are frank and often hilarious. I think many teens will connect to this and find their voice in Gert.
Now, I mentioned above that I can see this getting some very strong negative reactions. As I said, Gert is very unabashedly curious. There are frank (and frankly hilarious) discussions of masturbation, pubic hair maintenance, homosexuality, whether or not to ignore a boy's erection at a school dance, etc. Some teens may be uncomfortable having it all laid out on the table like this, and some parents will likely blow a gasket over the topics. But don't kid yourself: These are things that every teen thinks about. They may not think it as loudly as Gert, but it's hilariously realistic. Now, I'm not saying you should force yourself to read it if it makes you uncomfortable. And I'm not saying anything is gratuitous. But what it is is honest. Gert reminded me a bit of Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower
; she's not as guileless as Charlie, but she is as hilariously (and innocently) unfiltered. I don't think most people will have a problem with this once they get to know Gert, but it does bear mentioning.
[Also, one tiny little pet peeve of mine: I haaated the font choice for the Rants sections and page numbering. It was almost illegible.]
All in all, I think you can probably tell from this review whether this is the type of book for you. If it is, give Gert a chance - though she may annoy you in the beginning, I promise you will grow to love her and find yourself choking on your own surprised laughter along the way.
The Gert Garibaldi's Rants and Raves
series is what I imagine the Georgia Nicolson series to be like (sorta). There's a frenetic smart energy to it, and a frankness that will strongly appeal to some readers and strongly turn off others. (And I do mean strongly turn off. I wouldn't be surprised to hear about a parent reading this and pitching a fit, and calling for a banning.)I'm not going to lie, it was a bit of a slow-starter for me. Gert is funny in the beginning and all, but she's sort of funny in that "too much, enough already" way. And she's got a decided bitter streak which, coupled with some whininess, was off-putting for me. I didn't really connect to her as much in the beginning and she was starting to actually get on my nerves and make me doubt I wanted to finish when suddenly - something changed. It's hard to explain without giving things away, but it's sort of like Gert is at that dreaded teenager stage where you haven't really come into your own yet, or even realized that it was a possibility, but you can't let the sharks scent blood in the water so you fake it, and mask it with this extreme nonchalance that borrows a bit from Asshole Land. We've all been there, we all go through it, but once you are through it, you don't necessarily want to revisit it.
Gert's got a lot of scorn, but much of it is borne from having a lot of questions. She's a little oblivious to her world and the reality of who she is (and she's completely oblivious to the fact that she may be oblivious - she thinks she's got it all pegged), so when things start changing and she has to open her eyes a bit and risk putting herself out there, she becomes much more likable. She still keeps her biting wit, but it becomes more universally funny and less whiny. Gert started opening up and growing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book from then on. What really made it likable though was how unabashed Gert is. Part of it may be that she's still a little bit clueless, but part of it is this really fun mix of eagerness, curiosity, dubiousness and naiveté. She asks all of the questions that you wanted to ask but were too afraid to as a teen. Her narration and her rants are frank and often hilarious. I think many teens will connect to this and find their voice in Gert.
Now, I mentioned above that I can see this getting some very strong negative reactions. As I said, Gert is very unabashedly curious. There are frank (and frankly hilarious) discussions of masturbation, pubic hair maintenance, homosexuality, whether or not to ignore a boy's erection at a school dance, etc. Some teens may be uncomfortable having it all laid out on the table like this, and some parents will likely blow a gasket over the topics. But don't kid yourself: These are things that every teen thinks about. They may not think it as loudly as Gert, but it's hilariously realistic. Now, I'm not saying you should force yourself to read it if it makes you uncomfortable. And I'm not saying anything is gratuitous. But what it is is honest. Gert reminded me a bit of Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower
; she's not as guileless as Charlie, but she is as hilariously (and innocently) unfiltered. I don't think most people will have a problem with this once they get to know Gert, but it does bear mentioning.[Also, one tiny little pet peeve of mine: I haaated the font choice for the Rants sections and page numbering. It was almost illegible.]
All in all, I think you can probably tell from this review whether this is the type of book for you. If it is, give Gert a chance - though she may annoy you in the beginning, I promise you will grow to love her and find yourself choking on your own surprised laughter along the way.
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April 8, 2012
Lisa Campbell
Humor
Gert is trying to get through high school one day at a time. Her best friend, Adam, is busy with his secret romance with Tim. Gert is busy daydreaming about Tim’s twin Lucas. All the while she is trying to figure out how to be a girl, how to get through driver’s education and where she fits in with the other groups in school; the Pops, Giggles, Brains and Wannabes. In the private world of her journal she shares her secret thoughts, hopes and rants about the things that bug her such as her geriatric parents. In the end she finds that friends and boyfriends can be found in the most unexpected places.
I found this book to be mildly amusing and imminently forgettable. This is the kind of book a teen could take on a trip to the beach. It does not tax the mind too much but is entertaining enough to not suffer greatly from many distractions. I found the “Tangent: Sorry” convention in the book distracting and slightly annoying. This book would appeal to a teen girl who would identify with Gert’s hopes and fears.
Humor
Gert is trying to get through high school one day at a time. Her best friend, Adam, is busy with his secret romance with Tim. Gert is busy daydreaming about Tim’s twin Lucas. All the while she is trying to figure out how to be a girl, how to get through driver’s education and where she fits in with the other groups in school; the Pops, Giggles, Brains and Wannabes. In the private world of her journal she shares her secret thoughts, hopes and rants about the things that bug her such as her geriatric parents. In the end she finds that friends and boyfriends can be found in the most unexpected places.
I found this book to be mildly amusing and imminently forgettable. This is the kind of book a teen could take on a trip to the beach. It does not tax the mind too much but is entertaining enough to not suffer greatly from many distractions. I found the “Tangent: Sorry” convention in the book distracting and slightly annoying. This book would appeal to a teen girl who would identify with Gert’s hopes and fears.
June 17, 2010
This book is really good, and presents high school through fair eyes. The way that Gert describes high school and the people in it is extremely realistic. Gert is extremely opinionated and not afraid to show it. It's a really good and realistic book that teenagers should definitely read.
July 17, 2009
This was an amazing book. I had some great laughs. I would recommend this book to all teens. There are somethings some might not approve of, but it got me laughing as she described them. This a wonderful book. Now I just wish there was a 2nd book [hint, hint:].
April 4, 2011
Though it's been 20+ years since I turned 16 Amber Kizer took me right back there with her wonderful character Gert.
Gert tackles life with her own philosophy of One Butt Cheek at a Time. The reason for this phiolosophy is explained in the book and makes a weird kind of sense. Each chapter is started with a rant or a rave which is a tie in to the main topic of that chapter.
Gert came as a surprise late in her parents life and they are tired. It's not that they don't love her but they've been there and done that. For instance they agree to buy her a car because they are too tired to drive her to work but she has to get a job to pay for gas and insurance. She has a gay bestfriend who is dating a Jock (secretly of course) and that has its own complications. She has a crush on the Jocks brother that seemingly is going nowhere and a small group of friends through her bestfriend Adam. She's dealing with keeping up her grades, passing her drivers test and not being such a loner. Things that most teens deal with everyday.
This is one of those books that proves that we are all uniquely average. That everyone is good at something and special in their own way without being preachy or demeaning. It's funny and true and identifiable.
This book could be to kids today what Are You ThereGod? It's Me Margaret, and Forever (both by Judy Blume) were to me and many others. Although both of those books are still around and popular One Butt Cheek uses modern terms and addresses social issues that teens today are faced with Having said that it too is a timeless tale. It's a book I will be giving to my nieces. I highly recommende it for girls 14 and up. Be warned it is blunt and even graphic in some of the sex talk though I did not find it to be crude. A good place to open discussion about the facts of sex and what being a woman entails.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for Gert and her friends.
Gert tackles life with her own philosophy of One Butt Cheek at a Time. The reason for this phiolosophy is explained in the book and makes a weird kind of sense. Each chapter is started with a rant or a rave which is a tie in to the main topic of that chapter.
Gert came as a surprise late in her parents life and they are tired. It's not that they don't love her but they've been there and done that. For instance they agree to buy her a car because they are too tired to drive her to work but she has to get a job to pay for gas and insurance. She has a gay bestfriend who is dating a Jock (secretly of course) and that has its own complications. She has a crush on the Jocks brother that seemingly is going nowhere and a small group of friends through her bestfriend Adam. She's dealing with keeping up her grades, passing her drivers test and not being such a loner. Things that most teens deal with everyday.
This is one of those books that proves that we are all uniquely average. That everyone is good at something and special in their own way without being preachy or demeaning. It's funny and true and identifiable.
This book could be to kids today what Are You ThereGod? It's Me Margaret, and Forever (both by Judy Blume) were to me and many others. Although both of those books are still around and popular One Butt Cheek uses modern terms and addresses social issues that teens today are faced with Having said that it too is a timeless tale. It's a book I will be giving to my nieces. I highly recommende it for girls 14 and up. Be warned it is blunt and even graphic in some of the sex talk though I did not find it to be crude. A good place to open discussion about the facts of sex and what being a woman entails.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for Gert and her friends.
November 14, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
The fun definitely doesn't stop with the title. ONE BUTT CHEEK AT A TIME is hilarious from cover to cover.
Gertrude "Gert" Garibaldi is fifteen. She was born when her only other sibling, a brother, was starting college. She asks herself everyday why she was blessed/cursed with ancient parents. From her out-of-touch parents to her Hello, Kitty bedspread and fuzzy pink phone, Gert feels she has more questions about her place in the social scene than there are answers.
Adam is Gert's best friend. He has a crush on Tim, and Gert has a crush on Lucas, Tim's gorgeous twin brother. Unfortunately, Gert sees more of Tim when she acts as chaperone whenever Adam and Tim decide to venture out. Her heartthrob, Lucas, doesn't even seem to know she exists.
Gert's social situation does improve when Stephen reveals his interest. Thanks to Stephen, Gert attends the homecoming dance, actually dances, and has her first kiss.
Author Amber Kizer provides entertainment beginning on page one. Imagine a driver's ed teacher who uses a walker and needs a portable oxygen supply to survive the experience. Picture a principal who decides each student's weight should be recorded and graded on report cards. Add to that a group project with one partner who is Gert's sworn enemy and a sex ed teacher who has everyone exploring where no one has dared to go before.
Have fun reading this one, but be careful when and where you read it. Laughing out loud is sometimes frowned upon.
The fun definitely doesn't stop with the title. ONE BUTT CHEEK AT A TIME is hilarious from cover to cover.
Gertrude "Gert" Garibaldi is fifteen. She was born when her only other sibling, a brother, was starting college. She asks herself everyday why she was blessed/cursed with ancient parents. From her out-of-touch parents to her Hello, Kitty bedspread and fuzzy pink phone, Gert feels she has more questions about her place in the social scene than there are answers.
Adam is Gert's best friend. He has a crush on Tim, and Gert has a crush on Lucas, Tim's gorgeous twin brother. Unfortunately, Gert sees more of Tim when she acts as chaperone whenever Adam and Tim decide to venture out. Her heartthrob, Lucas, doesn't even seem to know she exists.
Gert's social situation does improve when Stephen reveals his interest. Thanks to Stephen, Gert attends the homecoming dance, actually dances, and has her first kiss.
Author Amber Kizer provides entertainment beginning on page one. Imagine a driver's ed teacher who uses a walker and needs a portable oxygen supply to survive the experience. Picture a principal who decides each student's weight should be recorded and graded on report cards. Add to that a group project with one partner who is Gert's sworn enemy and a sex ed teacher who has everyone exploring where no one has dared to go before.
Have fun reading this one, but be careful when and where you read it. Laughing out loud is sometimes frowned upon.
April 5, 2009
Read this one a while back so my memory's a bit foggy.
One Butt Cheek at a Time
I thought this book was pretty okay. A quick, light, fun read but not oooh awesome. It did make me laugh out loud in many parts though gotta give Kizer that. ;D
Gert is a freshman in high school and she is just trying to get by and get it over with hopefully in one peace and one butt cheek at at time instead of one step at a time you know? She writes in this diary (cute cover!) about all the crud she has to deal with.
I thought this book was very funny and unique and just plain bold at times because a lot of the things Gert goes through everyone goes through so it's quite easy to relate to it. The reason why I gave it a 3.5 instead of anything higher is because the story was just not that interesting. It was just okay, a C, mediocre, ehh. But it was very fun to read about the goings on in her life mainly because it was soo funny though. :D This is one of those books you want to check out of the library not necessarily buy.
Apparently there will be a sequel! I am definitely looking forward to it, I might just check it out of the library though. It's just one of those books, enjoyable but not so much that I'd spend what little money I have on it.
Then again, I know some people would enjoy this much more than me but maybe if they're younger like 14-16. I know I'm letting my little 13 year old cousin borrow it in a year since she'd love it and find it hilarious too.
One Butt Cheek at a Time
I thought this book was pretty okay. A quick, light, fun read but not oooh awesome. It did make me laugh out loud in many parts though gotta give Kizer that. ;D
Gert is a freshman in high school and she is just trying to get by and get it over with hopefully in one peace and one butt cheek at at time instead of one step at a time you know? She writes in this diary (cute cover!) about all the crud she has to deal with.
I thought this book was very funny and unique and just plain bold at times because a lot of the things Gert goes through everyone goes through so it's quite easy to relate to it. The reason why I gave it a 3.5 instead of anything higher is because the story was just not that interesting. It was just okay, a C, mediocre, ehh. But it was very fun to read about the goings on in her life mainly because it was soo funny though. :D This is one of those books you want to check out of the library not necessarily buy.
Apparently there will be a sequel! I am definitely looking forward to it, I might just check it out of the library though. It's just one of those books, enjoyable but not so much that I'd spend what little money I have on it.
Then again, I know some people would enjoy this much more than me but maybe if they're younger like 14-16. I know I'm letting my little 13 year old cousin borrow it in a year since she'd love it and find it hilarious too.
March 31, 2009
this book was absent of plot. i might compare it to reading a blog- 15 year old gert (her parents are ever so slightly elderly) rambles along about her best friend adam and his new boyfriend tim and tim's hot twin brother lucas, and every once in a while takes a break to rant on a subject of her choosing. (high school. SATS. sex ed. etc.)
these kind of random blog/diary musings work great for louise rennison's georgia nicolson series, because they are side-splitting. but gert was only a tiny bit funny every once in a while. she even says that the reason she is writing down her rants is because adam can't stand listening to her. well, gert, if you are too boring for your best friend, how am i supposed to pay attention?
just when i sort of gained interest in gert's foray into masturbation (and kizer does get kudos for touching on a taboo subject) and her relationship with stephen the bland kisser, the book ends in a random spot. so there's room for a sequel. but i will not be reading it.
these kind of random blog/diary musings work great for louise rennison's georgia nicolson series, because they are side-splitting. but gert was only a tiny bit funny every once in a while. she even says that the reason she is writing down her rants is because adam can't stand listening to her. well, gert, if you are too boring for your best friend, how am i supposed to pay attention?
just when i sort of gained interest in gert's foray into masturbation (and kizer does get kudos for touching on a taboo subject) and her relationship with stephen the bland kisser, the book ends in a random spot. so there's room for a sequel. but i will not be reading it.
January 3, 2012
The book was about a whiny teenager. It's nice though, I'm having fun reading journals and diaries of teenage girls. Gert Garibaldi's character is cool even if she rants a lot, I love ranting as well. I also adore her personality, the wallflower kinda type.
At first, I find the book quite boring. There was a time that I actually tried to quit reading it because of its dullness but I still pursue reading it even so. The last part was kinda interesting, yet I wont tell you what actually happened. There's nothing special in Gert's life. She's like everyone of us, mediocre and ordinary. That's what I like about the story, it's real. It happens to everyone. The funny thing was, she's kinda pervert, I don't know. She wants to know more...about sex and erection and orgasm that I really don't like to talk about. But the story was really hilarious and fun to read at the same time.
Yes, the book was awesome and I suggest you all to read it, it's an adventure to a teenager's life.
At first, I find the book quite boring. There was a time that I actually tried to quit reading it because of its dullness but I still pursue reading it even so. The last part was kinda interesting, yet I wont tell you what actually happened. There's nothing special in Gert's life. She's like everyone of us, mediocre and ordinary. That's what I like about the story, it's real. It happens to everyone. The funny thing was, she's kinda pervert, I don't know. She wants to know more...about sex and erection and orgasm that I really don't like to talk about. But the story was really hilarious and fun to read at the same time.
Yes, the book was awesome and I suggest you all to read it, it's an adventure to a teenager's life.
January 2, 2009
I usually enjoy books written for young adults and can put myself back in the teenager mindset. I found it very difficult to do with this book. Perhaps it was because I found the main character to be rather unlikable and quite whiny. There were a few funny parts in the book that I could imagine a teenager experiencing, but for the most part it felt a little forced and contrived.
If you were a person that hated high school, hated your parents 100% of the time while growing up, and basically thought all adults were idiots, you might enjoy this book. If you had fun in high school, enjoyed your teachers, and were smart enough to realize that most adults were only trying to keep your best interests in mind, then you might want to avoid this book as you will find it rather dull and boring.
If you were a person that hated high school, hated your parents 100% of the time while growing up, and basically thought all adults were idiots, you might enjoy this book. If you had fun in high school, enjoyed your teachers, and were smart enough to realize that most adults were only trying to keep your best interests in mind, then you might want to avoid this book as you will find it rather dull and boring.
August 15, 2008
This one is definitely one of those laugh out loud teen books. The writing is very witty and enjoyable. Gert is a smart 15-about-to-be-16 year old with a gay best friend, a crush on a guy who has a girlfriend, and parents who still wrap her gifts in Disney princess wrapping paper. Gert's mom gets her a journal and interspersed through the novel are Gert's rants and raves as seemingly written in the journal. The topics are better suited for the older teens since they touch on masturbation and sex. Overall I think teens will enjoy this one, and adults will recall the insecurities and quirks of their teenage years.
January 6, 2008
this book is about this girl name Gert and she her mom gave her this diary, to write what she done in high school. Gert friend, told her secret that she can't tell. Gert is in love with this guy name Luke, and he is a twin of Adam friends. this book sound weird, because its based on her life and how her life is bad. this book is like a journal. the title may sound really weird, but thats her way of her life is going. this book is about that being in 10 grade is very suffering and her love for Luke. this book is funny and in some parts were confusing, i really enjoy the title of the nook and the book was good.
April 22, 2011
I picked this book up because the sequel sounds so good. Unfortunately, I got about half way through this book and abandoned it. While I can see young readers loving Gert, her story, and Kizer's writing style, I was less than impressed.
The story bounced around so much that I felt like I had ADD while reading. The "Sorry: tangent" bits got on my nerves.
The main reason I stopped reading was because I wasn't curious about what would happen to Gert or her friend or the twin guys. When I still didn't wonder about half way through, that was when I put the book down.
Funny? Yes. Strong voice? Yes. Give it a shot and let me know what you think.
The story bounced around so much that I felt like I had ADD while reading. The "Sorry: tangent" bits got on my nerves.
The main reason I stopped reading was because I wasn't curious about what would happen to Gert or her friend or the twin guys. When I still didn't wonder about half way through, that was when I put the book down.
Funny? Yes. Strong voice? Yes. Give it a shot and let me know what you think.
January 2, 2008
While this might not be the best book in the world, it really kept my attention. It may have tried a little too hard, but I thought it was still quite funny... good enough for me to bother writing a review! I like that Gert is just a normal girl who tells it like it is. I think that for what it is, its a really good book. She talks about stuff that girls these days are thinking about but are afraid to ask about. There are some topics that might be a little "touchy" for some people/parents, so I'd recommend this for the older crowd. Nothing too graphic, but you can never be too careful.
October 30, 2009
While this might not be the best book in the world, it really kept my attention. It may have tried a little too hard, but I thought it was still quite funny... good enough for me to bother writing a review! I like that Gert is just a normal girl who tells it like it is. I think that for what it is, its a really good book. She talks about stuff that girls these days are thinking about but are afraid to ask about. There are some topics that might be a little "touchy" for some people/parents, so I'd recommend this for the older crowd. Nothing too graphic, but you can never be too careful.
July 31, 2008
Except for the fact that I had to hide the cover of this book while reading it in a cafe (pink and sparkly and says One Butt Cheek at a Time in big letters? I don't want to be caught with that!) I loved this book.
It made me laugh out loud multiple times (making the concealing of it's cover all the more difficult). It was a quick read - it took me one afternoon - and it was definitely worth it. :)
It made me laugh out loud multiple times (making the concealing of it's cover all the more difficult). It was a quick read - it took me one afternoon - and it was definitely worth it. :)
April 29, 2010
I read this because a blogger whose taste in books I admire, recommended it to me. I'd asked her for "something funny with a heart" and she suggested this book. Well, thanks Carla! It was just that. I'd add sassy, hilarious, and fun to the list of descriptors, too. Some folks may be shocked at descriptions of the girly parts and frank talk of trying to figure out what "sexual being" means, but I thought it was spot on and wish I'd read this when I was fifteen!
July 12, 2012
While it will never be considered one of the great novels of our time, I found the book to be extremely enjoyable. I found it to be a quick, easy, light-hearted read. Gert's view of life was interesting, and somewhat similar to some of the observations I made in high school. As I read, I found myself remembering times when I freaked out about the same things Gert experienced. If you want a cute, funny, quirky book to read quick, I highly recommend One Butt Cheek at a Time.
September 29, 2014
So this book had me laughing and grinning all day. And not just because of cheesy moments but because it was genuinely funny. I wasn't at all planning on finishing this book just yet but I couldn't help it.
One Butt Cheek At A Time is probably the funniest, cutest and truest book I've read. I can also quite relate, being in high school myself.
This book is really magnifique. I have no more words. But sometimes, less is more right?
Read it. Read it. Read it.
One Butt Cheek At A Time is probably the funniest, cutest and truest book I've read. I can also quite relate, being in high school myself.
This book is really magnifique. I have no more words. But sometimes, less is more right?
Read it. Read it. Read it.
April 10, 2008
A fun, first-person narrative about the life of Gert, a high school sophomore, just discovering all kinds of new things about herself and the world she inhabits. The title "Rants and Raves" says it all. Very entertaining read that I'd recommend to women and teen girls. I don't know if guys would find it all that funny.
February 14, 2009
Although I am long past my teenage years and this book is about a teenage girl, I did thoroughly enjoy reading it. Gert is an ordinary girl (like we all are) so it's fairly easy to identify with her. And yes, it's easy to remember what teenage life is like; just trying to survive. Funny and poignant but most of all real.
April 1, 2016
I've read and enjoyed some of Amber Kizer's other works. Wanted to read her first.
It was an enjoyable YA tale of the trials of surviving HS and the transition of becoming a woman. I liked that it was part story and part diary entries of Gert's, rants and raves like the title says.
Will look for the other book that appears to be a continuation of Gert's story.
It was an enjoyable YA tale of the trials of surviving HS and the transition of becoming a woman. I liked that it was part story and part diary entries of Gert's, rants and raves like the title says.
Will look for the other book that appears to be a continuation of Gert's story.
June 26, 2008
Definitely a girl book. There are some things in here that boys just don't want to know about. But Gert Garibaldi's descriptions, or rants, about growing up and being a teenager are hilarious. Very enjoyable, fun read.
October 28, 2008
Funny and I really enjoyed the character. However, the journal entries could be a little annoying as they disrupted the flow of the story and "tangent" was way overused. I tagged this with sex but really its masturbation.
March 22, 2011
One Butt Cheek at a Time by Amber Kizer wasnt one of my favorite books. I didnt like the story line of the story. I couldnt get into it very much. But overall, this book made my mind ponder on alot of subjects.
February 6, 2008
people seem to have liked this way more than i did. i thought it was both vapid and boring. also it had no plot and the characters were without depth.
February 19, 2008
Cute, cute, cute! LOL!
February 19, 2008
the story isn't what it sounds like at all!
it has nothin' to do with butt cheeks!!!
it has nothin' to do with butt cheeks!!!
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