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Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie #2
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons
Scott Hudson has somehow managed to survive Freshman year. But with a new baby brother in the house and a whole host of adventures awaiting him at school, Sophomore year promises to be anything but boring.
An honest and funny follow-up to the popular Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, award-winning author David Lubar pens a tale that perfectly captures the ridiculous, tumultuous, and sometimes heartbreaking truths about high school.
An honest and funny follow-up to the popular Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, award-winning author David Lubar pens a tale that perfectly captures the ridiculous, tumultuous, and sometimes heartbreaking truths about high school.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2015
50 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read
About the author
David Lubar
107 books244 followersDavid Lubar created a sensation with his debut novel, Hidden Talents, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Thousands of kids and educators across the country have voted Hidden Talents onto over twenty state lists. David is also the author of True Talents, the sequel to Hidden Talents; Flip, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a VOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror selection; several short story collections: In the Land of the Lawn Weenies, Invasion of the Road Weenies, The Curse of the Campfire Weenies, The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, and Attack of the Vampire Weenies; and the Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie series. Lubar grew up in Morristown, New Jersey, and he has also lived in New Brunswick, Edison and Piscataway, NJ, and Sacramento, CA. Besides writing, he has also worked as a video game programmer and designer. He now lives in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidl...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
September 1, 2021
*CONTENT ISN'T PROVIDED ON THIS REVIEW DUE TO THE TIME BETWEEN FINISHING THIS BOOK AND WRITING THE REVIEW. (If you really need content, message me and let me know and I can try to get my hands on a copy and reread it for you. I just don't want to reread the one that I have right now.)*
This book was so fun! Sadly, there is blood in the copy I ended up reading... No, I didn't touch it, and I washed my hands dry after I read the book. But that didn't stop me from reading this book, and rating it a 5 star.
Idecided HAD TO read this book after Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie. I mean, it's such a great representation of High School, and had just enough drama to hold me. Not too much, which instantly stresses me, and I rate it bad, but this book had just enough to not overwhelm me.
This book was so fun! Sadly, there is blood in the copy I ended up reading... No, I didn't touch it, and I washed my hands dry after I read the book. But that didn't stop me from reading this book, and rating it a 5 star.
I
November 6, 2016
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie was a book that caught me off guard. It was a very plain and obstensibly boring take on a kid's first year in high school, set in a sitcom-esque world where things tended to end a little too cleanly. And yet, despite that, it was one of my favorite young adult books after reading it, and I ended up reading it several times after that. The beauty lied in it's simplicity. It was like a novelized form of an Archie comic - not in the sense of the story it was trying to tell, but the tone in which it told it.
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons was a surprise, because I never assumed the first book would get a sequel. I happened across this on accident, and let me just say, I'm glad for Prime shipping.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed the first one.
In many ways, it was an improvement in terms of narrative. Scott has a stronger voice in this one, and the lessons he learned were surprisingly educational when it comes to the use of the English language, and the many rules that come along with it. As someone who has tried their hand at writing before, I definitely appreciate that kind of examination of the whole process. The adversarial relationship Scott has with Mrs. Gilroy was a fun contrast to his previous relationship with Mr. Franka as well, and helped drive that bit of narrative forward and kept it different from the previous book.
Scott is still Scott in this novel. He's constantly trapped in his own head and overthinking situations, something that I can definitely relate to. Unlike his previous year, Scott knows he can handle this year without any problems...or so he thinks. His hubris over thinking he has a handle on everything ends up being his downfall for most of the school year, and is what serves as the main narrative of the book.
The problem?
It just wasn't that interesting, and the increased length intensified the problems I had with the first one.
Wesley:
Lee:
Jeremy:
Everyone Else:
Cliches:
Blandness:
The book was basically a series of missed opportunities. It spent too much time in Scott's head, in favor of getting to know the side characters. We could've had an opportunity to get to know Wesley, or Julia, or any of the other side characters, but instead, most of it is spent with Scott and his endless deliberations.
The thing is, the characters still have charm, and I enjoyed it enough that I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel set in Scott's junior year. If there is one, however, i hope that it manages to take a more unique approach, and gives more of the side characters a voice.
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons was a surprise, because I never assumed the first book would get a sequel. I happened across this on accident, and let me just say, I'm glad for Prime shipping.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed the first one.
In many ways, it was an improvement in terms of narrative. Scott has a stronger voice in this one, and the lessons he learned were surprisingly educational when it comes to the use of the English language, and the many rules that come along with it. As someone who has tried their hand at writing before, I definitely appreciate that kind of examination of the whole process. The adversarial relationship Scott has with Mrs. Gilroy was a fun contrast to his previous relationship with Mr. Franka as well, and helped drive that bit of narrative forward and kept it different from the previous book.
Scott is still Scott in this novel. He's constantly trapped in his own head and overthinking situations, something that I can definitely relate to. Unlike his previous year, Scott knows he can handle this year without any problems...or so he thinks. His hubris over thinking he has a handle on everything ends up being his downfall for most of the school year, and is what serves as the main narrative of the book.
The problem?
It just wasn't that interesting, and the increased length intensified the problems I had with the first one.
Wesley:
Lee:
Jeremy:
Everyone Else:
Cliches:
Blandness:
The book was basically a series of missed opportunities. It spent too much time in Scott's head, in favor of getting to know the side characters. We could've had an opportunity to get to know Wesley, or Julia, or any of the other side characters, but instead, most of it is spent with Scott and his endless deliberations.
The thing is, the characters still have charm, and I enjoyed it enough that I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel set in Scott's junior year. If there is one, however, i hope that it manages to take a more unique approach, and gives more of the side characters a voice.
June 20, 2016
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!
It's so genius. There are a lot of wordplays in this book, more than the first book. And I learned a lot, I tell you a lot, about English vocabs and their figure of speech. Definitely wil reread this again, and note down all the new things that I've learned.
Maybe for a plot-driven books reader, this book may be a bit flat, but the knowledge is totally worthed.
Give it a try guys!
It's so genius. There are a lot of wordplays in this book, more than the first book. And I learned a lot, I tell you a lot, about English vocabs and their figure of speech. Definitely wil reread this again, and note down all the new things that I've learned.
Maybe for a plot-driven books reader, this book may be a bit flat, but the knowledge is totally worthed.
Give it a try guys!
December 1, 2015
I read the book SOPHOMORES AND OTHER OXYMORONS. The main character in the book was Scott Hudson. His friends in the book are Lee and Wesley. Scott is characterized by someone that can face anything after his crazy freshmen year in high school. Then, Lee is characterized as the girl that Scott hasn’t asked out on a date yet. In the beginning of the book, Scott is coming off summer break when he spent time with Wesley and Lee. Scott is really pumped to start school, but soon after school starts Scott realizes that sophomore year isn’t going to be a piece of cake. He made lots of friends already this year, and he also helped a freshmen get through the first day of school. He notices that his English and Biology teachers aren’t going to make it an easy year. As the year goes on, things for Scott go worse than before. Scott realizes that he has to step up to the plate if he wants to get through the year. I noticed that I really connect with this book because the book was about a sophomore in high school. I really like the author too, because he really relates to me as a teenager. I would recommend this book to the age group of either teenagers or young adults. I would give this book 10 out of 10, because I could really connect with it. Anyone that is going in to high school needs to read this book.
May 4, 2016
I didn't manage to solve a single zenger zingers and was too lazy open a dictionary.
June 14, 2019
I didn't like it as much as Sleeping Freshmen because of all the wordplay which I found distracting.
January 22, 2019
Lexy Nevin
Mr. Bryan
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons was an enjoyable read. It reflected and hit good problems and topics during high school. This book is a follow up of “Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie,” which I honestly have never read but felt I could easily understand and catch up to it by reading this book. The book takes place mainly in a school setting but also the main character’s house, since the book is revolved around school. Scott is the main character who is a sophomore, there is Lee whom he has a crush on who is in his grade, and Jeremy, a new freshman friend that Scott has made. Scott meets Jeremy a little later in the story but has always had a crush on Lee even in freshman year. Scott and Jeremy get into a newspaper club and find their passions within that, but Scott’s grades are dropping and he seems to get kicked out of the paper for it. Then because of budget cuts the school newspaper is cut all together, Jeremy and Scott get upset and do what they can to bring it back into action. While in doing so they find out something about one of their teachers which is illegal and try to turn him into the police. I found the book catching, it wasn’t dull and kept me wanting to read more and more. I wish the author just would’ve touched on more serious issues more so that the book would evoke emotion but it tended to do that anyways. If you like young adult books that are involved with highschool I suggest this read to you, it is very nice.
Mr. Bryan
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons was an enjoyable read. It reflected and hit good problems and topics during high school. This book is a follow up of “Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie,” which I honestly have never read but felt I could easily understand and catch up to it by reading this book. The book takes place mainly in a school setting but also the main character’s house, since the book is revolved around school. Scott is the main character who is a sophomore, there is Lee whom he has a crush on who is in his grade, and Jeremy, a new freshman friend that Scott has made. Scott meets Jeremy a little later in the story but has always had a crush on Lee even in freshman year. Scott and Jeremy get into a newspaper club and find their passions within that, but Scott’s grades are dropping and he seems to get kicked out of the paper for it. Then because of budget cuts the school newspaper is cut all together, Jeremy and Scott get upset and do what they can to bring it back into action. While in doing so they find out something about one of their teachers which is illegal and try to turn him into the police. I found the book catching, it wasn’t dull and kept me wanting to read more and more. I wish the author just would’ve touched on more serious issues more so that the book would evoke emotion but it tended to do that anyways. If you like young adult books that are involved with highschool I suggest this read to you, it is very nice.
Read
November 3, 2025Mildly entertaining
Scott (MC) got progressively more annoying as the story progressed and he did not.
I am not particularly fond of reading about writing despite an author’s obsession with it.
First book was better. Much better
Scott (MC) got progressively more annoying as the story progressed and he did not.
I am not particularly fond of reading about writing despite an author’s obsession with it.
First book was better. Much better
July 16, 2019
Fun read!!
September 4, 2015
There are few authors who truly understand teenagers better than David Lubar. In Sophomores, his first YA novel in quite a few years, he demonstrates that he hasn’t lost any of his considerable talent. This book improves on its already spectacular predecessor in every conceivable way. Lubar deftly weaves a tale of relationships, figures of speech, politics, and hubris in what might just be his best tale ever. He applies his manifold skills as a humorist and an observer of human nature to create a tale that is very relatable and enjoyable.
Scott Hudson thinks nothing can faze him anymore after his chaotic freshman year. He is, of course, wrong. A great deal can faze him, including a ruthless school board member, an English teacher who seems to have it out for him, and his undefined relationship with his friend Lee. And this is just the tip of a massive iceberg, which includes bagels, the school newspaper, an attempt to sabotage a business deal, the sudden addition of a new member of the family, and the dreaded specter of creationism.
The first thing I want to say is that I was blown away by Lubar’s development of Scott’s character. He demonstrated how Scott’s hubris had a profound affect in his life, good sometimes, but mostly bad. I didn’t like what Scott was doing for much of the novel – especially how he treated his English teacher – but he made up for his mistakes later. It’s rare we get deliberately flawed characters who truly grow in novels like this. I love to see some good character development, and we get that in spades in this novel.
The aforementioned feud with his English teacher was also an interesting decision. Mostly, this is Scott’s fault for not respecting her or what she had to teach very much. And I don’t mean he didn’t respect her as a teacher; he didn’t respect her as a human being. It’s true that I didn’t agree with some of her philosophies on English. Some rules are meant to be broken. But Lubar makes it clear that just because she may be wrong doesn’t mean she deserves to be made into the villain. Scott’s determination to vilify her meant he almost didn’t see the real villain before it was too late.
I also admire Lubar’s ability to create characters that aren’t static and who change over the course of the novel. They are more than the stereotypes they appear to be. Even characters who seemed trapped in one role in the first novel gain greater depth in this one. The lesson to be learned here is that every person has depths to them. Of course, sometimes, the depths in question are depths of depravity, but that’s life. I really enjoyed seeing the new and old characters in this novel, because each and every one had a great deal to offer us, not just as tools in a story but as people.
As you might know, while I love politics in real life, I am usually skeptical of it in fiction. This was an exception. Lubar’s political points directly impact the story. School funding is a pivotal issue, and what is not funded is just as important as what is. We’re losing knowledge as a society of important things like civics, economics, and the arts. More importantly, the political message he seeks to send is exactly the same as the overall message of the novel. You lose all of the battles you don’t show up to. Scott’s indecision and laziness ended up causing problems in innumerable areas, just as the apathy of the voters (GO OUT AND FREAKING VOTE IN EVERY ELECTION, PEOPLE. It’s not rocket science!) ended up almost dooming Scott’s school district.
There was only one problem that I have with this novel, and that’s the subplot about creationism. This has nothing to do with my viewpoint on the subject, but rather its contrived position in the storyline. It appears out of nowhere, seemingly as a deus ex machina to get Scott back in good graces with his science teacher. Even though it leads to some great moments, its presence in the book seems awkward and ill-placed, almost as if Lubar added it in the final stages of writing the book. But this is not enough to take even a half star away from this superlative tale.
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons is a fabulous tale of the kind that can only be written by someone as skilled as David Lubar. Witty, fresh, enjoyable, deep, and superbly crafted, this book is a testament to how good YA novels can be, just as this review is a testament as to how glad I am to be returning to writing these things.
Scott Hudson thinks nothing can faze him anymore after his chaotic freshman year. He is, of course, wrong. A great deal can faze him, including a ruthless school board member, an English teacher who seems to have it out for him, and his undefined relationship with his friend Lee. And this is just the tip of a massive iceberg, which includes bagels, the school newspaper, an attempt to sabotage a business deal, the sudden addition of a new member of the family, and the dreaded specter of creationism.
The first thing I want to say is that I was blown away by Lubar’s development of Scott’s character. He demonstrated how Scott’s hubris had a profound affect in his life, good sometimes, but mostly bad. I didn’t like what Scott was doing for much of the novel – especially how he treated his English teacher – but he made up for his mistakes later. It’s rare we get deliberately flawed characters who truly grow in novels like this. I love to see some good character development, and we get that in spades in this novel.
The aforementioned feud with his English teacher was also an interesting decision. Mostly, this is Scott’s fault for not respecting her or what she had to teach very much. And I don’t mean he didn’t respect her as a teacher; he didn’t respect her as a human being. It’s true that I didn’t agree with some of her philosophies on English. Some rules are meant to be broken. But Lubar makes it clear that just because she may be wrong doesn’t mean she deserves to be made into the villain. Scott’s determination to vilify her meant he almost didn’t see the real villain before it was too late.
I also admire Lubar’s ability to create characters that aren’t static and who change over the course of the novel. They are more than the stereotypes they appear to be. Even characters who seemed trapped in one role in the first novel gain greater depth in this one. The lesson to be learned here is that every person has depths to them. Of course, sometimes, the depths in question are depths of depravity, but that’s life. I really enjoyed seeing the new and old characters in this novel, because each and every one had a great deal to offer us, not just as tools in a story but as people.
As you might know, while I love politics in real life, I am usually skeptical of it in fiction. This was an exception. Lubar’s political points directly impact the story. School funding is a pivotal issue, and what is not funded is just as important as what is. We’re losing knowledge as a society of important things like civics, economics, and the arts. More importantly, the political message he seeks to send is exactly the same as the overall message of the novel. You lose all of the battles you don’t show up to. Scott’s indecision and laziness ended up causing problems in innumerable areas, just as the apathy of the voters (GO OUT AND FREAKING VOTE IN EVERY ELECTION, PEOPLE. It’s not rocket science!) ended up almost dooming Scott’s school district.
There was only one problem that I have with this novel, and that’s the subplot about creationism. This has nothing to do with my viewpoint on the subject, but rather its contrived position in the storyline. It appears out of nowhere, seemingly as a deus ex machina to get Scott back in good graces with his science teacher. Even though it leads to some great moments, its presence in the book seems awkward and ill-placed, almost as if Lubar added it in the final stages of writing the book. But this is not enough to take even a half star away from this superlative tale.
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons is a fabulous tale of the kind that can only be written by someone as skilled as David Lubar. Witty, fresh, enjoyable, deep, and superbly crafted, this book is a testament to how good YA novels can be, just as this review is a testament as to how glad I am to be returning to writing these things.
July 8, 2022
giving this 5 stars because of the amount of times i laughed at the literary jokes
September 27, 2016
Ah, the rarely awarded five star prize! I throughly enjoyed this young adult novel. The second in a series by David Lubar, the story chronicles the sophomore year of an highly intelligent word-loving boy. Already well-versed in puns and other such word play, fifteen-year-old Scott Hudson is introduced to more than 47 new literary devices (most of which were revolutionary to me as well) by his seemingly imperturbable Honors English teacher. Between tackling the difficult job of pleasing his teachers, writing Tom Swifties (dubbed Zenger Zingers) for the school newspaper, and navigating the questionable status of his relationship with his maybe girlfriend Lee, Scott's insight, wit, and emotions are presented through both his narration and the journal entries aimed at his baby brother. Unlike many teen novels, Sophomores and Other Oxymorons manages to combine the ideal balance of life both inside and outside the confines of school walls. No "Wah, wah, wah, wah..." Peanuts gang parents here. The word nerd in me was delighted with the plethora of knowledge I gained. Watch out world 'cause you know this girl is gonna' try to "subtly" work some of this stuff into casual conversations.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves language, literature, and learning (alliteration.)
Highly recommended for anyone who loves language, literature, and learning (alliteration.)
February 14, 2017
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons by David Lubar is definitely a read that will make you laugh. This is the second year at Scott Hudson's high school. He comes across a lot of trouble grade-wise, he is spending time helping a freshman get through his first year, and so much more commotion at home, too. What bothers Scott the most is his friendship with Lee. I feel like this book could have had a better eye-grabber in the beginning, but overall, I enjoyed the complexity in vocabulary. I learned how tautology is repeating the same word twice. I also enjoyed reading this book because the characters each have their own personality. I would recommend this to others who have read the first book- Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie. Additionally, I feel that David Lubar should make a whole series, including Scott's junior and senior year because I enjoyed the first and second book!
June 18, 2016
This book was so fantastic, David Lubar really has a way of getting into the mind of a teen and create down to earth characters with real problems. As a sequel to his first book I was thoroughly impressed that it was equally as good of a read as the first and it feels as if readers pick right back up where they left in the life of Scott Hudson.
December 29, 2017
4.5
I loved this follow up. Honestly, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first-too many cringey moments in dialogue and not as many unexpected plot points-but overall still an awesome story I would recommend to young readers and educators alike.
Here's hoping for recounts of Scott's junior year!
I loved this follow up. Honestly, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first-too many cringey moments in dialogue and not as many unexpected plot points-but overall still an awesome story I would recommend to young readers and educators alike.
Here's hoping for recounts of Scott's junior year!
October 20, 2018
Again, such a wonderful story written by one of my favorite authors. While this story didn't quite move me as much as book one in the series, I still loved its cleverness and thoroughly entertaining plot. There's so much here to like. I am really hoping for another two books in the series. Please, David Lubar? You can't stop before Scott finishes high school!
August 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! It was very easy to read and a surprisingly good sequel. Definitely made me feel ready for my own sophomore year!! I also really liked the story and I think I've learned some new literary terms!
November 22, 2021
The new teachers are great, but Scott is insufferable. The challenges of sophomore year don't do much to improve his personality. I find Wesley, Lee, and Bobby much more interesting characters. I'd love a book from their multiple points of view instead of Scott's!
April 4, 2024
I love this series. I learn so many new literary terms and get to be a a part of exciting literary discussions. I liked this book as much as the first but for different reasons. I love Scott’s family and his friends. Scott had matured and learned from his freshman year so he started his sophomore year a pretty cool person. But he obviously still made mistakes so he is continuing to learn and grow. But don’t we all? I love all that he learned in his different subjects in school. Every teacher had a different personality and unique way of teaching. His friends were fun and I liked seeing him navigate different relationships: friends, former enemies, teachers(liked and disliked), family, romantic etc… I liked that he was still writing to his younger brother and giving him tips. Scott is clever and witty. This was a very entertaining audiobook.
SPOILERS and book notes:
I like that Scott chooses to be the person to protect those freshman that are being bullied. I like that him and Lee and Wesley are still bffs. He ain’t sure if Lee and him are in a relationship though. I like that he is taking a cool freshman but super nerdy kid Jeremy under his wing. And he sells his freshman survival guide that he made for his brother to the freshman at his school! The English teacher to punish him made him write a paper on arrogance. He wrote it FOR arrogance and not against haha. And he completed it quite arrogantly. Love this. “You can learn from people who are rude or you don’t like.” That’s a good perspective. anytime someone says an oxymoron you yell “sophomore” and punch them haha. Catachresis is a literary term meaning: “the use of a word in a way that is not correct, for example, the use of mitigate for militate.” It is a mistake in word use. use a metaphor or a word wrong. But you can dominion purpose!! If you are really good you can use the wrong word in a creative way. Another one: “running laps or running late.” one word used in two contrasting ways! I love this advice: “if you ever get offered a ride in a tractor, take it. Second: a long walk on a country road on an autumn day is a great way to spend time with a good friend.” I love that Scott turned Lee into a sports football fan. Bc each play is surprising and different! It’s fun to watch! I love that the school paper uses Tom Swifties every paper like a riddle. They give what Tom says and then you have to guess the how he said it! Awww Bobby got engaged to an awesome Latino girl named amala. He is making money off his music too. Bobby is getting married in may 9th!! That’s my anniversary too!! Be careful with redundancy in writing. Like when you say “when I first started high school….” That is redundant. Or “dry husk” redundancy is the opposite of oxymoron! Scott gave Lee a pin to go in her ear of a fish called a “sculpin”. Bc she loves skulls and normally wears pins of them. So it was very punny and she loved it. “Skull pin”. We learned about retronyms: a new term created from an existing word in order to distinguish it from the meaning that has emerged through progress or technological development (e.g., cloth diaper or black and white tv or hot tea or fm radio). I like that he and Kyle are becoming friends again. Chiasmus: “ a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammaticalconstructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form” an example: “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” “You can take Scott out of the library but you can’t take the library out of Scott.” Awww Lee and Scott finally kissed and are now a thing. “I’m not a nerd. I’m an enthusiast.”
SPOILERS and book notes:
I like that Scott chooses to be the person to protect those freshman that are being bullied. I like that him and Lee and Wesley are still bffs. He ain’t sure if Lee and him are in a relationship though. I like that he is taking a cool freshman but super nerdy kid Jeremy under his wing. And he sells his freshman survival guide that he made for his brother to the freshman at his school! The English teacher to punish him made him write a paper on arrogance. He wrote it FOR arrogance and not against haha. And he completed it quite arrogantly. Love this. “You can learn from people who are rude or you don’t like.” That’s a good perspective. anytime someone says an oxymoron you yell “sophomore” and punch them haha. Catachresis is a literary term meaning: “the use of a word in a way that is not correct, for example, the use of mitigate for militate.” It is a mistake in word use. use a metaphor or a word wrong. But you can dominion purpose!! If you are really good you can use the wrong word in a creative way. Another one: “running laps or running late.” one word used in two contrasting ways! I love this advice: “if you ever get offered a ride in a tractor, take it. Second: a long walk on a country road on an autumn day is a great way to spend time with a good friend.” I love that Scott turned Lee into a sports football fan. Bc each play is surprising and different! It’s fun to watch! I love that the school paper uses Tom Swifties every paper like a riddle. They give what Tom says and then you have to guess the how he said it! Awww Bobby got engaged to an awesome Latino girl named amala. He is making money off his music too. Bobby is getting married in may 9th!! That’s my anniversary too!! Be careful with redundancy in writing. Like when you say “when I first started high school….” That is redundant. Or “dry husk” redundancy is the opposite of oxymoron! Scott gave Lee a pin to go in her ear of a fish called a “sculpin”. Bc she loves skulls and normally wears pins of them. So it was very punny and she loved it. “Skull pin”. We learned about retronyms: a new term created from an existing word in order to distinguish it from the meaning that has emerged through progress or technological development (e.g., cloth diaper or black and white tv or hot tea or fm radio). I like that he and Kyle are becoming friends again. Chiasmus: “ a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammaticalconstructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form” an example: “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” “You can take Scott out of the library but you can’t take the library out of Scott.” Awww Lee and Scott finally kissed and are now a thing. “I’m not a nerd. I’m an enthusiast.”
April 25, 2024
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons is the sequel to the very good Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, and while it is overall quite enjoyable, I found myself a bit disappointed by a few aspects of this book.
To start, many of the great characters from Sleeping Freshmen return, including the protagonist Scott, his friend / love interest Lee, Scott’s family, his former English teacher Mr Franca, Wesley, and others. The primary theme of Sleeping Freshmen was Scott harboring a crush on his classmate Julia and joining a bunch of activities in attempts to get close to her, with ironic and amusing results (his intentions never quite worked out). Scott manages to learn more about himself, navigate high school, and realize that he may have a better romantic prospect in Lee, his charming, vaguely goth friend.
Sophomores picks up at the beginning of Scott’s second year, and he is feeling both hyped and cocky about how well things are going to go for him now that he has some experience under his belt. Through this we are introduced to our main theme for this sequel, Scott’s hubris and how it can mess up his life horribly. While I was glad the plot line of “attempts to get close to crush result in unexpected consequences” was discontinued (it had run its course in the first book) and this pride goes before the fall idea has theoretical potential, this new plot line had the unfortunate impact of making Scott deeply unsympathetic throughout a good portion of the book. Scott needing to manage his ego manifests itself primarily via his increasingly hostile interactions with his admittedly finicky new English teacher. While some of Scott’s jabs at her seem immature but excusable initially, he gets progressively more mean-spirited and petty in his behavior OVER AND OVER in the book, to a degree that seems almost inanely childish and unrealistic. I get that we have a teenage male main character here, but do we really think it is a good idea to write a disparaging article in the school newspaper attacking a teacher’s clothes and appearance? Come on…
All this to say, there comes a point where you find yourself rooting for Scott’s teacher rather than him, a switch-up reminiscent of the point in King Lear where you are like, “This dude stinks, but the punishment he’s experiencing is wayyyy too much, and I hate Goneril and Regan more”. Scott becomes Goneril / Regan in the middle of the book, and while he is redeemed later, this comparison resulting from his behavior makes it difficult to get too excited about the plot. If you are comparable to King Lear’s daughters (not including Cornelia, of course), you’re in a bad spot.
Sooooo…severe main character unlikeability for a portion of the book is my main gripe. I would also say that some of the subplots are a bit weak, particularly Scott’s dad trying to open his own car repair shop, but there are also some great ones, including Scott and Lee navigating their relationship, the introduction of Lee’s dad, Wesley’s varying jobs (very Kirk from Gilmore Girls coded), and Scott’s mini-mentorship of some freshmen. The wordplay and DEEP explorations of literary terms were super fun as well.
Overall, I would consider this book to be an above-average YA realistic fiction contribution, and it functions well as a sequel. I had been hoping it would actually improve upon Sleeping Freshmen, and while that did not occur, if you liked the first book in the series, this one is worth a read!
To start, many of the great characters from Sleeping Freshmen return, including the protagonist Scott, his friend / love interest Lee, Scott’s family, his former English teacher Mr Franca, Wesley, and others. The primary theme of Sleeping Freshmen was Scott harboring a crush on his classmate Julia and joining a bunch of activities in attempts to get close to her, with ironic and amusing results (his intentions never quite worked out). Scott manages to learn more about himself, navigate high school, and realize that he may have a better romantic prospect in Lee, his charming, vaguely goth friend.
Sophomores picks up at the beginning of Scott’s second year, and he is feeling both hyped and cocky about how well things are going to go for him now that he has some experience under his belt. Through this we are introduced to our main theme for this sequel, Scott’s hubris and how it can mess up his life horribly. While I was glad the plot line of “attempts to get close to crush result in unexpected consequences” was discontinued (it had run its course in the first book) and this pride goes before the fall idea has theoretical potential, this new plot line had the unfortunate impact of making Scott deeply unsympathetic throughout a good portion of the book. Scott needing to manage his ego manifests itself primarily via his increasingly hostile interactions with his admittedly finicky new English teacher. While some of Scott’s jabs at her seem immature but excusable initially, he gets progressively more mean-spirited and petty in his behavior OVER AND OVER in the book, to a degree that seems almost inanely childish and unrealistic. I get that we have a teenage male main character here, but do we really think it is a good idea to write a disparaging article in the school newspaper attacking a teacher’s clothes and appearance? Come on…
All this to say, there comes a point where you find yourself rooting for Scott’s teacher rather than him, a switch-up reminiscent of the point in King Lear where you are like, “This dude stinks, but the punishment he’s experiencing is wayyyy too much, and I hate Goneril and Regan more”. Scott becomes Goneril / Regan in the middle of the book, and while he is redeemed later, this comparison resulting from his behavior makes it difficult to get too excited about the plot. If you are comparable to King Lear’s daughters (not including Cornelia, of course), you’re in a bad spot.
Sooooo…severe main character unlikeability for a portion of the book is my main gripe. I would also say that some of the subplots are a bit weak, particularly Scott’s dad trying to open his own car repair shop, but there are also some great ones, including Scott and Lee navigating their relationship, the introduction of Lee’s dad, Wesley’s varying jobs (very Kirk from Gilmore Girls coded), and Scott’s mini-mentorship of some freshmen. The wordplay and DEEP explorations of literary terms were super fun as well.
Overall, I would consider this book to be an above-average YA realistic fiction contribution, and it functions well as a sequel. I had been hoping it would actually improve upon Sleeping Freshmen, and while that did not occur, if you liked the first book in the series, this one is worth a read!
April 6, 2021
Admittedly, I did not love this book as much as I did the first. In many ways, it was a step forward in terms of writing. Scott has a stronger voice in this one, and the lessons he learned about using the English language and the many rules that come with it were surprisingly educational.
In this book, Scott was still Scott. But, unlike the previous year, Scott acted confident that he would be able to navigate this year without difficulty. Or so he thought. Honestly, it wasn't all that interesting, despite the fact that it was much longer than the first novel.
Throughout the novel, Lee doesn't seem to change much. I liked how she ended up being the one to make the first move and invite Scott to the dance and kiss him. Scott is far too shy for all of this. Other than giving her presents, he couldn't seem to make a move on her.
Wesley didn't appear much in this book. I somewhat liked his character for being such a reliable friend who would always run an errand for Scott. Btw, if you wanna ride different cars and vehicles everyday, date him. Lmao.
Jeremy, a frosh, seemed really cool but he was nothing more than a clone of Scott. The two of them became friends later on.
Despite this, I enjoyed reading it. With the English lessons, I was able to refresh and expand my knowledge. Back in high school, I recall being a geek with figures of speech lmao. I had a lot of fun with the wordplays and such, but I couldn't answer the weekly puzzles correctly. That sucked. Anyway, it saddens me a lil that there will be no Junior and Senior year books. Hopefully soon. Please.
In this book, Scott was still Scott. But, unlike the previous year, Scott acted confident that he would be able to navigate this year without difficulty. Or so he thought. Honestly, it wasn't all that interesting, despite the fact that it was much longer than the first novel.
Throughout the novel, Lee doesn't seem to change much. I liked how she ended up being the one to make the first move and invite Scott to the dance and kiss him. Scott is far too shy for all of this. Other than giving her presents, he couldn't seem to make a move on her.
Wesley didn't appear much in this book. I somewhat liked his character for being such a reliable friend who would always run an errand for Scott. Btw, if you wanna ride different cars and vehicles everyday, date him. Lmao.
Jeremy, a frosh, seemed really cool but he was nothing more than a clone of Scott. The two of them became friends later on.
Despite this, I enjoyed reading it. With the English lessons, I was able to refresh and expand my knowledge. Back in high school, I recall being a geek with figures of speech lmao. I had a lot of fun with the wordplays and such, but I couldn't answer the weekly puzzles correctly. That sucked. Anyway, it saddens me a lil that there will be no Junior and Senior year books. Hopefully soon. Please.
May 25, 2020
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons is that the second installment to Sleeping Freshmen never Lie. I idolized the primary one because for me it was relatable. This one, I liked more. I didn’t realize it as pleasant because of the 1st one. David Lubar will a beautiful job with the sport and humor. however I want there was one thing a bit lacking inside this second installment. I still enjoyed all the characters. In fact, I believe I prefer Scott even a lot of inside this book as a because he has learned from his Freshman year, he's a lot of assured and that I love that. I still love Lee and that I extremely relish Wesley’s character. My favorite elements of each of those books ar the journal entries. they're funny, witty, and downright enjoyable! I idolized that he continuing to try and do this inside this second installment. I’m glad that he didn’t get rid of the journals because the journal entries ar the best.
June 17, 2019
I liked this sequel to “Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie.” Scott Hudson continues to face the typical challenges of high school but he confidently knows the mistakes to avoid from his experience as a freshman. However, he has plenty of new experiences that make for a humorous story. He has some tough teachers and struggles between getting on their good side and getting revenge, neither of which seem to be fulfilled as soon as he would wish. His developing relationship with Lee is kind of fun. The “diary” writing to his new baby brother continues, even though he swore to himself in the last book that that was the end of it. Scott is smart and totally into dozens of obscure types of figurative language, which he uses in comical ways throughout the book. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d pick the first book, but this was pretty great. I’m a fan of David Lubar.
October 8, 2017
I really liked this book as a connection to Sleeping Freshman Never Lie. David Lubar doesn't add anyone new to the story which makes it more focus on the the main person, Scott Hudson. Scott Hudson may have lost his best friend, Kyle but can he get him back? Can Scott get back the best friend he has had since Kindergarten? Scott having to face other problems along the way such as his baby brother Sean waking him up at 4:00 in the morning everyday. Or could it be his grades? Could his grades affect his sophomore year or will it be because of his relationships with his teachers such as Mrs. Gilroy? Scott also gets to know his friend Lee Fowler a little better too. Read Sophomores and Other Oxymorons to see what truly happens next.
June 3, 2019
A follow up book to the one about freshman, readers start the new school year with the hilarious narrative of the main character Hudson and his best girl buddy Lee who have entered into something resembling a relationship. It is in its awkward first phases and continues to develop throughout the pages. Hudson has written for the school newspaper and considers himself a good writer, until he meet his nemesis of an English teacher and things quickly become interesting. Readers also get to witness Hudson as he mentors a true freshman who struggles with the same things that Hudson did last year; seniors, being clueless and navigating those first days . A book about bring one year older and wiser, about blooming love and highlights the awkward phases of high school perfectly.
May 14, 2021
3.5 Stars...
There is just something about Lubar's writing that makes a rather boring (plotless?) story that I normally wouldn't like at all--- charming and enjoyable. Maybe it's how he writes his characters in such a way that you can't help but like them. Sometimes when there's a series author's will butcher the Mc that you loved in book 1, in book 2. However, Scoot was still just as sweet, geeky, and an all around great kid right to the very end. I'm not quite sure why his journey stops at sophomore year, I mean we've gone half way with him through high school we might as well finish the rest of the way.
Overall, this series isn't written with all the bells and whistles or any annoying attempts to add edginess (such as excessive language, unnecessary sexual content, and excessive drugs/alcohol). This book is like a girl without all the makeup that would normally be seen as a "plain Jane", but there is just something about her "plainness" that draws you to her. That's how I feel about this book---it's plain and simple, but it draws you in.
Content: no sexual content
Language: mild---very little
There is just something about Lubar's writing that makes a rather boring (plotless?) story that I normally wouldn't like at all--- charming and enjoyable. Maybe it's how he writes his characters in such a way that you can't help but like them. Sometimes when there's a series author's will butcher the Mc that you loved in book 1, in book 2. However, Scoot was still just as sweet, geeky, and an all around great kid right to the very end. I'm not quite sure why his journey stops at sophomore year, I mean we've gone half way with him through high school we might as well finish the rest of the way.
Overall, this series isn't written with all the bells and whistles or any annoying attempts to add edginess (such as excessive language, unnecessary sexual content, and excessive drugs/alcohol). This book is like a girl without all the makeup that would normally be seen as a "plain Jane", but there is just something about her "plainness" that draws you to her. That's how I feel about this book---it's plain and simple, but it draws you in.
Content: no sexual content
Language: mild---very little
August 25, 2018
I tried to read this slowly in order to savor it before I start my own sophomore year. Last year, I read Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David, so I have been waiting a year to read this. Too bad there are no books for Junior and Senior year, but that's okay; it just that means I will have to create my own story throughout the year. That's the power of this book, for me to want to create my own real-life story based on these words. Only a few more days to start my own.
P.S. I truly enjoyed the addition of NaNoWriMo as I have participated in this a few times, only resulting in one hand held book, but lots of fun.
P.S. I truly enjoyed the addition of NaNoWriMo as I have participated in this a few times, only resulting in one hand held book, but lots of fun.
January 31, 2020
If you thought Scott Hudson's struggles during Freshmen year were completely gone, you'd be absolutely. A new year and we see one of David Lubar's most memorable characters yet back in action in "Sophomores and other Oxymorons". As Scott is a little older and smarter, we see a whole new set of challenges to overcome and escapades to undergo thrown in his direction by fate ( In this case David Lubar).
This book is such a good piece of work, You will be spending nearly all your downtime reading through all 450 of it's pages of utter brilliance.
This book is such a good piece of work, You will be spending nearly all your downtime reading through all 450 of it's pages of utter brilliance.
March 22, 2020
Once again, a book that I was able to read quickly and enjoy thoroughly. The 90's movie continued with a sequel that tied things up incredibly perfectly at the end, but seemed to poke fun at that concept. While probably the reason for the lack of a final star in the review, it was a fun story that spoke to me as an English teacher on one level, simply as a high school teacher on another, and as a former teenager, who wanted a whole lot of things without truly putting in the work, on a third level.
March 22, 2020
As with the first Scott Hudson book, I truly enjoyed the read. I couldn’t justify a 5th star because everything worked out a little too perfectly (although I do appreciate how the story seems to poke fun at that concept); the 90’s teen movie continued. I enjoyed the new characters and English class references that helped the story along. It spoke to me on three levels, as an English teacher, as a high school teacher in general, and as a former teen who wanted it all, but didn’t realize that it required hard work and focus in the right areas.
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