Restart by Gordon Korman

 I've been experimenting with the public library app, Libby. The first audio book I've been able to access on this app was this one. Although it's a YA title, I really enjoyed it! The characters were fun and some were predictable and over the top, but the growth of the main character was fun to observe. His jock-father, a junior high football star in his youth, was particularly over the top and not believable!

I enjoyed the humor and conversations that this author was able to share. It felt pretty real for thirteen-year-olds, though I wouldn't know that for sure! The story kept moving and took some interesting twists and turns, which was enjoyable. The different audio voices were effective in helping me keep the different characters straight. I especially enjoyed the kid who kept trying to make video for YouTube that would go viral. He was a hoot!

The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank

This book, with the girl in tall rubber boots on the cover, had attracted me when it first came out. When I found it in the "Little Library" for free, I snatched it up. I was totally enjoying the beginning of the book, where the 14-year old narrator describes her summer, when the story ended. It's actually a collection of short stories where some of the characters reappear. The author has a very wry sense of humor and her descriptions are insightful and funny.

It's been awhile since I finished it, but I recall thinking that I would like to read it again. The humor is often self-effacing and really elucidates the thinking of a 14-year old. If I take it up again, I'll write more. I'm not remembering enough to really describe my reactions right now...