Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach. Sourcebooks Fire, 2011. 311 pages.

Stupid Fast was recommended by Victor, who saw it on a library display at school and picked it right up. I see the attractions. Told in the voice of 15 yrs old hot mess, Felton Stupid

 Fast is about  Small towns, mental illness, bullying, outcasts, jocks, highschool, family disfunction and lies. BUT-- in the tradition of Jack Gantos, funny and warm and filled with love and affection for all the weirdness and disfunction found in all families and all of us. What don't kill you will make you stronger! Recommend. watching for the sequel.

This one is from VOYA, a mag that serves kids’ librarians:

“In the tradition of great young adult protagonists like Holden Caulfield and Eric “Moby” Calhoune comes Felton Reinstein, soon to be sixteen… This novel is Herbach’s first for a teen audience, but you would not guess that from the authentic teen voice of his protagonist. The author manages to deftly balance humor with high-stakes, emotional storytelling and even includes some romance to boot. Surprises abound in this future youth classic, not the least of which is how Felton comes to terms with his newfound inner jock. While male reluctant readers with an interest in football or running will especially connect with this novel, it is difficult to imagine a reader who will not find Felton’s tale compelling and highly entertaining.” —VOYA, June 2011