Summer Reading #14

The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle

As I was scrolling through Facebook the other day, I came across a post that said this was the book to read this summer. Actually, it may have been the book to listen to, but whatever. Conveniently, this is also on the consideration list for TAYSHAS, I knew I was in.

Quinn's sister died in a car accident on December 20. The last person she texted, which was the reason she was in the accident, was Quinn. Quinn has not left the house since it happened, and he hasn't turned on his cell phone since before his sister died.

It's now June, and Quinn's window unit air conditioner has gone out. His best friend, Geoff, comes over so they can purchase a new one. Geoff also convinces Quinn to go to a party, where Quinn sees a boy/man that he is instantly attracted to.

I should mention that Quinn is a screenwriter, so he sees his life as a script sometimes. Anyway, he seems more hung up on his sister than most, so when he learns some truths about her, he goes off the deep end a bit. He does, at least, make an effort to find himself.

What I loved about this book is that it is written the way a teen would tell a story. Instead of saying "he says" or "I said" Quinn says "he goes" or "I go." In that respect, it is very real. I think this is probably something that readers will like, assuming they enjoy realistic fiction.