2015 Hub Reading Challenge discussion

I was one of the few who didn't really care for Better Nate Than Ever. I had hoped that I might enjoy this better in audio format. While Tim Federle does a great job narrating this book, it didn't make up for a story that felt full of cliches. One of the things that really bothered me was how much the story relied on the stereotype of the gay kid who is into super into theatre but is completely misunderstood and marginalized by his parents who clearly favor their athletic, macho son.

I get that it's supposed to be the outsider following his dreams. But it really felt like a never-ending series of cliche jokes. And please stop depicting Pittsburgh as a hick, mid-western town in the middle of corn fields! No part of PA qualifies as the mid-West! Mountains and forest around Pittsburgh, yes. Corn fields, not so much. Again, it felt like playing to cliches.

I normally read Challenge books with an eye to how well they suit their intended audience. But I have a hard time figuring out the audience for this book. I think the kids who will appreciate the jokes about middle school, etc. won't be drawn to a book about the theatre.

I whole-heartedly agree with you, Angela. I was so turned off by Better Nate Than Ever. I haven't read this one yet and was hoping someone would convince me otherwise!