Official Review: Goodbye, Rudy Kazoody by AA Freda

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Spike is another fascinating character. The interesting thing about Spike is that his character doesn’t go through changes like Joey’s. He’s definitely not a “cookie-cutter” character… he’s too complex. He helps his friends when they’re going through tough times, but he hurts them by sleeping with their moms and sisters. He is an infamous fighter around the neighborhood, but he’s also a voracious reader who enjoys trips to the library. He threatens people, but will openly talk about his dream of being a public service lawyer because he wants to make a difference in the world. Spike’s character is a huge contradiction. Those contradictions are why he is so complex and likeable. He’s complicated… and he’s okay with that. He doesn’t try to change anything about himself for anyone. He’s a strong character that I feel teenagers need to read about.

This is the kind of character that absolutely fascinates me. I think most of us humans are complex and even contradictory at times. I can relate much more easily with this type of characters and they pull me into the story. I agree with your assessment, whether we like it or not we have to acknowledge the fact that teenagers face many "adult" realities, like sex, and it's important to talk about them.
Amazing review, thanks!

[Balazon2000]

This doesn't have the same feel as your usual coming of age-teen angst read. The era used as a backdrop was an interesting time. Thanks for peaking my interest. I'm hoping I will enjoy it.

[Kristine_Donahue]

This was a comprehensive review! I like reviews that give me enough information to decide whether or not I want to read the book, but not so much that it gives too much away. Great job walking the line here! I definitely want to check out the book!

[Sonya Nicolaidis]

I would be interested to find out more about Rudy Kazoody, and how he fits in to this story, especially after your comments. In spite of the few negative things you mentioned, I think this might be a very entertaining book. I enjoyed reading your review - thank you for your comments.

[NailaRais]

So being a young teenager I should not read this! Thank you for an honest review..........
I would recommend this to my elder cousins....

[Cecilia_L]

Sounds like an engaging character-driven story of growing up in the Bronx. Thanks for the recommendation.

[InStoree]

I like that the book, as a constructive mass, it has an inspirational, maybe even educational plot. It seems to describe a dense component of the intricacies that teenagers experience: sex, drugs, love, and disappointment. Great review! Thank you!

[EvaDar]

This sounds like a novel young adults would love, with complex characters, immigration themes, romance. Thanks for the great introduction to this book.

[Jsovermyer]

This sounds like a boy's coming-of-age story. I like that it covers what really matters to teens and doesn't try to sugarcoat their lives. Spike is a deep and memorable character. Congratulations to the author for being chosen as BOTD. Thanks to the reviewer for your excellent and in-depth review.

[Rayasaurus]

This book sounds quite interesting, though maybe a little too graphic for my tastes. Thank you for the review!

[Sandra K Pearson]

To graphic for me, but the diversity of characters is awesome. Spike seems very intriguing. Great review.

[Mbrooks2518]

This book isn't one that I'm particularly interested in reading, but it does seem like a great book for young adults that they could get a lot from. Great review!

[Ellie Gatillo]

Spike's character is interesting, but I feel like I would like Joey's character more. I love that it tackles real-life issues faced by teens. The title is intriguing as well. I wonder how it fits in the story. Thank you for your review!

[Timadak]

Very clear and detailed review without telling to much about the plot.I could immediately understand what was the Book about,and clearly it's not a Book for me.

[CinWin]

Good review. I read the sample, and it did not tell me much. Your review explained it all. I was hoping to find out who Rudy Kazoody is, but I guess you're not telling either. Thanks again for the review.