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What's Up with Jody Barton?
Me and my sister are twins. She's Jolene and I'm Jody. We've both got brown hair, we're both left-handed and we both have these weirdly long little toes which make us look like long-toed mutants. But apart from that, I'd say we're fairly different. Well, actually, we're a lot different...
It's hard enough being one half of the world's least identical twins, without both of you falling for the same guy. Jolene's turned flirting into a fine art, but Jody? Not so much.And as if a twinny love triangle wasn't messy enough... there's something nobody knows about Jody Barton. Something BIG. Told with the trademark warmth and laugh-out-loud humour of the much-loved LOTTIE BIGGS books, this is a book that will make you think, with a gobsmacking twist you won't believe.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2012
5 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Long
19 books50 followersHayley Long is the author of several award-winning books for teenagers, including What’s Up with Jody Barton? and the Lottie Biggs books. She also works as an English teacher. Hayley Long lives in England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 15, 2014
It's feels very strange to be writing a review of this book, because, honestly the best advice I can give you before you read this book is not to read anything about this book before you start this book. Seriously, stop reading this review. NOW.
...Only kidding. You know I would never partake in any of the spoiling of the clever story without huge amounts of prior warning. But that doesn't take away from the fact that this is going to be a tricky one. Hmmm...
Let's just start with the things I loved about this one then, shall we? Well, for starters, Jody. Such a loveable character in desperate need of a hug. I can't imagine any teenager who wouldn't identify with Jody on some level or another. Even though their particular dilemma could appear very specific on the surface, we all been there - falling in love with completely the wrong person and developing a slight obsession with River Phoenix....haven't we?
And this is properly funny stuff, we both Jody making a very amusing and informative narrator as well as some cracking and vivid supporting characters. One particular gag, courtesy of Jody and Jolene's mum, was a right corker that made me guffaw into my brew. But I won't spoil it for you here, adding to the list of yet another thing I won't mention about this book. In fact, I loved all the supporting characters and it's not too often that a contemporary YA gets the whole dialogue thing spot on, even old lady speak...
"If they took Tony Blair and Barack Obama and the ayatollah and that tiny little Frenchman with the big heels and that hunky Russian prime minister, Vladimir Rasputin and put them altogether in my front room with a great big pot of tea and a jar of ginger hard-bakes, you'd have every one of the world's problems sorted out by the end of the day. You mark my words!"
Have any truer words even been said? No, they haven't. Tea Rocks. End of discussion.
Right, there's no getting around it. You may or may not have guessed that there is a bit of a twisty twist lurking amongst the pages. Ok, a lot of a twisty twist. And I'm not usually a fan of twisty-twists because most of the time they're not that twisty. But this one of proper...corkscrew perm twisty. Yes, THAT twisty. It's ace.
But now I shall distract you from the twistyness with one of the many brilliant facts that are littered throughout this book. It's no secret that I love contemporary YA, especially contemporary YA set in my lovely home city of London. And this is a proper London book, complete with references to buses that pass through my neighbourhood. So lets leave it to Jody to give us a fact about London...
"I read on the internet that 7,172,091 people live in London. That's more than seven million people. They all wonder down Willesden High Road at some point."
It's true you know. I'm one of that seven million and I have wondered down Willesden High Road. We were going to a gerbil breeder's flat to collect our new gerbils. True story.
Move along now. No twist to see here....
(Just remember to read the book though because it's rather brilliant)
...Only kidding. You know I would never partake in any of the spoiling of the clever story without huge amounts of prior warning. But that doesn't take away from the fact that this is going to be a tricky one. Hmmm...
Let's just start with the things I loved about this one then, shall we? Well, for starters, Jody. Such a loveable character in desperate need of a hug. I can't imagine any teenager who wouldn't identify with Jody on some level or another. Even though their particular dilemma could appear very specific on the surface, we all been there - falling in love with completely the wrong person and developing a slight obsession with River Phoenix....haven't we?
And this is properly funny stuff, we both Jody making a very amusing and informative narrator as well as some cracking and vivid supporting characters. One particular gag, courtesy of Jody and Jolene's mum, was a right corker that made me guffaw into my brew. But I won't spoil it for you here, adding to the list of yet another thing I won't mention about this book. In fact, I loved all the supporting characters and it's not too often that a contemporary YA gets the whole dialogue thing spot on, even old lady speak...
"If they took Tony Blair and Barack Obama and the ayatollah and that tiny little Frenchman with the big heels and that hunky Russian prime minister, Vladimir Rasputin and put them altogether in my front room with a great big pot of tea and a jar of ginger hard-bakes, you'd have every one of the world's problems sorted out by the end of the day. You mark my words!"
Have any truer words even been said? No, they haven't. Tea Rocks. End of discussion.
Right, there's no getting around it. You may or may not have guessed that there is a bit of a twisty twist lurking amongst the pages. Ok, a lot of a twisty twist. And I'm not usually a fan of twisty-twists because most of the time they're not that twisty. But this one of proper...corkscrew perm twisty. Yes, THAT twisty. It's ace.
But now I shall distract you from the twistyness with one of the many brilliant facts that are littered throughout this book. It's no secret that I love contemporary YA, especially contemporary YA set in my lovely home city of London. And this is a proper London book, complete with references to buses that pass through my neighbourhood. So lets leave it to Jody to give us a fact about London...
"I read on the internet that 7,172,091 people live in London. That's more than seven million people. They all wonder down Willesden High Road at some point."
It's true you know. I'm one of that seven million and I have wondered down Willesden High Road. We were going to a gerbil breeder's flat to collect our new gerbils. True story.
Move along now. No twist to see here....
(Just remember to read the book though because it's rather brilliant)
March 9, 2014
SPOILERS COMING SO DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNLESS YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK......
Okay. Reading these reviews it looks like I'm the only one who didn't enjoy this book. I have to be honest, I didn't finish it. Normally I would never leave a book unfinished but after the big plot twist I couldn't get back into it. The problem was, I'd imagined Jody in my head and after that I couldn't change that image I had of her so late in the book. WHO CHANGES THE GENDER OF A CHARACTER HALFWAY THROUGH THE BOOK?!
Okay, so change is the wrong word. I just felt a bit deceived by it, and I know that was the point blah blah blah I just didn't like it. Maybe the rest of the book was amazing, everyone else certainly seems to think so, but it just wasn't for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Hayley Long's books and I read the Lottie Biggs ones and really enjoyed them but this one just wasn't my cup of tea.
Okay. Reading these reviews it looks like I'm the only one who didn't enjoy this book. I have to be honest, I didn't finish it. Normally I would never leave a book unfinished but after the big plot twist I couldn't get back into it. The problem was, I'd imagined Jody in my head and after that I couldn't change that image I had of her so late in the book. WHO CHANGES THE GENDER OF A CHARACTER HALFWAY THROUGH THE BOOK?!
Okay, so change is the wrong word. I just felt a bit deceived by it, and I know that was the point blah blah blah I just didn't like it. Maybe the rest of the book was amazing, everyone else certainly seems to think so, but it just wasn't for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Hayley Long's books and I read the Lottie Biggs ones and really enjoyed them but this one just wasn't my cup of tea.
January 1, 2014
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!
When I first saw the book I was very intrigued to read it, I fell in love with the bright colours on the cover. This book is very different to what I normally read as normally I do prefer destopian. When I read this book I thought it was good but then I was very surprised to find out that all along the book was about a boy who discovers that he is actually gay. I did not like this book as much, I have nothing agaist the auther but it just wasnt the book for me. I also thought this book ended just a little to quickly for my liking. I do recomened checking out the book though before you buy it ♥
When I first saw the book I was very intrigued to read it, I fell in love with the bright colours on the cover. This book is very different to what I normally read as normally I do prefer destopian. When I read this book I thought it was good but then I was very surprised to find out that all along the book was about a boy who discovers that he is actually gay. I did not like this book as much, I have nothing agaist the auther but it just wasnt the book for me. I also thought this book ended just a little to quickly for my liking. I do recomened checking out the book though before you buy it ♥
July 11, 2023
I fell into the trap - a good twist that I didn't see coming
July 2, 2016
What's up with Jody Barton is a fantastic YA contemporary read which I enjoyed thoroughly. It's fun, original and a breath of fresh air in the current UK YA market which has been flooded with paranormal and dystopian fiction.
This review is deliberately short mainly because I don't want to give again thing away or spoil this book for anyone else as I would have been devastated had anyone done that to me. As a warning on that front do not whatever you do flick through this book ahead as you might glean something you don't want to know even without meaning to.
The thing I love about this book the most is Jody's unique voice. Jody is funny and I love Jody's relationship with with Jolene. I love how Jody is a maths geek but also quite cool with it, even without realising it, and I loved following Jody's story. I loved how the story had Jody's doodles added in every so often and how the size of the text was used to convey Jody's emotions and feelings as the story progressed.
I loved the messages this book had. It had brilliant messages about being yourself and not going with the crowd just because you feel like you should. The cyberbullying element in this book is really poignant and also quite powerful for youngsters in seeing how Jody deals with it. I also like the message the book has about family and family values. I loved the Barton family and seeing the relationship between the family unit. I particularly loved their parents and seeing the way in which they treated their twins.
All in all a thoughtful and funny read that I'd highly recommend.
This review is deliberately short mainly because I don't want to give again thing away or spoil this book for anyone else as I would have been devastated had anyone done that to me. As a warning on that front do not whatever you do flick through this book ahead as you might glean something you don't want to know even without meaning to.
The thing I love about this book the most is Jody's unique voice. Jody is funny and I love Jody's relationship with with Jolene. I love how Jody is a maths geek but also quite cool with it, even without realising it, and I loved following Jody's story. I loved how the story had Jody's doodles added in every so often and how the size of the text was used to convey Jody's emotions and feelings as the story progressed.
I loved the messages this book had. It had brilliant messages about being yourself and not going with the crowd just because you feel like you should. The cyberbullying element in this book is really poignant and also quite powerful for youngsters in seeing how Jody deals with it. I also like the message the book has about family and family values. I loved the Barton family and seeing the relationship between the family unit. I particularly loved their parents and seeing the way in which they treated their twins.
All in all a thoughtful and funny read that I'd highly recommend.
August 29, 2014
No šokk oli see igatahes, kui järsku ühel leheküljel peategelase sugu 'muutus'. Ja pisut võttis aega, et ümber harjuda sellega, et mitte tüdruk ei jutusta seda lugu, vaid hoopiski poiss.
Samas ei oleks ma kirjaniku suhtes selles osas vaenulik - see on ikka päris kavalalt välja mõeldud nipiga kirjutatud. Ma usun, et ikka 99% inimestest üllatusid ja see oligi ju eesmärk. Pealegi ei ole ma mitte üheski raamatus seda veel kohanud, et nii drastiliselt kellegi sugu lugeja jaoks järsku muutuks.
Igatahes väga viis pluss (heh, või siis ainult 2).
Samas ei oleks ma kirjaniku suhtes selles osas vaenulik - see on ikka päris kavalalt välja mõeldud nipiga kirjutatud. Ma usun, et ikka 99% inimestest üllatusid ja see oligi ju eesmärk. Pealegi ei ole ma mitte üheski raamatus seda veel kohanud, et nii drastiliselt kellegi sugu lugeja jaoks järsku muutuks.
Igatahes väga viis pluss (heh, või siis ainult 2).
May 31, 2012
Such a gripping book! I read it in one day because it was really hard to put down. I loved the characters, especially Jody and her family. There were some very funny moments and some very deep ideas, which any child would find valuable.
The way this book was written is 'awesome' - its not just some boring layout. It has pictures and writing of different sizes to reflect how it was spoken. I just wish that the book was longer and I would definately recommend it to anyone!
The way this book was written is 'awesome' - its not just some boring layout. It has pictures and writing of different sizes to reflect how it was spoken. I just wish that the book was longer and I would definately recommend it to anyone!
June 9, 2013
It's great not the best book ever but still enjoying it
August 26, 2013
The plot twist. Love it.
June 17, 2014
Not what I expected because for me, the twist ruined it.
January 19, 2022
Good plot, god i was shocked 😲
June 8, 2019
It's a quick read and, whilst I appreciate not all books are heavy, this one is just a bit too light but I gave it 4 stars rather than 3 because of the final few pages. Jody & Jolene are twins who fall for the same boy. The boy ends up dating Jolene but Jody misinterprets Liam's talking to him and Jody kisses him. He gets punched and Liam breaks up with Jolene. Jody just can't find the words to tell any of his family that he's gay. He gets outed when Liam tells girls at the twins' school. Jody has to deal with Jolene's horribly poor response, she stops talking to him not because he's gay but because he didn't tell her leaving jody isolated. The saving grace of the book is how Jody processes his experience. He works out that although he has been heart-broken over Liam, it made him confront who he is and that has made him stronger.
September 17, 2024
this was the first book i read with some of the most amazing queer rep, it was a complete shock when jody was a "boy". this book was amzing a huminising queer youth, it opened my eyes up to new posibilitys as a young person. i think anyone who is questioning thier sexual orintation or gender or knows someone who is should read this. love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2018
Really sweet with a nice, if guessable, twist. Loved the local references and characterisation, although some of the references seemed a bit dated to me (that doesn't detract from the book in any way though).
July 15, 2013
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
Before I start this review, I must tell you that there is a HUGE twist in this book that I will spoil. There is no way I can review this book in the way I want without spoiling it. I have permission from Macmillan Children's Books to do so as the book has been released for over a year. Do not read any further if you don't wish this book to be spoilt for you.
I've had this book sitting on my TBR pile for a while, but never got round to reading it. The press release and all the emails I received about it mentioned this big twist, but because of this big twist, they couldn't really tell me much about the book. Because I didn't know much about it, I found it difficult to have much interest. Then, when searching for books for the Month, this book was mentioned. As I had it, I added it to the pile. And I was completely knocked for six when I read it.
Jody and Jolene are twins. When they're not at school or doing their own thing, they're working in their Dad's cafe - in which they meet Liam Mackie, and both fall head over heels for. Jody does the painful yet kind thing, and takes a step back so Jolene can have her chance. But there is a big secret that Jody has that no-one knows. A secret that will blow your mind.
That secret? Jody is in fact a boy and not a girl. Yes. Yes. But we don't find this out until half way through the book. For the first 107 pages, there is no mention of the fact that Jody is a boy, so it comes as a complete surprise when we find out that he is, and so is, obviously, gay. Everything I read up to that point finally made sense! I didn't understand at first why Jody wasn't even trying with Liam, that she gave up before even starting. But of course she is in fact a he. And at no point does it say Jody is a girl or implies that he is, we just assume because of his name and the cover.
Although it's not what the book is about make makes no mention of it, it made me think quite a lot about stereotypes and assumptions. All it took was a name used more often for girls, a nickname (which there are even clues hinting at why he has it) and a pink cover, and I automatically assumed Jody was a girl - and so did quite a lot of other people if the reviews I've read are anything to go by. But there was nothing that distinctly said Jody was female! I knew I was reading an LGBTQ YA novel as soon as I picked it up, yet I still assumed Jody was female because of his name and because he fancied singer Jim Morrison and actor River Phoenix. But why do we necessarily have to think in terms of male or female, straight or gay? It reminds me of when in Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan Paul talks about labels. Why should a pink cover automatically make me think "book about a girl"? Sure, pink covers for boys might not be done often, but so what? Why can't people just be thoughts of as they are, rather than pigeon-holed? Did I think any differently about Jody once I had found out he's male and not female? That he's gay instead of straight? No. Then why can't he just be seen as Jody? It's a clever twist Long has thrown at us, but why are we so surprised? What does it matter
The Booktrust interviewed Hayley Long about What's Up With Jody Barton?, and I want to share this quote (emphasism my own):
Less about the things the book made me think about, and back to the book itself. Something this book is brilliant at is showing how normal homosexuality is. No-one would bat an eyelid at the first half of the book, while they think Jody is a girl. Anyone who would have a problem is shown that there is no problem. Jody is a teenager like any other who has fallen for someone, and experience that is completely universal, completely normal. Take sexuality and gender out of it, and it's another story of unrequited love with a love triangle. Normal.
Overall, What's Up With Jody Barton? is a lovely story of self-identity and figuring out exactly who you are, the type of person you want to be. Once you're past the big twist, you do kind of expect the story to continue with the wow-factor, but it carries on as a sweet and funny coming-of-age story that will keep you entertained, one that didn't surprise or wow me any further. But still a really good story, and one I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Books for the review copy.
Before I start this review, I must tell you that there is a HUGE twist in this book that I will spoil. There is no way I can review this book in the way I want without spoiling it. I have permission from Macmillan Children's Books to do so as the book has been released for over a year. Do not read any further if you don't wish this book to be spoilt for you.
I've had this book sitting on my TBR pile for a while, but never got round to reading it. The press release and all the emails I received about it mentioned this big twist, but because of this big twist, they couldn't really tell me much about the book. Because I didn't know much about it, I found it difficult to have much interest. Then, when searching for books for the Month, this book was mentioned. As I had it, I added it to the pile. And I was completely knocked for six when I read it.
Jody and Jolene are twins. When they're not at school or doing their own thing, they're working in their Dad's cafe - in which they meet Liam Mackie, and both fall head over heels for. Jody does the painful yet kind thing, and takes a step back so Jolene can have her chance. But there is a big secret that Jody has that no-one knows. A secret that will blow your mind.
That secret? Jody is in fact a boy and not a girl. Yes. Yes. But we don't find this out until half way through the book. For the first 107 pages, there is no mention of the fact that Jody is a boy, so it comes as a complete surprise when we find out that he is, and so is, obviously, gay. Everything I read up to that point finally made sense! I didn't understand at first why Jody wasn't even trying with Liam, that she gave up before even starting. But of course she is in fact a he. And at no point does it say Jody is a girl or implies that he is, we just assume because of his name and the cover.
Although it's not what the book is about make makes no mention of it, it made me think quite a lot about stereotypes and assumptions. All it took was a name used more often for girls, a nickname (which there are even clues hinting at why he has it) and a pink cover, and I automatically assumed Jody was a girl - and so did quite a lot of other people if the reviews I've read are anything to go by. But there was nothing that distinctly said Jody was female! I knew I was reading an LGBTQ YA novel as soon as I picked it up, yet I still assumed Jody was female because of his name and because he fancied singer Jim Morrison and actor River Phoenix. But why do we necessarily have to think in terms of male or female, straight or gay? It reminds me of when in Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan Paul talks about labels. Why should a pink cover automatically make me think "book about a girl"? Sure, pink covers for boys might not be done often, but so what? Why can't people just be thoughts of as they are, rather than pigeon-holed? Did I think any differently about Jody once I had found out he's male and not female? That he's gay instead of straight? No. Then why can't he just be seen as Jody? It's a clever twist Long has thrown at us, but why are we so surprised? What does it matter
The Booktrust interviewed Hayley Long about What's Up With Jody Barton?, and I want to share this quote (emphasism my own):
"Making Jody’s gender a surprise that the reader wouldn’t discover until halfway through the book was a deliberate strategy. Hayley explains: ‘I thought about it, and I didn’t want teenagers to come to the book either with their own ideas of “I’m not reading that”, or deliberately picking it up because of the subject matter. I wanted them to read about the character, and hopefully get to like the character, and then have to deal with the twist.’"
Less about the things the book made me think about, and back to the book itself. Something this book is brilliant at is showing how normal homosexuality is. No-one would bat an eyelid at the first half of the book, while they think Jody is a girl. Anyone who would have a problem is shown that there is no problem. Jody is a teenager like any other who has fallen for someone, and experience that is completely universal, completely normal. Take sexuality and gender out of it, and it's another story of unrequited love with a love triangle. Normal.
Overall, What's Up With Jody Barton? is a lovely story of self-identity and figuring out exactly who you are, the type of person you want to be. Once you're past the big twist, you do kind of expect the story to continue with the wow-factor, but it carries on as a sweet and funny coming-of-age story that will keep you entertained, one that didn't surprise or wow me any further. But still a really good story, and one I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Books for the review copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2021
What a plot twist! Definitely did not see that one coming. That said, it was a necessary plot twist and one like no other. This book is surely one to remember.
June 24, 2021
so ya, first of all i thought Jody was a girl, but later when his twin suffers a breakup, Jody's mom comes to his room and asks "Are you gay?" That's the point i realized Jody was a guy all along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2022
Cute story and illustrations
January 8, 2018
So I don't know if I'm just a bit clueless, but here I was thinking that for the most part of this book.
So that threw me off for the rest of the book.
There were a ton of unfamiliar words in this book, I think they must be popular only in England or something. 'Local' for example, means old or unpopular, at least that's what I guessed "Brent Cross is yesterdays though.... Yeah, Jolene, Brent Cross is soooooo local! '
I didn't like the formatting, how the text was larger in some places than others, I suppose it was for emphasis but I really disliked this feature, as well as the random drawings throughout. I can see how the author was trying to be creative and make this book unique, but for me, personally I didn't like it.
Jody's whole obsession with Jim Morrison and River Phoenix was weird. I didn't get it, and fine, mention it once or twice, but not continually throughout the book. For one, I had (and still have) no clue whatsoever who these guys are. Secondly, I was finding this boring, like get on with the story already!
The whole thing with Liam irritated me. How the heck are you ' in love' with this guy you've talked to maybe three times? Liam was rude to Jody's sister, seriously, who puts their headphones when someone's clearly trying to have a convo with you? Why would you even want to give this guy a second chance? I could not root for Liam with anyone, I honestly don't know what was good about him. Even the description of his so-called 'good looks' didn't sound attractive whatsoever: 'overgrown hair, scruffy shoes and fraying jeans that drag on the ground'. Beautiful.
I can't say Jody was a well-rounded character, all I learnt in 249 pages was that Jody:
- liked these two dead singers,
- liked the view out the bedroom window of this concrete arch,
- supposedly liked mathematics, despite the fact that Jody skipped school and never even went to maths class let alone the maths club or whatever.
Oh, and Jody was a 'leapling'. Yes, the fact that Jody was born on a leap day was reiterated so many times it was getting old, or should I say, local .
I didn't much like Jolene either. She was willing to put up with a guy who treated her horribly and changed her views for him, like the football team he supported. She was friends with these two brats who bully her twin.
So pretty much the only characters I liked were WBH (Whispering Bob Harris), one of the cafe's elderly customers, and the twin's father. Cos they actually had some personality. I know ! In this book? No way! The ending was okay, I suppose, but in my opinion, there wasn't much to like about What's Up with Jody Barton?
In summary, I wouldn't recommend this book, as it was a confusing read about some guy who skips school, supposedly loves maths and two old singers, and a whole lot of drama about a loser who isn't worth it.
So that threw me off for the rest of the book.
There were a ton of unfamiliar words in this book, I think they must be popular only in England or something. 'Local' for example, means old or unpopular, at least that's what I guessed "Brent Cross is yesterdays though.... Yeah, Jolene, Brent Cross is soooooo local! '
I didn't like the formatting, how the text was larger in some places than others, I suppose it was for emphasis but I really disliked this feature, as well as the random drawings throughout. I can see how the author was trying to be creative and make this book unique, but for me, personally I didn't like it.
Jody's whole obsession with Jim Morrison and River Phoenix was weird. I didn't get it, and fine, mention it once or twice, but not continually throughout the book. For one, I had (and still have) no clue whatsoever who these guys are. Secondly, I was finding this boring, like get on with the story already!
The whole thing with Liam irritated me. How the heck are you ' in love' with this guy you've talked to maybe three times? Liam was rude to Jody's sister, seriously, who puts their headphones when someone's clearly trying to have a convo with you? Why would you even want to give this guy a second chance? I could not root for Liam with anyone, I honestly don't know what was good about him. Even the description of his so-called 'good looks' didn't sound attractive whatsoever: 'overgrown hair, scruffy shoes and fraying jeans that drag on the ground'. Beautiful.
I can't say Jody was a well-rounded character, all I learnt in 249 pages was that Jody:
- liked these two dead singers,
- liked the view out the bedroom window of this concrete arch,
- supposedly liked mathematics, despite the fact that Jody skipped school and never even went to maths class let alone the maths club or whatever.
Oh, and Jody was a 'leapling'. Yes, the fact that Jody was born on a leap day was reiterated so many times it was getting old, or should I say, local .
I didn't much like Jolene either. She was willing to put up with a guy who treated her horribly and changed her views for him, like the football team he supported. She was friends with these two brats who bully her twin.
So pretty much the only characters I liked were WBH (Whispering Bob Harris), one of the cafe's elderly customers, and the twin's father. Cos they actually had some personality. I know ! In this book? No way! The ending was okay, I suppose, but in my opinion, there wasn't much to like about What's Up with Jody Barton?
In summary, I wouldn't recommend this book, as it was a confusing read about some guy who skips school, supposedly loves maths and two old singers, and a whole lot of drama about a loser who isn't worth it.
March 9, 2013
Absolutely Incredible.
I have to say there was at least one twist and at first I thought that in this book the word ‘gay’ was just being thrown about. Lots of words were just thrown about- peng, dibbling (which I haven’t heard as much as I have read it here) etc. A lot of very british phrases and words but also a lot that I would say are more Americanized but do add to the realism of the story. Some were thrown about more clearly than others.
This is a book that probably will differ in its meaning to people. I think that it poignantly evoked my emotion as it was a lot deeper than I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting a full-on chick-lit as Hayley Long just doesn’t do that, but this knocks off the contemporary label too.
It’s the uncommon formatting. The pictures.
For example (this picture comes shortly after the event & when I’ve realized something that wasn’t known & this was an appropriate reaction- that’s like the GIF of the review) --->
With all of the above there is no way even a less confident YA/teen reader could not pick this up. It’s more than a diary... Imagine a song you’ll never get tired of- it might be Light My Fire (which was the only 20th century thing I understood- hey, I’m a 90’s child...) that’s Jody’s voice. It was easy to connect to.
I don’t mean this ‘insensitively’ but Jody went through a lot & I like how the things mentioned were a mix of antagonists that didn’t seem so bad at first, that were a bunch of people & that were also emotions or family issues. There is insight into Jody’s emotions, other character emotions & lots, LOTS of good stuff. The twins were great characters and their Mum was such a nice touch.
Why I am recommending it to fans of Perks
The novel reminded me, only slightly as the family units were very different, of Perks (which I read not watched). They both have twists and loveable, realistic characters.
There is a deeper reason- if you haven’t read this or Perks don’t read the below-
Check it out on my blog (which was very happy to discover Hayley Long checked it out): http://spreadingukya2013.blogspot.com...
I have to say there was at least one twist and at first I thought that in this book the word ‘gay’ was just being thrown about. Lots of words were just thrown about- peng, dibbling (which I haven’t heard as much as I have read it here) etc. A lot of very british phrases and words but also a lot that I would say are more Americanized but do add to the realism of the story. Some were thrown about more clearly than others.
This is a book that probably will differ in its meaning to people. I think that it poignantly evoked my emotion as it was a lot deeper than I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting a full-on chick-lit as Hayley Long just doesn’t do that, but this knocks off the contemporary label too.
It’s the uncommon formatting. The pictures.
For example (this picture comes shortly after the event & when I’ve realized something that wasn’t known & this was an appropriate reaction- that’s like the GIF of the review) --->
With all of the above there is no way even a less confident YA/teen reader could not pick this up. It’s more than a diary... Imagine a song you’ll never get tired of- it might be Light My Fire (which was the only 20th century thing I understood- hey, I’m a 90’s child...) that’s Jody’s voice. It was easy to connect to.
I don’t mean this ‘insensitively’ but Jody went through a lot & I like how the things mentioned were a mix of antagonists that didn’t seem so bad at first, that were a bunch of people & that were also emotions or family issues. There is insight into Jody’s emotions, other character emotions & lots, LOTS of good stuff. The twins were great characters and their Mum was such a nice touch.
Why I am recommending it to fans of Perks
The novel reminded me, only slightly as the family units were very different, of Perks (which I read not watched). They both have twists and loveable, realistic characters.
There is a deeper reason- if you haven’t read this or Perks don’t read the below-
Check it out on my blog (which was very happy to discover Hayley Long checked it out): http://spreadingukya2013.blogspot.com...
May 25, 2012
Review: Jody and Jolene are twins who are quite different, as people are. They're also a bit similar. Looking the same. Falling in love with the same person. Except Jody is a bit different. In a way Jolene doesn't know. What's Up With Jody Barton is the story of what happens when the secret gets out.
I feel really bad about writing this review. The big reveal thing is about halfway through the novel, which often happens. But in What's Up, the big reveal is something so big that I feel really bad about saying it and ruining it for you. I'll try to keep this review spoiler free. But if you look at the tags (or if you got here by the tag), or if you have basic knowledge of name variations, then you'll probably guess. Anyway.
The book starts off with a sketch, which forms part of the story. There's lots of these spontaneous illustrations, which adds to the feeling of this being a diary. Also, this book uses a lot of different font sizes to emphasise various things, which is a technique that sometimes work, and sometimes doesn’t. Luckily, in this, it did.
Pacing is ok. The first half is set up, with Jody and Jolene both falling suddenly for Liam. Which actually works for Jolene, as they start going out. Jody is left on the sidelines. But after being left without Jolene with him, and finding out they have similar tastes in music, and they end up alone. In Jody's bedroom. And they kiss. Or try to. This is about halfway through, where the events go downhill and many other things happen.
It's really a bit jilting when you realise you are about halfway through a novel and you don't know something major about your main character (even if it's a trend that seems to be cropping up a bit more). It's great writing on Hayley's part to be able to keep this up for a hundred pages.
It's good characterisation for all the characters. You get a really good look at Jody's feelings, and a good idea of all the supporting characters.
I'm glad that the Barton kids don't end up with Liam. By the end, he shows his true colours as being an absolute a******e, and they're both better off without him. The issues raised in this were handled well,and realistically with many different attitudes to it being shown.
It's written in a young, style of a teenager in love, which is really nice to read. The voice is kept up throughout and it's easy to connect with.
Overall: Strength 4 tea a funny coming of age story that's a good look at what it is to be a [spoiler] teenager today
I feel really bad about writing this review. The big reveal thing is about halfway through the novel, which often happens. But in What's Up, the big reveal is something so big that I feel really bad about saying it and ruining it for you. I'll try to keep this review spoiler free. But if you look at the tags (or if you got here by the tag), or if you have basic knowledge of name variations, then you'll probably guess. Anyway.
The book starts off with a sketch, which forms part of the story. There's lots of these spontaneous illustrations, which adds to the feeling of this being a diary. Also, this book uses a lot of different font sizes to emphasise various things, which is a technique that sometimes work, and sometimes doesn’t. Luckily, in this, it did.
Pacing is ok. The first half is set up, with Jody and Jolene both falling suddenly for Liam. Which actually works for Jolene, as they start going out. Jody is left on the sidelines. But after being left without Jolene with him, and finding out they have similar tastes in music, and they end up alone. In Jody's bedroom. And they kiss. Or try to. This is about halfway through, where the events go downhill and many other things happen.
It's really a bit jilting when you realise you are about halfway through a novel and you don't know something major about your main character (even if it's a trend that seems to be cropping up a bit more). It's great writing on Hayley's part to be able to keep this up for a hundred pages.
It's good characterisation for all the characters. You get a really good look at Jody's feelings, and a good idea of all the supporting characters.
I'm glad that the Barton kids don't end up with Liam. By the end, he shows his true colours as being an absolute a******e, and they're both better off without him. The issues raised in this were handled well,and realistically with many different attitudes to it being shown.
It's written in a young, style of a teenager in love, which is really nice to read. The voice is kept up throughout and it's easy to connect with.
Overall: Strength 4 tea a funny coming of age story that's a good look at what it is to be a [spoiler] teenager today
June 1, 2012
This is a hard review to write. This book has a really important and surprising twist that I cannot tell you about as it would ruin the novel, absolutely ruin it. This therefore means that there is a lot I cannot talk about in this review, but I’m going to do my best to give you a spoiler-free review for this awesome book, which means this is probably shorter than a lot of my reviews, but trust me you don’t want spoilers!
I heard about What’s Up With Jody Barton? on twitter, where the lovely Lacey (who works for Macmillan in publicity) told a lot of us bloggers about it and I cheekily asked if I could have a copy to review as it sounded great. When it arrived in the post, I instantly started it and in fact had finished it within one sitting.
What’s Up With Jody Barton? tells the story of Jody, twin to Jolene, who is put in that awkward position of liking your sister’s boyfriend. I adored Jody as the character was really well developed, from Jody’s love of RIver Phoenix and Jim Morrison to Jody’s math geek status. As a teenager, I was a little in love with River Phoenix and obsessively watched Stand By Me, Running On Empty and My Private Idaho a zillion times, no exaggeration. I even remember being terrified of injections and my best friend sitting with me for a jab and talking to me about River Phoenix. Then the horrid person with the needle said, isn’t he dead? and then stuck a needle in my arm. Not cool, not cool at all. Diversions aside, I’m sure you can see I really liked Jody and enjoyed reading about the character – because, let’s face it if you listen to The Doors and like River Phoenix then there is no denying your awesomeness.
What’s Up With Jody Barton? deals with identity and being a teenager really well, along with some other very timely and important themes for teens. I think this book is a definite must read as the plot twist is so skilfully written and hinted at throughout the novel, the characters feel very real and the Barton family is brilliantly written, especially the twins’ dad.
What’s Up With Jody Barton is published by Macmillan and available to buy now. I received my copy for free in exchange for my honest review from the publicist.
This review was originally posted at www.chooseya.com on May 30th 2012.
I heard about What’s Up With Jody Barton? on twitter, where the lovely Lacey (who works for Macmillan in publicity) told a lot of us bloggers about it and I cheekily asked if I could have a copy to review as it sounded great. When it arrived in the post, I instantly started it and in fact had finished it within one sitting.
What’s Up With Jody Barton? tells the story of Jody, twin to Jolene, who is put in that awkward position of liking your sister’s boyfriend. I adored Jody as the character was really well developed, from Jody’s love of RIver Phoenix and Jim Morrison to Jody’s math geek status. As a teenager, I was a little in love with River Phoenix and obsessively watched Stand By Me, Running On Empty and My Private Idaho a zillion times, no exaggeration. I even remember being terrified of injections and my best friend sitting with me for a jab and talking to me about River Phoenix. Then the horrid person with the needle said, isn’t he dead? and then stuck a needle in my arm. Not cool, not cool at all. Diversions aside, I’m sure you can see I really liked Jody and enjoyed reading about the character – because, let’s face it if you listen to The Doors and like River Phoenix then there is no denying your awesomeness.
What’s Up With Jody Barton? deals with identity and being a teenager really well, along with some other very timely and important themes for teens. I think this book is a definite must read as the plot twist is so skilfully written and hinted at throughout the novel, the characters feel very real and the Barton family is brilliantly written, especially the twins’ dad.
What’s Up With Jody Barton is published by Macmillan and available to buy now. I received my copy for free in exchange for my honest review from the publicist.
This review was originally posted at www.chooseya.com on May 30th 2012.
September 20, 2013
This review was first posted on Music, Books and Tea.
There’s only one way to suitably start this review, and it’s by saying that What’s Up With Jody Barton is a fabulous book. If ever someone needed a good starting point with UKYA, then this book would definitely be one of my picks for them. This book contained so many positive aspects, and it was just fiction done right.
There are so many themes within Jody Barton, and I honestly feel that this is a book that should be taught in schools across the country because it deals with so many important topics that kids need to be taught about. And everything that appears in this book is dealt with realistically, which is something that I think is really important in books like this one. I honestly imagined that I was sat at a table in Chunky’s Diner watching Jody and Jolene work and bicker with one another, which I loved.
There are LGBT themes within Jody Barton, and they are tackled with the honesty and respect they deserve. There isn’t any white-washing or stereotyping in this book. Yes, there are scenes that aren’t so easy to read, but then they deal with topics that I imagine aren’t that easy to deal with in real life.
Jody’s family are so awesome. They definitely take the prize for being the best family in any UKYA that I’ve read. They’re the kind of people I wish I knew in real life, and I definitely wish I had a Chunky’s Diner near me. What I loved about them was the fact that they are all there for one another when it matters. Yes, they argue a fair bit, but what family doesn’t? They’re not afraid to make amends and support one another when it matters. This was a family that had been written right, if you understand what I mean. So often, families in YA just disappear, but in Jody Barton, they were there nearly every step of the way.
If you’re a fan of UKYA and you haven’t read What’s Up With Jody Barton, then I highly recommend that you do so. Hayley Long is definitely an author that I’ll be checking out again in the future.
There’s only one way to suitably start this review, and it’s by saying that What’s Up With Jody Barton is a fabulous book. If ever someone needed a good starting point with UKYA, then this book would definitely be one of my picks for them. This book contained so many positive aspects, and it was just fiction done right.
There are so many themes within Jody Barton, and I honestly feel that this is a book that should be taught in schools across the country because it deals with so many important topics that kids need to be taught about. And everything that appears in this book is dealt with realistically, which is something that I think is really important in books like this one. I honestly imagined that I was sat at a table in Chunky’s Diner watching Jody and Jolene work and bicker with one another, which I loved.
There are LGBT themes within Jody Barton, and they are tackled with the honesty and respect they deserve. There isn’t any white-washing or stereotyping in this book. Yes, there are scenes that aren’t so easy to read, but then they deal with topics that I imagine aren’t that easy to deal with in real life.
Jody’s family are so awesome. They definitely take the prize for being the best family in any UKYA that I’ve read. They’re the kind of people I wish I knew in real life, and I definitely wish I had a Chunky’s Diner near me. What I loved about them was the fact that they are all there for one another when it matters. Yes, they argue a fair bit, but what family doesn’t? They’re not afraid to make amends and support one another when it matters. This was a family that had been written right, if you understand what I mean. So often, families in YA just disappear, but in Jody Barton, they were there nearly every step of the way.
If you’re a fan of UKYA and you haven’t read What’s Up With Jody Barton, then I highly recommend that you do so. Hayley Long is definitely an author that I’ll be checking out again in the future.
August 20, 2012
This book tells the story of Jody Barton, maths lover, River Phoenix and Jim Morrison enthusiast and twin to Jolene. All of these different things help to give Jody a very distinct voice and was a great character to read about. Jody was not exactly that character that I thought that I would end up reading about either though. Twists and secrets are added in to make the reader second guess what they’re reading which for me was a good thing. I love to be surprised and this book definitely did that.
Due to the major twists and secrets in this book, there isn’t a lot that I can say about the plot without giving everything away. However, I will say that What’s Up With Jody Barton deals with some massive issues for teenagers and the topics are dealt with extremely well. Parts of the book deal with how to be happy with who you are, others deal with cyber-bullying and others deal with family. There is a really mixed range of things going on here but they’re all fused together perfectly.
Hayley Long does something a bit different with this book compared to anything else I have read. Throughout, illustrations are used to enhance what Jody is either thinking or talking about. Some are of some quite random things while others are of famous people. The illustrations were fantastic and in regards to the famous people, quite true to life. This aspect of the book was something that made it stand out for me.
While this book was very serious in its themes, it was also quite humerous. Different text sizes are used to convey importance of feelings and emotions which I thought was a really good way of getting a point across. While I didn’t really know what to expect with this one, I was so glad I read it. If you’re looking for something a bit different from YA and also from a British author, look no further than this book!
Due to the major twists and secrets in this book, there isn’t a lot that I can say about the plot without giving everything away. However, I will say that What’s Up With Jody Barton deals with some massive issues for teenagers and the topics are dealt with extremely well. Parts of the book deal with how to be happy with who you are, others deal with cyber-bullying and others deal with family. There is a really mixed range of things going on here but they’re all fused together perfectly.
Hayley Long does something a bit different with this book compared to anything else I have read. Throughout, illustrations are used to enhance what Jody is either thinking or talking about. Some are of some quite random things while others are of famous people. The illustrations were fantastic and in regards to the famous people, quite true to life. This aspect of the book was something that made it stand out for me.
While this book was very serious in its themes, it was also quite humerous. Different text sizes are used to convey importance of feelings and emotions which I thought was a really good way of getting a point across. While I didn’t really know what to expect with this one, I was so glad I read it. If you’re looking for something a bit different from YA and also from a British author, look no further than this book!
April 18, 2023
Well, the subverted expectation in this book was a fun feature! The actual plot was nothing special and I didn't enjoy the way it was written. I felt like the author prioritised the over the rest of the book.
June 19, 2012
This book is really really sneaky! I envisioned one kind of story and was happily working my way through the book, when... Wham! Bam! I discover I am reading a completely different story! The wool fell from my eyes and I couldn't believe I did not see the events coming. Now because I don't want to spoil it for you, I am going to have to be really careful how I write this review. The issues I long to discuss with you, I can't! As it would ruin the story completely. All I can say is this book deals with real teenage issues that need to be addressed.
This book is a lot deeper than other books I have read by this author. The comical aspect is there is snippets, but to be honest, this subject isn't something to laugh about. You will come away from this book, contemplating the aspects of life that teenagers need to understand and deal with.
Jody and Jolene were excellent examples of twins! And I should know! The way they bicker and turn on each other, was like genuine scenes from the House of Dacosta! I think my girls may have been passing family secrets to the author on the quiet.
I think the author captured Jody's inner confusion and turmoil extremely well. Showing the lack of understanding from the adult world on how to deal with this subject really struck home with me. If my children should ever need advice on how to deal with this, I aim to be there.
I loved the settings in this book. Ah my days of visiting Brent Cross, as I bunked of uni were heaven, and the author brought them all flooding back to me. If Chunky's Diner was real, then I would obviously have had a breakfast there after a night out at the student union.
An excellent book with an excellent twist. I think Hayley Long is AMAZING!
This book is a lot deeper than other books I have read by this author. The comical aspect is there is snippets, but to be honest, this subject isn't something to laugh about. You will come away from this book, contemplating the aspects of life that teenagers need to understand and deal with.
Jody and Jolene were excellent examples of twins! And I should know! The way they bicker and turn on each other, was like genuine scenes from the House of Dacosta! I think my girls may have been passing family secrets to the author on the quiet.
I think the author captured Jody's inner confusion and turmoil extremely well. Showing the lack of understanding from the adult world on how to deal with this subject really struck home with me. If my children should ever need advice on how to deal with this, I aim to be there.
I loved the settings in this book. Ah my days of visiting Brent Cross, as I bunked of uni were heaven, and the author brought them all flooding back to me. If Chunky's Diner was real, then I would obviously have had a breakfast there after a night out at the student union.
An excellent book with an excellent twist. I think Hayley Long is AMAZING!
Read
January 23, 2016 I read the book Whats Up With Jody Barton?, by Hayley Long.
This story is about twins called Jolene and Jody. They live in north-west London above a café called Chunky's Diner, which is run by their parents.Jolene and Jody are twins but they're nothing alike. Jolene is more popular compared to Jody. Jody likes old bands and singers an is very good at maths. Jolene is more into make-up and clothes. When a boy walks into the dinner after a bus journey he sits down and Jolene and Jody stare at him. They both are thinking the same thing as each other.As Jolene starts going out with the guy he stars hanging out at the café. Jody brings him up to her room where a incident occurs.Jody feels very bad about this and doesn't want to tell her sister as she would be telling a big secret.
Overall I liked this book because I felt as if I can relate to this a lot, being a teenager. There is a big twist in this story, that I and anybody who read this book saw it coming. I liked the main characters a lot.I liked the plot of the story and how it revolved being around a normal teenager and not what adults think about us as teenagers. Most adults if they were writing a book about teenagers they would probably say things that make teenagers sound lazy and just tuned into electronics but Hayley Long really captures what it is like being a teenager. She gets that sometimes we need our space and school can be tough but what really she captures is the way Jody and Jolene look and think about the boy when he walks in.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and to adults that want to learn more about what teenagers think but really i think it is more suitable for teenagers.I'd give this book a 8/10 as i felt this is fair and I really liked this book.
This story is about twins called Jolene and Jody. They live in north-west London above a café called Chunky's Diner, which is run by their parents.Jolene and Jody are twins but they're nothing alike. Jolene is more popular compared to Jody. Jody likes old bands and singers an is very good at maths. Jolene is more into make-up and clothes. When a boy walks into the dinner after a bus journey he sits down and Jolene and Jody stare at him. They both are thinking the same thing as each other.As Jolene starts going out with the guy he stars hanging out at the café. Jody brings him up to her room where a incident occurs.Jody feels very bad about this and doesn't want to tell her sister as she would be telling a big secret.
Overall I liked this book because I felt as if I can relate to this a lot, being a teenager. There is a big twist in this story, that I and anybody who read this book saw it coming. I liked the main characters a lot.I liked the plot of the story and how it revolved being around a normal teenager and not what adults think about us as teenagers. Most adults if they were writing a book about teenagers they would probably say things that make teenagers sound lazy and just tuned into electronics but Hayley Long really captures what it is like being a teenager. She gets that sometimes we need our space and school can be tough but what really she captures is the way Jody and Jolene look and think about the boy when he walks in.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and to adults that want to learn more about what teenagers think but really i think it is more suitable for teenagers.I'd give this book a 8/10 as i felt this is fair and I really liked this book.
March 2, 2014
[Review first posted at Quite Spectacular]
I LOVED this book so much! It was like a good cup of tea. I can't give too much away because there's a BIG twist halfway through.
The twins were great characters. In fact, I loved the whole Barton family. I could picture them and hear their voices so vividly. It was nice to read about a working class family from London who loved each other dearly and weren't involved in anything dodgy.
The dialogue littered with colloquialisms were spot on. I laughed out loud many times at some of the London slang that we used to hear or use as kids. It was nice to have a diverse cast of characters that reflects modern day London. Not your Made in Chelsea London, real, living and breathing and working London. I just think it was nice to read a story set in North West London - I have a soft spot for NW. After East, my roots, NW is the only part of London I'd live in. It was very realistic.
Jody's obsession with Jim Morrison and River Phoenix was adorable. The drawings were a nice addition too and helped further bring the story to life. Extra points for making the Barton's Tottenham fans too - come on you Spurs!
What's Up With Jody Barton? was a lovely read about a wonderful family and a teenager going through something major. The ending brought a tear to my eye - in a good way.
I LOVED this book so much! It was like a good cup of tea. I can't give too much away because there's a BIG twist halfway through.
The twins were great characters. In fact, I loved the whole Barton family. I could picture them and hear their voices so vividly. It was nice to read about a working class family from London who loved each other dearly and weren't involved in anything dodgy.
The dialogue littered with colloquialisms were spot on. I laughed out loud many times at some of the London slang that we used to hear or use as kids. It was nice to have a diverse cast of characters that reflects modern day London. Not your Made in Chelsea London, real, living and breathing and working London. I just think it was nice to read a story set in North West London - I have a soft spot for NW. After East, my roots, NW is the only part of London I'd live in. It was very realistic.
Jody's obsession with Jim Morrison and River Phoenix was adorable. The drawings were a nice addition too and helped further bring the story to life. Extra points for making the Barton's Tottenham fans too - come on you Spurs!
What's Up With Jody Barton? was a lovely read about a wonderful family and a teenager going through something major. The ending brought a tear to my eye - in a good way.
October 29, 2013
PLEASE DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK ITSELF, PLEASE, PLEASE.
OK. So, have you read this book? If you have, then keep reading. If you haven't, I strongly suggest you don't read the review an instead scroll right back to the top.
Okay, I am going to tell you the truth. The truth is I absolutely could NOT stop reading the book. NOT. AT. ALL. I LOVED IT! i loved the way Hayley L. did not reveal that Jody was a boy until, the happening... I totally did NOT get it until I re-read the paragraph, Totally that brought such a big difference when you went through half of the book assuming that the character was a girl. A tomboy maybe, but still a girl. Then WHAM-BAM-BAM! I could not believe it. Seriously, if you certainly thought it was amazing how the author kept the secret the whole entire way, I mean. I also think that this is a powerful message inside a funny, side-slapping book. Some people just don't accept gays and they're just about as normal as straight people. So that's all I have to say about this book other than loving it and wanting to give the dude a hug.
I totally recommend this book to just about anybody who needs a laugh and a cry within one book. This book actually didn't make me cry but i walked away feeling like the book was amazing. And this is the first book I've ever rated with 5 stars, so yea. I hoped you loved it too!
OK. So, have you read this book? If you have, then keep reading. If you haven't, I strongly suggest you don't read the review an instead scroll right back to the top.
Okay, I am going to tell you the truth. The truth is I absolutely could NOT stop reading the book. NOT. AT. ALL. I LOVED IT! i loved the way Hayley L. did not reveal that Jody was a boy until, the happening... I totally did NOT get it until I re-read the paragraph, Totally that brought such a big difference when you went through half of the book assuming that the character was a girl. A tomboy maybe, but still a girl. Then WHAM-BAM-BAM! I could not believe it. Seriously, if you certainly thought it was amazing how the author kept the secret the whole entire way, I mean. I also think that this is a powerful message inside a funny, side-slapping book. Some people just don't accept gays and they're just about as normal as straight people. So that's all I have to say about this book other than loving it and wanting to give the dude a hug.
I totally recommend this book to just about anybody who needs a laugh and a cry within one book. This book actually didn't make me cry but i walked away feeling like the book was amazing. And this is the first book I've ever rated with 5 stars, so yea. I hoped you loved it too!
May 20, 2012
When i first saw this book it wasn't one i would usually pick up and read, however i have enjoyed reading this book and was surprised with the layout. I haven't read one of Hayley Longs books before so i didn't know what type of writer she is, and i must say i like how she creates her stories.
She uses illustrations to go along with the text in the book and i really like how she has done this because it is effective in making it more interesting, eye catching and keeps the reader wanting to be involved. I also like how she has cleverly sized her texts differently depending on what the character is trying to get across, for instance if there is whispering or muttering she will make the text size small, if someone is speaking loudly she will make the text size large.
Moving onto the main character, Jody, without giving too much away all i can say is that Long has cleverly portrayed this character in a certain way that tricks the reader. In my opinion i really admire the whole plot of the story and think it is a great thing to write about with such a twist. Various people may be able to relate to this book, and if so i'd like to think it helps them in some way because this is a strong book written carefully and thoughtfully.
A great quick read book that keeps you interested throughout!
She uses illustrations to go along with the text in the book and i really like how she has done this because it is effective in making it more interesting, eye catching and keeps the reader wanting to be involved. I also like how she has cleverly sized her texts differently depending on what the character is trying to get across, for instance if there is whispering or muttering she will make the text size small, if someone is speaking loudly she will make the text size large.
Moving onto the main character, Jody, without giving too much away all i can say is that Long has cleverly portrayed this character in a certain way that tricks the reader. In my opinion i really admire the whole plot of the story and think it is a great thing to write about with such a twist. Various people may be able to relate to this book, and if so i'd like to think it helps them in some way because this is a strong book written carefully and thoughtfully.
A great quick read book that keeps you interested throughout!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews