Chick: Lister

by Alex Van Tol

Chick is a popular fourteen-year-old who is essentially on this earth to live up to his father’s impossible expectations—or, at least, that’s how he feels. This pressure is a grinding source of anxiety for him, which he copes with by making lists. He itemizes every aspect of his life, from his daily routine to the things that make him nervous. But as the pressure of school and his budding romance with his debating teammate Audrey builds, his compulsion starts to feel impossible to control—or conceal.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I'm the author of 13 YA and middle grade books. When I'm not writing, I travel to schools to speak with groups of students. I love visiting schools!

I also work as a full-time freelance writer, creating stories and articles for universities, government organizations, magazines and more.

A few random facts:
* The most I've ever written in a single day is 14,000 words. That was a very, very long day.
* I print. I don't use handwriting.
* I like cats and horses. I used to work as a wrangler on an Alberta ranch.
* Stephen King was my favourite writer growing up.
* Small spaces worry me. You won't find me wiggling through caves on my tummy anytime soon.
* My favourite authors are Jonathan Franzen, Cormac McCarthy, Paulo Coelho, Amy Tan, JK Rowling and Jeff Kinney.

Reviews

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't expect me to like this book as much as I did but I really enjoyed reading it. I didnt even know what it was about when I took it from its shelf in the library. Wish it was longer thought.

[Anton Ek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helt ok, den handlar om att våga gå sin egen väg.

[Amy Del Cid · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never marked a book on Good-reads less than five stars. ;-( Unfortunately, Chick :Lister broke the ice. I definitely did not enjoy this book at all, and my friend Jessica recommended it. She gives very good recommendations, but this book is not a book I would highly recommend. ;-/

[Diego Erives · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about this boy named chick who is the main character in the story he wants to live up to his dads expectations,but the pressure gets to him a lot.He has anxiety so he all ways writes so he calms down.There is also a little romance.

I think this book was great

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out very well, exploring compulsions and OCD. Then, when the "girl" came into the picture, this book took a bit of a nosedive - miraculously everything falls into place and exploring the very real side of compulsion was thrown to the side.

[Yeslech · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was too short. Some mature comments by the protagonist regarding a girl. Themes include OCD and an overbearing parent.

[Malva · Rating 3 out of 5]

grabben har inte koll på läget

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐

[Sam Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and was shocked at how good it portrayed falling in love as a teen, teenage breakdowns, and daddy issues. It was slow, clean romance that had made me giggle and smile.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chick's got issues. Way too much pressure from an overbearing Dad, too much on his plate between soccer and debate and school and student council and whatever else he gets into. It's no wonder he's having panic attacks. The only thing that helps hime is making lists. And his brand new girlfriend. But mostly the lists.

I understand Chick. I make lists all the time and it DOES calm and center me. Especially when I'm overwhelmed. He's taken it to a totally OCD level and realizes it.

For a hi-lo book, this one really caught me and didn't feel at all like I was reading something between a 2nd and 3rd grade reading level. Which is awesome, meaning it does exactly what it needs to for the classroom. But more than that, his story is interesting, his struggles are real, and the solution is one that is even (mostly) satisfying. I still think he needs some professional help. But he's on the right path.

Overall, this is a good book and one I'm glad I picked up. This is exactly what a hi-lo book should be.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chick is like any other teenage boy dealing with school, parents, sports and girls, except for one major difference: he is an obsessive compulsive list writer. This compulsion forces Chick to write upward of twenty-five lists a day to keep him focused and release the pressure caused by an overly governing father. This is an interesting quick book for teenager readers. My only criticism is the protagonist should have been a junior or a senior instead of an eighth grader due to his shy yet forwardness with Audry, and a few of the more sexual in nature thoughts on his lists.

[Kirsikka71 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy reader about Chick who deals with parental disapproval and coaxing. The pressures of his fathers meddling causes Chick to develop an OCD. He has to write endless lists in order to calm his nerves. Quite a dark theme for a short book but dealt with nicely.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Topic well handled

[TheSaint · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read for middle school age kids, but the title character appealed to me. OCD presenting as list-making? I'm already on board that train!

[Jona Aljumely · Rating 3 out of 5]

den var lite sexig

[Sheri Radford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was enjoyable right up until the unbelievable, Hollywood-style ending.