Read All The Things! Reviews

Fifteen-year-old Darren is having trouble coping with his parents’ divorce and his brother going away to college. One day, while visiting his brother, Darren meets Zoey, a strange girl who changes his life. But, Zoey disappears before Darren can learn anything about her.

Since this novel is written entirely in lists, I thought it should be reviewed in lists.

5 Reasons that this Book is Awesome

1. It’s a story told in lists. How cool is that?
2. Darren is a fairly realistic teenager. He’s a little depressed, very average, not always likeable.
3. Darren’s brother is funny. Nate is my favorite character, even though he’s also not very likeable.
4. Darren’s father is loving and patient. I wish Darren was nicer to him.
5. The book is over 600 pages, but it doesn’t take very long to read. Because it’s written in lists.

5 Reasons that I Struggled to Finish this Book

1. It’s bloated. Many of the lists are pointless. They don’t advance the plot or develop the characters. Sometimes the lists even seem to hinder the storytelling.
2. The story is bland and lacks suspense. I had a hard time staying interested in the plot because there isn’t really a plot.
3. I didn’t love any of the characters. They’re okay, but not particularly memorable.
4. Why is this story told in lists? There has to be a reason. The author tries to give one at the end, but it’s not enough of a reason for me.
5. I didn’t completely understand Darren’s reactions to anything. Why is he so obsessed with Zoey? Why is he so angry at his father?

2 Additional Thoughts

1. The execution is interesting and original, but the story and characters aren’t.
2. I’m slightly disappointed.