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Song Only I Can Hear
Introducing Rob Fitzgerald: thirteen years old and determined to impress the new girl at school, but it's a difficult task for a super-shy kid who is prone to panic attacks that include vomit, and genuine terror that can last all day. An anonymous texter is sending Rob challenges and they might just help. Or not.
Beautifully moving and full of heart and humour, A Song Only I Can Hear is a delightful novel about dreaming big, being brave and marching to the beat of your own drum.
Beautifully moving and full of heart and humour, A Song Only I Can Hear is a delightful novel about dreaming big, being brave and marching to the beat of your own drum.
Paperback
First published July 1, 2018
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About the author
Barry Jonsberg
48 books105 followersBarry Jonsberg is an Australian author and teacher originally from Liverpool, England. He holds degrees in English and Psychology from Liverpool University and moved to Australia in 1999. His debut novel, The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull, earned acclaim in 2005, and his follow-up, It’s Not All About YOU, Calma, won the 2006 South Australian Festival Award for Children’s Literature. Jonsberg has continued to receive numerous honors, including awards and shortlistings for Dreamrider, My Life as an Alphabet, A Little Spark, and Smoke & Mirrors, affirming his place in contemporary young adult literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
May 21, 2018
Blankety brilliant. A touching and beautifully woven story of finding your way to being comfortable in your skin. Hilarious characters (Grandad being my fav) and plenty of LOLs. Perfectly tuned to upper primary and early high school readers.
March 28, 2019
Trigger warnings: bullying,
This is a difficult book to review without getting spoilery, and I honestly think it's a book that you should go into as blindly as possible. So for the spoiler free section, I shall simply say that I liked this book very much. I liked that it had a 13 year old protagonist. I liked the writing. I liked the friendships and the family dynamic. It was generally delightful.
And now to the spoilers:
This is a difficult book to review without getting spoilery, and I honestly think it's a book that you should go into as blindly as possible. So for the spoiler free section, I shall simply say that I liked this book very much. I liked that it had a 13 year old protagonist. I liked the writing. I liked the friendships and the family dynamic. It was generally delightful.
And now to the spoilers:
April 5, 2019
3,5 sterren. Dit boek was goed. Maar op sommige momenten wel erg voorspelbaar.
July 15, 2024
Reading aloud to my eldest child a few (very short) chapters at a time. We're both getting a kick out of it... this kid goes through, and feels, some of the same stuff. Funny and sweet.
I love that Rob can talk to his parents. Breaks the stereotypes of the generation gap, which is good, because it surely isn't universal. Of course they're not best mates or anything, but they are on the same team. Even if Rob and his mom use psychology on each other in pursuit of goals.
The chapter about the heart-to-heart with Dad on the golf course is great. Dad is revealed as being honorable, and patient, and kind, without being soppy at all.
---
Ah. But. Now that we're done.... well! Still processing this gem together. Can't say anything about the ending except... don't judge the book until you're done! Don't trust ratings from people who didn't finish it!
---
Meanwhile, we do have so bookdarted passages to share with you.
One thing that bothered us a lot is how unsupportive Mum, Dad, and the principal were of Rob and Andrew's protests against meat. Grandad is right - simply put, if everyone became a vegetarian, there wouldn't be need for the panic about climate change (of course cars etc. contribute, but meat is a huge contribution). And besides, I'd be proud if my kid raised his voice, took a stand, about any issue like this. At least there was a good result from the protest.
"Milltown is an ordinary public school. It's great. Don't get me wrong. It students have a huge range of academic abilities and an equally huge range of ethnic backgrounds. This makes it great. All of human life is here." (Compared to the private school rivals.)
Rob finally punched the bully who had been literally asking for it all year. "I'm not proud of this. Later I went to his house and apologized. He never bullied me again, but i don't know if that was because i punched him or because i apologized. Maybe it doesn't matter. Maybe it does. I'll think about it, but not right now."
"I think people are good and kind.... Generally. Sure, there are bad people out there. Whoopy Doo. But i didn't want to write about bad people, partly because that's my choice, partly because they're on the wrong side of human history...."
So, yes, lots to talk about. Share it with your favorite young teen(s).
I love that Rob can talk to his parents. Breaks the stereotypes of the generation gap, which is good, because it surely isn't universal. Of course they're not best mates or anything, but they are on the same team. Even if Rob and his mom use psychology on each other in pursuit of goals.
The chapter about the heart-to-heart with Dad on the golf course is great. Dad is revealed as being honorable, and patient, and kind, without being soppy at all.
---
Ah. But. Now that we're done.... well! Still processing this gem together. Can't say anything about the ending except... don't judge the book until you're done! Don't trust ratings from people who didn't finish it!
---
Meanwhile, we do have so bookdarted passages to share with you.
One thing that bothered us a lot is how unsupportive Mum, Dad, and the principal were of Rob and Andrew's protests against meat. Grandad is right - simply put, if everyone became a vegetarian, there wouldn't be need for the panic about climate change (of course cars etc. contribute, but meat is a huge contribution). And besides, I'd be proud if my kid raised his voice, took a stand, about any issue like this. At least there was a good result from the protest.
"Milltown is an ordinary public school. It's great. Don't get me wrong. It students have a huge range of academic abilities and an equally huge range of ethnic backgrounds. This makes it great. All of human life is here." (Compared to the private school rivals.)
Rob finally punched the bully who had been literally asking for it all year. "I'm not proud of this. Later I went to his house and apologized. He never bullied me again, but i don't know if that was because i punched him or because i apologized. Maybe it doesn't matter. Maybe it does. I'll think about it, but not right now."
"I think people are good and kind.... Generally. Sure, there are bad people out there. Whoopy Doo. But i didn't want to write about bad people, partly because that's my choice, partly because they're on the wrong side of human history...."
So, yes, lots to talk about. Share it with your favorite young teen(s).
March 10, 2019
Totally did not see that ending coming...
The story is written like it's Rob who's trying to rewrite his diary to an autobiography. When we get to know him and his story better we learn the reason behind his shyness. But there is also a disclosure that made me rethink about what was real and what was the polished version or the version a 13-year old wan'ts his life to be.
I didn't expect this book to be contain a lgbt topic and it didn't really "upgrade" the story to me.
The story is written like it's Rob who's trying to rewrite his diary to an autobiography. When we get to know him and his story better we learn the reason behind his shyness. But there is also a disclosure that made me rethink about what was real and what was the polished version or the version a 13-year old wan'ts his life to be.
I didn't expect this book to be contain a lgbt topic and it didn't really "upgrade" the story to me.
September 3, 2020
A really good book with such a surprising ending that I wasn't expecting in the slightest!
November 25, 2018
Rob Fitzgerald has a huge crush on Destry Camberwick. The problem with that is that Rob suffers from panic attacks, and is incredibly shy – only talking with his friend Andrew, his parents and his best friend – his grandfather.
Pop is funny, straight to the point and loves to swear. Rob sees him almost daily and can talk to Pop about anything. How will he get Destry’s attention? Rob’s mate Andrew has some suggestions, one being to impress Destry as a football goalie in the next inter-school game.
When Rob begins receiving strange text messages with more suggestions, he is intrigued about who they are from. Mum? Dad? What about Pop? No. He hates technology.
But Rob takes the text advice seriously and is soon in trouble again and again trying to make a good impression for Destry. And just as it seems to be working, things go terribly wrong.
It was so refreshing to read a teen novel that was true-to-life but had me bursting out laughing throughout the novel. Pop is the funniest character I have read in ages. This book made me laugh, cry and gasp in surprise. It’s about identity and believing in who you really are. Beautiful, funny, clever – pure Barry Jonsberg.
(Note: any swearing is replaced by the word blankety in the novel, which made some scenes even funnier.)
Pop is funny, straight to the point and loves to swear. Rob sees him almost daily and can talk to Pop about anything. How will he get Destry’s attention? Rob’s mate Andrew has some suggestions, one being to impress Destry as a football goalie in the next inter-school game.
When Rob begins receiving strange text messages with more suggestions, he is intrigued about who they are from. Mum? Dad? What about Pop? No. He hates technology.
But Rob takes the text advice seriously and is soon in trouble again and again trying to make a good impression for Destry. And just as it seems to be working, things go terribly wrong.
It was so refreshing to read a teen novel that was true-to-life but had me bursting out laughing throughout the novel. Pop is the funniest character I have read in ages. This book made me laugh, cry and gasp in surprise. It’s about identity and believing in who you really are. Beautiful, funny, clever – pure Barry Jonsberg.
(Note: any swearing is replaced by the word blankety in the novel, which made some scenes even funnier.)
July 9, 2022
This very book happened to me by chance and the simple quote:
"You don’t love someone for their looks, their clothes, or their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear" got me hooked. Besides being a fat package of high comedy, I found this book painfully compelling, and unbelievably honest for it delivered its powerful message through meaningful witticisms.
I shamelessly admit that I choose books judging from their covers and blurbs but most of the time the literal clues they provide lead to the actual storyline exactly the same way that my imaginative mind has expected. *which suggests either I'm a good judge of looks or else, an extremely lucky person*
So if you too are someone like me, who gets intrigued by cute covers or random questions like 'What would happen if the whole world became vegetarian?’ I ask you to pick up this book! I can bet you'll be surprised. Because I did. And I was.
P.S: This lame question is a head fake ;)
"You don’t love someone for their looks, their clothes, or their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear" got me hooked. Besides being a fat package of high comedy, I found this book painfully compelling, and unbelievably honest for it delivered its powerful message through meaningful witticisms.
I shamelessly admit that I choose books judging from their covers and blurbs but most of the time the literal clues they provide lead to the actual storyline exactly the same way that my imaginative mind has expected. *which suggests either I'm a good judge of looks or else, an extremely lucky person*
So if you too are someone like me, who gets intrigued by cute covers or random questions like 'What would happen if the whole world became vegetarian?’ I ask you to pick up this book! I can bet you'll be surprised. Because I did. And I was.
P.S: This lame question is a head fake ;)
September 2, 2018
I totally loved this! Rob is in love from afar with new girl Destry Camberwick (who his grandad says sounds like a band from the 1980s) and comes up with some inventive ways to get her attention. He also starts receiving personal challenges by anonymous text message which lead him to break out of his comfort zone. Rob is a great character, very much his own person and the way he tells his story alternates between heart breaking and hilarious. There were a few twists at the end that I didn't see coming. This book would be great for fans of books like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. Perfect for all ages from intermediate age through to adult.
August 18, 2019
Reread for readers cup
Strong, clever and uplifting.
Also, funny as.
Strong, clever and uplifting.
Also, funny as.
December 21, 2022
In the start, I didnt have the slightest of ideas where this book was heading. But yeah, last few chapters made me cry hard. Worth it.
November 3, 2019
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link acquisto ---> https://amzn.to/2qeUujS
Cuore a razzo farfalle nello stomaco di Barry Jonsberg, libro per ragazzi pubblicato da Piemme nella collana Il Battello a Vapore, il 15 ottobre.
Quando ho ricevuto la copia di questo libro ho fatto i salti di gioia, la cover mi aveva subito colpito e la trama aveva fatto il resto. Sentivo che sarebbe stata una lettura importante, ma non immaginavo che mi avrebbe lasciato così tanto. Io non ho un cuore particolarmente tenero, le volte in cui ho pianto durante una lettura si possono contare sulle dita di una mano ma qui, la mia commozione è durata diverse pagine e la cosa mi ha sconvolto. Così come il colpo di scena, inaspettato, che ti giunge diretto in pieno petto. Non sono nemmeno certa di riuscire a mettere nero su bianco tutte le emozioni che ancora sento dentro me, due giorni dopo aver girato l’ultima pagina.
Rob Fitzgerald ha tredici anni, è un poeta, nelle sue mani le parole possono assumere milioni di significati, i temi scolastici per lui sono una sciocchezza, poco più di un mero allenamento. Ciò che non gli viene semplice è interagire con gli altri, uscire dalla zona d’ombra in cui si rintana sempre per rendersi visibile. Tanto bravo a imprimere su carta le proprie emozioni, quanto incapace di mettersi in gioco faccia a faccia. Le uniche persone che fanno eccezione sono i genitori, il nonno e il suo migliore amico. Con loro non si sente frenato, riesce ad aprirsi e a volte pone loro anche delle domande davvero particolari.
Pop e Andrew, rispettivamente il bizzarro nonno e il pazzerello migliore amico di Rob, sono due personaggi pazzeschi, così ben riusciti da riuscire in alcuni frangenti a oscurare la vera star della storia. Pop è un nonno sui generis, senza peli sulla lingua, ciò che pensa dice, ciò che vuol fare fa, perché alla sua età non si può mai avere certezza su quanti giorni gli spettino ancora sul pianeta terra. Pop ha una teoria per tutto, un passato di cui non ama molto parlare, ma su cui si aprirà con Rob quando il ragazzino sentirà l’esigenza di conoscere meglio lui e la donna che ha messo al mondo il padre. Pop vive in una residenza per anziani, che lui amorevolmente definisce: «un posto in cui un mucchio di vecchie scoregge passa il tempo aspettando di morire», ha un linguaggio che potremmo definire ‘colorito’ e con lui non ci sia annoia mai. Sarà per questo che Rob passa un sacco di tempo in compagnia degli anziani della residenza, ha molte più amicizie lì che nella scuola che frequenta da ormai tre anni. Certo Pop non è una persona con cui è facile intrattenersi, è scontroso, scorbutico e, secondo la madre di Rob non è nemmeno un buon esempio da seguire, ma in realtà Pop è in grado di elargire perle di inestimabile valore e portare Rob a riflettere su cosa dovrebbe fare della sua vita invece di cercare di farsi notare da una ragazzina che ha il nome di una rock band degli anni Ottanta: Destry Camberwick.
Ma prima di comprendere a cosa dare priorità Rob decide di tentarle tutte per farsi notare da lei: primo passo mettersi in luce nello sport. Piccolo problema: Rob non ha mai brillato in nessuno sport, ritenendo pericolosa anche la gara delle uova sul cucchiaio. Cosa potrebbe fare Rob per emergere? Ma ovviamente entrare nella squadra di calcio della scuola, quella squadra che prende tantissimi gol ogni volta che si scontra con i rivali storici nell’annuale sfida che li vede contrapposti. A Rob si può imputare qualsiasi cosa, ma certamente non gli si può dire che non ci metta impegno nelle cose che fa e così dopo il provino per entrare nella squadra come portiere inizia ad allenarsi fino a diventare davvero bravo. Peccato che il giorno della partita, quella che dovrebbe farlo emergere agli occhi di Destry, la ragazza si senta male e sia costretta a farsi venire a prendere dai genitori. Ok, urge un nuovo piano e sarà un messaggio anonimo a dargli la spinta di cui ha bisogno:
Rob, sei stato fantastico durante la partita. Ma nonostante questo non hai ancora capito del tutto quanto talento hai e quanto ti amerebbero tutti, se ne avessero la possibilità. La fiducia in se stessi è la chiave per sconfiggere la timidezza.
Ti darò una serie di sfide, una alla volta. Che ne dici? Sei disposto a dimostrare che sei degno di Destry Camberwick? Ma soprattutto, sei disposto a piacere a te stesso e a riconoscere le tue qualità?
La timidezza non è l’ostacolo maggiore che Rob deve superare, perché ci sono segreti che portiamo dentro e ci logorano l’anima, segreti che se svelati potrebbero cambiare la tua vita per sempre. Perché quando un segreto non è più tale, la palla passa in mano a tutti coloro che devono scendere a patti con questo e decidere se accettarlo e darti una chance o ignorarti, ritenendoti invisibile o, peggio ancora, prendersi gioco di te e bullizzarti per ciò che sei. Il cambiamento fa paura a qualsiasi età, ma a tredici anni è terrore allo stato puro e Rob avrà bisogno di Pop, di Andrew e dei suoi genitori per superare tutto questo, ma soprattutto dovrà mettere sul piatto tutta la forza che custodisce dentro di sé.
Cuore a razzo farfalle nello stomaco è il libro più intenso e toccante che ho letto in questo 2019, Barry Jonsberg ha inserito nella narrazione così tante dinamiche che sembra impossibile sia riuscito a tenerle insieme tutte con così tanta maestria, ma ce l’ha fatta alla grande e ne è venuto fuori un vero gioiellino, un piccolo capolavoro che consiglio a grandi e piccini, a chiunque abbia voglia di una storia speciale che dovrà custodire gelosamente nel suo cuore per tutta la vita. Io lo farò con tutta me stessa.
link acquisto ---> https://amzn.to/2qeUujS
Cuore a razzo farfalle nello stomaco di Barry Jonsberg, libro per ragazzi pubblicato da Piemme nella collana Il Battello a Vapore, il 15 ottobre.
Quando ho ricevuto la copia di questo libro ho fatto i salti di gioia, la cover mi aveva subito colpito e la trama aveva fatto il resto. Sentivo che sarebbe stata una lettura importante, ma non immaginavo che mi avrebbe lasciato così tanto. Io non ho un cuore particolarmente tenero, le volte in cui ho pianto durante una lettura si possono contare sulle dita di una mano ma qui, la mia commozione è durata diverse pagine e la cosa mi ha sconvolto. Così come il colpo di scena, inaspettato, che ti giunge diretto in pieno petto. Non sono nemmeno certa di riuscire a mettere nero su bianco tutte le emozioni che ancora sento dentro me, due giorni dopo aver girato l’ultima pagina.
Rob Fitzgerald ha tredici anni, è un poeta, nelle sue mani le parole possono assumere milioni di significati, i temi scolastici per lui sono una sciocchezza, poco più di un mero allenamento. Ciò che non gli viene semplice è interagire con gli altri, uscire dalla zona d’ombra in cui si rintana sempre per rendersi visibile. Tanto bravo a imprimere su carta le proprie emozioni, quanto incapace di mettersi in gioco faccia a faccia. Le uniche persone che fanno eccezione sono i genitori, il nonno e il suo migliore amico. Con loro non si sente frenato, riesce ad aprirsi e a volte pone loro anche delle domande davvero particolari.
Pop e Andrew, rispettivamente il bizzarro nonno e il pazzerello migliore amico di Rob, sono due personaggi pazzeschi, così ben riusciti da riuscire in alcuni frangenti a oscurare la vera star della storia. Pop è un nonno sui generis, senza peli sulla lingua, ciò che pensa dice, ciò che vuol fare fa, perché alla sua età non si può mai avere certezza su quanti giorni gli spettino ancora sul pianeta terra. Pop ha una teoria per tutto, un passato di cui non ama molto parlare, ma su cui si aprirà con Rob quando il ragazzino sentirà l’esigenza di conoscere meglio lui e la donna che ha messo al mondo il padre. Pop vive in una residenza per anziani, che lui amorevolmente definisce: «un posto in cui un mucchio di vecchie scoregge passa il tempo aspettando di morire», ha un linguaggio che potremmo definire ‘colorito’ e con lui non ci sia annoia mai. Sarà per questo che Rob passa un sacco di tempo in compagnia degli anziani della residenza, ha molte più amicizie lì che nella scuola che frequenta da ormai tre anni. Certo Pop non è una persona con cui è facile intrattenersi, è scontroso, scorbutico e, secondo la madre di Rob non è nemmeno un buon esempio da seguire, ma in realtà Pop è in grado di elargire perle di inestimabile valore e portare Rob a riflettere su cosa dovrebbe fare della sua vita invece di cercare di farsi notare da una ragazzina che ha il nome di una rock band degli anni Ottanta: Destry Camberwick.
Ma prima di comprendere a cosa dare priorità Rob decide di tentarle tutte per farsi notare da lei: primo passo mettersi in luce nello sport. Piccolo problema: Rob non ha mai brillato in nessuno sport, ritenendo pericolosa anche la gara delle uova sul cucchiaio. Cosa potrebbe fare Rob per emergere? Ma ovviamente entrare nella squadra di calcio della scuola, quella squadra che prende tantissimi gol ogni volta che si scontra con i rivali storici nell’annuale sfida che li vede contrapposti. A Rob si può imputare qualsiasi cosa, ma certamente non gli si può dire che non ci metta impegno nelle cose che fa e così dopo il provino per entrare nella squadra come portiere inizia ad allenarsi fino a diventare davvero bravo. Peccato che il giorno della partita, quella che dovrebbe farlo emergere agli occhi di Destry, la ragazza si senta male e sia costretta a farsi venire a prendere dai genitori. Ok, urge un nuovo piano e sarà un messaggio anonimo a dargli la spinta di cui ha bisogno:
Rob, sei stato fantastico durante la partita. Ma nonostante questo non hai ancora capito del tutto quanto talento hai e quanto ti amerebbero tutti, se ne avessero la possibilità. La fiducia in se stessi è la chiave per sconfiggere la timidezza.
Ti darò una serie di sfide, una alla volta. Che ne dici? Sei disposto a dimostrare che sei degno di Destry Camberwick? Ma soprattutto, sei disposto a piacere a te stesso e a riconoscere le tue qualità?
La timidezza non è l’ostacolo maggiore che Rob deve superare, perché ci sono segreti che portiamo dentro e ci logorano l’anima, segreti che se svelati potrebbero cambiare la tua vita per sempre. Perché quando un segreto non è più tale, la palla passa in mano a tutti coloro che devono scendere a patti con questo e decidere se accettarlo e darti una chance o ignorarti, ritenendoti invisibile o, peggio ancora, prendersi gioco di te e bullizzarti per ciò che sei. Il cambiamento fa paura a qualsiasi età, ma a tredici anni è terrore allo stato puro e Rob avrà bisogno di Pop, di Andrew e dei suoi genitori per superare tutto questo, ma soprattutto dovrà mettere sul piatto tutta la forza che custodisce dentro di sé.
Cuore a razzo farfalle nello stomaco è il libro più intenso e toccante che ho letto in questo 2019, Barry Jonsberg ha inserito nella narrazione così tante dinamiche che sembra impossibile sia riuscito a tenerle insieme tutte con così tanta maestria, ma ce l’ha fatta alla grande e ne è venuto fuori un vero gioiellino, un piccolo capolavoro che consiglio a grandi e piccini, a chiunque abbia voglia di una storia speciale che dovrà custodire gelosamente nel suo cuore per tutta la vita. Io lo farò con tutta me stessa.
October 10, 2019
Schon das Blubbern von Glück von Barry Jonsberg fand ich klasse und so war ich gespannt auf Was so in mir steckt. Cover und Titel finde ich durchaus passend, doch leider sind beides keine Eyecatcher und dabei hätte das Buch so viel Aufmerksamkeit verdient.
Rob ist 13 Jahr alt und das erste Mal verliebt. Also was nun, Destry einfach ansprechen geht nicht. Rob leidet an Panikattacken und außerdem ist er extrem schüchtern. Also muss ein Plan her. Dabei hilft ihm sein bester Freund Andrew und sein Großvater.
Die Geschichte startet unheimlich humorvoll, schon auf den ersten 50 Seiten habe ich herzhaft gelacht und hatte einmal sogar Tränen in den Augen und dies, obwohl ich eigentlich schlechte Laune hatte. Doch wenn man dieses Buch liest, kann man einfach nur grinsen und gute Laune bekommen. Es hat so eine unheimlich positive Stimmung. Wer die Bücher von Barry Jonsberg kennt, weiß er hat eine Schwäche für eher ungewöhnliche Charaktere. Sie gleichen nicht der Breitenmaße, sondern sind besonders.
Rob hat einen engen Bezug zu seinem Großvater, verbringt jede Menge Zeit im Senioren Zentrum. Und der alte Herr ist speziell, er flucht ohne Unterlass (was im Buch aber nicht direkt ausgeschrieben wird), schließt Wetten darauf ab, wer als Nächstes stirbt und nimmt auch so kein Blatt vor den Mund. Rob, der oft den Mund nicht auf bekommt, weil ihm die richtigen Worte fehlen, ist da ganz anders. Doch entwickelt er sich innerhalb der Geschichte weiter und wächst über sich hinaus.
So geht es in Was so in mir steckt, nicht um einen Lovestory, sondern um Selbstfindung. Darüber, über den eigenen Schatten zu springen und mutig zu sein, zu sich selbst zu stehen und für das einzustellen, was einem wichtig ist. Geschickt werden auch Themen wie Klimawandel, Fleischkonsum und Krieg in die Geschichte mit eingebracht. Und wie toll Hunde sind, auch wenn diese einem wütenden Wischmop gleichen ;)
Beim Lesen mag man denken, dass manches nicht so realistisch ist, doch lasst euch davon die Lesefreude nicht nehmen, am Ende ergibt alles Sinn. Auch wenn ich das Buch über fast immer ein Grinsen im Gesicht hatte und sehr stolz auf Rob war. So hat mich das Ende bewegt und vielleicht habe ich auch ein bisschen feuchte Augen bekommen. Manche mögen meinen, das Ende sei nicht nötig gewesen, doch ich fand es einen perfekten Abgang für dieses großartige Buch.
Fazit:
Eine Empfehlung von Herzen.
Selten hat ein Buch meine Laune beim und nach dem Lesen so positiv beeinflusst.
Ich habe Tränen gelacht und später dann auch welche aus Betroffenheit verloren.
Viele wichtige Themen werden untergebracht und dabei genau richtig dosiert.
Das Buch hat eine tolle Botschaft.
Und die Entwicklung von Rob war klasse und fast schon ansteckend, wie er über sich hinaus wächst.
Für mich ein Herzensbuch.
Rob ist 13 Jahr alt und das erste Mal verliebt. Also was nun, Destry einfach ansprechen geht nicht. Rob leidet an Panikattacken und außerdem ist er extrem schüchtern. Also muss ein Plan her. Dabei hilft ihm sein bester Freund Andrew und sein Großvater.
Die Geschichte startet unheimlich humorvoll, schon auf den ersten 50 Seiten habe ich herzhaft gelacht und hatte einmal sogar Tränen in den Augen und dies, obwohl ich eigentlich schlechte Laune hatte. Doch wenn man dieses Buch liest, kann man einfach nur grinsen und gute Laune bekommen. Es hat so eine unheimlich positive Stimmung. Wer die Bücher von Barry Jonsberg kennt, weiß er hat eine Schwäche für eher ungewöhnliche Charaktere. Sie gleichen nicht der Breitenmaße, sondern sind besonders.
Rob hat einen engen Bezug zu seinem Großvater, verbringt jede Menge Zeit im Senioren Zentrum. Und der alte Herr ist speziell, er flucht ohne Unterlass (was im Buch aber nicht direkt ausgeschrieben wird), schließt Wetten darauf ab, wer als Nächstes stirbt und nimmt auch so kein Blatt vor den Mund. Rob, der oft den Mund nicht auf bekommt, weil ihm die richtigen Worte fehlen, ist da ganz anders. Doch entwickelt er sich innerhalb der Geschichte weiter und wächst über sich hinaus.
So geht es in Was so in mir steckt, nicht um einen Lovestory, sondern um Selbstfindung. Darüber, über den eigenen Schatten zu springen und mutig zu sein, zu sich selbst zu stehen und für das einzustellen, was einem wichtig ist. Geschickt werden auch Themen wie Klimawandel, Fleischkonsum und Krieg in die Geschichte mit eingebracht. Und wie toll Hunde sind, auch wenn diese einem wütenden Wischmop gleichen ;)
Beim Lesen mag man denken, dass manches nicht so realistisch ist, doch lasst euch davon die Lesefreude nicht nehmen, am Ende ergibt alles Sinn. Auch wenn ich das Buch über fast immer ein Grinsen im Gesicht hatte und sehr stolz auf Rob war. So hat mich das Ende bewegt und vielleicht habe ich auch ein bisschen feuchte Augen bekommen. Manche mögen meinen, das Ende sei nicht nötig gewesen, doch ich fand es einen perfekten Abgang für dieses großartige Buch.
Fazit:
Eine Empfehlung von Herzen.
Selten hat ein Buch meine Laune beim und nach dem Lesen so positiv beeinflusst.
Ich habe Tränen gelacht und später dann auch welche aus Betroffenheit verloren.
Viele wichtige Themen werden untergebracht und dabei genau richtig dosiert.
Das Buch hat eine tolle Botschaft.
Und die Entwicklung von Rob war klasse und fast schon ansteckend, wie er über sich hinaus wächst.
Für mich ein Herzensbuch.
September 16, 2019
I loved this book and laughed out loud all the way through - until the end when I was totally surprised. That made me love it more! It isn't very often that I am surprised at the end of a book, so well done Barry Jonsberg. I will be recommending this book to any student who wants a good book to read.
March 22, 2020
**2.2
this book wasn’t my thing
i didn’t like it but i do like the twist
the grandad dies in front of his grandson and it’s legit 4 words and then a time jump to the funeral and i got very confused
ALSO ROB/ROBERTA IS TRANSGENDER AND I FOUND OUT WITH 10 PAGES LEFT AND I HAD NO CLUE
but destiry is such a bitch omg
this book wasn’t my thing
i didn’t like it but i do like the twist
the grandad dies in front of his grandson and it’s legit 4 words and then a time jump to the funeral and i got very confused
ALSO ROB/ROBERTA IS TRANSGENDER AND I FOUND OUT WITH 10 PAGES LEFT AND I HAD NO CLUE
but destiry is such a bitch omg
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2019
Wow... wat een boek. Enorm geestig, ik moest vaak hardop lachen. En daarna zachtjes huilen. En wat een verrassend einde, zelfs twee keer!
(Ik las de Nederlandse versie, prachtig vertaald door Annelies Jorna.)
https://www.boekielezen.nl/boekperwee...
(Ik las de Nederlandse versie, prachtig vertaald door Annelies Jorna.)
https://www.boekielezen.nl/boekperwee...
May 24, 2019
I laughed so much at the beginning of this book, and then I found it became more thoughtful and emotional. The characters of Grandpa, Agnes and Andrew were definite highlights
July 1, 2022
Nonostante io abbia letto questo libro molto tempo fa ricordo ancora tutto di questa magnifica storia. Il finale é inaspettato e sì, é riuscito a strapparmi una lacrima.
September 5, 2018
2.5/5
At first I liked it very, very much and thought this was so cute and funny. That remark meant something, since I generally disliked YA romance. Mind me, some books out there really make my teenage brain cringe... (See my one-star shelf.)
Okay back to the point. This book is quite different. Though the first few chapters where Rob swooned over this Destry Camberwick were just as cringe-worthy as anything, but I held on to it nonetheless. Because of the witty language. I liked Andrew, a lot. Grandpa, not so much.
There comes another point- the author makes every single adult either idiotic, or a loser. And as a kid I did not find that funny. At all. While I appreciate the realistic portrayal of teenagers, I also would like to see a realistic portrayal of adults. Adults, especially teachers in a supportive school (Rob admits it himself in one of the many chapters), are generally smarter than kids. I know, I know. It is hurtful to kids that think they are smarter than everyone and can save the world, as in most YA books- to be frank, I think children like YA books because reading those books will make them feel that the world actually cares about their opinions on major, international, global matters such as wars. In reality that is just fatuous. Fa-tu-ous. The book makes me feel like Rob and Andrew are the only sensible human beings in Milltown. And the school principle being a brainless bellowing moron. The hell?
Sure. I love Andrew. He is amazing.
Another problem I have with the book, is that some chapters feel so artificial and insincere. Like where Rob Googled the vegetarian stuff. Ah! And how Grandpa falls in love with Grandma, his Bella. Love in First Sight Trigger Warning. And how Rob cried to get Grandpa to tell him about Grandma. All of them... so fake. Maybe can add a bit of transition. They just feel so odd and out of place in the whole fuzzy plot.
I will keep reading to see if it gets better.
Updates on 95%.
Emm. The artificial feeling is getting stronger... A few chapters are just so out of place. Apparently the author tries to stuff in more 'important' stuff, but the plot with them together just not cohesive. Now I am wondering what this book is actually about. Love? Vegetarian? Friendship? Acceptance? The book skims the surface of all these themes, but neither are explored in depth. A bit disappointed. A bit meh.
Justin shows up. And I wonder what is the point of his existence. Still like Andrew very much. Would like an entire book about him.
Update on 100%
The ending is nice. The twist shocks me so, so much I kept swearing after I finish it. The hell. But yeah, I guess that is okay.
Why there isn't anything more about Andrew???? I need to see him. Or Justin. Justin only appears for one scene. And then Destry... right, I do not know how to word it. I feel finally it is back to the main plot now, the last ten pages of the book. TBH, Grandpa's backstories really feel a bit weird in the plot.
Anyway, it is a semi-decent book so here are the three stars. 2.5 stars if half stars are allowed.
At first I liked it very, very much and thought this was so cute and funny. That remark meant something, since I generally disliked YA romance. Mind me, some books out there really make my teenage brain cringe... (See my one-star shelf.)
Okay back to the point. This book is quite different. Though the first few chapters where Rob swooned over this Destry Camberwick were just as cringe-worthy as anything, but I held on to it nonetheless. Because of the witty language. I liked Andrew, a lot. Grandpa, not so much.
There comes another point- the author makes every single adult either idiotic, or a loser. And as a kid I did not find that funny. At all. While I appreciate the realistic portrayal of teenagers, I also would like to see a realistic portrayal of adults. Adults, especially teachers in a supportive school (Rob admits it himself in one of the many chapters), are generally smarter than kids. I know, I know. It is hurtful to kids that think they are smarter than everyone and can save the world, as in most YA books- to be frank, I think children like YA books because reading those books will make them feel that the world actually cares about their opinions on major, international, global matters such as wars. In reality that is just fatuous. Fa-tu-ous. The book makes me feel like Rob and Andrew are the only sensible human beings in Milltown. And the school principle being a brainless bellowing moron. The hell?
Sure. I love Andrew. He is amazing.
Another problem I have with the book, is that some chapters feel so artificial and insincere. Like where Rob Googled the vegetarian stuff. Ah! And how Grandpa falls in love with Grandma, his Bella. Love in First Sight Trigger Warning. And how Rob cried to get Grandpa to tell him about Grandma. All of them... so fake. Maybe can add a bit of transition. They just feel so odd and out of place in the whole fuzzy plot.
I will keep reading to see if it gets better.
Updates on 95%.
Emm. The artificial feeling is getting stronger... A few chapters are just so out of place. Apparently the author tries to stuff in more 'important' stuff, but the plot with them together just not cohesive. Now I am wondering what this book is actually about. Love? Vegetarian? Friendship? Acceptance? The book skims the surface of all these themes, but neither are explored in depth. A bit disappointed. A bit meh.
Justin shows up. And I wonder what is the point of his existence. Still like Andrew very much. Would like an entire book about him.
Update on 100%
The ending is nice. The twist shocks me so, so much I kept swearing after I finish it. The hell. But yeah, I guess that is okay.
Why there isn't anything more about Andrew???? I need to see him. Or Justin. Justin only appears for one scene. And then Destry... right, I do not know how to word it. I feel finally it is back to the main plot now, the last ten pages of the book. TBH, Grandpa's backstories really feel a bit weird in the plot.
Anyway, it is a semi-decent book so here are the three stars. 2.5 stars if half stars are allowed.
July 22, 2025
Representation: It's complicated...
Trigger warnings: Death of a grandfather, PTSD, Vietnam War, bullying
Score: Seven points out of ten.
This review can also be found on The StoryGraph.
First! Let me tell you my thoughts. This was an interesting novel that I've been wanting to read for a while and I can summarise this one in one word: Coming-of-age. I did enjoy this book, although it could've been improved here and there, by the way... The author wrote more books like My Life as An Alphabet and A Little Spark. They might be better than this one. They might not. Who knows?
Rob initially describes himself as a loser and I could feel bad for him since this is realistically what some teenagers with low self esteem feel like; he brought pride by being a goalkeeper which he pulls off. Rob wants to go further and he receives a mysterious message on his phone from someone persuading Rob to take on some challenges which he accepts. Rob spends time with his grandfather and he is a fascinating character who plays a major role in his life despite swearing, still he wants to help Rob to improve himself.
Rob completes three challenges, the first of which is to be on Milltown's Got Talent and he succeeded but then the story takes a quirky turn... The second challenge for Rob was to get on the newspaper which he did by protesting against animal cruelty after researching a vegan diet prompted by his grandfather. The third task is here alongside a big reveal and a plot twist, yes I'm not kidding. The messenger was a character called Agnes who knew Rob's grandfather before he died and that mission was to be yourself which was inspiring; the latter event happens in the end and man was that a shocker.
Trigger warnings: Death of a grandfather, PTSD, Vietnam War, bullying
Score: Seven points out of ten.
This review can also be found on The StoryGraph.
First! Let me tell you my thoughts. This was an interesting novel that I've been wanting to read for a while and I can summarise this one in one word: Coming-of-age. I did enjoy this book, although it could've been improved here and there, by the way... The author wrote more books like My Life as An Alphabet and A Little Spark. They might be better than this one. They might not. Who knows?
Rob initially describes himself as a loser and I could feel bad for him since this is realistically what some teenagers with low self esteem feel like; he brought pride by being a goalkeeper which he pulls off. Rob wants to go further and he receives a mysterious message on his phone from someone persuading Rob to take on some challenges which he accepts. Rob spends time with his grandfather and he is a fascinating character who plays a major role in his life despite swearing, still he wants to help Rob to improve himself.
Rob completes three challenges, the first of which is to be on Milltown's Got Talent and he succeeded but then the story takes a quirky turn... The second challenge for Rob was to get on the newspaper which he did by protesting against animal cruelty after researching a vegan diet prompted by his grandfather. The third task is here alongside a big reveal and a plot twist, yes I'm not kidding. The messenger was a character called Agnes who knew Rob's grandfather before he died and that mission was to be yourself which was inspiring; the latter event happens in the end and man was that a shocker.
“Sometimes a person needs to keep things to himself. You don't tell me everything and that's fine. We all need to keep some stuff locked away. If we didn't, we could end up getting hurt.”
November 6, 2019
Non so come sia avere 13 anni oggi. Posso dirvi che ai miei tempi (sì, uso l’espressione “ai miei tempi” perché sono passati più di vent’anni!) non era proprio uno spasso. Sarebbe stato bello avere come amico Rob Fitzgerald, il protagonista di “Cuore a razzo farfalle nello stomaco“.
Ironico, sempre pronto a correggere errori di grammatica o di punteggiatura, generoso, affidabile, Rob è il classico ragazzino invisibile. Un solo amico, che però vale almeno per dieci, scarsissime doti in fatto di relazioni sociali, ama trascorrere il tempo in compagnia del nonno, Pop, nella residenza per anziani dove vive (meglio noto come il Palazzo delle Vecchie Scoregge).
Vorrei dirvi un sacco di cose di questo libro ma non posso perché gli ultimi capitoli gettano sulla storia un’altra prospettiva e un altro punto di vista. Si scoprono due cose fondamentali che fanno ripensare all’intero romanzo appena letto. Vi do solo un consiglio: non leggete i ringraziamenti prima di iniziare perché vi rovinereste la sorpresa.
“Cuore a razzo farfalle nello stomaco” è un romanzo per ragazzi che racconta quanto sia difficile riconoscersi, capirsi. Quanto coraggio ci voglia per essere fieri di chi siamo e di come affrontiamo il mondo, quanta determinazione occorra per essere davvero – e fino in fondo – onesti con noi stessi e con i nostri desideri.
Per la recensione completa: https://www.silenziostoleggendo.com/2...
Ironico, sempre pronto a correggere errori di grammatica o di punteggiatura, generoso, affidabile, Rob è il classico ragazzino invisibile. Un solo amico, che però vale almeno per dieci, scarsissime doti in fatto di relazioni sociali, ama trascorrere il tempo in compagnia del nonno, Pop, nella residenza per anziani dove vive (meglio noto come il Palazzo delle Vecchie Scoregge).
Vorrei dirvi un sacco di cose di questo libro ma non posso perché gli ultimi capitoli gettano sulla storia un’altra prospettiva e un altro punto di vista. Si scoprono due cose fondamentali che fanno ripensare all’intero romanzo appena letto. Vi do solo un consiglio: non leggete i ringraziamenti prima di iniziare perché vi rovinereste la sorpresa.
“Cuore a razzo farfalle nello stomaco” è un romanzo per ragazzi che racconta quanto sia difficile riconoscersi, capirsi. Quanto coraggio ci voglia per essere fieri di chi siamo e di come affrontiamo il mondo, quanta determinazione occorra per essere davvero – e fino in fondo – onesti con noi stessi e con i nostri desideri.
Per la recensione completa: https://www.silenziostoleggendo.com/2...
July 25, 2019
3/3,5 sterren
Rob Fitzgerald heeft last van paniekaanvallen en niet heel veel zelfvertrouwen. Hij is verliefd op Destry en wil indruk op haar maken.
Op een gegeven moment krijgt hij anonieme berichtjes met opdrachten. Hij voert ze uit met een beetje hulp van vriend Andrew en hij merkt dat hij zelfverzekerder wordt.
Een prima verhaal van Barry Jonsberg. Prettige schrijfstijl en het verhaal zit goed in elkaar. Het laatste hoofdstuk vind ik daarbij een mooie toevoeging. Regelmatig las ik dat lezers het boek erg mooi vonden, met name het eind. Ik vond het wel mooi, maar niet in de overtreffende trap. De band tussen Rob en Pop (opa) komt onder andere goed naar voren en bleek belangrijker dan ik in eerste instantie dacht.
Het verhaal kabbelt naar mijn idee iets teveel, maar toch was dat ook weer niet storend. Iemand zei me dat het einde goed was en dat ik dus door moest lezen. De 'twist' kwam pas rond pagina 230 en toen moest ik nog maar 30 blz. Daarbij vond ik het verwerkte thema aan het einde jammer genoeg niet heel veel toevoegen.
Los daarvan was het een prima verhaal en was het fijn om te lezen 😊
Rob Fitzgerald heeft last van paniekaanvallen en niet heel veel zelfvertrouwen. Hij is verliefd op Destry en wil indruk op haar maken.
Op een gegeven moment krijgt hij anonieme berichtjes met opdrachten. Hij voert ze uit met een beetje hulp van vriend Andrew en hij merkt dat hij zelfverzekerder wordt.
Een prima verhaal van Barry Jonsberg. Prettige schrijfstijl en het verhaal zit goed in elkaar. Het laatste hoofdstuk vind ik daarbij een mooie toevoeging. Regelmatig las ik dat lezers het boek erg mooi vonden, met name het eind. Ik vond het wel mooi, maar niet in de overtreffende trap. De band tussen Rob en Pop (opa) komt onder andere goed naar voren en bleek belangrijker dan ik in eerste instantie dacht.
Het verhaal kabbelt naar mijn idee iets teveel, maar toch was dat ook weer niet storend. Iemand zei me dat het einde goed was en dat ik dus door moest lezen. De 'twist' kwam pas rond pagina 230 en toen moest ik nog maar 30 blz. Daarbij vond ik het verwerkte thema aan het einde jammer genoeg niet heel veel toevoegen.
Los daarvan was het een prima verhaal en was het fijn om te lezen 😊
May 20, 2019
Ah I’m not sure about this one, honestly. I have thoughts, I just need to figure out how valid they are.
I think it really bugs me that this isn’t own voice (as far as I’m aware), which usually I can get over, but this time it’s irks me.
I think it really bugs me that this isn’t own voice (as far as I’m aware), which usually I can get over, but this time it’s irks me.
May 8, 2019
This book is so beautiful. Was drawn to this book because of the cover and I'm so glad I picked it up. It's one of the best books I've ever read ❤️
December 21, 2019
Brüllend komisch, sehr berührend, umwerfend gut übersetzt. Absolute Leseempfehlung!
November 6, 2019
Inhalt:
Destry Camberwick ist für Rob die Projektionsfläche aller Sehnsüchte, allen Glücks an der Schule. Immer wenn Rob an ihr vorbeigeht, verschlägt es ihm die Sprache. Tagein, tagaus muss er an Destry denken. Zufällige Begegnungen, lassen den Mund offenstehen, richten das Nackenhaar auf und erzeugen kalte Schweißausbrüche. Die Indizien liegen klar auf der Hand: Rob ist verliebt.
Die Panikattacken, die Rob in den ungünstigsten Momenten überkommen, machen es ihm nicht einfacher. Wie soll er Destry seine Gefühle gestehen. Ja, wie soll sie überhaupt erfahren, dass es ihn gibt, wenn er nicht mal in der Lage ist, ein einziges Wort mit ihr zu wechseln?
Robs bester Freund Andrew und sein grießgrämiger Opa stehen dem Jungen sofort mit Rat und Tat zur Seite. Rob muss etwas tun, was Destrys Aufmerksamkeit auf ihn zieht. Zum Beispiel am Schulsport teilnehmen und sich dort hervortun, eine Passion zu haben, kann nicht schaden, auch ein Hund könnte helfen, um ganz beiläufig mit Destry, die selbst ein solches Haustier besitzt, ins Gespräch zu kommen. Letztlich fällt sogar der Vorschlag am Schultalentwettbewerb teilzunehmen und dort eine Begabung zu zeigen, von der bislang noch keiner etwas wusste. Rob ist von all diesen Ideen nicht begeistert. Im Sport ist er eine absolute Niete, er kommt sympathisch unambitioniert daher.
Doch was tut man nicht alles für die Liebe?
Im Detail:
Mit Rob erschafft Barry Jonsberg einen Protagonisten, der – ähnlich wie Candice in „Das Blubbern von Glück“ - ziemlich unambitioniert, zugleich aber erstaunlich altersklug und liebenswert daherkommt. Gleich zu Beginn der Geschichte interviewt Rob zu „Studienzwecken“ seine Eltern zum Thema Verliebtsein. Er stellt Fragen wie: „Mum, weiten sich deine Pupillen, wenn du Dad anschaust? Strömt dein Blut in deine Epidermis und spürst du ein Flattern in der Magengrube?“. Klar, dass nach vielen Jahren Ehe die Antwort des befragten Elternteils eher ernüchternd ausfällt. Doch Rob lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Die Ermittlungen in Sachen Liebe zeigen ihm nur viel deutlicher, dass das, was er für Destry Camberwick empfindet, mehr ist als eine harmlose Schwärmerei.
Doch was tut man, wenn man sich seiner Gefühle zwar sicher ist, aber beim Anblick der Angebeteten in Schweiß ausbricht und keinen einzelnen Satz hervorbekommt?
Rob sucht Hilfe bei seinem geliebten Großvater. Einem sehr griesgrämigen, ständig fluchenden alten Mann, der im Altersheim Wetten abschließt, wer wohl als nächstes ins Gras beißen wird. Rob weiß genau von den Schwächen seines Opas. Er weiß, dass andere Menschen sich erst einmal an diese raue Schale gewöhnen müssen. Gemeinsam mit Andrew, Robs bestem Freund, ist Opa jedoch gewillt, der großen Liebe seines Enkels ein wenig auf die Sprünge zu helfen. Nicht immer sind Opas und Andrews Ratschläge jedoch praxistauglich.
Rob ist kein großer Sportler und genießt es auch nicht im Rampenlicht zu stehen. Dennoch ist der Junge gewillt Opfer für Destry zu bringen. Während die Lage recht aussichtslos erscheint, stellt er sich der Herausforderung. Rob meldet sich auf die Stelle des Torwarts, die in der Schulmannschaft neu besetzt werden soll. Er wird von einem Tag auf den anderen Vegetarier, kettet sich vor dem Supermarkt ans Geländer, um gegen schlechte Tierhaltung zu protestieren, geht mit der Promenadenmischung von einem der im Altersheim lebenden alten Männer spazieren, er schreibt Gedichte und versucht sich als Theaterschauspieler. Nur hat das alles einen großen Haken: Rob ist absolut talentfrei, unsportlich und auch nicht gerade ein absoluter Glückspilz. Mit großem Geschick beschreibt der Autor das klägliche Scheitern seiner Hauptfigur. Nicht spöttisch, nicht herablassend, aber mit augenzwinkerndem Humor.
Rob ist jemand, der sich nicht unterkriegen lässt, der alles gibt, was er kann, nur um seinem Ziel, Destry Camberwicks Aufmerksamkeit zu wecken, ein wenig näher zu kommen.
Fazit:
The Things We Do For Love ...
Was tut man nicht alles für die Liebe. Barry Jonsberg ist es gelungen mit ,„Was so in mir steckt“, erneut eine Geschichte mit enorm viel Spannung, Herz und Humor zu schreiben. Die Überforderung und die gegenseitigen Beziehungen ihrer Figuren zueinander sind wieder fulminant niedergeschrieben; so viel Wortwitz und abgründiger Humor.
Wer Herzenswärme und ein besonderes Gespür für die Komik und Tragik des Alltäglichen sucht, wird bei Barry Jonsberg immer fündig. Eine absolute Empfehlung.
Buchzitate:
„Schhhh“, machte er. „Ich denke nach und das ist schon im günstigsten Fall eine delikate Angelegenheit. Wenn du mich unterbrichst, verliere ich den Faden und spiele stattdessen Videospiele.“
Destry Camberwick ist für Rob die Projektionsfläche aller Sehnsüchte, allen Glücks an der Schule. Immer wenn Rob an ihr vorbeigeht, verschlägt es ihm die Sprache. Tagein, tagaus muss er an Destry denken. Zufällige Begegnungen, lassen den Mund offenstehen, richten das Nackenhaar auf und erzeugen kalte Schweißausbrüche. Die Indizien liegen klar auf der Hand: Rob ist verliebt.
Die Panikattacken, die Rob in den ungünstigsten Momenten überkommen, machen es ihm nicht einfacher. Wie soll er Destry seine Gefühle gestehen. Ja, wie soll sie überhaupt erfahren, dass es ihn gibt, wenn er nicht mal in der Lage ist, ein einziges Wort mit ihr zu wechseln?
Robs bester Freund Andrew und sein grießgrämiger Opa stehen dem Jungen sofort mit Rat und Tat zur Seite. Rob muss etwas tun, was Destrys Aufmerksamkeit auf ihn zieht. Zum Beispiel am Schulsport teilnehmen und sich dort hervortun, eine Passion zu haben, kann nicht schaden, auch ein Hund könnte helfen, um ganz beiläufig mit Destry, die selbst ein solches Haustier besitzt, ins Gespräch zu kommen. Letztlich fällt sogar der Vorschlag am Schultalentwettbewerb teilzunehmen und dort eine Begabung zu zeigen, von der bislang noch keiner etwas wusste. Rob ist von all diesen Ideen nicht begeistert. Im Sport ist er eine absolute Niete, er kommt sympathisch unambitioniert daher.
Doch was tut man nicht alles für die Liebe?
Im Detail:
Mit Rob erschafft Barry Jonsberg einen Protagonisten, der – ähnlich wie Candice in „Das Blubbern von Glück“ - ziemlich unambitioniert, zugleich aber erstaunlich altersklug und liebenswert daherkommt. Gleich zu Beginn der Geschichte interviewt Rob zu „Studienzwecken“ seine Eltern zum Thema Verliebtsein. Er stellt Fragen wie: „Mum, weiten sich deine Pupillen, wenn du Dad anschaust? Strömt dein Blut in deine Epidermis und spürst du ein Flattern in der Magengrube?“. Klar, dass nach vielen Jahren Ehe die Antwort des befragten Elternteils eher ernüchternd ausfällt. Doch Rob lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Die Ermittlungen in Sachen Liebe zeigen ihm nur viel deutlicher, dass das, was er für Destry Camberwick empfindet, mehr ist als eine harmlose Schwärmerei.
Doch was tut man, wenn man sich seiner Gefühle zwar sicher ist, aber beim Anblick der Angebeteten in Schweiß ausbricht und keinen einzelnen Satz hervorbekommt?
Rob sucht Hilfe bei seinem geliebten Großvater. Einem sehr griesgrämigen, ständig fluchenden alten Mann, der im Altersheim Wetten abschließt, wer wohl als nächstes ins Gras beißen wird. Rob weiß genau von den Schwächen seines Opas. Er weiß, dass andere Menschen sich erst einmal an diese raue Schale gewöhnen müssen. Gemeinsam mit Andrew, Robs bestem Freund, ist Opa jedoch gewillt, der großen Liebe seines Enkels ein wenig auf die Sprünge zu helfen. Nicht immer sind Opas und Andrews Ratschläge jedoch praxistauglich.
Rob ist kein großer Sportler und genießt es auch nicht im Rampenlicht zu stehen. Dennoch ist der Junge gewillt Opfer für Destry zu bringen. Während die Lage recht aussichtslos erscheint, stellt er sich der Herausforderung. Rob meldet sich auf die Stelle des Torwarts, die in der Schulmannschaft neu besetzt werden soll. Er wird von einem Tag auf den anderen Vegetarier, kettet sich vor dem Supermarkt ans Geländer, um gegen schlechte Tierhaltung zu protestieren, geht mit der Promenadenmischung von einem der im Altersheim lebenden alten Männer spazieren, er schreibt Gedichte und versucht sich als Theaterschauspieler. Nur hat das alles einen großen Haken: Rob ist absolut talentfrei, unsportlich und auch nicht gerade ein absoluter Glückspilz. Mit großem Geschick beschreibt der Autor das klägliche Scheitern seiner Hauptfigur. Nicht spöttisch, nicht herablassend, aber mit augenzwinkerndem Humor.
Rob ist jemand, der sich nicht unterkriegen lässt, der alles gibt, was er kann, nur um seinem Ziel, Destry Camberwicks Aufmerksamkeit zu wecken, ein wenig näher zu kommen.
Fazit:
The Things We Do For Love ...
Was tut man nicht alles für die Liebe. Barry Jonsberg ist es gelungen mit ,„Was so in mir steckt“, erneut eine Geschichte mit enorm viel Spannung, Herz und Humor zu schreiben. Die Überforderung und die gegenseitigen Beziehungen ihrer Figuren zueinander sind wieder fulminant niedergeschrieben; so viel Wortwitz und abgründiger Humor.
Wer Herzenswärme und ein besonderes Gespür für die Komik und Tragik des Alltäglichen sucht, wird bei Barry Jonsberg immer fündig. Eine absolute Empfehlung.
Buchzitate:
„Schhhh“, machte er. „Ich denke nach und das ist schon im günstigsten Fall eine delikate Angelegenheit. Wenn du mich unterbrichst, verliere ich den Faden und spiele stattdessen Videospiele.“
October 15, 2019
Dies war mein erstes Buch von Barry Jonsberg und es wird bestimmt nicht mein letztes gewesen sein. Das Buch war schon auf den ersten Seiten so humorvoll, dass es mich von Beginn an gepackt hat und ich es ziemlich flott gelesen hatte. Rob ist ein sehr sympathischer Protagonist, der mir aber teilweise viel älter als 13 vorkam.
So richtig angetan hat es mir in der Geschichte aber Robs Großvater. Die beiden verbringen ziemlich viel Zeit miteinander und haben ein sehr enges Verhältnis. Das hat mir richtig gut gefallen. Pop, wie Rob seinen Großvater nennt, redet wie ihm der Schnabel gewachsen ist, was immer wieder zu witzigen Gesprächen und Szenen führt.
Wer bei dieser Geschichte eine süße Liebesgeschichte erwartet, könnte ein bisschen enttäuscht werden, denn in diesem Buch geht es vielmehr darum, wie Rob zu sich selbst findet, lernt, über seinen Schatten zu springen und zu sich selbst zu stehen. Es war ganz wunderbar mitzuverfolgen, wie er über sich selbst hinauswächst. Dies ist dem Autor hier ganz toll gelungen, auch wichtige Themen wie Klima- und Tierschutz fließen wie selbstverständlich in die Geschichte ein und so dem Leser näher gebracht, ohne den bösen Zeigefinger hochzuhalten.
Das Ende hat mich dann auch noch einmal ziemlich überrascht. Ich kannte lediglich die Kurzbeschreibung und hatte ansonsten keine Informationen zu dem Buch, deshalb hatte ich damit überhaupt nicht gerechnet. Was das genau ist, werde ich an dieser Stelle natürlich nicht verraten, das müsst ihr dann schon selber lesen. 😉
So richtig angetan hat es mir in der Geschichte aber Robs Großvater. Die beiden verbringen ziemlich viel Zeit miteinander und haben ein sehr enges Verhältnis. Das hat mir richtig gut gefallen. Pop, wie Rob seinen Großvater nennt, redet wie ihm der Schnabel gewachsen ist, was immer wieder zu witzigen Gesprächen und Szenen führt.
Wer bei dieser Geschichte eine süße Liebesgeschichte erwartet, könnte ein bisschen enttäuscht werden, denn in diesem Buch geht es vielmehr darum, wie Rob zu sich selbst findet, lernt, über seinen Schatten zu springen und zu sich selbst zu stehen. Es war ganz wunderbar mitzuverfolgen, wie er über sich selbst hinauswächst. Dies ist dem Autor hier ganz toll gelungen, auch wichtige Themen wie Klima- und Tierschutz fließen wie selbstverständlich in die Geschichte ein und so dem Leser näher gebracht, ohne den bösen Zeigefinger hochzuhalten.
Das Ende hat mich dann auch noch einmal ziemlich überrascht. Ich kannte lediglich die Kurzbeschreibung und hatte ansonsten keine Informationen zu dem Buch, deshalb hatte ich damit überhaupt nicht gerechnet. Was das genau ist, werde ich an dieser Stelle natürlich nicht verraten, das müsst ihr dann schon selber lesen. 😉
October 7, 2019
Fazit
Was so in mir steckt ist eine Geschichte, die sehr viel mehr zu bieten hat, als es auf den ersten Blick scheint. Sie ist unglaublich witzig und liebenswert, sodass sie sich mindestens so sehr in mein Herz geschlichen hat wie Love, Simon (aka »Nur drei Worte«), wenn nicht sogar noch mehr. Rob muss man einfach lieben und begleitet ihn nur zu gern bei seinem Versuch, das Ziel seiner ersten Verliebtheit auf sich aufmerksam zu machen, aber viel wichtiger noch, auf dem Weg sich selbst lieben zu lernen. Das Ende überrascht den unwissenden Leser nicht nur mit der Offenbarung von Robs Geburtsgeschlecht, sondern auch mit der Auflösung der kompletten Rahmenhandlung, wodurch das Buch lange nachhallt. Mit viel Fingerspitzengefühl beschreibt Barry Jonsberg, was es für junge Menschen heißt, trans zu sein und lässt dabei auch die Schwierigkeiten nicht außer Acht, die die direkte Umgebung manchmal damit hat. Darüber hinaus ist es mit Abstand eine der witzigsten und liebenswertesten Geschichten, die ich bisher lesen durfte und ich kann es nur jedem ans Herz legen, egal ob queer-Leser oder nicht!
Vollständige Rezension: queerbuch.wordpress.com
Was so in mir steckt ist eine Geschichte, die sehr viel mehr zu bieten hat, als es auf den ersten Blick scheint. Sie ist unglaublich witzig und liebenswert, sodass sie sich mindestens so sehr in mein Herz geschlichen hat wie Love, Simon (aka »Nur drei Worte«), wenn nicht sogar noch mehr. Rob muss man einfach lieben und begleitet ihn nur zu gern bei seinem Versuch, das Ziel seiner ersten Verliebtheit auf sich aufmerksam zu machen, aber viel wichtiger noch, auf dem Weg sich selbst lieben zu lernen. Das Ende überrascht den unwissenden Leser nicht nur mit der Offenbarung von Robs Geburtsgeschlecht, sondern auch mit der Auflösung der kompletten Rahmenhandlung, wodurch das Buch lange nachhallt. Mit viel Fingerspitzengefühl beschreibt Barry Jonsberg, was es für junge Menschen heißt, trans zu sein und lässt dabei auch die Schwierigkeiten nicht außer Acht, die die direkte Umgebung manchmal damit hat. Darüber hinaus ist es mit Abstand eine der witzigsten und liebenswertesten Geschichten, die ich bisher lesen durfte und ich kann es nur jedem ans Herz legen, egal ob queer-Leser oder nicht!
Vollständige Rezension: queerbuch.wordpress.com
September 8, 2018
Funny, heartwarming, surprising, heartbreaking too. 13 year old Rob has fallen in love with Destry Camberwick as soon as he sees her. Slight problem - Rob is incredibly shy, being bullied, has massive panic attacks and generally tries to shrink himself at school. He’s got one friend, Andrew, and spends much of his free time with his grandfather who lived in an old people’s home.
Rob starts getting mysterious txts, challenging him to do things that will bring him to Destry’s notice. But that also involves shedding his mouse like behaviours, and not everyone will cope with that. Rob’s not sure how he will cope with that either....
Such a great read. I’ve been in a reading slump, DNFing lots, and this has reminded me that there’s great YA material out there. Perfect for Y7 upwards, and I think it would work for Personal Response too.
Rob starts getting mysterious txts, challenging him to do things that will bring him to Destry’s notice. But that also involves shedding his mouse like behaviours, and not everyone will cope with that. Rob’s not sure how he will cope with that either....
Such a great read. I’ve been in a reading slump, DNFing lots, and this has reminded me that there’s great YA material out there. Perfect for Y7 upwards, and I think it would work for Personal Response too.
December 21, 2019
This book is a stunning love story that stays with you long after the final page. The main character is a 14 year old boy - Rob - who is in love. As we begin to learn more about Rob and his family, we learn that we isn’t your run-of-the-mill kid. Through twists and turns, Rob comes out strong and learns that, although friends and family can help you along the way, it’s yourself that has to work out who you really are on the inside. Stick around for the ending, biggest plot twist!
Overall, such a moving story that will not be forgotten.
Overall, such a moving story that will not be forgotten.
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