Beyond Crazy

by Deb Loughead

Being in a band is Stelle's salvation. It is her escape from the chaotic clutter at home and her mother's depression. Even though she is able to lose herself for a few hours, pounding away on the drums in the basement of her dad's new house, as soon as she leaves, it's as if the world is going crazy all around one bandmate's parents refuse to acknowledge their son is gay; her band's only potential lead singer dresses like a vampire; and even her best friend, Lu, with the "perfect family" has been on edge lately. But it's the strange, confused conversations that Stelle has with her grandmother in the nursing home that hold the key to unlocking the unhappiness at the heart of her family.

Genres: Realistic Fiction

184 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Deb Roselind · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wholesome reading experience with a good variety of well explored characters who all had their own simple layers that are easy to read for also younger audience!
I binge read this one and it was a pleasant read. Nothing bad to point out at all. The main character’s journey with family -and self love was really meaningful and beautiful.
Brilliant read for tweens to adults! This one is worth a read!

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stelle has a mother who won't get off the couch, a father with a pregnant young wife, a confused grandmother in a nursing home, and a useless brother. She's a drummer in a garage band with friends whose home lives aren't much better. When her mother's depression reaches a critical point, Stelle realizes this might be the opportunity to learn the secrets her mother has kept hidden.

The plot of BEYOND CRAZY is unique interesting which should have pulled me in right away, but I never felt connected to Stelle or the story. Though narrated in her first person POV, the story lacked a distinct voice. Too often writer Deb Loughead resorted to telling rather than showing the story. The writing felt flat. Loughead created a wonderful, diverse cast of minor characters that, if utilized more effectively, could have added pop to the story if used more efficiently. The manifestation of Stelle's mother's depression and treatment weren't very authentic. The predictable ending was more corny than realistic.

If teens are dealing with mental illness or difficult home lives, they might feel a kinship to Stelle and enjoy BEYOND CRAZY.

I received a free e-copy of BEYOND CRAZY from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much happening in this short book and for that, I loved it. I fell in love with Karim instantly and yet, he was not the main character. He was dancing to the beat of his own drum, with his outlandish attire and the way he brushed off the eyes and the comments from his peers. His parent’s words broke his heart and it was Stelle’s stepmom who mended the vital organ pushing Karim up to the top of his game. He helped show the group, Stelle and Lu, that it was okay to stand out, to stand up for what you believe is right and these two girls needed his strength. They needed to know that inside everyone’s lives, there are some conflicts; snags and snares that will disrupt life, sometimes bringing things to a standstill. They each thought they were an island, able to separate themselves from one another, never really letting each other know the whole person inside. But friends see things, it’s a valid concept amongst true friends, even though no words are spoken they know and with these three, nothing goes unnoticed.
Thank you NetGalley and James Lorimer & Company for allowing me to read this book. This review is my own opinion.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine: Your parents are divorced and you and your older brother live with your totally depressed mom, spending her days and nights zoned out on the couch watching endless TV. When she feeds you, she just opens a can or takes a frozen dinner out.

While she is out of it at night, you and your brother sneak out and you go visit friends and begin practicing with your band, your brother goes necking with his current girl.


Your dad’s remarried living nearby and you resent your pregnant step-mom even though she’s really nice and always cooking stuff for you and your brother, and it’s your dad who bought you your drum kit and lets you practice downstairs and lets your brother borrow his car to go necking.

But one day coming home from school you find your mom out cold – she’s fallen, and you call 911 and slowly you begin to understand – why your mom’s so depressed, why your dad left, and some things about yourself and your friends as well.

This is a really cool book that you’ll find rings all kinds of bells with you and with the friends and other people you know – a definite must read!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick read - got through it in one day, however, the book was engaging and kept me reading to the last line.

Stelle feels as though her entire family and life has gone off the rails and she is basically trying to keep it all together while going to high school and setting up a band. Her mother is depressed and may be way too attached to things, her day and stepmother are having a baby and she is trying to get her dream of a band into a reality.

This book is sweet and touching. I love that the main character is not some wise smacking kid who hates everyone and everybody, in fact, I would love to have a child like Stelle. She is responsible, cares about people other than herself and is dedicated to her music.

Stelle is a character that I found myself cheering for and hoping for. I wanted to see her succeed and have an easier life and this is thanks to the author who has done a fine job of telling us and showing us just how kind she is to the people around her.

As always, I find these books way too short, but I truly enjoyed the warmth this story gave me.

A winner.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm beginning to recognize that the Sidestreets imprint is a real mark of quality: readable teen fiction that tackles difficult topics in a way that's accessible to reluctant readers without condescending to them or sugar-coating the issues. Beyond Crazy is another fine example, featuring a musician who struggles to cope with her mother's mental illness.

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Link to the review: http://ett-liv-med-canon.bloggplatsen...