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Skater Boy
»Ich habe es so satt, jemand zu sein, der ich nicht bin.«
Wesley »Big Mac« Mackenzie, der eingeschworene Bad Boy der Stonebridge High, fällt in der Abschlussklasse durch. Als seine Mutter ihn dann noch zu einer Winteraufführung des »Nussknacker« schleppt, ist Wes daher wenig angetan ... bis er Tristan Monroe sieht. Mr Nussknacker persönlich. Wes weiß, dass er einen Typen wie Tristan nicht attraktiv finden sollte, schließlich ist der Balletttänzer, und Wes verbirgt seine eigene Sexualität, so gut er kann. Aber als sie anfangen, Zeit miteinander zu verbringen, bekommt Wes Tristan einfach nicht mehr aus dem Kopf. Und Tristan bringt Wes dazu, sich und sein Verhalten infrage zu stellen. Durch Tristan motiviert, nimmt Wes deshalb an einem Fotowettbewerb der Schule teil und ist fest entschlossen, sich bis zum Ende des Schuljahres zu bessern. Kann Wes seine alten Freunde gegen die Fotokids, die er einst verachtet hat, eintauschen? Und den Ruf als Bad Boy, den er von Anfang an nicht wollte, aufgeben?
Ehrlich und authentisch – ein queerer Debütroman über Romantik, Freundschaft und das Ablegen von Stereotypen.
Wesley »Big Mac« Mackenzie, der eingeschworene Bad Boy der Stonebridge High, fällt in der Abschlussklasse durch. Als seine Mutter ihn dann noch zu einer Winteraufführung des »Nussknacker« schleppt, ist Wes daher wenig angetan ... bis er Tristan Monroe sieht. Mr Nussknacker persönlich. Wes weiß, dass er einen Typen wie Tristan nicht attraktiv finden sollte, schließlich ist der Balletttänzer, und Wes verbirgt seine eigene Sexualität, so gut er kann. Aber als sie anfangen, Zeit miteinander zu verbringen, bekommt Wes Tristan einfach nicht mehr aus dem Kopf. Und Tristan bringt Wes dazu, sich und sein Verhalten infrage zu stellen. Durch Tristan motiviert, nimmt Wes deshalb an einem Fotowettbewerb der Schule teil und ist fest entschlossen, sich bis zum Ende des Schuljahres zu bessern. Kann Wes seine alten Freunde gegen die Fotokids, die er einst verachtet hat, eintauschen? Und den Ruf als Bad Boy, den er von Anfang an nicht wollte, aufgeben?
Ehrlich und authentisch – ein queerer Debütroman über Romantik, Freundschaft und das Ablegen von Stereotypen.
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2024
56 people are currently reading
9993 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Nerada
1 book170 followersAnthony Nerada became a writer after his fifth-grade teacher told him it was his destiny. Since then, he’s read too many books (if there is such a thing) and explored worlds far outside the reaches of his own. Anthony holds a BA in psychology and two diplomas (one in public relations, the other in publishing), which allow him to write the day away while simultaneously psychoanalyzing his friends. Anthony lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Coast Salish Peoples. Skater Boy is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
January 6, 2024
Hey Avril Lavigne, changed your lyrics a little …
Wes was a punk
Tris did ballet
What more can I say?
Wes was a skater boy
Tris said, "Love to know you, boy"
And wanted Wes to show him more
But Wes was scared as hell
Didn’t think he could tell
Never opened himself this way
Skater Boy starts with an author’s note, and it immediately put a smile on my face. I loved the part about changing the lyrics of songs.
I actually hated Wes in the first chapter. According to the blurb, he’s a bad boy, and I thought, bad boy? He’s a downright bully! Teens who love Metallica don’t need to be bullies or even bad boys! But while reading, I found out Skater Boy is a great story of character growth. Wes is full of anger and a bully on the outside, and a teen full of fears and traumas on the inside. Meeting Tristan made Wes’ heart jump up, and from that moment, the smile on my face reappeared.
Skater Boy is about how anger makes you a man. Boys should man up, right? Be brawny. Fight back. Because anger makes you masculine, and other emotions are not allowed. They make you less manly, maybe even feminine. Because that’s what we’re taught. Skater Boy is about how labels can help us or make us struggle. It’s about how to be who you want to be without being pushed into a box. And in the end, it’s about learning to love yourself. Nothing else matters.
And have you seen the gorgeous cover? So fitting to the story!
Wes is a boy
And Tris is one too
Can I make it any more obvious?
They are in love
Haven’t you heard?
How they rock each other’s world
I received an ARC from Soho Teen and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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Wes was a punk
Tris did ballet
What more can I say?
Wes was a skater boy
Tris said, "Love to know you, boy"
And wanted Wes to show him more
But Wes was scared as hell
Didn’t think he could tell
Never opened himself this way
Skater Boy starts with an author’s note, and it immediately put a smile on my face. I loved the part about changing the lyrics of songs.
I actually hated Wes in the first chapter. According to the blurb, he’s a bad boy, and I thought, bad boy? He’s a downright bully! Teens who love Metallica don’t need to be bullies or even bad boys! But while reading, I found out Skater Boy is a great story of character growth. Wes is full of anger and a bully on the outside, and a teen full of fears and traumas on the inside. Meeting Tristan made Wes’ heart jump up, and from that moment, the smile on my face reappeared.
Skater Boy is about how anger makes you a man. Boys should man up, right? Be brawny. Fight back. Because anger makes you masculine, and other emotions are not allowed. They make you less manly, maybe even feminine. Because that’s what we’re taught. Skater Boy is about how labels can help us or make us struggle. It’s about how to be who you want to be without being pushed into a box. And in the end, it’s about learning to love yourself. Nothing else matters.
And have you seen the gorgeous cover? So fitting to the story!
Wes is a boy
And Tris is one too
Can I make it any more obvious?
They are in love
Haven’t you heard?
How they rock each other’s world
I received an ARC from Soho Teen and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Follow me on Instagram
January 9, 2024
Is anyone surprised I’m here giving my own book 5 stars? No, not really, but I'm going to do it anyway (lol).
Skater Boy was born out of a desire to highlight a queer experience that is rarely told, from a character who is unapologetically more grumpy than sunshine. Wesley "Big Mac" Mackenzie is not for the faint of heart. He's in your face, he's rough around the edges, and he's filled with an anger he doesn't quite know how to express (because "real" men don't talk about their feelings, right?). In Wes, perhaps above all else, I wanted to show readers that there is no right way of being gay. We can be angry as hell, just as much as we can be kind and caring. In telling this story, I hope I did Wes (and all the messy, morally gray queers out there who have yet to find themselves) proud.
And while Skater Boy does loosely pay tribute to the classic pop-punk anthem we all know and love, I want to believe it is so much more than that. This story is about breaking down the labels that confine you and learning to love yourself exactly as you are, but it's also about self-acceptance and friendship and giving yourself grace when the world might seem against you.
I wholeheartedly understand that Skater Boy may not be for everyone, so please be aware of the following content warnings and make sure to always protect yourself, and your reading experience:
Skater Boy was born out of a desire to highlight a queer experience that is rarely told, from a character who is unapologetically more grumpy than sunshine. Wesley "Big Mac" Mackenzie is not for the faint of heart. He's in your face, he's rough around the edges, and he's filled with an anger he doesn't quite know how to express (because "real" men don't talk about their feelings, right?). In Wes, perhaps above all else, I wanted to show readers that there is no right way of being gay. We can be angry as hell, just as much as we can be kind and caring. In telling this story, I hope I did Wes (and all the messy, morally gray queers out there who have yet to find themselves) proud.
And while Skater Boy does loosely pay tribute to the classic pop-punk anthem we all know and love, I want to believe it is so much more than that. This story is about breaking down the labels that confine you and learning to love yourself exactly as you are, but it's also about self-acceptance and friendship and giving yourself grace when the world might seem against you.
I wholeheartedly understand that Skater Boy may not be for everyone, so please be aware of the following content warnings and make sure to always protect yourself, and your reading experience:
February 11, 2024
4 Stars
Anthony Nerada’s debut novel, Skater Boy, is a rousing gem of a book, not to be missed by lovers of queer YA fiction.
This contemporary story, featuring LGBT characters and universally relatable coming-of-age themes, follows Wes, an angry baby-gay hero, with a bad attitude and a huge chip on his shoulder, as he experiences a true turning point in his young life, after his future gets put into question by a school counsellor and he’s forced to start thinking about his behaviour and treatment of others, and what he actually wants to do with his life.
Wes’s story is rife with teen-angst, youthful mistakes, hard-fought personal growth, and, of course, the highs and lows of first love.
This book spoke to my teenage, pop-punk loving heart. It sparked a deep sense of nostalgia and yearning for my lost youth. It took me back to a time when I was moody and broody and talked back just to get a reaction, desperate to work out who I was, what I liked, and what I wanted from my life. It reminded me of first crushes and a future that was wide-open with possibilities—but hella scary for how BIG those possibilities seemed for my small life.
It was an emotionally charged read, that I wish I could have read when I was seventeen, busy angsting over literally everything.
The story was so remarkable in its telling, I’m kind of shocked stupid that Nerada is a first-time author, because it seems unfair to be this good this soon in one’s writing career. The boy's got mad skills and praise be for it!
If you enjoy authors like Adam Silvera, Adib Khorram, David Levithan, Kacen Callender, or Mason Deaver, you should give this book your consideration, because I’m pretty sure Anthony Nerada is about to bust the LGBT YA doors down with his debut and cement his name amongst some of the best, given the chance.
***A special thanks to the author for graciously gifting me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Anthony Nerada’s debut novel, Skater Boy, is a rousing gem of a book, not to be missed by lovers of queer YA fiction.
This contemporary story, featuring LGBT characters and universally relatable coming-of-age themes, follows Wes, an angry baby-gay hero, with a bad attitude and a huge chip on his shoulder, as he experiences a true turning point in his young life, after his future gets put into question by a school counsellor and he’s forced to start thinking about his behaviour and treatment of others, and what he actually wants to do with his life.
Wes’s story is rife with teen-angst, youthful mistakes, hard-fought personal growth, and, of course, the highs and lows of first love.
This book spoke to my teenage, pop-punk loving heart. It sparked a deep sense of nostalgia and yearning for my lost youth. It took me back to a time when I was moody and broody and talked back just to get a reaction, desperate to work out who I was, what I liked, and what I wanted from my life. It reminded me of first crushes and a future that was wide-open with possibilities—but hella scary for how BIG those possibilities seemed for my small life.
It was an emotionally charged read, that I wish I could have read when I was seventeen, busy angsting over literally everything.
The story was so remarkable in its telling, I’m kind of shocked stupid that Nerada is a first-time author, because it seems unfair to be this good this soon in one’s writing career. The boy's got mad skills and praise be for it!
If you enjoy authors like Adam Silvera, Adib Khorram, David Levithan, Kacen Callender, or Mason Deaver, you should give this book your consideration, because I’m pretty sure Anthony Nerada is about to bust the LGBT YA doors down with his debut and cement his name amongst some of the best, given the chance.
***A special thanks to the author for graciously gifting me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
“I’m so tired of being someone I’m not.”
At the heart of it, Anthony Nerada's debut novel Skater Boy is a deeply honest and vivid look about self-discovery, self-healing and self-learning on how we can choose to be better people, without losing the part of ourselves that defines who we are. It is a reflective look at how we perceive ourselves and in what light we want others to also view us.
Wes was a believable and very relatable character; he has the makings of a bad boy - a bully at times with violent displaced rage, chilling away time by either skateboarding or smoking joints with his close friends - no plans for himself for the future. 🛹 He does start off with some questionable behavior and action with his close group of friends that definitely raises eyebrows., and makes him quite unlikeable! But underneath that dark cloud of personality, he is hiding so much more of himself. And meeting Tristan at The Nutcracker performance opened the doors to him that there there is a possibility that he has more to offer than what he thought he had. 🥺🥺
Tristan and Wes were very cute together; there was a slow and slightly upheaval journey to them becoming an actual couple, but it was realistically portrayed. And while I did enjoy their romantic moments, I appreciated it even more that there was a healthy communication about what they DID NOT expect from the other. And though at times, that often tested their relationship and put them at faults with one another, I was glad that the ending rounded itself up nicely to show that they were still able to find a way to be together, despite how much they were different from each other. 🫶🏻 🫶🏻 It was tough seeing Wes juggle both sides of his friendships - it hurt that he had to give up one for the other. But, through learning to be be better than who he was, Wes also sees people in a clearer frame of mind - and that was really important for him to experience; because, that, too, helped him be a better person.
“Maybe finding yourself means meeting somewhere in the middle of who you were and who you want to be.”
“My sweet, sweet boy, you have to learn to love you for you. Faults and all. No one else is going to do that for you.”
As more of Wes' past is revealed, we learn why he is so angry and frustrated all the time - what has led him to have this conviction that he simply has to act this way just to live up to appearances. And that was a heartbreaking moment - it was so vividly captured and helped us better understand what has led him to act out the way that he does. ❤️🩹 ❤️🩹
He had shut off his own potential for so long, that when he finally gave himself a chance, he became a better person - less judgmental, less volatile, more receptive and agreeable to his own family and peers. I especially loved his relationship with his Ma; it was one of the most beautiful and heart-felt ones, and I was so happy that the two of them got the happiness they both deserved. 🥲🥲
What Anthony Nerada successfully portrayed is that no one has to change themselves for the sake of others; we can stay true to who we are, and can still change - for ourselves. That may not make a lot of sense, but that is the take-away that I took. Wes doesn't abandon the things that makes him comfortable, but he allows himself to embrace new ideas and friendships that make him feel more present and alive. I loved how the realization of his previous inappropriate actions dawned on him - in a harsh light, but well-handled manner.
The writing was very solid and direct; at times, it felt like it was more of a personal narrative of the author's rather than Wes' own story, which I think highlighted the emotional aspects of the stories even more. I loved that the chapter titles were actual song lyrics - but slightly altered to fit the emo vibe Wes was feeling. It brought back so many nostalgic memories of these timeless classics and how, even now they capture the essence of what it means to be a teenager so perfectly well.
“You know, I never thought I’d live to see the day, but you’re a good guy, Wes.”
“I’m trying to be.”
It was certainly an impressive debut - if you keep in mind that this story is not only about the romance, but about the journey to finding your place in the world and connecting with who you are. If so, then I think it did a wonderful job of capturing those feelings perfectly. 👍🏻👍🏻
*Thank you to Anthony Nerada and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
“I’m so tired of being someone I’m not.”
At the heart of it, Anthony Nerada's debut novel Skater Boy is a deeply honest and vivid look about self-discovery, self-healing and self-learning on how we can choose to be better people, without losing the part of ourselves that defines who we are. It is a reflective look at how we perceive ourselves and in what light we want others to also view us.
Wes was a believable and very relatable character; he has the makings of a bad boy - a bully at times with violent displaced rage, chilling away time by either skateboarding or smoking joints with his close friends - no plans for himself for the future. 🛹 He does start off with some questionable behavior and action with his close group of friends that definitely raises eyebrows., and makes him quite unlikeable! But underneath that dark cloud of personality, he is hiding so much more of himself. And meeting Tristan at The Nutcracker performance opened the doors to him that there there is a possibility that he has more to offer than what he thought he had. 🥺🥺
Tristan and Wes were very cute together; there was a slow and slightly upheaval journey to them becoming an actual couple, but it was realistically portrayed. And while I did enjoy their romantic moments, I appreciated it even more that there was a healthy communication about what they DID NOT expect from the other. And though at times, that often tested their relationship and put them at faults with one another, I was glad that the ending rounded itself up nicely to show that they were still able to find a way to be together, despite how much they were different from each other. 🫶🏻 🫶🏻 It was tough seeing Wes juggle both sides of his friendships - it hurt that he had to give up one for the other. But, through learning to be be better than who he was, Wes also sees people in a clearer frame of mind - and that was really important for him to experience; because, that, too, helped him be a better person.
“Maybe finding yourself means meeting somewhere in the middle of who you were and who you want to be.”
“My sweet, sweet boy, you have to learn to love you for you. Faults and all. No one else is going to do that for you.”
As more of Wes' past is revealed, we learn why he is so angry and frustrated all the time - what has led him to have this conviction that he simply has to act this way just to live up to appearances. And that was a heartbreaking moment - it was so vividly captured and helped us better understand what has led him to act out the way that he does. ❤️🩹 ❤️🩹
He had shut off his own potential for so long, that when he finally gave himself a chance, he became a better person - less judgmental, less volatile, more receptive and agreeable to his own family and peers. I especially loved his relationship with his Ma; it was one of the most beautiful and heart-felt ones, and I was so happy that the two of them got the happiness they both deserved. 🥲🥲
What Anthony Nerada successfully portrayed is that no one has to change themselves for the sake of others; we can stay true to who we are, and can still change - for ourselves. That may not make a lot of sense, but that is the take-away that I took. Wes doesn't abandon the things that makes him comfortable, but he allows himself to embrace new ideas and friendships that make him feel more present and alive. I loved how the realization of his previous inappropriate actions dawned on him - in a harsh light, but well-handled manner.
The writing was very solid and direct; at times, it felt like it was more of a personal narrative of the author's rather than Wes' own story, which I think highlighted the emotional aspects of the stories even more. I loved that the chapter titles were actual song lyrics - but slightly altered to fit the emo vibe Wes was feeling. It brought back so many nostalgic memories of these timeless classics and how, even now they capture the essence of what it means to be a teenager so perfectly well.
“You know, I never thought I’d live to see the day, but you’re a good guy, Wes.”
“I’m trying to be.”
It was certainly an impressive debut - if you keep in mind that this story is not only about the romance, but about the journey to finding your place in the world and connecting with who you are. If so, then I think it did a wonderful job of capturing those feelings perfectly. 👍🏻👍🏻
*Thank you to Anthony Nerada and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
January 17, 2024
Very nearly lost me in the first 10% because Wesley was so OTT belligerent I couldn't sympathize with him even though the narrative is first person, his point of view. Eventually I forced myself to resume reading -- feeling obliged, since this is an ARC -- and as the story progressed, Wes did become bearable.
But: problems.
Some were just irritating, for instance Wes's mother calling him "Stevia" because that's her "way of 'going against the masses.' She’s never been a fan of 'hi, honey' and 'hi, sweetie' moms." Well, which moms are those, and what does Wes's mother have against them, anyway? Did you know it was offensive for a parent to use common affectionate sobriquets when addressing their kid? Right, it was news to me as well.
OK, that's petty, but it's also an instance of the labored way Narada develops Wes's troubled-outsider status. Here's another. His mother's been dating Tad, a widower, for three years. Tad has a five-year-old daughter; he's taking her, Wes's mother, and Wes to see The Nutcracker, and Wes whines about falling asleep during the previous year's production. Fine, he doesn't like ballet (though, honestly, who TF doesn't like The Nutcracker?), but he's attending with a five-year-old who adores it and whom he's known since she was two. An authorial choice looms: Do you make your 17-year-old narrator, who's hostile to his mother's boyfriend, unbend toward a small, enthusiastic child? Or do you make him complain about how she "bounces in her car seat like she’s on her way to freaking Disney World"?
Wes is supposed to be traumatized (backstory: abusive dad), worried about being gay, and quick to anger, so it's fair for him to behave badly; the trouble is, he behaves so badly that he's completely unsympathetic for a good chunk of the book.
I didn't like his eventual boyfriend, Tristan, either, mainly because Narada has him spouting platitudes right and left. Sample: "[T]he next chapter in your life is for you to define, Wes. Whatever you were in high school, whatever mistakes you made, all that goes away.” "Sometimes, there's vulnerability in telling the truth." Basically, Tristan is a self-righteous prig.
The eventual resolution of Wes's problems happens in a rush. His two closest friends, who come off as loud, bigoted dudebros till something like the 85% mark, suddenly turn into Sensitive Young Men Who Talk About Their Feelings. Despite years of being bullied by these guys, the members of the photography club Wes joins make friends with them after ... an apology? That's it? We don't really know, because it happens off page (one of many reasons I think first-person narrative was a mistake here). It turns out that Tad loves Wes even though Wes has been behaving like a jerk toward him for, apparently, the entire three years during which Tad has been dating Wes's mother.
The tl;dr here is that there's way too much emphasis on important life lessons, and not enough on story and character. I'm sorry to be so negative about a book that's obviously well-intentioned, but there it is. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
But: problems.
Some were just irritating, for instance Wes's mother calling him "Stevia" because that's her "way of 'going against the masses.' She’s never been a fan of 'hi, honey' and 'hi, sweetie' moms." Well, which moms are those, and what does Wes's mother have against them, anyway? Did you know it was offensive for a parent to use common affectionate sobriquets when addressing their kid? Right, it was news to me as well.
OK, that's petty, but it's also an instance of the labored way Narada develops Wes's troubled-outsider status. Here's another. His mother's been dating Tad, a widower, for three years. Tad has a five-year-old daughter; he's taking her, Wes's mother, and Wes to see The Nutcracker, and Wes whines about falling asleep during the previous year's production. Fine, he doesn't like ballet (though, honestly, who TF doesn't like The Nutcracker?), but he's attending with a five-year-old who adores it and whom he's known since she was two. An authorial choice looms: Do you make your 17-year-old narrator, who's hostile to his mother's boyfriend, unbend toward a small, enthusiastic child? Or do you make him complain about how she "bounces in her car seat like she’s on her way to freaking Disney World"?
Wes is supposed to be traumatized (backstory: abusive dad), worried about being gay, and quick to anger, so it's fair for him to behave badly; the trouble is, he behaves so badly that he's completely unsympathetic for a good chunk of the book.
I didn't like his eventual boyfriend, Tristan, either, mainly because Narada has him spouting platitudes right and left. Sample: "[T]he next chapter in your life is for you to define, Wes. Whatever you were in high school, whatever mistakes you made, all that goes away.” "Sometimes, there's vulnerability in telling the truth." Basically, Tristan is a self-righteous prig.
The eventual resolution of Wes's problems happens in a rush. His two closest friends, who come off as loud, bigoted dudebros till something like the 85% mark, suddenly turn into Sensitive Young Men Who Talk About Their Feelings. Despite years of being bullied by these guys, the members of the photography club Wes joins make friends with them after ... an apology? That's it? We don't really know, because it happens off page (one of many reasons I think first-person narrative was a mistake here). It turns out that Tad loves Wes even though Wes has been behaving like a jerk toward him for, apparently, the entire three years during which Tad has been dating Wes's mother.
The tl;dr here is that there's way too much emphasis on important life lessons, and not enough on story and character. I'm sorry to be so negative about a book that's obviously well-intentioned, but there it is. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
December 11, 2023
To the author: WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO MAKE ME SOB ON A SUNDAY NIGHT?!?!
This book is so heartfelt. If you are or were that gay punk hiding his feelings, this book is FOR. YOU.
Pleaseeeeee try this books it’s amazing
This book is so heartfelt. If you are or were that gay punk hiding his feelings, this book is FOR. YOU.
Pleaseeeeee try this books it’s amazing
August 18, 2024
It’s a sad day when I read a book that is basically inspired by Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi and I don’t love it immediately.
I honestly can’t pinpoint what exactly is that I didn’t like I just know that while reading it all enjoyment left my body and I was left just annoyed at Wes, the tripod, Wes’s mom, Tristan, and everyone else.
The dialogues are weird, nobody acts in a way that makes sense and have suden out of character insights, random off page development happens all the time, Wes justifies himself a lot even when he was shitty and his mom is to busy playing the cool Mom card to pay attention to his son.
Also, we are just told that things happen ie. the MCs hanging out off page but we don’t really see it and next thing I know there are love declarations and flights across the country.
I honestly can’t pinpoint what exactly is that I didn’t like I just know that while reading it all enjoyment left my body and I was left just annoyed at Wes, the tripod, Wes’s mom, Tristan, and everyone else.
The dialogues are weird, nobody acts in a way that makes sense and have suden out of character insights, random off page development happens all the time, Wes justifies himself a lot even when he was shitty and his mom is to busy playing the cool Mom card to pay attention to his son.
Also, we are just told that things happen ie. the MCs hanging out off page but we don’t really see it and next thing I know there are love declarations and flights across the country.
February 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thank you, NetGalley, RB media, and Anthony Nerada for allowing me to listen to an early copy of Skater Boy.
This book is a coming-of-age story about a scared boy, past trauma, and new beginnings.
Skater Boy is a Young Adult book, but don´t let yourself be fooled by it.
The themes in this story are various and not so easy, but very important for every teenager. Nerada's capability to write about alcoholism, trauma, not so healthy ways of coping was absolutely gentle and elegant.
This book wasn´t sad per se, it was very delicate and captivating but I found myself crying on more than one occasion.
In all honesty, I loved it.
All the characters were very sweet at the end. Wes's mother was truly a gem of a parent and even Ted, who was portrayed as super boring in the beginning in the end was a pivotal character for Wes's understanding of the world.
Tristan was a patient and gentle soul. He understood Wes and even if I did not always like his behavior (like wanting to change Wes's clothes and insult his friends) I think it fitted the 17 yo age perfectly.
The best friends are the classic portrait of ´boys will be boys´ but when it was their time to shine they absolutely rose to the occasion.
(I wish Nerada would write a book about Brad because I need his story!)
RB Media and Michael Crouch did a great job voicing Wes. The production was flawless and full of emotions.
Also loved all the references in this book - I´m a big fan of Avril Lavigne, Metallica, YUNGBLUD and Percy Jackson so I was sold very easly.
Thank you, NetGalley, RB media, and Anthony Nerada for allowing me to listen to an early copy of Skater Boy.
This book is a coming-of-age story about a scared boy, past trauma, and new beginnings.
Skater Boy is a Young Adult book, but don´t let yourself be fooled by it.
The themes in this story are various and not so easy, but very important for every teenager. Nerada's capability to write about alcoholism, trauma, not so healthy ways of coping was absolutely gentle and elegant.
This book wasn´t sad per se, it was very delicate and captivating but I found myself crying on more than one occasion.
In all honesty, I loved it.
All the characters were very sweet at the end. Wes's mother was truly a gem of a parent and even Ted, who was portrayed as super boring in the beginning in the end was a pivotal character for Wes's understanding of the world.
Tristan was a patient and gentle soul. He understood Wes and even if I did not always like his behavior (like wanting to change Wes's clothes and insult his friends) I think it fitted the 17 yo age perfectly.
The best friends are the classic portrait of ´boys will be boys´ but when it was their time to shine they absolutely rose to the occasion.
(I wish Nerada would write a book about Brad because I need his story!)
RB Media and Michael Crouch did a great job voicing Wes. The production was flawless and full of emotions.
Also loved all the references in this book - I´m a big fan of Avril Lavigne, Metallica, YUNGBLUD and Percy Jackson so I was sold very easly.
August 4, 2023
4.5 rounded up
He’s a boy, and he is also a boy. He is a punk, but falling for a male ballerina. What more can I say? (Lots more)
When my best friend told me about a book coming out called “Skater Boy” which was loosely based on Avril Lavigne’s song of the same name, I instantly jumped at the chance to read it once it was put on Edelweiss. Despite not reading much contemporary fiction this year, I knew I couldn’t pass up on a book to fit right into my emo hyperfixation, and I’m so glad I was able to get my hands on a copy of this book early.
Wes is the school bully. He skips out on class, doesn’t have much money, and is your general school punk/thug. Tristan lives on the rich side of town, goes to the town’s private school, etc. They’re polar opposites, but after Wes sees Tristan in a performance of “The Nutcracker” he is entranced and determined to know more about him, and thus starts the chain of events that leads to their stories intertwining (but spoiler alert nobody ends up on MTV or with a baby)
What may be the most stunning part of this book though is its complexity and capability to handle so many aspects of a teen’s life. Wes’s struggles with his Ma getting remarried reflects his own struggle to embrace change and the idea that good can exist in a world where it feels like all it does is shit on you. Nobody knows that better than teens listening to emo music, therefore this audience will find themselves right at home within the pages of “Skater Boy.”
Wes is an incredibly well rounded character and the book highlights the complicated aspects of his life that other teens will find relatable. Crossing friend group paths, the embarrassment of taking your friends to your job, joining a new club in school when you have a reputation proving otherwise. It’s a trend I personally love seeing in YA right now to have books focus on so many more aspects of a teen’s life than just who they're falling for.
Funnily enough, if I had one gripe about “Skater Boy” it was the romance. While it is a large portion of the driving factor of the plot, I would have loved to see Wes and Tristan actually talk more about their feelings because they both make incredibly valid points during the troubles of their early relationship. That being said, I still enjoyed their blooming relationship and feel they have an accurate portrayal of early relationships with the promise of growth and commitment.
A personal pleasure for me were the countless emo references hidden within the chapter titles as well. I can’t express how many times I giggled to myself at the chapter titles.
On a deeper personal note, I am currently enjoying emo music now more than ever before. This year I attended the So Much for (Tour) Dust tour 3 times and have never felt more connected to the music of the early 2000s than I am right now, and “Skater Boy” struck a chord deep within me. I know what it’s like to be an angry teenager, terrified of change and dealing with it by blaring angry music, so to have Wes as the main character —an angry, confused boy scared of change and the world— I feel comforted in a way I never have with YA characters. “Skater Boy” is a book needed in the genre, needed for boys, girls and all genders to be seen and heard and to let them all know it gets better if it seems hard right now.
“Skater Boy” comes out on February 6th and is available for preorder now! You won’t want to miss this spectacular debut by Anthony Nerada.
OG Stand in review:
I CRIED SO MUCH AT THE END REVIEW TO COME
(also sorry but the last line of the book should have been “what more could I say?” and that was a really missed opportunity)
He’s a boy, and he is also a boy. He is a punk, but falling for a male ballerina. What more can I say? (Lots more)
When my best friend told me about a book coming out called “Skater Boy” which was loosely based on Avril Lavigne’s song of the same name, I instantly jumped at the chance to read it once it was put on Edelweiss. Despite not reading much contemporary fiction this year, I knew I couldn’t pass up on a book to fit right into my emo hyperfixation, and I’m so glad I was able to get my hands on a copy of this book early.
Wes is the school bully. He skips out on class, doesn’t have much money, and is your general school punk/thug. Tristan lives on the rich side of town, goes to the town’s private school, etc. They’re polar opposites, but after Wes sees Tristan in a performance of “The Nutcracker” he is entranced and determined to know more about him, and thus starts the chain of events that leads to their stories intertwining (but spoiler alert nobody ends up on MTV or with a baby)
What may be the most stunning part of this book though is its complexity and capability to handle so many aspects of a teen’s life. Wes’s struggles with his Ma getting remarried reflects his own struggle to embrace change and the idea that good can exist in a world where it feels like all it does is shit on you. Nobody knows that better than teens listening to emo music, therefore this audience will find themselves right at home within the pages of “Skater Boy.”
Wes is an incredibly well rounded character and the book highlights the complicated aspects of his life that other teens will find relatable. Crossing friend group paths, the embarrassment of taking your friends to your job, joining a new club in school when you have a reputation proving otherwise. It’s a trend I personally love seeing in YA right now to have books focus on so many more aspects of a teen’s life than just who they're falling for.
Funnily enough, if I had one gripe about “Skater Boy” it was the romance. While it is a large portion of the driving factor of the plot, I would have loved to see Wes and Tristan actually talk more about their feelings because they both make incredibly valid points during the troubles of their early relationship. That being said, I still enjoyed their blooming relationship and feel they have an accurate portrayal of early relationships with the promise of growth and commitment.
A personal pleasure for me were the countless emo references hidden within the chapter titles as well. I can’t express how many times I giggled to myself at the chapter titles.
On a deeper personal note, I am currently enjoying emo music now more than ever before. This year I attended the So Much for (Tour) Dust tour 3 times and have never felt more connected to the music of the early 2000s than I am right now, and “Skater Boy” struck a chord deep within me. I know what it’s like to be an angry teenager, terrified of change and dealing with it by blaring angry music, so to have Wes as the main character —an angry, confused boy scared of change and the world— I feel comforted in a way I never have with YA characters. “Skater Boy” is a book needed in the genre, needed for boys, girls and all genders to be seen and heard and to let them all know it gets better if it seems hard right now.
“Skater Boy” comes out on February 6th and is available for preorder now! You won’t want to miss this spectacular debut by Anthony Nerada.
OG Stand in review:
I CRIED SO MUCH AT THE END REVIEW TO COME
(also sorry but the last line of the book should have been “what more could I say?” and that was a really missed opportunity)
August 3, 2023
If the author's note has me tearing up, I know I'm in for a ride, okay. Skater Boy did not disappoint.
I can't lie, the beginning of this book had me worried I wouldn't connect with Wes because some of the choices he makes? Teenagers suck, man. But he's just so sad and hurt that it broke my heart and I couldn't help to root for him.
Packed with all the angst, anger, and unpredictable mood swings of youth, Skater Boy takes its reader through Wes' journey of acceptance. On the outside he's angry and violent, but on the inside he's terrified and hurting and I don't know one teenager, queer or not, that's can't relate to that.
There were so many great moments of seeing Wes trying to keep up this front of what he thought a hard "punk" should be and realizing that that's not what *he* is. I loved following along on his journey of self acceptance, of letting go of the things we have no control over, and falling for a cute boy that does ballet.
Also- the chapter titles are absolutely GENIUS and I may or may not have gotten emotional over a Relient K reference. It's fine.
I can't lie, the beginning of this book had me worried I wouldn't connect with Wes because some of the choices he makes? Teenagers suck, man. But he's just so sad and hurt that it broke my heart and I couldn't help to root for him.
Packed with all the angst, anger, and unpredictable mood swings of youth, Skater Boy takes its reader through Wes' journey of acceptance. On the outside he's angry and violent, but on the inside he's terrified and hurting and I don't know one teenager, queer or not, that's can't relate to that.
There were so many great moments of seeing Wes trying to keep up this front of what he thought a hard "punk" should be and realizing that that's not what *he* is. I loved following along on his journey of self acceptance, of letting go of the things we have no control over, and falling for a cute boy that does ballet.
Also- the chapter titles are absolutely GENIUS and I may or may not have gotten emotional over a Relient K reference. It's fine.
Want to read
July 15, 2023i'm screaming gay avril lavigne???????? 😭😂
April 23, 2024
I understand that I'm in the SEVERE minority here, but only so many words can express how much I dislike this book. I understand that the author was trying to say something with this narrative, and I'm sure it was very well intentioned! But the execution was, unfortunately, way off.
We start off with the worst nicknames ever: Big Mac, Big Cheese, and Bud (this one isn't so bad). There's also Stevia, which Wes's mum calls him to "go against the masses" of other mums calling their kid sweetie and honey. It came off a bit misogynistic, like the other mums were doing something wrong. Also, I could NOT take these names seriously. They're the stupidest thing ever. Now, if it was played as a joke, like they called each other these things ironically, then whatever. But it's played SO seriously throughout the story, and characters are having the most serious talks by the end of the book and are still calling each other "Big Mac", "Big Cheese" and "Stevia" in times where it really would've felt appropriate to use their regular names?
Everyone in this book also makes the most stupid decisions ever. Nobody feels like a real person. They all feel like cliches and sterotypes that are taken and shaken up a little to have one or two defining issues each. Bud basically develops alcoholism in the middle of the book and then off the page, has a grand realisation, and gets help with 10% left of the book.
Wes is the most horrible person ever. He is insufferable. A lot of people say that he gets better: he does not. Throughout the entire book, he excuses the horrible things he does. Someone has done something awful to him first or said something against him — as if this makes him retaliating physically justifiable.
When he sees Tristan for the first time, it's basically love at first sight. Wes becomes so unhealthily obsessive with Tristan for literally NO reason, and is such an asshole on their first couple of interactions that I was shocked every time Tristan would show interest.
Throughout the book, a big conflict point with... literally everyone is how paranoid Wes is that someone is gonna know that he's gay. It becomes such an issue that it breaks him and his friends apart, and it facilitates Tristan and Wes's first "break" (they're not dating yet).
Speaking of the friend break up, it's completely ridiculous. Wes doesn't want to introduce Tristan to them because he doesn't want to be seen with a gay boy from a rich high school. At a party, they ran into each other, and Bud freaked out over Tristan wearing nail polish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And then pulls Wes aside, has a breakdown, and basically figures that since Wes is hanging out with someone who wears nail polish (!!!!) that he also must be gay. Bud then (spoilers because this actually shocked me) kisses Wes and runs away.
We basically do not have anything to do with Big Cheese and Bud until the end of the book. Every ounce of character development for these two happens off the page. When they eventually do come back, for some reason, Tony (cheese) is initiating deep and meaningful conversations with Wes when previously he did not want to talk about that. Bud is in AA and is implying to them both that he and his AA sponsor are together. Everyone is cured.
In the meantime, Wes is solidifying himself as the most toxic boyfriend ever. He is obsessive about weird things (Tristan is not following him back on Instagram over Christmas). He does not communicate to Tristan about anything important. He doesn't grow or do things "for himself." The book says it's for himself, but it's really because Tristan said he should. When it comes to him hiding Tristan from everyone, he doesn't just say he's not ready to come out and if Tristan could give him some time? I know these guys are kids still, but it's so frustrating watching him keep things a secret but also completely opening up about deep seeded trauma.
My least favourite thing was Wes's complete meltdown at Tristan's birthday. Out of the blue, he just storms out and accuses Tristan of trying to change him. Tristan literally did nothing and was nothing but supportive after the stuff Wes had just gone through. Wes just got too into his head after watching a movie, and this leads them to break up!!!
And at the end of the book (of course), Tristan just!!! Gets back together with him!!! Wes has proven nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He barely even apologised.
Emily also goes from going out of her way to be nice to Wes, to hating him for no reason, to just... not hating him anymore by the end of the book. No reason is given.
The writing was bad, too.
Characterisation was both extremely heavily stereotyped, yet horribly inconsistent. At the beginning of the book too, it was very stilted. Wes would be asked a question of some sort, and it would take 2 or 3 paragraphs of pretty irrelevant backstory before he replied. This part did get better as the book went on, though. Pacing was all over the place. Prose was awful. The characters didn't speak like real people.
I am so sorry.
I know this book had really good intentions and a really sweet message, but it felt so... horrible. Wes was a horrible main character. I was rooting for the characters NOT to end up together because they felt so ill-equipped to deal with each other. It felt like they were together because of the plot. I don't even know what they like about each other.
Most people seem to love and appreciate this one, but... I just can't see why.
We start off with the worst nicknames ever: Big Mac, Big Cheese, and Bud (this one isn't so bad). There's also Stevia, which Wes's mum calls him to "go against the masses" of other mums calling their kid sweetie and honey. It came off a bit misogynistic, like the other mums were doing something wrong. Also, I could NOT take these names seriously. They're the stupidest thing ever. Now, if it was played as a joke, like they called each other these things ironically, then whatever. But it's played SO seriously throughout the story, and characters are having the most serious talks by the end of the book and are still calling each other "Big Mac", "Big Cheese" and "Stevia" in times where it really would've felt appropriate to use their regular names?
Everyone in this book also makes the most stupid decisions ever. Nobody feels like a real person. They all feel like cliches and sterotypes that are taken and shaken up a little to have one or two defining issues each. Bud basically develops alcoholism in the middle of the book and then off the page, has a grand realisation, and gets help with 10% left of the book.
Wes is the most horrible person ever. He is insufferable. A lot of people say that he gets better: he does not. Throughout the entire book, he excuses the horrible things he does. Someone has done something awful to him first or said something against him — as if this makes him retaliating physically justifiable.
When he sees Tristan for the first time, it's basically love at first sight. Wes becomes so unhealthily obsessive with Tristan for literally NO reason, and is such an asshole on their first couple of interactions that I was shocked every time Tristan would show interest.
Throughout the book, a big conflict point with... literally everyone is how paranoid Wes is that someone is gonna know that he's gay. It becomes such an issue that it breaks him and his friends apart, and it facilitates Tristan and Wes's first "break" (they're not dating yet).
Speaking of the friend break up, it's completely ridiculous. Wes doesn't want to introduce Tristan to them because he doesn't want to be seen with a gay boy from a rich high school. At a party, they ran into each other, and Bud freaked out over Tristan wearing nail polish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And then pulls Wes aside, has a breakdown, and basically figures that since Wes is hanging out with someone who wears nail polish (!!!!) that he also must be gay. Bud then (spoilers because this actually shocked me) kisses Wes and runs away.
We basically do not have anything to do with Big Cheese and Bud until the end of the book. Every ounce of character development for these two happens off the page. When they eventually do come back, for some reason, Tony (cheese) is initiating deep and meaningful conversations with Wes when previously he did not want to talk about that. Bud is in AA and is implying to them both that he and his AA sponsor are together. Everyone is cured.
In the meantime, Wes is solidifying himself as the most toxic boyfriend ever. He is obsessive about weird things (Tristan is not following him back on Instagram over Christmas). He does not communicate to Tristan about anything important. He doesn't grow or do things "for himself." The book says it's for himself, but it's really because Tristan said he should. When it comes to him hiding Tristan from everyone, he doesn't just say he's not ready to come out and if Tristan could give him some time? I know these guys are kids still, but it's so frustrating watching him keep things a secret but also completely opening up about deep seeded trauma.
My least favourite thing was Wes's complete meltdown at Tristan's birthday. Out of the blue, he just storms out and accuses Tristan of trying to change him. Tristan literally did nothing and was nothing but supportive after the stuff Wes had just gone through. Wes just got too into his head after watching a movie, and this leads them to break up!!!
And at the end of the book (of course), Tristan just!!! Gets back together with him!!! Wes has proven nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He barely even apologised.
Emily also goes from going out of her way to be nice to Wes, to hating him for no reason, to just... not hating him anymore by the end of the book. No reason is given.
The writing was bad, too.
Characterisation was both extremely heavily stereotyped, yet horribly inconsistent. At the beginning of the book too, it was very stilted. Wes would be asked a question of some sort, and it would take 2 or 3 paragraphs of pretty irrelevant backstory before he replied. This part did get better as the book went on, though. Pacing was all over the place. Prose was awful. The characters didn't speak like real people.
I am so sorry.
I know this book had really good intentions and a really sweet message, but it felt so... horrible. Wes was a horrible main character. I was rooting for the characters NOT to end up together because they felt so ill-equipped to deal with each other. It felt like they were together because of the plot. I don't even know what they like about each other.
Most people seem to love and appreciate this one, but... I just can't see why.
November 6, 2024
Alright,this was... interesting. I liked it but I didn't love it. It was a fun read, I spent all of today listening to it but there's a couple things I didn't like about the story.
We are made to see Wes as this little dude who's driven by misdirected anger throughout the entire book but holy hell was this guy horrible. No matter how many times it's reiterated that he mostly stood by instead of participating with his friends, he was still complicit and it made it hard to feel bad for him at the start. He did eventually grow on me though and even though his redemption arc made little sense I still enjoyed it. I'm still not sure how I feel about Tristan. I liked him as a love interest but oftentimes the things he says and his conversations with Wes were very obviously the author sneaking in life motivations...and I get it but it just set me off a bit lol.
Brad and Tony, Wes's best friends, I didn't get their complete 180 at the end of the book. With the way the author wrote them at the start it's just a tad bit unbelievable that they suddenly became people who talk about their feelings like damn where's the build up???! I'm not even going to get into Wes's relationship with Tad, his mom's fiance.
A lot of the characters just acted out of character for the sake of the story wrapping up in a happy ending and it was frustrating. I was literally screaming at my wall like "now you know damn well he wouldn't say that", it was quite ridiculous.
Ultimately I had fun!!! I haven't had that a lot lately especially since I finished percy jackson.
Shout out to Michael Crouch, his voice really brought the story to life. I couldn't put it down.
We are made to see Wes as this little dude who's driven by misdirected anger throughout the entire book but holy hell was this guy horrible. No matter how many times it's reiterated that he mostly stood by instead of participating with his friends, he was still complicit and it made it hard to feel bad for him at the start. He did eventually grow on me though and even though his redemption arc made little sense I still enjoyed it. I'm still not sure how I feel about Tristan. I liked him as a love interest but oftentimes the things he says and his conversations with Wes were very obviously the author sneaking in life motivations...and I get it but it just set me off a bit lol.
Brad and Tony, Wes's best friends, I didn't get their complete 180 at the end of the book. With the way the author wrote them at the start it's just a tad bit unbelievable that they suddenly became people who talk about their feelings like damn where's the build up???! I'm not even going to get into Wes's relationship with Tad, his mom's fiance.
A lot of the characters just acted out of character for the sake of the story wrapping up in a happy ending and it was frustrating. I was literally screaming at my wall like "now you know damn well he wouldn't say that", it was quite ridiculous.
Ultimately I had fun!!! I haven't had that a lot lately especially since I finished percy jackson.
Shout out to Michael Crouch, his voice really brought the story to life. I couldn't put it down.
April 1, 2024
Audio - 5 Stars!
Story - 4 Stars!
Story - 4 Stars!
September 9, 2024
“we can convince our own minds we aren't good enough, we can't really be disappointed when we don't get what we truly want.”
I don’t know what I was expecting for this book but it was different than what I got. I usually only skim synopsis or just judge a book by its cover or title and it’s what I did with this book. This story is more than a romance, I would say romance is pretty much on the back burner, even though the romantic interest plays a big part in the story. This is about a boy who is angry, angry at life and himself and how he overcomes this anger and tries to just be him. It’s about realizing that your friendships aren’t always healthy and how you have to try and make a change in yourself and others to have a life you want. We see Wesley struggle being who he wants and what people think he should be. This is a coming of age, a coming to terms with yourself and your life type of book. I thought it was good, frustrating at times because life is frustrating but I enjoyed it. I’m glad he gets a HAE.
I don’t know what I was expecting for this book but it was different than what I got. I usually only skim synopsis or just judge a book by its cover or title and it’s what I did with this book. This story is more than a romance, I would say romance is pretty much on the back burner, even though the romantic interest plays a big part in the story. This is about a boy who is angry, angry at life and himself and how he overcomes this anger and tries to just be him. It’s about realizing that your friendships aren’t always healthy and how you have to try and make a change in yourself and others to have a life you want. We see Wesley struggle being who he wants and what people think he should be. This is a coming of age, a coming to terms with yourself and your life type of book. I thought it was good, frustrating at times because life is frustrating but I enjoyed it. I’m glad he gets a HAE.
December 31, 2023
When I saw that the premise of this book was a queer YA take on the “he was a punk, she did ballet” from Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi song I knew I had to read it. The author’s note in the beginning talks about how the author initially intended for the book to be a light-hearted romcom, but the final product ended up being a bit more serious. While there are definitely some fluffy, swoony moments between Wes and Tristan, there’s also a lot of exploration into why Wes is a “bad boy.” Where his anger stemmed from and how he’s afraid to come out to his friends and his mom.
Something that I really appreciated about the book was how much character development there is. Wes in the beginning of the book is very different from Wes at the end of the book, but it always felt like a natural progression. Sometimes it was tough to watch him on his journey because he doesn’t always say or do the right things, but that made it feel so authentic. In addition to the romance and the storylines with his friends and family, I also really enjoyed the plotline of him figuring out what he wants to do with his future after high school.
I do think that because there were so many different storylines with different groups of characters, some aspects of the end of the book felt a little bit rushed. But overall I had a great time reading this book. I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re a fan of queer YA contemporary books.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Something that I really appreciated about the book was how much character development there is. Wes in the beginning of the book is very different from Wes at the end of the book, but it always felt like a natural progression. Sometimes it was tough to watch him on his journey because he doesn’t always say or do the right things, but that made it feel so authentic. In addition to the romance and the storylines with his friends and family, I also really enjoyed the plotline of him figuring out what he wants to do with his future after high school.
I do think that because there were so many different storylines with different groups of characters, some aspects of the end of the book felt a little bit rushed. But overall I had a great time reading this book. I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re a fan of queer YA contemporary books.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2024
This was cute, and I liked the book's message!
Buuuut, it didn't blow my mind. I felt like it was trying to be heartfelt and emotional, but for me it fell a little short of what it could have been.
While reading, I had thoughts like "Now it wants me to feel this", and "Now I'm suppose to be happy that everybody's happy", but I didn't feel it:(
The writing had too many clichés and platitudes, and was therefore a little bland (and cringe, sorry🥲)
It's a book about an angry teenager, and I wanted more anger, more tention, and more unfilteredness.
It was okay, but not my cup of tea<3
Buuuut, it didn't blow my mind. I felt like it was trying to be heartfelt and emotional, but for me it fell a little short of what it could have been.
While reading, I had thoughts like "Now it wants me to feel this", and "Now I'm suppose to be happy that everybody's happy", but I didn't feel it:(
The writing had too many clichés and platitudes, and was therefore a little bland (and cringe, sorry🥲)
It's a book about an angry teenager, and I wanted more anger, more tention, and more unfilteredness.
It was okay, but not my cup of tea<3
October 16, 2022
I was one of the lucky beta readers and was blown away by how much this story captivated me! I was surprised how invested I was in the love story between Wes & Tristan and how much I was rooting for them. Turns out teen romance isn't dead and we HAVEN'T seen (read!) it all!! Special shout out to Wes's mom....my favorite character in the book. Anthony really has a way of writing well rounded, dimensional characters. I can't wait to see what others think of it...add it to your lists - you won't want to miss the conversation!
September 27, 2022
Had the absolute pleasure to beta read this book. So many scenes have stuck with me MONTHS after reading it! Wes has such a witty and entertaining voice. His journey and growth as a character is so refreshing and heartwarming, and I cannot wait for the world to fall in love with him. Anthony was able to squeeze the best essence out of an iconic song and build an entire, fleshed out world around it. No one is ready for this book, but I am excited to read it a million more times!
March 3, 2024
One of the best M/M YA books I've read. Diverse characters. Nerada has a gift for inner monologues, capturing authentic thoughts of teenagers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 22, 2024
I love a great story that features a heavily misunderstood MC who is drowning in an identity he created for himself that isn't actually him. Wes's level of character growth in SKATER BOY makes this such an enjoyable read. I wanted to know what would come next in his ever-changing life and Nerada delivered.
I think of the great things about this book is that the MC isn't the only one who has the chance to grow as a character. Everyone around him is given the chance to grow and find their true selves. In a way, this whole was a redemptive arc for everyone in the MC's life. And I absolutely adored that because it made all of the characters feel bigger than their background or side roles.
At the beginning of the story, the author's note comments on how he didn't want to make this book about Wes's coming out and I can kind of see that. While yes, him being in the closet and contemplating the dangers and troubles of coming out are a big part of the story, this is more a story about a teenage boy finding his way in a world determined to make a certain role for him.
I loved his mom and their relationship, I loved the self-realizations, and I loved the flawed friendships and relationship. I just really enjoyed this book. It left me feeling so content by the end, to the point where I couldn't immediately start another book right after. I needed a brief break to fully bask in the joys of Nerada's writing.
Will definitely read more from him!
Happy reading!
I think of the great things about this book is that the MC isn't the only one who has the chance to grow as a character. Everyone around him is given the chance to grow and find their true selves. In a way, this whole was a redemptive arc for everyone in the MC's life. And I absolutely adored that because it made all of the characters feel bigger than their background or side roles.
At the beginning of the story, the author's note comments on how he didn't want to make this book about Wes's coming out and I can kind of see that. While yes, him being in the closet and contemplating the dangers and troubles of coming out are a big part of the story, this is more a story about a teenage boy finding his way in a world determined to make a certain role for him.
I loved his mom and their relationship, I loved the self-realizations, and I loved the flawed friendships and relationship. I just really enjoyed this book. It left me feeling so content by the end, to the point where I couldn't immediately start another book right after. I needed a brief break to fully bask in the joys of Nerada's writing.
Will definitely read more from him!
Happy reading!
March 6, 2024
This was a wild ride, as you can expect from a book titled Skater Boy. The first two chapters were a little bit on the infodumpy side, but then the story picked up pace, and I was flying through the pages. I'm usually a slow reader, so three hundred pages in just two days is like light speed to me.
The story is told from the eponymous skater boy's perspective. And he's not a nice guy. The “bad boy” is not just a label, we're actually shown all his wrongdoings. It's an experience to read it from that perspective, usually it's just the other way round. Of course there's character growth and Wes is a better person at the end of the story. But it's a bumpy road, and he has to learn the hard way.
Wes story feels authentic, and I guess it's written from experience. You can tell it's been a matter of the heart for the author Anthony Nerada to write this book. I was a bit wary because of all the hype, but it's actually justified. I loved reading this book more than I expected.
The story is told from the eponymous skater boy's perspective. And he's not a nice guy. The “bad boy” is not just a label, we're actually shown all his wrongdoings. It's an experience to read it from that perspective, usually it's just the other way round. Of course there's character growth and Wes is a better person at the end of the story. But it's a bumpy road, and he has to learn the hard way.
Wes story feels authentic, and I guess it's written from experience. You can tell it's been a matter of the heart for the author Anthony Nerada to write this book. I was a bit wary because of all the hype, but it's actually justified. I loved reading this book more than I expected.
July 6, 2024
This was far more emotionally intense than I expected.
Did I cry while reading this?
Mayyyybe.
Did I get super invested in Wesley's story and end up yelling at this book?
Mayyybe.
This was packed with feels and filled with realistic and well rounded characters, issues teens deal with while trying to stay emotionally stable.
***Spoiler alert***
I was not emotionally stable while reading this.
Plus it's all kinds of queer!
Much love to Goodreads and SOHO Press for my copy!
Did I cry while reading this?
Mayyyybe.
Did I get super invested in Wesley's story and end up yelling at this book?
Mayyybe.
This was packed with feels and filled with realistic and well rounded characters, issues teens deal with while trying to stay emotionally stable.
***Spoiler alert***
I was not emotionally stable while reading this.
Plus it's all kinds of queer!
Much love to Goodreads and SOHO Press for my copy!
March 10, 2024
Skater Boy follows Wesley "Big Mac" McKenzie, the schools resident "bad boy" -and closeted gay boy- as he falls for a cute ballet dancer, forcing him to question what he wants to do and be in life.
The romance was cute but I loved that there was so much to this story than that. We see Wes grow in so many ways and find where he belongs at school, with his friends, with his mother and step dad... It was inspiring and encouraging.
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The romance was cute but I loved that there was so much to this story than that. We see Wes grow in so many ways and find where he belongs at school, with his friends, with his mother and step dad... It was inspiring and encouraging.
I talk about books here: Instagram / TikTok / Linktree
February 16, 2024
BOOK OF THE YEAR 10/10 AMAZING INCREDIBLE AWESOME SHOWSTOPPING
February 1, 2024
Thanks NetGalley for the audio arc!
Skater boy was so good. All of the characters were charming, and I had so much fun listening to it.
Westley is a wreck, he has anger issues, bully people, cannot deal with his emotions and he’s in the closet. The first ten% of skater boy were difficult to get through because we’re in his head and this poor boy was just so lost. I ended up crying because of him, multiple time too.
Can’t recommend this enough if you want to queer coming of age with a hero who’s not a typical good guy but you can’t help but care for him.
Loved it and will definitely buy it as soon as it’s out 🥰
Skater boy was so good. All of the characters were charming, and I had so much fun listening to it.
Westley is a wreck, he has anger issues, bully people, cannot deal with his emotions and he’s in the closet. The first ten% of skater boy were difficult to get through because we’re in his head and this poor boy was just so lost. I ended up crying because of him, multiple time too.
Can’t recommend this enough if you want to queer coming of age with a hero who’s not a typical good guy but you can’t help but care for him.
Loved it and will definitely buy it as soon as it’s out 🥰
February 22, 2024
I'm super impressed! I love "discovering" a new author, and not only is Anthony Nerada new to me, it looks like Skater Boy is their debut novel so they're new to us all!
Wonderfully complex characters fill the pages, and the non-stop action kept me on the edge of my seat. An absolutely enthralling novel, I hope this is the first of many from Anthony Nerada.
I enjoyed the audio version of Skater Boy which is beautifully performed by Michael Crouch.
an audiobook copy of Skater Boy was provided by RB Media, Recorded Books, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Wonderfully complex characters fill the pages, and the non-stop action kept me on the edge of my seat. An absolutely enthralling novel, I hope this is the first of many from Anthony Nerada.
I enjoyed the audio version of Skater Boy which is beautifully performed by Michael Crouch.
an audiobook copy of Skater Boy was provided by RB Media, Recorded Books, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
January 23, 2024
I know this is young adult, but this book is absolutely not meant for any current teenager. It's for Millennials. Because honestly, find me a current 14-year-old who wants to read a queer retelling of the first verse of a 2002 Avril Lavigne song with chapter titles referencing Simple Plan, Jimmy Eat World, Yellowcard, and Sum 41, among others. Hell, find me a 14-year-old who knows the lyrics to "Sk8er Boi" and who these artists even are.
Regardless, this was easy, breezy, simple entertainment that hit this 30-something right in the nostalgia feels.
Regardless, this was easy, breezy, simple entertainment that hit this 30-something right in the nostalgia feels.
January 24, 2024
I’ll probably write a full review at some point but this was just really cute
June 21, 2024
This book has everything that a brilliant gay romance story needs, and much more. Would give a sixth star for the song references in the chapter titles :)
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