And Sometimes Why

by Mame Farrell

Best friends make the worst romance.

Chris (a girl) and Jack (a boy) have been best friends for years, since first grade. Then puberty rears its ugly head. On the court and on the playing field, Jack has always had to accept that Chris is a better athlete. Now it seems she is gaining the advantage when it comes to looks and popularity, too, and Jack can't accept that. After all, who is a member of Eastport's premier social establishment -- the Eastport Country Club -- and who isn't? Worrying that he is falling behind his friend, Jack panics, acts out, and generally muddles things up. To make matters worse, he also finds himself starting to wonder if he is falling in love with her at the same time.

With her third novel, Mame Farrell further establishes her reputation for convincing and funny contemporary fiction.

Genres: Young Adult

1 pages, Audio CD

Published April 17, 2002

About the author

Mame Farrell lives in Monroe, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a somewhat bland tale of friendship between two eighth graders that I doubt I would have finished had I not been listening to it on audio. It wasn’t bad, just one those “meh” reads. Chris and Jack have been inseparable ever since their first meeting in the first grade. Jack is from “the right side of the tracks” but never fit in with the snotty country club set, while Chris is a girl who lives with her dad in a cozy apartment above a hair salon. This apparently means she’s “from the wrong side of the tracks” as she states just like an old fogie at some point in the book. Maybe it’s just me or the kids I know, but when I spout out some old fart saying like that, I’m called out on it and they always look at me like I’m some oddity so hearing these kids talk like older folks pulled me out of the book more than a time or two.

Chris and Jack are growing up and Jack is starting to have issues with Chris’s legs and the fact that so many guys are now noticing them. He fears losing her friendship and is having a difficult time seeing her with other guys and reacts with emotion, causing a rift between them. Making matters worse, Jack’s parents have just separated and he fears his dad is having an affair. The story follows a few months in Jack’s mildly tumultuous life as he sorts through all of these changes. If you toss away the old speak, it’s all realistic but not earth shattering stuff to get all excited about. My own childhood at this age was much more traumatic so I’m probably not being fair to this novel. If you’re really bored and looking for a mild tale about friendship you may love it.

[Viola Sung · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is adorable and hilarious at times, had my heart from the premise until the very end ♡ Super cute and light read, with a quirky narrative and small surprises throughout. Absolutely delighted that I read this book.

[Jessy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok, i guess.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and it shows the true meaning of friend ship!!!!

[Lina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this in middle school and I liked it! it was funny and a enjoyable book.