The New Rules of High School

by Blake Nelson

A sharp, accurate look at contemporary high-school life, told from the point of view of one of its elite.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, High School, Realistic Fiction, Coming Of Age, Friendship, Romance

240 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Blake Nelson grew up in Portland, Oregon. He began his career writing short humor pieces for Details Magazine.

His first novel GIRL was originally serialized in SASSY magazine and was made into a film staring Selma Blaire and Portia De Rossi.

His novel PARANOID PARK won the prestigious International Grinzane Literary Award and was made into a film by Gus Van Sant.

His most recent Young Adult novel THE PRINCE OF VENICE BEACH has been shortlisted for the 2015 Edgar Award.

His 2011 novel RECOVERY ROAD has been adapted into a television drama for ABC FAMILY and will premier in January of 2016.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

New Rules of High School started out strong and then it felt like Nelson just gave up.

It follows Max through his senior year of high school. Max is the editor of the school paper, the perfect student, perfect son with a perfect girlfriend. One day he decides to break up with his girlfriend for no clear reason, but that it just didn't feel right anymore - which is fine. Then he starts hanging out with downtown club kids, getting drunk and crashing his car, and losing his virginity to a girl he doesn't even like.
It almost felt like the boy version of Nelson's "Girl" - which was my favorite book through high school. Except girl is fully formed and follows the characters through their relationships and struggles until Andrea, the main character comes to a new understanding about herself.
In New Rules I think Nelson wants this to happen - characters are introduced - but they never go anywhere. It's unclear why we're supposed to assume certain characters have had any impact on Max because it doesn't seem like they have much of a relationship. There wasn't any character development. I feel like what he was trying to get across is that things that happen in high school don't matter so much once you leave high school. Max's life seems to be self destructing and his parents keep telling him he's ruining all of his chances for a good college and a good life. But it doesn't build to that or show us how Max comes to under stand that. It just ends in what feels like it should be the middle of the book and then he tacked an epilogue on the end that was a little contrived and said basically that two years later everything worked out and things that happen in high school don't really matter anyway.

[Petty Lisbon · Rating 2 out of 5]

-I didn't like this book's pacing. If you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about but about 90% of the book happened at the end. I'm not saying that part had to be the rest of the book, but having it replace a lot of filler at the beginning would've been more interesting.
-The main character has a lot of random thoughts he mentions but drops later like going to therapy for anxiety or being an environmentalist.
-I feel like he is realistic as a boy for dating because he just treats women like his emotional rags instead of caring about their needs. That doesn't mean I liked reading it as it played out.
-Compared to Girl, that book had longer chapters and less stream of consciousness. I don't know if that had to do with authors being able to take risks with writing more back then or what but yeah. Give me Andrea Marr and her rants any day.
-They had an interesting focus for club kids but it was weirdly washed out? Not even mentioning the LGBT aspect of it was odd, especially with Drag Race being popular.
-The school newspaper setting was interesting although there were other more interesting characters I would rather read about.

Overall, it was okay but I think the main character was too in the middle to appeal to more readers than have a personality.

[Ascher Lallas]

The book I just read was called The New Rules of High School by Blake Nelson, the genre of this book is fiction. This book is about a guy named Max Caldwell he is a high school and is very smart. He is in some AP classes and has straight A’s, he is dating a girl named Cindy. They are the relationship that everybody wants to have, she’s perfect and so is he. This book is mainly about Max and his high school years, it shows the transitions he goes through and how he handles them. It also shows the problems that a teenager would typically have and how it changes him for the good and for the bad. I find this book very realistic to what a typical teenage life is like. There are so many good things about this book, it’s funny, it’s romantic, it’s sad and it’s so realistic. The only criticism I have for this book would have to be that it is pretty lengthy, which is not a horrible thing because I could never get enough of this book. The main theme that I got from this book was that you can always change and being perfect isn’t always good. I have no connection to this book because I don’t know of anyone that is perfect. I think that this book shows why you don’t want to be perfect, Max is perfect at the beginning of the book but then as the book progresses you can see that he is very tired of being perfect and wants to “let go”. After Max makes the decision to “let go” he goes overboard. Which makes sense because he never knew when to stop. The teenagers that are not perfect don’t have the feeling that they need to let loose because they live their life loose. This is why I don’t think that teenagers should always be perfect because in the long run it’s only going to hurt you, not help you. This book is made for the teenager because it shows us how you don’t want to be perfect.

[TheSaint · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why would anybody just break up with his girlfriend in the car on the way home from school. A girl who he loves?
That is exactly what Max (and all his friends) are trying to figure out. Max is kind of an over-achiever, destined for an Ivy League school and a perfect life. So maybe that's why he messes up so bad during his senior year. Blake Nelson wrote The New Rules of High School, so I was hoping for a great read, and it was entertaining, but after his novel, Girl, this one seemed kind of a let-down. Still, definitely worth a read, even if only to try to figure out what and where things are in the Portland setting.

[Anthony Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, aside from the fact that it ended feeling like there should have been at least 30 pages more. The epilogue feels less like a point of closure and more like the author getting tired of writing the story and quickly wrapping up a bunch of loose-ends.
However, I somewhat appreciate the fact that there is no clear-cut resolution or climax to this story, seeing as that is, in a way, how real life happens.
I guess the plot line of this book was almost too realistic for its own good.
It's still a great read, though,

[Mr. Mullins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A believable voice for this typical overachieving boy that goes through some identity questions through his senior year. There is no great statement for or against major social issues like drugs, sex, or the environment. It has an authentic voice that tries to place himself in those questions without clearly getting am answer.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not anything particularly extraordinary or clever, but another offering by Blake Nelson of a fairly authentic glimpse into the teenage experience.

[Rami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grounded and interesting story surrounding a rising high school senior and the events that take place surrounding his life. It is always hinted that he has a mild case of OCD through his obsessive, impulsive actions that lead to terrible events. These short, spontaneous bursts of misconduct may also be due to his indecisiveness and fear regarding how he must conduct his final year of high school.

Max ends up pushing away the love of his high school life purely based on a lingering feeling that she doesn’t approve of some of his wild behaviors. The author’s writing style is very casual and gives the impression that you’re spectating the events from nearby.

The sudden deterioration of Max’s mental health and decisiveness after he discovers that the boy who “resembles Tobey Maguire” took his ex-girlfriend’s virginity when it was him who wanted to get back together to do so, along with the piling pressure of his school, his parents, and new responsibility as editor of the school paper is powerfully written. The sullen tone, along with Blake’s loss of spirit, directly affects the reader. Everything ends up straightening itself out in the epilogue, but this film reiterates the common notion that all it takes is “one little push.”

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my fave YA books that I've read in a while! What happens when it seems like you have high school all figured out? When Max spontaneously breaks up with his girlfriend because really, they have nothing to talk about, and are just too different, he suddenly finds he needs to re-define what his rules of high school are. What about love? And the high school paper? And college applications? And family? This book is written in the colloquial, is totally approachable, and a great fun read about one boy's last year of high school.

[Jelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's the type of book you read when you really don't want a lot of conflict or a set plot. It was basically reading some guys life going through the last two years of high school. Its was nice though. The ending needed more. It was like it gave you a bunch of important info and no follow up

[Marian]

Short Introduction: Max is a very focused kid and has worked hard his whole life, so it's natural that he grows tired of it his junior year. His life is going well. He's on track to become the editor of the school paper when he's a senior and his grades are good enough to get him to any college. He even has the perfect girlfriend. But all of a sudden perfect isn't as great as it once seemed. After inexplicably breaking up with Cindy one night, his world begins to change.

His best friend Kirk influences him to start hanging out with a different crowd. His newspaper staff has a lot to do what with brainstorming article ideas and keeping sales up. The pressure to get into the right college is so urgent, even though there's plenty of time to figure that out. And then there's Lydia, the freshman who won't stop bothering him after a brief encounter at a party.

My Thoughts: I'm a big Blake Nelson fan and this is probably my favorite book of his. Do you know a high school student who's freaking out about life and college decisions? Hand them this book and they will immediately relate to the main character, Max.

The cool thing about Max is that he doesn't fit into a mold. He's this responsible and hardworking kid but his best friend Kirk is so different from him. He hangs out with lots of different people and participates in things that you wouldn't expect of him. Examples are him working at his uncle's flower shop during the summer or trying to get to know Jill St. John, a go green environmentalist type.

Max makes mistakes. What high school kid doesn't? But as you read about his last year or so of high school you'll find yourself entranced with his journey as he experiences new things and tries to figure life out.

Who would I recommend this to? Fans of YA

[Eliza Suluyan · Rating 2 out of 5]

" The New Rules of High School" is about Max Caldwell, an overachiever, editor-in-chief of the newspaper, debate team captain, and a straight-A student, who has every guy's dream, Cindy, on his arm. He's tired of being "perfect" and always doing what he's expected to do. He breaks up with Cindy. He soon realizes what he's done, but it's too late. His grades start spiraling down, along with his life. This book was deep, and I hope unrealistic, for a I am attending high school next year. However, it was just a really okay book, nothing more. It just seemed kind of random to me. Max goes from being okay to losing it again within pages. Second of all, I never really understood how Max went from being annoyed by Lydia to forming a friendship with her. What I really liked about this book is that I discovered that Blake Nelson, the author, was writing about his own personal experience. It made the book so much more complex and heavy. Max's character appealed to me. It really showed how he was just a normal, confused teenager who didn't know what he really wanted. I do have mixed feelings about this book, but I think if you're a teen who's about to go to high school, this book is definitely one to read.

[Quintend · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saying, you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover has to be taken into consideration on this one. The cover with a teenager and the title might make people think that this is a story of a teen going through issues with police or his/her family. No, thats not the case here. This is the story of a junior/senior in high school (Max) that who has issues with girls, siblings, friends, family, even school. The book starts him out as a junior, but by the end he is a senior about to graduate. Max is a senior in high school ready to be the star newspaper editor. He later finds that a psycho girl stalks him and gets on the newspaper as the star columnist. That is his biggest issue but he overcomes more and more challenges as the story goes on. I strongly recommend this for a teen who just wants a good laugh or just wants to be full of joy.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd actually give this 3.5 stars! I'm working on reading all of Blake Nelson's books (because I was one of those Sassy-reading wanna-be-riot-gals who loved his book GIRL and found it life-changing). While I might have found Max's transformation or growth at the end to feel a bit rushed, (after a generally slow-paced re-telling of his senior year), I still find Blake Nelson to be so talented at creating realistic teenage voices and lives. Also, how could I not love the elements of running a newspaper, (since I used to work for a real one, and since I would've been the type to work on my school paper if my tiny rural IL high school would've had one)! I found the very-very-end, (involving Lydia, and what Max eventually comes to think about her), to be quite endearing.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max Caldwell is tired of being a perfect son and a perfect student. He goes from focusing on perfection to focusing on having fun, any way he can find it. As he life begins to come apart, his new way of living actually comes together. This book has some mature themes and content. I think readers will relate to how it is easy to lose your way in life, especially during the teenage years. You begin to question who you are, wonder why you are living and acting a certain way, and thinking about how to make life more exciting. Max makes some poor decisions (including driving through his parents' garage door) but with each bad decision comes a valuable lesson.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is mainly about a highschooler named Max who is a straight A student, debate team captain, and eventually editor of the school paper.

The first few chapters definitely capture the readers attention. Its about him breaking up with his only true love, Cindy.

Throughout the book, it tells about his life (him being the narrator.) You read about everything, his ups and downs- a basic teenager's life.

Him losing his virginity.

Him breaking his nose.

Him trying pot.

And much more.

It is a great book- one that was hard to put down!

[Randi Sabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Blake Nelson....what's not to like?

I am 42 and have been reading Blake since Girl was recommended to me by an English teacher sophomore year of HS. Growing up among the NYC club kids, I attached myself to Andea and her experiences of finding herself. Girl dove me into all of Nelsons works which never disappoint.

Max is at his crossroads of leaving behind his childhood and wandering aimlessly into adulthood. Nelson provides a great story for Max,his friends, and family. Another great book reminiscent of my youth.

[Malinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean posted a review of this book about a week ago and so I picked this up. It turns out that I'd read it several years ago (it came out in 2003, so it was probably just after that). Anyway, I'd forgotten that I'd read it until I went to pick up the hold request, but took it to read again. This is an excellent young adult book and was just as fun to read this time as the first. Somehow I'd just rather spend a few hours with a YA book than watching a random tv program.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such an ordinary story. It certainly rang true to high school students and experiences, so true in fact, that I wondered, why would a reader be interested in these fictional people when the real people at your high school are probably doing the exact same things?
Perhaps I'm just not the audience for this book. I did find myself caring about Max and wanting to find out what happened, hence the three stars, but I didn't love it. Something not quite satisfying about the ending.

[Courtney Chappell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book. I read it in one day easily. I didn't really feel connected to any of the characters. I didn't like when Max and Cindy got back together but it fell apart again. I wanted to know more about Drea and her boyfriend. They just kind of got ignored. I also started to like Lydia near the end. The epilogue felt weird. It took place two years after the book and kind of summed up everyone's lives. I think it wasn't really necessary. I won't be reading this book again.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a year or two ago and remember thinking it was "eh." I pulled it off my shelf this week and it sparked my interest, so I gave it another go. Witty, a bit dry in places but totally authentic. A wonderful coming-of-age story about a boy who thinks he's all that, until he realizes he's all of nothing unless he can be true to himself.

[SennaStix · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. The story of the perfect High School student that changes to the person he is meant to be. During his struggle to figure who he really is he learns what love is and figures out who his real friends are. A book that you will want to read over and over again.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very subtle reading of a popular, A-student's transformation during his last year of high school. I started out hating the character and didn't particularly love him at the end - the book probably made me feel uneasy because it is so realistic. Max is kind of an ass at the beginning and kind of an ass at the end but at least he is more self-aware by the final page.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book displayed a high school life of a teen perfectly. It showed all the worries that a teen has in all aspects of life. In my opinion, it's morals were off a bit, but it was still a great book.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent story...but nothing out of the ordinary really happens. Max is the "perfect" student until he decides he is tired of following the old rules and starts running with a new group and new rules.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well. I liked it. For me it really reminded me of last year. The only thing I didn't love was that the whole time I was reading it I was thinking "wow. I really like this it's deep with out the main charater spiraling off into drugs." And then he did. Grrrowl.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great book...maybe a little innaproite at sometimes but it was still extremly good. also this is a great book for people who have recently fallen out of love and don't know what to do with themselves quite yet...

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

my review at kickasslibrarian.blogspot.com

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't quite figure out what this book was about.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as Blake Nelson's other books, but still worth a quick read. It seemed like this one was an obvious copy of "Catcher In the Rye".