It's Not All About You, Calma!

by Barry Jonsberg

Calma Harrison is in love.
Not just with herself, but also with the handsome checkout guy at Crazi-Cheep.
But when Calma gets a job at Crazi-Cheep, her cynical approach to customer service makes headlines.
And then there's the small matter of the rest of her life, which is fast falling apart: her absent father turns up unexpectedly and wants to talk'; her mother, The Fridge, is keeping secrets; and her new best friend, Vanessa, is hiding something horrible.

Fearing the worst for her family and friends, Calma knows the only sure way to shape events is direct, personal intervention...

It's not all about YOU, Calma! is a bold and witty novel about friendship, loyalty and acting on impulse.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Humor, Contemporary, Book Club, Teen, Mystery

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Barry 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.

Reviews

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny follow up to the Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull. Jonsberg is absolutely hilarious. I was constantly putting down the book because I was laughing too much. Great book.

[Watermelon Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIRST IMPRESSION:
Love the title. Gives insight to the kind of character Calma is.

WRITING STYLE:
Great writing style! Very entertaining.

PLOT:
The plot isn't really there, but I love the ending. A lot of twists which I don't expect.

CHARACTERS:
Calma, though she's probably one of the people I wouldn't be friends with in real life, has my full heart. She's awesome!

OVERALL:
A funny, light-hearted novel which also has a realistic edge to it. Something which almost everyone can relate to.

AMOUNT OF STARS:
5

[Maddy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up on a whim to listen to on a drive home from a gathering and keep me awake.
Didn’t know it was a sequel, it didn’t matter.
It was bloody brilliant,
Both Calma’s narration and Anna Steen’s
Just brilliant!
I laughed out load and brought her up in situations in which those had no idea what the funniness was and I would have to give a breakdown of the plot and characters in the hopes that they would laugh with me too. This fell on uncomprehending, but trying to humor me by forcing a smile or a curt guffaw, faces.

[Talinna · Rating 1 out of 5]

not as good as the first one.

[Ketaki Sane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly well woven story with descriptions that actually talk as though its happening right in front of u..!

[Amber Holden · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is starred around the life of Calma Harrison. Calma is a teen girl living with her mum in Australia. Her mum works a lot so they don't see eachother often and when they do its just a brief hello, goodbye, Casey decides to get a job to help her mum get money so she doesn't have to work as much. She goes to Crazi- Cheep, which is the local grocery store and she applies after seeing a cute guy working the checkout. Calma gets the job and starts off by stacking the shelves. Customers frequently approached her asking her where they could find things. One customer was her dad. Calma did not talk to him as she hates him for walking out on her and her mum for a younger woman. Calma’s dad comes to her house a bunch making Calma think her mum and dad are hiding something. One night, Calma invites her dad over for dinner and by that point she’d had had enough enough of the secrecy and sneaking around. She was sure that they were having an affair and confronted them. She then found out that they are not having an affair but her dad actually has Cancer and that is why he is always trying to be near Calma and her mum. We also found out that Calma’s mum is in a relationship though, but it's with Calma’s only friend at work Vanessa (who is a hippy)’s dad. And also, Jason (who is the checkout boy) starts dating Calma.
Anyone who likes a funny, drama filled, romantic, enjoyable book would like this. This look is a very easy read meaning that it doesn't complicate you and you can understand what is going on in the book. If you enjoy books that are cliché and you know what is going to happen then you would enjoy this book. There is also a huge plot twister that makes reading it more enjoyable and makes you feel connected to the characters in the book. This book is very personal so if you enjoy books that are kind of like a diary for the reader then you should give this one a shot.
In general, I thought that this book was okay. It wasn't my favourite because at some parts, it was kind of boring and I feel like the author was just trying to fill up space in the book. I don't think that the book was bad though. It was good at some parts and some really unexpected news came out which made me want to read in just to know what happened to the characters. I would rate this book three stars because there wasn't anything wrong about it, it just wasn't my sort of book. I think I would enjoy this more if it wasn't so cliché.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sixteen-year old Calma Harrison is as sarcastic and dramatic as they come. An eccentric Australian teen who communicates with her working mother through a series of Post-It notes, Calma has got it all figured out and has all the answers. Until her long absent father returns, she gets a bad hair cut that forces her to shave her head before her first date with georgeous Jason, she realizes her mother is hiding something from her, and she suspects her best friend is being abused. Suddenly, Calma's is forced to recognize that she isn't always right.

I read this book becasue it was challenged by a library customer who objected to profanity in the book. In fact, I found there was very little language/profanity and what there was fit the situation, characters, and tone of the book. At first I didn't really like the overdone teenage sarcasm of Calma as a narrator but it eithered evened out as the plot developed or I got used to it. Anyway, this is a fairly enjoyable read that has more meat than you might think at first glance. A good pick for well-read older teens who like humor and substance in their fiction.

[Heather Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of YA book I'd love to write - it tackles a lot of the meaty issues - separated parents, first love, self-harm - but it manages to do it in such a funny way that (unlike so much YA) you don't come away feeling ergh! I love the character of Calma who is always acting first and thinking later. I loved the scenes at Crazy Cheep - who hasn't had a god-awful part-time job as a teen? And I liked the elements of mystery that pulled you through - it was clear that Calma's interpretation of what was going on around her wasn't exactly spot on but the correct interpretation wasn't obvious either. I liked the romance with Jason. And I loved the technique of Mum and Calma communicating via notes on the fridge. This gets a huge thumbs up from me - unfortunately as far as I can work out Jonsberg has (in more recent years) gone with the dystopian, gloom-doom YA trend which is a shame.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one if the best books I have ever read. Jonsberg made a smart move making Calmer such a witty and intelligent character, as this gave room for hilariously smart dialogue and complex ideas. I didn't want this book to end and I really wish there was another book about Calma's dramatic life. Exciting, outrageous, sad and wonderful. Perhaps my favourite book.

[Cathy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Calma's voice in this one. She seemed a much funnier and more interesting character than in the Kiffo and Pitbull book. Very clever use of various writing genres in the one novel. Another successful Jonsberg. My third in three days.

[Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny.

"You have to trust yourself, because if you can't then you might as well give up on everything."

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

[littleM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oooh I wanna smack sense into her.
Great book. Not as good as the first.

[Georgie Keene · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was kind of strange

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, serious, funny book. This is what solidarity with young people looks like.

[Caroline Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hilarious tale about Calma and her quirky outlook on life, once again getting herself into strife. As with the first book, there was a more serious side dealing with stark issues. My only problem is with Calma's habit of describing what didn't happen before revealing what actually occurred. It reminded me of when I was a primary teacher correcting creative writing that ended with "It was all a dream." That aside, it is well worth reading if you like a good laugh and enjoy a cleverly written teen novel.

[Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was not a terrible listen, but I found the protagonist, Calma, very hard to relate to and irritating. Possibly because she seems to be simultaneously the most eloquent, and the most clueless teenager in Australia. Had little empathy for her by the end, which left me with no emotional connection to a story that ends quite emotively.

[Satra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Calma, such a funny narrator.

I think the problem is the book wraps things up really fast. Like in the last 3 pages everything is all revealed. Good book, not as legendary as the first one.

I wish they made a tv show out or movie out of the series.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, decent story!

[Miss Sonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book gave birth to me

[Tanya Boulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough of Barry Jonsbergs books, thank you. And if Calma is in them even better. Calma speaks fluent sarcasm and I totally get it.

[tey burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was a little all over the place but I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. Calma Harrison, I’m going to miss you

[esvc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny book with lots of plot twists, most of which I didn't see coming at all.

[Hayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character of the book Am I Right or Am I Right is Calma Harrison. Calma Harrison's father left her and her mother some years ago, to live with a younger lady. her dad shows up at her house to ask forgiveness, but that does not happen. Calma slams the door in hid face and tell him to go away. Calma doesn't know that her father has leukemia or else she wouldn't have done that. Her dad keeps appearing at Crazi-Cheap, which is Calma's job.
Calma only has one friend Vanessa, but Vanessa isn't your average teenage girl. Vanessa is basically like a hippy. She mostly sleeps, always talking about world peace and friendship. Jason Calma's boyfriend, is a little older than her,so after-awhile soon breaks up with her. Calma seen Vanessa's scratches and scars on her body and immediately that it was Vanessa's dads fault. Calma goes to confront him and see's her mom on the mans arm. Calma ran confused because she thought her mom was dating her dad again. Calma later asked everyone for dinner, and everyone told her the whole truth about she thought was happening.
This book is really good, because you never know what the author will write next,and he also teaches you things about writing. The author teaches you about how to write poetry and about how author's write. The best part of this book is when everyone tells her the truth because before she was way off. The worst part of the book is when her Jason get together. I would recommend this book to any and everybody. I would recommend this book because it has a little bit of everything in it. The book has drama, sad, romantic, and funny parts in it too. The book has drama in it when her and the mom a.k.a the Fridge.

[Manny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that I have read is called Am I Right Or Am I Right this is a fictional book by Barry jonsburg. The setting takes place in modern day Australia don't know where but yes Australia. Some of the characters I've came across reading this book are the main character calma Harrisson her crush Jason and her mom there are more but didn't quite catch them . The main idea for me was to have determination and to never give up . Who I would think would enjoy reading this are the audience of young teens ranging from the ages (13-17) targeted to females but I enjoyed it and I'm a male . Yes I enjoyed the aspects of this books don't let your past reflect your future outcomes I would think my class mates would enjoy reading this book because this is a very excellent book that most high schoolers will like . I would totally recommend this book to my peers outside the classroom because i feel like they can relate or as I said if you've ever liked someone or someone has ever liked you they can relate and bounce off of this book or maybe not but still .

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

O.K. O.K.
The beginning contained some unfavorable content, and there is some language dotted through out.
But, if you can get past the unfortunate beginning language, (or if you automatically replace any curse words you see and skip past some stuff), the middle and ending are hilarious.

I love this character.

She tells us straight up about unreliable narrators, but her unreliableness wasn't too much and complemented her good qualities. THIS is how you make a character with flaws likable (Looking at you Katie M. Stout-_-).
She had a great endearing sense of humor, and was humble in a nice way, although mostly focused on herself. I love her relationships with her friends and the "Fridge", and the ending was completely gorgeous and hopeful as Calma makes changes (especially love the "You don't dump Calma Harrison") I love the world Calma had around her, and her love of poetry.

[Annalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calma went on a date with Jason and she saw her mother. she also saw her friend Vanessa crying on a bench.The next day Calma followed her mom to and her mo is now dating someone else. then she walks to the crazi-cheep, and a burglary happens and he said to give the money up. he asked Jason to get the money from the cash registers, he said i do not have the key. Calma decided to get a 19.99 in good shape and he saw her coming and said"Get down!" she got to register #4 and then she hit him on the head with the pan, and then a real gun came out of his hand and she fainted. Then she got in the newspaper on Monday.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so this isn't the best book I've ever read, but there are some really good parts like when Calma gives instructions that anyone can follow to write a "great" poem for school and then follows them. Her teacher then gives her a a saxophone and tells her to play it. Or the part when she dresses up as "Super slut" and follows her mother to work to spy on her and then can't back in the car to get her real clothes and has to walk all the way back to work in heels and wig. Plus she's a good friend to Vanessa.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I'm not sure how to rate. I really liked how uniquely it was written and how unusual the characters (and often the plot) were. The ending could've used some work, but overall, the book was so funny and the style so unique that I feel the book deserves a 5-star review*

*Admittedly, the book is more in the 4 or 4.5 star range, but like I said it was just so... Unique. You'd have to read it to understand. It's one of those books you either love or hate, and I'm inclined to love it.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calma Harrison has it all figured out.

She's gotten the clues and reviewed them, and she knows that she's right...because she can't be wrong.

This book was really great.

I liked the ending, even though it left me feeling a little disatisfied. I thought the plot was lame at first glance, but in reality it was enjoyable and fastpaced.

I liked the narrative, and I was laughing constantly. The character had obvious flaws, and that made it even more enjoyable.