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That's Not What I Heard
What did you hear?
Kimberly Landis-Lilley and Teddy Lin are over. Yes, the Kim and Teddy broke up.
At least that's what Phil Spooner thinks he overheard and then told Jess Howard, Kim's best friend. Something about Teddy not liking Kim's Instas? Or was it that Teddy is moving to Italy and didn't want to do long distance? Or that Kim slid into someone else's DMs?
Jess told her boyfriend, Elvis, that he needs to be on Kim's side. Especially if he wants to keep her as his girlfriend. But Elvis is also Teddy's best friend.
Now, Kim's run out of school for the day. Jess is furious. Elvis is confused. And half the lunch period won't talk to Teddy. Even the teachers have taken sides.
William Henry Harrison High will never be the same again!
Kimberly Landis-Lilley and Teddy Lin are over. Yes, the Kim and Teddy broke up.
At least that's what Phil Spooner thinks he overheard and then told Jess Howard, Kim's best friend. Something about Teddy not liking Kim's Instas? Or was it that Teddy is moving to Italy and didn't want to do long distance? Or that Kim slid into someone else's DMs?
Jess told her boyfriend, Elvis, that he needs to be on Kim's side. Especially if he wants to keep her as his girlfriend. But Elvis is also Teddy's best friend.
Now, Kim's run out of school for the day. Jess is furious. Elvis is confused. And half the lunch period won't talk to Teddy. Even the teachers have taken sides.
William Henry Harrison High will never be the same again!
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First published February 26, 2019
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About the author
Stephanie Kate Strohm
19 books389 followersStephanie Kate Strohm is the author of Love a la Mode; Prince in Disguise; It's Not Me, It's You; That's Not What I Heard; The Date to Save; and Katy Keene: Restless Hearts. She grew up in Connecticut and attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where she was voted Winter Carnival Queen. Currently she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Her middle-grade debut, Once Upon a Tide: A Mermaid's Tale, will be released in September.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 11, 2020
I actually had a ton of fun reading this one, and absolutely sped through it! Stephanie Kate Strohm’s books are always so entertaining for me, and although this book is a little different from her normal writing, I still enjoyed reading.
While Love a la Mode was a lot more light and fluffy and romantic, That’s Not What I Heard is a lot more quirky, gossipy, high school craziness. Think Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack. Crazy, a little out there, but still so much fun.
Basically, Kim and Teddy who have been a couple since what seems like birth, break up for unknown reasons, and the gossip chain starts and the whole school goes CRAZY and breaks into factions pro-Kim, pro-Teddy, anti-both, pro-both, they-don’t-even-exist-and-aren’t-actually-here. Things get wild, and it comes together in a silly, funny way.
There are a bunch of points of view in this book, but it actually wasn’t hard to remember? And this is coming from the girl who is NOTORIOUS for forgetting names. I’m literally the worst.
But all of the characters were very distinct and unique and they all had voices and motivations and the way Strohm brought them together was really fun. I knew who was who just by seeing the name, and the way some of the storylines wove together was awesome.
I think Strohm did a really great job of just linking everyone in the story and school together–Kim and Teddy, Kim’s sister, this other couple, a freshman, some teachers, the principal–it all came together and works out neatly in the end and it was satisfying and fun and low-stress and low pressure.
This is going to appeal to a very niche audience, I admit. A lot of adults won’t like this. A decent number of teens will find it ridiculous. But I like ridiculous, so this ended up being just really fun and unstressful for me.
I do kind of think that the more serious emotional implications of gossip weren’t necessarily addressed as much as they should? This is supposed to be a chill book, but I do wish that the story addressed how gossip can lead to bad things as well, besides just goofiness.
Even though this book might not have had that much substance, it was still really enjoyable to read? Like, I just had a lot of fun reading it and really was able to get out of my own head and enjoy the story rather than whatever is going on in my life.
I wanted to finish. I wanted to sit through the hilarity and the moments that were basically memes by now. People are going to call this book childish and immature and way too silly and unrealistic, but that’s what makes it so fun.
If you can’t take a little bit of a joke and understand that this book is just supposed to be silly, you shouldn’t be reading it. But if you are ready for something a little goofy and a lot ridiculous, definitely pick this up! I enjoyed it, and you might too.
While Love a la Mode was a lot more light and fluffy and romantic, That’s Not What I Heard is a lot more quirky, gossipy, high school craziness. Think Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack. Crazy, a little out there, but still so much fun.
Basically, Kim and Teddy who have been a couple since what seems like birth, break up for unknown reasons, and the gossip chain starts and the whole school goes CRAZY and breaks into factions pro-Kim, pro-Teddy, anti-both, pro-both, they-don’t-even-exist-and-aren’t-actually-here. Things get wild, and it comes together in a silly, funny way.
There are a bunch of points of view in this book, but it actually wasn’t hard to remember? And this is coming from the girl who is NOTORIOUS for forgetting names. I’m literally the worst.
But all of the characters were very distinct and unique and they all had voices and motivations and the way Strohm brought them together was really fun. I knew who was who just by seeing the name, and the way some of the storylines wove together was awesome.
I think Strohm did a really great job of just linking everyone in the story and school together–Kim and Teddy, Kim’s sister, this other couple, a freshman, some teachers, the principal–it all came together and works out neatly in the end and it was satisfying and fun and low-stress and low pressure.
This is going to appeal to a very niche audience, I admit. A lot of adults won’t like this. A decent number of teens will find it ridiculous. But I like ridiculous, so this ended up being just really fun and unstressful for me.
I do kind of think that the more serious emotional implications of gossip weren’t necessarily addressed as much as they should? This is supposed to be a chill book, but I do wish that the story addressed how gossip can lead to bad things as well, besides just goofiness.
Even though this book might not have had that much substance, it was still really enjoyable to read? Like, I just had a lot of fun reading it and really was able to get out of my own head and enjoy the story rather than whatever is going on in my life.
I wanted to finish. I wanted to sit through the hilarity and the moments that were basically memes by now. People are going to call this book childish and immature and way too silly and unrealistic, but that’s what makes it so fun.
If you can’t take a little bit of a joke and understand that this book is just supposed to be silly, you shouldn’t be reading it. But if you are ready for something a little goofy and a lot ridiculous, definitely pick this up! I enjoyed it, and you might too.
February 1, 2019
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This is the hilarious, absurd, and over the top fun that made me a Strohm fan. This book is very reminiscent of It's Not Me, It's You and The Date to Save, and it delivered the laughter I was hoping to find. It gets a little emotional and the warm fuzzies found me in the last part of this story, which touches upon endings and the future. I may have shed a few tears.
======================================================
As soon as I started reading this, I was like: YES! YES! YES!
Because, this book instantly had the feel of It's Not Me, It's You, which was my gateway Strohm book, and made her one of my go-to authors, when I need some fun in my life.
The premise of this story was that William Henry Harrison High's golden couple had split. One person witnessed part of the event and went on to tell one person, who told one person, and you can see where this is going. As the rumors spread, the truth became more and more distorted and hilarity ensued.
I thought it was brilliant the way way Strohm wrote the story. I found it quite effective, especially on day one. The point of view quickly passed from one person to another, and reminded me so much of a good game of Telephone. Each person seemed to miss important bits and pieces, and then took liberties to fill in those gaps. As the story and the POV went from character to character, the chaos grew, and so did my laughter.
This was the high school version of a celebrity break up. Most people never know all the details, but they will speculate as much as they like. Nothing is off limits. People will also choose sides in a breakup, as was the case at WHHHS. You were either Team Teddy or Team Kim, at least until splinter groups began to form. Watching it all spiral out of control was highly amusing. The rapid pacing matched the buildup of emotions at WHHHS, until it all came to a head.
Just because this book was full of laughs doesn't mean it was without substance. Part of the story was about saying goodbye. Kim and Teddy were seniors, and this was their final chapter of high school. Best friends since childhood and sweethearts for the past six years, it could have been the end for the power couple. Strohm incorporated that, as well as living in the shadow a super sibling along with some other issues that are relevant to high schoolers. I liked the way Strohm integrated some of those ideas, and I may have even sniffled or shed a tear or whatnot.
The book was everything I was hoping for. It was super fun, jam packed with hijinks, adorable, sweet, and highly entertaining. I enjoyed meeting the denizens of William Henry Harrison High, and wouldn't mind catching up with them at a later date.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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This is the hilarious, absurd, and over the top fun that made me a Strohm fan. This book is very reminiscent of It's Not Me, It's You and The Date to Save, and it delivered the laughter I was hoping to find. It gets a little emotional and the warm fuzzies found me in the last part of this story, which touches upon endings and the future. I may have shed a few tears.
======================================================
As soon as I started reading this, I was like: YES! YES! YES!
Because, this book instantly had the feel of It's Not Me, It's You, which was my gateway Strohm book, and made her one of my go-to authors, when I need some fun in my life.
The premise of this story was that William Henry Harrison High's golden couple had split. One person witnessed part of the event and went on to tell one person, who told one person, and you can see where this is going. As the rumors spread, the truth became more and more distorted and hilarity ensued.
I thought it was brilliant the way way Strohm wrote the story. I found it quite effective, especially on day one. The point of view quickly passed from one person to another, and reminded me so much of a good game of Telephone. Each person seemed to miss important bits and pieces, and then took liberties to fill in those gaps. As the story and the POV went from character to character, the chaos grew, and so did my laughter.
This was the high school version of a celebrity break up. Most people never know all the details, but they will speculate as much as they like. Nothing is off limits. People will also choose sides in a breakup, as was the case at WHHHS. You were either Team Teddy or Team Kim, at least until splinter groups began to form. Watching it all spiral out of control was highly amusing. The rapid pacing matched the buildup of emotions at WHHHS, until it all came to a head.
Just because this book was full of laughs doesn't mean it was without substance. Part of the story was about saying goodbye. Kim and Teddy were seniors, and this was their final chapter of high school. Best friends since childhood and sweethearts for the past six years, it could have been the end for the power couple. Strohm incorporated that, as well as living in the shadow a super sibling along with some other issues that are relevant to high schoolers. I liked the way Strohm integrated some of those ideas, and I may have even sniffled or shed a tear or whatnot.
The book was everything I was hoping for. It was super fun, jam packed with hijinks, adorable, sweet, and highly entertaining. I enjoyed meeting the denizens of William Henry Harrison High, and wouldn't mind catching up with them at a later date.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
May 13, 2019
THAT was HILARIOUS :D
I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard while reading a book, it was really light and no "drama" at all, perfect for my current mood and I liked the dynamics of the whole school, if you like this book you might like Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
So the story is about how a simple break up between Kim and Teddy turns the whole school upside down and the following month in the school
most recommended if you want something extremely light and fun
I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard while reading a book, it was really light and no "drama" at all, perfect for my current mood and I liked the dynamics of the whole school, if you like this book you might like Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
So the story is about how a simple break up between Kim and Teddy turns the whole school upside down and the following month in the school
most recommended if you want something extremely light and fun
January 19, 2019
Stephanie Kate Strohm’s books are always such hilarious and compulsively readable books. Once you pick them up, you can’t put them down and That’s Not What I Heard is no different. We follow the lives of teens at William Henry Harrison High School after the golden couple breaks up and no one is quite sure why. Rumors are started and lines are drawn in this high school romcom romp.
The best words I can use to describe That’s Not What I Heard are dramatic and entertaining. Stephanie’s writing is just so easy to read and get lost in - I usually end up reading her books in one sitting and I find they’re the perfect thing to pick up when I don’t know what reading mood I’m in. I also love how she incorporated so many POVs into her stories as well - it’s never overwhelming, but it adds so much to the chaotic and frenzied nature of the story. And while I do enjoy all the POVs, because there’s so many, and it’s such a quick read, I’m never really invested in the story. But I don’t mind that so much, because it’s not what I’m looking for from this particular book.
That’s Not What I Heard is a big game of he-said she-said, with exaggerated high school politics that come together in creative and ridiculous ways.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The best words I can use to describe That’s Not What I Heard are dramatic and entertaining. Stephanie’s writing is just so easy to read and get lost in - I usually end up reading her books in one sitting and I find they’re the perfect thing to pick up when I don’t know what reading mood I’m in. I also love how she incorporated so many POVs into her stories as well - it’s never overwhelming, but it adds so much to the chaotic and frenzied nature of the story. And while I do enjoy all the POVs, because there’s so many, and it’s such a quick read, I’m never really invested in the story. But I don’t mind that so much, because it’s not what I’m looking for from this particular book.
That’s Not What I Heard is a big game of he-said she-said, with exaggerated high school politics that come together in creative and ridiculous ways.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2019
Oh, this sweet, sweet book. It's been quite a while since I've read a YA book that didn't contain tragic romance, or tough lessons. Not that I don't love those books, don't get me wrong, but That's Not What I Heard was like a breath of fresh air in a genre that's starting to feel a little heavy. This book is pure fun, really. It's almost like a satire of high school, except it's even smarter than that. While I didn't absolutely love this book, I saw the brilliance in it. Plus, I definitely giggled out loud more than once. Trust me, this is something YA readers are going to love.
You know how the high school rumor mill is. One little thing overheard, and suddenly it's morphed into something that is nowhere near what was originally said. That's this book in a nutshell. Perfect couple Kim-and-Teddy have been together for what feels like forever. Now it's their Senior year, and it's time to start thinking about the future. Except... are they on the same page? A fight begins, and what follows is a breakup story for the ages. Seriously, it's on that type of scale.
I had to keep reminding myself that yes, school really was as absurd as this book felt sometimes. It did feel a little over the top at points, but what I really enjoyed was the fact that the reader actually gets to see the rumors progress as they move along the telephone line of gossip. Each chapter would pick up with the last person who had heard something, and I honestly laughed more than once at how that next person interpreted it. There are school hijinks, plans to get back together with lost loves, and more friendship than I think I've ever seen in a book like this. You can tell that Strohm has been there. You can tell that she knows just how silly things can get when the rumor mill activates. There's just a flair on top of that to make things seem funnier, and that's the pat I had the hardest time with.
Final verdict? This wasn't quite my book, but I do know that a ton of YA readers out there are going to love this. Young YA readers especially, who are just entering the wide world of high school, will probably really enjoy this story. It's silly, it's a little too quick moving at times, but it has a ton of heart behind it too. I enjoyed getting to know the residents at William Henry Harrison High! I know that others will too.
You know how the high school rumor mill is. One little thing overheard, and suddenly it's morphed into something that is nowhere near what was originally said. That's this book in a nutshell. Perfect couple Kim-and-Teddy have been together for what feels like forever. Now it's their Senior year, and it's time to start thinking about the future. Except... are they on the same page? A fight begins, and what follows is a breakup story for the ages. Seriously, it's on that type of scale.
I had to keep reminding myself that yes, school really was as absurd as this book felt sometimes. It did feel a little over the top at points, but what I really enjoyed was the fact that the reader actually gets to see the rumors progress as they move along the telephone line of gossip. Each chapter would pick up with the last person who had heard something, and I honestly laughed more than once at how that next person interpreted it. There are school hijinks, plans to get back together with lost loves, and more friendship than I think I've ever seen in a book like this. You can tell that Strohm has been there. You can tell that she knows just how silly things can get when the rumor mill activates. There's just a flair on top of that to make things seem funnier, and that's the pat I had the hardest time with.
Final verdict? This wasn't quite my book, but I do know that a ton of YA readers out there are going to love this. Young YA readers especially, who are just entering the wide world of high school, will probably really enjoy this story. It's silly, it's a little too quick moving at times, but it has a ton of heart behind it too. I enjoyed getting to know the residents at William Henry Harrison High! I know that others will too.
March 16, 2019
After really enjoying this author’s other works, I was excited to pick this one up. Her writing style is quite funny and entertaining and the premise sounded fun.
The humor was there. There were a number of funny moments, and almost all the characters had amusing thoughts. They were interesting and fun to read about too. Stephanie Kate Strohm’s characters are always great.
The other part I loved was the plotline was Ms. Somers. I loved her sweet little romance. She and the coach were so cute together.
My main issue with this book was the story itself. I just could not get behind it; it was too absurd. I kept asking myself, why would an entire school CARE that a couple broke up? And the way it was handed was so over the top, and kept getting more and more ridiculous as the book progressed. The teachers had no control and the principal was ineffectual.
Also, while I loved most of the characters, I have to say, I didn’t care for Kim OR Teddy at all. Kim was way too type A personality for me (who brings a planner to the prom?) and Teddy didn’t have much personality at all. I thought it was weird that the secondary characters had more dimension than Kim and Teddy.
The other issue I had with the plot is definitely an “it’s not you, it’s me” thing, but I am just not a fan of books where the central conflict is based around a miscommunication or lack of communication. Kim and Teddy NEVER talked about their issues and that really frustrated me.
Overall, some funny moments, but I was hoping to like this one more than I did.
The humor was there. There were a number of funny moments, and almost all the characters had amusing thoughts. They were interesting and fun to read about too. Stephanie Kate Strohm’s characters are always great.
The other part I loved was the plotline was Ms. Somers. I loved her sweet little romance. She and the coach were so cute together.
My main issue with this book was the story itself. I just could not get behind it; it was too absurd. I kept asking myself, why would an entire school CARE that a couple broke up? And the way it was handed was so over the top, and kept getting more and more ridiculous as the book progressed. The teachers had no control and the principal was ineffectual.
Also, while I loved most of the characters, I have to say, I didn’t care for Kim OR Teddy at all. Kim was way too type A personality for me (who brings a planner to the prom?) and Teddy didn’t have much personality at all. I thought it was weird that the secondary characters had more dimension than Kim and Teddy.
The other issue I had with the plot is definitely an “it’s not you, it’s me” thing, but I am just not a fan of books where the central conflict is based around a miscommunication or lack of communication. Kim and Teddy NEVER talked about their issues and that really frustrated me.
Overall, some funny moments, but I was hoping to like this one more than I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 21, 2019Yet more Strohm absolute adorableness! This one was like a cross between her It's Not Me, It's You and that first Sandy Hall book that had a zillion POVs. Fun and delightful as always.
March 4, 2019
I've been in such a funk with contemporaries that honestly, I was scared that I had outgrown or had lost my way with books made of fluff and swoons and marshmallows. And then That's Not What I Heard walked into the door, and my fluffy soul was saveddddddddd. Omigosh, this was exactly what I needed. It was so much cuteness and funnies and adorableness, and that is why Strohm will foreverr be one of my favorite YA contemporary writers.
This book is a bit more in the vein of Strohm's It's Not Me, It's You, which is a book told in the oral tradition method. This book is told through a bunch of different POVs on the events that occurred after the breakup of Teddy and Kim - a small high school's golden couple. I can't even begin to explain to you anything after that due to spoilers and the book madness that follows - BUT IT WAS AMAZING.
Strohm continues to break her usual hilarity and brilliance to this novel. There were so many hilarious moments that had me chuckling internally and eternally. I was constantly smiling, and I literally devoured this book practically in a day. There weren't life and death situations, but I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happennnnnnnnnnnnn. I was ensnared, captivated, and SEEKING ALL THE FLUFFS.
There were so many fun moments and twists and turns and fun little things that I lovedddddddddddd. Each chapter, you were introduced to a new POV on the same situation or a new situation that was even more fun than the last. There was growth and intrigue and even little ships within ships.
There were sometimes that I did wish I had a little further connection with some of the characters. Despite Kim and Teddy begin the main characters, sometimes I didn't connect as easily with them. However, I still hardcore rooted for them and liked them. And there was a lot of great characterization and character growth despite how fast it moved and sometimes how quick we went. Speaking of which, the pacing was quite fast, but it was never too speedy. It was just right.
4.5 crowns easilyyyyyyyyyyyy and an Anna rating - which truly fits since I think this book was legit just Anna's personality in written format. Please, just jump on the Strohm bandwagon ASAPPPPPPPPPPPPPP, because her writing is forever golddddddd.
This book is a bit more in the vein of Strohm's It's Not Me, It's You, which is a book told in the oral tradition method. This book is told through a bunch of different POVs on the events that occurred after the breakup of Teddy and Kim - a small high school's golden couple. I can't even begin to explain to you anything after that due to spoilers and the book madness that follows - BUT IT WAS AMAZING.
Strohm continues to break her usual hilarity and brilliance to this novel. There were so many hilarious moments that had me chuckling internally and eternally. I was constantly smiling, and I literally devoured this book practically in a day. There weren't life and death situations, but I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happennnnnnnnnnnnn. I was ensnared, captivated, and SEEKING ALL THE FLUFFS.
There were so many fun moments and twists and turns and fun little things that I lovedddddddddddd. Each chapter, you were introduced to a new POV on the same situation or a new situation that was even more fun than the last. There was growth and intrigue and even little ships within ships.
There were sometimes that I did wish I had a little further connection with some of the characters. Despite Kim and Teddy begin the main characters, sometimes I didn't connect as easily with them. However, I still hardcore rooted for them and liked them. And there was a lot of great characterization and character growth despite how fast it moved and sometimes how quick we went. Speaking of which, the pacing was quite fast, but it was never too speedy. It was just right.
4.5 crowns easilyyyyyyyyyyyy and an Anna rating - which truly fits since I think this book was legit just Anna's personality in written format. Please, just jump on the Strohm bandwagon ASAPPPPPPPPPPPPPP, because her writing is forever golddddddd.
February 7, 2019
I was part of the official blog tour and was provided with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This review was first published on thebookdutchesses.com
I was going into this book with the expectations of a light-hearted, fun and fast read. And that was exactly what I got! I read the book in one sitting and was laughing out loud all the time. The book starts out with the POV of Kim Landis-Lilley on the morning of the break up. We get the whole story so there wasn’t any guessing of about whether any of the rumors were true. You can clearly tell Kim didn’t actually want to break up with Teddy and pretty quickly I got the feeling Teddy didn’t either. So it was a little bit of a guessing game whether they would end up back together.
But the biggest guessing game was where the story would take me. I think we got about 15 POV’s in total and I definitely wouldn’t have been able to accurately predict what would happen in this story. The rumors and the events following the break-up are super over the top but SO MUCH FUN. I was laughing out loud at the crazy situations Stephanie Kate Strohm created for us to enjoy. The story takes place over a span of 4 weeks and every chapter tells you clearly what day you’re reading about. We didn’t get any weekend chapters because the focus was truly on what was happening at the school. I thought that was a lot of fun. It was incredible to see how out of hand a story can get when no one is communicating clearly and every one has only a part of the story.
Like I said, there were about 15 POV’s but it never got confusing. I think the author did a great job of creating distinct personalities with their own thing going on. While the break-up rumor mill was the focus of the story, most of the characters had a little something extra going on. It was so interesting to read about the same story from so many different POV’s, everyone looks at the situation with their own filter and that really showed.
There was quite some representation in the story, which I appreciated a lot. It truly felt like a high school with all kinds of kids. You could also tell the story was clearly set in this time period because of all the fun references to pop culture the author embedded in the story. And she showed a difference between the adults and the teens as well. Their talking about sliding in someone else’s DM’s and the teens are clearly talking about Instagram. But the adult only got the part about the DM’s and were wondering if kids even still used Twitter. I really enjoyed those little generation gaps and think that showed how well Stephanie Kate Strohm crafted this story.
All in all this was such a fun read and exactly what I wanted out of the story. When you’re looking for a ridiculous but hilarious story about a diverse high school this is the book you want to pick up. I know I’ll be reading more books by this author soon!
I was going into this book with the expectations of a light-hearted, fun and fast read. And that was exactly what I got! I read the book in one sitting and was laughing out loud all the time. The book starts out with the POV of Kim Landis-Lilley on the morning of the break up. We get the whole story so there wasn’t any guessing of about whether any of the rumors were true. You can clearly tell Kim didn’t actually want to break up with Teddy and pretty quickly I got the feeling Teddy didn’t either. So it was a little bit of a guessing game whether they would end up back together.
But the biggest guessing game was where the story would take me. I think we got about 15 POV’s in total and I definitely wouldn’t have been able to accurately predict what would happen in this story. The rumors and the events following the break-up are super over the top but SO MUCH FUN. I was laughing out loud at the crazy situations Stephanie Kate Strohm created for us to enjoy. The story takes place over a span of 4 weeks and every chapter tells you clearly what day you’re reading about. We didn’t get any weekend chapters because the focus was truly on what was happening at the school. I thought that was a lot of fun. It was incredible to see how out of hand a story can get when no one is communicating clearly and every one has only a part of the story.
Like I said, there were about 15 POV’s but it never got confusing. I think the author did a great job of creating distinct personalities with their own thing going on. While the break-up rumor mill was the focus of the story, most of the characters had a little something extra going on. It was so interesting to read about the same story from so many different POV’s, everyone looks at the situation with their own filter and that really showed.
There was quite some representation in the story, which I appreciated a lot. It truly felt like a high school with all kinds of kids. You could also tell the story was clearly set in this time period because of all the fun references to pop culture the author embedded in the story. And she showed a difference between the adults and the teens as well. Their talking about sliding in someone else’s DM’s and the teens are clearly talking about Instagram. But the adult only got the part about the DM’s and were wondering if kids even still used Twitter. I really enjoyed those little generation gaps and think that showed how well Stephanie Kate Strohm crafted this story.
All in all this was such a fun read and exactly what I wanted out of the story. When you’re looking for a ridiculous but hilarious story about a diverse high school this is the book you want to pick up. I know I’ll be reading more books by this author soon!
January 4, 2019
"But maybe that was part of saying goodbye- you were never really ready.”
William Henry Harrison High is in total disarray. The “IT” couple has split up and everyone is losing their minds. But how did it happen? And why? I’ve heard that it was.... and she heard it was because..... As rumors start to fly and people start taking sides, will the school will never get back on track?
This book is the high school version of the telephone game. Someone tells a secret and it spreads to someone else with something else added to it and by the time it comes back to you, it’s not even what you said. That game is this book.
It was an interesting concept but kind of dull. I was hoping for more laugh out loud moments instead of eye-rolling hijinks. Some of the characters were quirky and absolutely hilarious, while others were just painful. I'm also kind of confused at why the entire school cared that two people broke up? It's just a high school relationship, move on with your day!
Teens/tweens will resonate with this and enjoy the banter between the many points of view. As an adult, I found it exhausting. It just goes to show that you can't believe everything you hear.
William Henry Harrison High is in total disarray. The “IT” couple has split up and everyone is losing their minds. But how did it happen? And why? I’ve heard that it was.... and she heard it was because..... As rumors start to fly and people start taking sides, will the school will never get back on track?
This book is the high school version of the telephone game. Someone tells a secret and it spreads to someone else with something else added to it and by the time it comes back to you, it’s not even what you said. That game is this book.
It was an interesting concept but kind of dull. I was hoping for more laugh out loud moments instead of eye-rolling hijinks. Some of the characters were quirky and absolutely hilarious, while others were just painful. I'm also kind of confused at why the entire school cared that two people broke up? It's just a high school relationship, move on with your day!
Teens/tweens will resonate with this and enjoy the banter between the many points of view. As an adult, I found it exhausting. It just goes to show that you can't believe everything you hear.
April 18, 2020
An exaggerated representation of how gossip spreads in a high school setting.
This book was entertaining, funny, and juvenile. A break-up between a famous school couple shakes the student body, dividing each student to form groups in regards to how they felt about the break-up.
The most surprising were the multiple pov's from different characters. I thought this might end in a disaster but the writing just... flows. It didn't ruin my reading experience and I found it to be quite entertaining. Every character, no matter how small their part, had something to offer.
While I did enjoy reading this book, I felt that it had been dragged on for way too long (hence my 3/5 stars rating). This doesn't mean the book was bad. It's actually good!Just not the best.
This book was entertaining, funny, and juvenile. A break-up between a famous school couple shakes the student body, dividing each student to form groups in regards to how they felt about the break-up.
The most surprising were the multiple pov's from different characters. I thought this might end in a disaster but the writing just... flows. It didn't ruin my reading experience and I found it to be quite entertaining. Every character, no matter how small their part, had something to offer.
While I did enjoy reading this book, I felt that it had been dragged on for way too long (hence my 3/5 stars rating). This doesn't mean the book was bad. It's actually good!
February 3, 2019
Thank you @kidlitexchange @stephkatestrohm @scholasticinc for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This YA book was release 1.29.19!!
This book was ridiculously entertaining. It’s fast paced, hilarious and surprisingly told through tons of perspectives. The setting is William Henry Harrison High and the chaos begins when Kim and Teddy break up. Their conversation is overheard by one student getting a snack out of a vending machine, who tells another student and so on. Rumors start to build and stories get exaggerated leaving the entire school to choose a side to support. Are you Team Kim, Team Teddy Bear, the HeartBeats or an AntiKaT?
Wow, the way this story builds and spirals out of control is pretty spot on for the age group and those prone to gossiping. The chapters are short as you switch from one POV to another. I loved that it includes the faculty members as well. This should make it very relatable for anyone who works in education. The drama that ensues is on a whole new level. Students show up wearing handmade bear ears, carting bags of oranges into school, writing messages in thefreshly paved asphalt and painting ridiculous murals. My favorite moments include the epic food fight and the morphing of the prom into several themes to accommodate every side.
Aside from all of the laugh out loud scenes, there is a huge lesson on the importance of communication, telling the truth, not spreading rumors without facts and not dwelling on other people’s actions. Netflix definitely needs to pick this one up!! Love this author and look forward to reading more of her books!!!
This book was ridiculously entertaining. It’s fast paced, hilarious and surprisingly told through tons of perspectives. The setting is William Henry Harrison High and the chaos begins when Kim and Teddy break up. Their conversation is overheard by one student getting a snack out of a vending machine, who tells another student and so on. Rumors start to build and stories get exaggerated leaving the entire school to choose a side to support. Are you Team Kim, Team Teddy Bear, the HeartBeats or an AntiKaT?
Wow, the way this story builds and spirals out of control is pretty spot on for the age group and those prone to gossiping. The chapters are short as you switch from one POV to another. I loved that it includes the faculty members as well. This should make it very relatable for anyone who works in education. The drama that ensues is on a whole new level. Students show up wearing handmade bear ears, carting bags of oranges into school, writing messages in thefreshly paved asphalt and painting ridiculous murals. My favorite moments include the epic food fight and the morphing of the prom into several themes to accommodate every side.
Aside from all of the laugh out loud scenes, there is a huge lesson on the importance of communication, telling the truth, not spreading rumors without facts and not dwelling on other people’s actions. Netflix definitely needs to pick this one up!! Love this author and look forward to reading more of her books!!!
January 16, 2019
Classic book that you would chill by the pool with: light, flirty, and funny.
September 3, 2021
Review to come :)
Update- I finished this book last night. I skimmed the last ten or so pages because the book was so dull that I didn't really care what happened at the 4 proms.
I have a lot to say about this book- when I have a lot to say about books, they either blew me away and I will probably reread said book 5 times, or the book was terrible and I have to write down my thoughts about it.
I ordered this book from a scholastic catalog around 2 and a half years ago. and I had high hopes for it. I needed a pick-me-up so I reached for this book as the summary made it out to be a light, funny, and happy read.
Well, this book was the exact opposite of those three things.
I was very bored and to say the least, annoyed throughout this whole book.
Characters I didn't like- All of them? I didn't really enjoy a certain character. They all got on my nerves at some point throughout the story. Kim was too perfect- the writer felt the need to always list her accomplishments and yeah, that's okay in some instances, but I felt annoyed by how often it was mentioned that Kim was basically perfect. Except for the fact that Olivia was better than her.
Also, I believe Kim was too clingy. Teddy didn't need to be her favorite thing about high school. Call me cynical, I know. There is absolutely nothing wrong with spending a lot of time with a person you love either platonically or romantically, but when you are so invested like Kim, I believe that to be a problem.
Also, there was absolutely no development to Kim and Teddy getting back together. It was dumb and I was rooting for the two to end up with other people. It was like, "hey, let's meet at the dairy star and suddenly we are getting back together after five weeks without hardly talking about this?" Maybe I'm just a sucker for relationships that have better development in writing. (On that note I was also not a fan of the Ms. Somers/ Coach Mendoza relationship, but at least that was a pretty minor thing in the story.)
Another thing that bothered me was that the whole school felt the need to get involved in this breakup- which to me is unrealistic and dumb. Even the teachers took sides?? It wasn’t completely confirmed but one of the teachers supposedly gave extra homework to students who were Team Teddy (don’t quote me on it), and one teacher made students who were Team Kim stand all class period. That’s really unprofessional and I don’t really think that would happen, so I think that’s poor writing on the author’s part.
I also felt that it was unnecessary to include the point of view for like…. Twenty minor characters. It was boring and I didn’t really care what Sophie Maeby and Nice Osterman were doing throughout the story. Also, Sophie was a very poorly developed character. She was bland and she didn’t have much of a reason to break up with Nico. I mean, they were gross, but it was so sudden?
That’s all I have to say on that one :)
Update- I finished this book last night. I skimmed the last ten or so pages because the book was so dull that I didn't really care what happened at the 4 proms.
I have a lot to say about this book- when I have a lot to say about books, they either blew me away and I will probably reread said book 5 times, or the book was terrible and I have to write down my thoughts about it.
I ordered this book from a scholastic catalog around 2 and a half years ago. and I had high hopes for it. I needed a pick-me-up so I reached for this book as the summary made it out to be a light, funny, and happy read.
Well, this book was the exact opposite of those three things.
I was very bored and to say the least, annoyed throughout this whole book.
Characters I didn't like- All of them? I didn't really enjoy a certain character. They all got on my nerves at some point throughout the story. Kim was too perfect- the writer felt the need to always list her accomplishments and yeah, that's okay in some instances, but I felt annoyed by how often it was mentioned that Kim was basically perfect. Except for the fact that Olivia was better than her.
Also, I believe Kim was too clingy. Teddy didn't need to be her favorite thing about high school. Call me cynical, I know. There is absolutely nothing wrong with spending a lot of time with a person you love either platonically or romantically, but when you are so invested like Kim, I believe that to be a problem.
Also, there was absolutely no development to Kim and Teddy getting back together. It was dumb and I was rooting for the two to end up with other people. It was like, "hey, let's meet at the dairy star and suddenly we are getting back together after five weeks without hardly talking about this?" Maybe I'm just a sucker for relationships that have better development in writing. (On that note I was also not a fan of the Ms. Somers/ Coach Mendoza relationship, but at least that was a pretty minor thing in the story.)
Another thing that bothered me was that the whole school felt the need to get involved in this breakup- which to me is unrealistic and dumb. Even the teachers took sides?? It wasn’t completely confirmed but one of the teachers supposedly gave extra homework to students who were Team Teddy (don’t quote me on it), and one teacher made students who were Team Kim stand all class period. That’s really unprofessional and I don’t really think that would happen, so I think that’s poor writing on the author’s part.
I also felt that it was unnecessary to include the point of view for like…. Twenty minor characters. It was boring and I didn’t really care what Sophie Maeby and Nice Osterman were doing throughout the story. Also, Sophie was a very poorly developed character. She was bland and she didn’t have much of a reason to break up with Nico. I mean, they were gross, but it was so sudden?
That’s all I have to say on that one :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2019
When two high school seniors break up accidentally, the entire school is thrown into mayhem. A single rumor that’s… err, well… almost true takes on a life of its own until half the school won’t even speak to the other half, the teachers are all taking sides, and two of the most responsible students in the district are kicking up more trouble in a single week (without even trying) than most people manage in a lifetime.
I loved this story. I’m not usually over the moon about books that jump between a lot of different characters, but I adored this one. Stephanie Kate Strohm makes it feel effortless. Every character is so memorable, so outlandish, and at the same time so eminently believable that I had no trouble keeping them straight… and falling in love with them all.
As the plot continues to escalate, the intricacies are beautifully woven together. (And the conversations in the teachers lounge are among the funniest I’ve ever read.) Will William Henry Harrison High be torn apart by one colossal misunderstanding? I went back and forth so many times that I couldn’t decide who to root for—except, of course, for Stephanie Kate Strohm herself, who is clearly the winner in this delightful, madcap romp.
Bottom line: Another contemporary YA winner by Stephanie Kate Strohm!
We received this ARC from the publisher, which never affects our reviews. We just read and post stuff we like.
I loved this story. I’m not usually over the moon about books that jump between a lot of different characters, but I adored this one. Stephanie Kate Strohm makes it feel effortless. Every character is so memorable, so outlandish, and at the same time so eminently believable that I had no trouble keeping them straight… and falling in love with them all.
As the plot continues to escalate, the intricacies are beautifully woven together. (And the conversations in the teachers lounge are among the funniest I’ve ever read.) Will William Henry Harrison High be torn apart by one colossal misunderstanding? I went back and forth so many times that I couldn’t decide who to root for—except, of course, for Stephanie Kate Strohm herself, who is clearly the winner in this delightful, madcap romp.
Bottom line: Another contemporary YA winner by Stephanie Kate Strohm!
We received this ARC from the publisher, which never affects our reviews. We just read and post stuff we like.
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December 30, 2018Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book- all opinions are my own.
That's Not What I Heard is a funny YA rom-com that is told through an impressive amount of POVs! Stephanie Kate Strohm strikes again with a comedy that teen readers of all ages will enjoy. This book is about a senior power couple breaking up right before prom and the rumor mill igniting after a freshman takes some liberties with what he thinks he saw. Kim Landis-Lilley and Teddy Lin are ultimate high school sweethearts and the whole school is rocked by their break up. Lots of hilarity ensues as students pick sides. Strohm tells this story through multiple perspectives including Teddy, Kim, their best friends, and even some teachers and the principal. Teen readers looking for a lighter read will love the hijinks of Team Kim and Team Teddy (otherwise known as the Teddy Bears) and they'll enjoy the chance to see how a big breakup even pulls in the school staff! This book is recommended for all teens and a must buy for those libraries that always get requests for "funny books." The tone of the book is humorous throughout but it still has a lot to say about rumors and breakups that will resonate with teens.
That's Not What I Heard is a funny YA rom-com that is told through an impressive amount of POVs! Stephanie Kate Strohm strikes again with a comedy that teen readers of all ages will enjoy. This book is about a senior power couple breaking up right before prom and the rumor mill igniting after a freshman takes some liberties with what he thinks he saw. Kim Landis-Lilley and Teddy Lin are ultimate high school sweethearts and the whole school is rocked by their break up. Lots of hilarity ensues as students pick sides. Strohm tells this story through multiple perspectives including Teddy, Kim, their best friends, and even some teachers and the principal. Teen readers looking for a lighter read will love the hijinks of Team Kim and Team Teddy (otherwise known as the Teddy Bears) and they'll enjoy the chance to see how a big breakup even pulls in the school staff! This book is recommended for all teens and a must buy for those libraries that always get requests for "funny books." The tone of the book is humorous throughout but it still has a lot to say about rumors and breakups that will resonate with teens.
January 27, 2019
This was absurd, ridiculous, hilarious, frustrating, and so fun. I’m not one to enjoy a book based around ONE misunderstanding (something that could be cleared up with a simple conversation), but I found myself letting go of that for this book somehow. I loved Phil and Elvis the most but it was so fun reading from all of the POVs (especially the faculty members). Despite the unrealistic-ness of the story itself, so many of the smaller elements that made up the plot felt like real high school. I loved the ending too.
December 18, 2019
That's not what I heard was a funny book that showed whats going on in teen's heads. It's about the "hottest" couple in school breaking up, and how crazy all the students get afterward. I loved how the characters were so honest in their heads but would lie to others. I thought the book took a real-life situation and stretched it out perfectly into one big mess. The different POVs this book shows lets you see how one thing can affect many people, in many ways. (Like revenge) The only downside would be a few loose ends that were not answered and left me a little bit mad.
July 4, 2019
I haven’t been this intrigued by a YA book in a while. I loved this authors first two books years ago that she became an author I eagerly waited for new books. Haven’t really enjoyed her last couple as much as her first ones, but this one made me remember why I love her writing so much. Just fun books!
Granted, I work in a school and as much as Im trying to find the plot very believable, I don’t. Same as how the teachers/ staff are portrayed. I’m also so curious as to how adults get portrayed in young adult books a lot of the time.
Granted, I work in a school and as much as Im trying to find the plot very believable, I don’t. Same as how the teachers/ staff are portrayed. I’m also so curious as to how adults get portrayed in young adult books a lot of the time.
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August 22, 2019Another absolutely adorable Stephanie Kate Strohm book. I really enjoyed the unique storytelling and loved following all of the different perspectives. However, the story structure did make it hard to really grow attached on to the main characters of the story, Kim and Teddy. I was definitely rooting for their relationship, but they didn’t always feel like the point of the book, even though they were the base of the plot. Still, a sweet book and a very quick and satisfying read.
July 2, 2019
I heard Strohm speak at an event a few weeks ago and bought her book after hearing her talk about this story and her background. I knew going in from her discussion that there would be nothing too "adult" in the book, but it did suffer for me a little bit because of that. It felt like a very clean look at high school, and I'm honestly sitting here thinking did anyone even kiss in this book? Regardless, this book captured being a teacher perfectly (Strohm's time in the classroom definitely provided a sense of authenticity that I loved) and the rotating POV's worked very effectively for telling this story. Would definitely recommend to a younger reader still looking for something that felt slightly older.
April 7, 2019
I didn't like this book to say the least. In the beginning, I thought this book was kinda funny because of how over the top the characters were acting after the high school sweetheart couple breaks up. But then I was thinking that over time the book would have a little more substance to the story. But the book is the same over the course of the book. I think the writing is the strongest part of the book for me. I think the characters aren't that special, I feel like each of the characters in this book could fit into the characters in the high school musical. I think that if you really beginning of this book and the over the topness then you might enjoy the story as a whole. Don't expect for this book to have any sort of substance.
June 24, 2019
Review to come
January 14, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you to the #KidLitExchange network for the review copy of That's Not What I Heard. All opinions are my own.
That's Not What I Heard was ridiculous in all of the right ways. What starts as a basic rumor about Kimberly Landis-Lilley and Teddy Lin breaking up turns into a crazy web of confusion. Is Teddy really moving to Italy? Did the Olympics really get cancelled? Who put up that crazy poster? Seriously, it's a mess. It reminds me of the telephone game we all played as kids.
This book is perfect for middle school girls. Honestly, it could probably show them what happens if you start rumors, even if you really thought you heard something. That's what happened to Phil Spooner. He just KNOWS he heard Kim and Teddy break up. Right?
But when Phil tells Jess, she knows she has to pick sides. Jess' boyfriend, Elvis, is then forced to pick a side too. Pretty soon the entire school picks a side, even the teachers. (Which, as a teacher, I can tell you we probably, definitely, would pick sides, just not be as obvious about it as these teachers are lol)
I would definitely rate this with 4 out of 5 stars. It's great for about 7th or 8th grade but could definitely be extended into high school. There's nothing explicit (or even suggestive), just dating in high school, crushes, and there *may be* a kiss somewhere? But nothing past PG, so a mature younger reader could also read this.
This title releases January 29, 2019. @whatkreads, this will be coming to you next!
#books #bookstagram #bibliophile #bibliophilebesties #IGreads #ireadtoo #teacherreads #ARC
Thank you to the #KidLitExchange network for the review copy of That's Not What I Heard. All opinions are my own.
That's Not What I Heard was ridiculous in all of the right ways. What starts as a basic rumor about Kimberly Landis-Lilley and Teddy Lin breaking up turns into a crazy web of confusion. Is Teddy really moving to Italy? Did the Olympics really get cancelled? Who put up that crazy poster? Seriously, it's a mess. It reminds me of the telephone game we all played as kids.
This book is perfect for middle school girls. Honestly, it could probably show them what happens if you start rumors, even if you really thought you heard something. That's what happened to Phil Spooner. He just KNOWS he heard Kim and Teddy break up. Right?
But when Phil tells Jess, she knows she has to pick sides. Jess' boyfriend, Elvis, is then forced to pick a side too. Pretty soon the entire school picks a side, even the teachers. (Which, as a teacher, I can tell you we probably, definitely, would pick sides, just not be as obvious about it as these teachers are lol)
I would definitely rate this with 4 out of 5 stars. It's great for about 7th or 8th grade but could definitely be extended into high school. There's nothing explicit (or even suggestive), just dating in high school, crushes, and there *may be* a kiss somewhere? But nothing past PG, so a mature younger reader could also read this.
This title releases January 29, 2019. @whatkreads, this will be coming to you next!
#books #bookstagram #bibliophile #bibliophilebesties #IGreads #ireadtoo #teacherreads #ARC
June 22, 2019
It's been a rough month for the students at William Henry Harrison High School. After the school's star couple, Kimberly Landis-Lilley and Teddy Lin, have a disagreement over one small question, word spreads that the couple has broken up. As often happens in middle school and high school, all sorts of rumors about the break-up are flying, mostly stoked by freshman Phil Spooner who happened to be near them when it all went down. While he doesn't really know the reasons for their split, he seizes on it as a way of gaining attention from others. From there, things spiral out of control with everyone in the high school, including the teachers, taking sides. Since the book features several different characters, all intent on their version of the truth or helping in the way they see best, readers are treated to a runaway gossip train, filled with misunderstanding and silliness. It even affects plans for the prom and prompts various tributes to Kimberly and to Teddy. Of course, it's clear that the couple belongs together, but getting back together won't be easy, especially since they aren't speaking to each other and their own best friends have taken sides too. Although it's doubtful anything quite like this could happen, in many ways this book is a commentary on how unfounded rumors spread and how hard it is to stop them or get to the truth once they're out there. Most teen readers will enjoy this romp because of the well-developed characters and humor.
December 13, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for THAT's NOT WHAT I HEARD by @stephkatestrohm, which I received from @scholasticinc to review and share with #kidlitexchange. Thanks for the free book!
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Kim and Teddy are the IT couple of William Henry Harrison High...but then when they break up unexpectedly it sets into motion an insane chain of events that results in four separate proms, warring factions within the school (Team Kim, Teddy Bears and eventually HeartBeats and AntiKaTs) and some serious logistical difficulties at lunch on a daily basis. Who knew a whole high school could basically fall apart if one couple broke up? .
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Told from multiple perspectives (17!) over the course of a month, this rom-com is FUN...and over the top, but who cares? My personal favorite perspective was the principal, but that's probably just because I'm an adult and it's funny to see how all the teen drama is considered from an admin perspective. .
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Other things I like: * plenty of diversity
* boys are devastated by breakups, too!
* all the pranks!
* appropriate for middle school -- my students are going to love this one!
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This book comes out 1/29/19 and is recommended for grades 7+. .
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#librariansofinstagram #bookstagram #yalit #thatsnotwhatiheard #bookreview #romcombooks #humor #booknerd #bookstagrammer
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Kim and Teddy are the IT couple of William Henry Harrison High...but then when they break up unexpectedly it sets into motion an insane chain of events that results in four separate proms, warring factions within the school (Team Kim, Teddy Bears and eventually HeartBeats and AntiKaTs) and some serious logistical difficulties at lunch on a daily basis. Who knew a whole high school could basically fall apart if one couple broke up? .
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Told from multiple perspectives (17!) over the course of a month, this rom-com is FUN...and over the top, but who cares? My personal favorite perspective was the principal, but that's probably just because I'm an adult and it's funny to see how all the teen drama is considered from an admin perspective. .
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Other things I like: * plenty of diversity
* boys are devastated by breakups, too!
* all the pranks!
* appropriate for middle school -- my students are going to love this one!
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This book comes out 1/29/19 and is recommended for grades 7+. .
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#librariansofinstagram #bookstagram #yalit #thatsnotwhatiheard #bookreview #romcombooks #humor #booknerd #bookstagrammer
February 13, 2020
I was going to write a significantly more lengthy rant-review on this one, but the main reason for my lowest score ever for a book is just the fact that it was going against the common sense of not believing everything you hear without any kind of fact checking whatsoever. ESPECIALLY when the freaking TEACHERS got involved. I really didn't enjoy it and had to push myself to struggle through reading this one for almost four days. I think the primary lessons are mind your business, focus on your own future, and, if you're really that d*amn curious, do your OWN RESEARCH.
(Slight sp*iler here):
and the fact that it got so far as calling animal control and some pretty serious vandalism of school property?? I just wasn't amused. The few good, funny, and soft parts just weren't enough to really save this book for me. I admit I made a mistake in picking this one from the library to add to my checkout pile after I read the inside cover summary. I apologize to myself and the overall rating for this book. I knew I found even the summary absurd, but I just didn't think about it and was extremely relieved when it was done. I don't personally recommend this, but I'm just one reader/not-yet-author out of millions. Good luck on your book journeys!
(Slight sp*iler here):
and the fact that it got so far as calling animal control and some pretty serious vandalism of school property?? I just wasn't amused. The few good, funny, and soft parts just weren't enough to really save this book for me. I admit I made a mistake in picking this one from the library to add to my checkout pile after I read the inside cover summary. I apologize to myself and the overall rating for this book. I knew I found even the summary absurd, but I just didn't think about it and was extremely relieved when it was done. I don't personally recommend this, but I'm just one reader/not-yet-author out of millions. Good luck on your book journeys!
March 28, 2019
Did you hear? Kim and Teddy broke up. Yeah, that Kim and Teddy. Perfect Kim and Teddy, who have been together forever and should be together 5ever.
So why did they break up? Did it have something to do with Instagram? Is Teddy moving to Italy? Well, that's not what I heard...
Now the school has divided up (literally) into what can only be described as the opposite of a ship-war. Who broke up with who? Whose side are you on, Team Teddy or Team Kim? How far are you willing to go for your side?
And at the center of it all is the world's most unlikely person: one Phil Spooner, completely forgettable freshman who just wanted to get a bag of SunChips, not be the sole witness to the most chaos-inducing break-up in history.
This book is a delightful, hilarious combination of gossip-powered chaos, over-dramatic teen drama, and over-all ridiculousness (a prom with two, no, four themes? Sure, why not?). Stephanie Kate Strohm does not fail to make readers laugh with her unforgettable characters, brilliant dialogue, and captivating storytelling. That's Not What I Heard is not a book to miss!
So why did they break up? Did it have something to do with Instagram? Is Teddy moving to Italy? Well, that's not what I heard...
Now the school has divided up (literally) into what can only be described as the opposite of a ship-war. Who broke up with who? Whose side are you on, Team Teddy or Team Kim? How far are you willing to go for your side?
And at the center of it all is the world's most unlikely person: one Phil Spooner, completely forgettable freshman who just wanted to get a bag of SunChips, not be the sole witness to the most chaos-inducing break-up in history.
This book is a delightful, hilarious combination of gossip-powered chaos, over-dramatic teen drama, and over-all ridiculousness (a prom with two, no, four themes? Sure, why not?). Stephanie Kate Strohm does not fail to make readers laugh with her unforgettable characters, brilliant dialogue, and captivating storytelling. That's Not What I Heard is not a book to miss!
February 27, 2019
I enjoyed this far better than a date to save and thought it returned to the same whimsey and I humour that I particularly enjoyed in It's Not You It's Me.
However if I took this book even the slightest bit seriously, I was have gotten angry more than a couple of times.
spoiler:
But I chose to ignore all that, and took this book for what it was, a very very very light-hearted, unrealistic comedy. And it was super enjoyable, very quick to read and made me laugh more than a few times.
I still prefer It's Not Me, It's You, which struck the perfect balance (in my opinion) of whimsy and character development, and I do think that's why I keep coming back for more with this author.
However if I took this book even the slightest bit seriously, I was have gotten angry more than a couple of times.
spoiler:
But I chose to ignore all that, and took this book for what it was, a very very very light-hearted, unrealistic comedy. And it was super enjoyable, very quick to read and made me laugh more than a few times.
I still prefer It's Not Me, It's You, which struck the perfect balance (in my opinion) of whimsy and character development, and I do think that's why I keep coming back for more with this author.
April 7, 2020
"Can you believe how dumb all those bears look with their DIY ears?" Diamond asked him.
"Totally dumb," Phil agreed. (Actually the ears were kind of cute. But Phil wasn't going to jeopardize his seat at a table where people actually TALKED with something as controversial as an opinion.)
…ah, high school.
This book is a wonderfully dramatic interpretation of how high school gossip can get started and spread, changing as it goes like a game of telephone. Each chapter is from a different point of view, but they flow together beautifully. The characters are of all different ages, races, and sexualities, and the relationships are realistic. Real life doesn't always have a happy ending for everyone and I applaud the author for the way she wrapped up the various storylines. The very last chapter is what I would equate to a bonus scene after the credits of a movie, and it is exactly what I wanted from the end of this book.
There is a running joke throughout this book that I picked up on rather quickly and I enjoyed it immensely every time it popped up again. :)
"Totally dumb," Phil agreed. (Actually the ears were kind of cute. But Phil wasn't going to jeopardize his seat at a table where people actually TALKED with something as controversial as an opinion.)
…ah, high school.
This book is a wonderfully dramatic interpretation of how high school gossip can get started and spread, changing as it goes like a game of telephone. Each chapter is from a different point of view, but they flow together beautifully. The characters are of all different ages, races, and sexualities, and the relationships are realistic. Real life doesn't always have a happy ending for everyone and I applaud the author for the way she wrapped up the various storylines. The very last chapter is what I would equate to a bonus scene after the credits of a movie, and it is exactly what I wanted from the end of this book.
There is a running joke throughout this book that I picked up on rather quickly and I enjoyed it immensely every time it popped up again. :)
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