Around the Block

by Rob Durham

Seventeen-year-old Mark Lender loves running track but has no track record with the ladies—that’s something he’s looking to change. He is shocked when the interest of two girls takes him from Mr. Backstage to Mr. Centerstage. Katy Mancer seems obsessed with him, but she’s oblivious to fashion—or reality, so her advances only give Mark’s bullies a bigger target. Then there’s Angel Hayden, a six-foot-one home run-hitting jock, who’s so popular she parties with college guys and is way too experienced for a guy like Mark who’s never made it to first base. He can either learn quickly or strikeout.

204 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2018

About the author

Rob Durham is a touring stand-up comedian and a high school English teacher, so his students learned right away not to heckle. As an author, he’s published the highly praised book, Don’t Wear Shorts on Stage, and has just recently released his first YA novel, Around the Block.

With a smile that says I didn’t get my braces off until I was 27, Rob shares the frustrations and joys of teaching. For almost two decades, Rob has built an original act that favors the cleaner side of comedy but should still be kept away from the ears of his students (though they are impressed that he’s opened for 2 of the 3 uncles on Full House).

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a high school English teacher, one of my biggest challenges is getting boys to read. Not only did I personally enjoy this book (I read the whole thing in a few hours!), but it's one I feel I can easily put into the hands of my more reluctant male readers. At only about 200 pages, it's shorter than most YA books out there which makes it less daunting and a quick read. The plot moves along at a good pace, and it's full of bursts of humor leveled with more serious teen issues. Rob Durham manages to realistically depict the challenges of teenage relationships without over-dramatizing the way so many YA authors do. Definitely add this to your reading list and your classroom libraries!

[Sarah Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it, Mr. Durham! It was super quick and easy to get through. Being a teenager myself, I knew that everything each teen character did was realistic and relatable. The pacing was good and made me want to continue reading to see how all of the twists straightened out. The ending was totally unexpected, as well. I would definitely recommend this to anyone trying to get out of a reading slump or is looking for something witty and laid-back!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rob Durham gives us insight into the hell that is teenage relationships. With emotion, depth, and most of all humor, I remember why I'm glad that I never have to go on a date again. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Kaity Thelen]

I think it was a very interesting read as it was high schoolers and drama like this probably does happen and I thought the ending was a big surprise. Overall this book was very fun to read.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, an honest (and funny) account of what it is like for a teenage guy to fall in love. This book has heart, humor, and plenty of twists.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 good read

[Vicky Quenault · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book about a teenage boy, relationships and friendship.
This book gives the reader an interesting insight into a teenage boys head.
The pace and character development are well done and the writing style is engaging.
The only drawback was the book was a little anticlimactic for me. It felt like the story was building towards something, perhaps the protagonist reaching some deep, insightful conclusion about life, love and relationships. I felt a little let down that that didn’t really happen. Instead he quickly switches his affection away from the girl he was ‘in love’ with to her sister, who is suddenly revealed as beautiful by getting dressed up for prom. Its a little cliche for me.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.

[Emma Grzyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprisingly good read. I am a sophomore in high school and Mr.Durham who is the author of this book is my ELA teacher. When I first started to read it I thought this was going to be a boring book. when I hit the 1 plot point it blew my mind away. The ending of this book was amazing. So much happened so fast and it was mind-blowing. This book was a quick read But is was really good. I encourage others to read around the block. I'm now interested in reading his other novel "Don't wear shorts on stage."

[Max Gruender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it was an excellent story that was a quick read that always kept me engaged. There weren't any slow parts and it seemed like each page was there for a good reason. The question of whether Mark will get with his crush is engaging. The book seems to be about a teenager trying to get through life when all these new things are happening, and I can relate to that as I am a teenager. Overall, it was a very fun read that I would recommend to high schoolers.

[Evan Brueggeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read, especially for Mr. Durham's students. There are so many plot twists and it is a fascinating book because you do not know what is next. Mark is the protagonist of the book and he is on the track team and he runs every morning to visit his mom's grave site. Katy is also on the track team and is obsessed with Mark. Then there is a softball star named Angel Hayden who even parties with college guys. Read this to find out what happens!

[Landon Lawhorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. You can see clear character development throughout the book. As Mr.Durham said he wrote this for teenagers who do not like to read, which is me, and I still had a hard time putting this book down. The shift between characters was really interesting to watch and the ending makes total sense.

[Ben C Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book, I thought it very clearly and cleverly expressed the main plot points and parts of the story that kept the ppot moving. Towards the end I couldn’t put the book down and I was very intrigued.

[Julia Thogmartin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for teens.

[crazipotmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a fun story about a boy who thinks he knows what the signs are telling him boy is he wrong 😁

[Colby Kupaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book with action on every page and a fast moving plot. Very good book for reluctant readers or people who want a fast paced book.

[Max Quallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because the plot started very early and the charaters were not boring.

[Elijah Mcghee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book with a unexpected surprise twist at the end but slow in the beginning.

[Rob Durham]

I’m still proud of this one. Especially the last act of it.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! There were many exciting moments in the book and it kept me on my toes. The ending is WILD!!!!

[Charlie Emmenegger]

Loved the book! Very fun to read and recommend to other readers.

[Dominic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t get enough of this book. Every page had me begging for more! So much so that this is the fastest I’ve ever finished a book.

[Nathan Looper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, Mr. Durham

[Sofian]

Good book, very surprising ending. Keep me off of my seat the last 50 pages. I recommend to people who like drama shows and movies.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was very good I wish we could learn more of how the other characters were thinking and I want to know what happens with all of them after the book