Official Review: The Student Council by Lee Stone

[Lee Stone]

Owlie,
You were all over this story and review! This book just came out and was not previously reviewed (I don't send out copies or gather introductory reviews), so you were on an island. Two things impressed me before your official review was even posted. 1) You read it instantly. It's not a short book, so you had to get wrapped up in it to finish so quickly. 2) And this is a HUGE deal, you wrote me a snippet about the book that indicated you were a ravenous and insightful reader. I'm just pleased to have been on your entertainment menu!

The fun stuff: Since no high school in PA history has ever burned down, due to any cause, it's a stretch to have a kid light one up. My prep for Noah was blowing up a school toilet as a sixth grader, then driving a stolen car off a cliff as a daredevil stunt a couple years later. Amy used his criminal nature to serve her interests. Not good enough?

The Billy/William bizz. Yes, Amy would later call him Billy as a way of teasing him for being immature. I used an abundance of nicknames (Google, Googs, Cow Pie, Seven Three, Eighty-Nine, the Barn Door). I did that in an effort to be authentic (kids love to use monikers), but confusion for the reader is a real risk. Was that a problem I should address?

Thanks for taking reading and reviewing so seriously. Double thanks for posting a review on Amazon!

[bookowlie]

Owlie,
You were all over this story and review! This book just came out and was not previously reviewed (I don't send out copies or gather introductory reviews), so you were on an island. Two things impressed me before your official review was even posted. 1) You read it instantly. It's not a short book, so you had to get wrapped up in it to finish so quickly. 2) And this is a HUGE deal, you wrote me a snippet about the book that indicated you were a ravenous and insightful reader. I'm just pleased to have been on your entertainment menu!

The fun stuff: Since no high school in PA history has ever burned down, due to any cause, it's a stretch to have a kid light one up. My prep for Noah was blowing up a school toilet as a sixth grader, then driving a stolen car off a cliff as a daredevil stunt a couple years later. Amy used his criminal nature to serve her interests. Not good enough?

The Billy/William bizz. Yes, Amy would later call him Billy as a way of teasing him for being immature. I used an abundance of nicknames (Google, Googs, Cow Pie, Seven Three, Eighty-Nine, the Barn Door). I did that in an effort to be authentic (kids love to use monikers), but confusion for the reader is a real risk. Was that a problem I should address?

Thanks for taking reading and reviewing so seriously. Double thanks for posting a review on Amazon!

Hopefully, I won't be on the "island" alone for long and tons of readers of your book will soon join me! It's true that I gobbled up the book, especially the second half. I think the book took me 2 1/2 days to read, but that included one very late-night reading session (that's why I call myself bookowlie ). The plot kept getting stronger and I found it difficult to put the book down the further I got.

I thought the nicknames were a nice touch and were not confusing at all. As I previously mentioned, I did think the Billy changeover to William was a bit too subtle, but keep in mind I am one reader and others may love the subtle tie-in with him coming into his own. Based on Noah's backstory, it's true that it wouldn't take much to get him to do something bad, but I still thought it was a bit much for him to so willingly follow an anoymous directive. However, it was in keeping with other plot points in the story - basically the way others would go along with what Amy wanted.

Thanks for the nice feedback.

[eskimoses]

Thanks again for the response, The Student Council is virtually unread at this point, so it is a treat to discuss it. On Noah, I would just counter that his desire to be a "gangster", coupled with what he perceived to be a challenge from his friends was all the push he needed. Plausible or not, the school was coming down that night anyway, so I hadn't hiven that angle a lot of thought - though it plays nicely toward the end when Sorvino revisits it.

On Leo Sykes, the risk/reward was simply too good to pass up. His profession was no secret in town, a thoughtful sting could have closed his doors any time. Not saying you're wrong, but those weren't sticking points for me. I completely agree on the silver screen potential. The book almost reads like a screen play, with a cast of characters that could hold court (council?) with their own booth in the bar scene from Star Wars. Leave it to Amy to come up with the fake ID's!

[bookowlie]

Thanks again for the response, The Student Council is virtually unread at this point, so it is a treat to discuss it. On Noah, I would just counter that his desire to be a "gangster", coupled with what he perceived to be a challenge from his friends was all the push he needed. Plausible or not, the school was coming down that night anyway, so I hadn't hiven that angle a lot of thought - though it plays nicely toward the end when Sorvino revisits it.

On Leo Sykes, the risk/reward was simply too good to pass up. His profession was no secret in town, a thoughtful sting could have closed his doors any time. Not saying you're wrong, but those weren't sticking points for me. I completely agree on the silver screen potential. The book almost reads like a screen play, with a cast of characters that could hold court (council?) with their own booth in the bar scene from Star Wars. Leave it to Amy to come up with the fake ID's!

It's also a treat for me to discuss it. You brought up a good word - plausible. I guess anything is plausible in fiction. Besides, truth is often stranger than fiction. Just watching the news boggles the mind sometimes.

As for Leo, I looked at it from the realistic angle. Wouldn't someone that like being on their guard? Again, truth can be stranger than fiction so sure, there are bumbling drug dealers out there. That's what made me think this book could translate well to the screen. Actually, I like the idea of a TV series better since teenage-centered shows have become so popular.

Aside from the interesting plot, my favorite thing was that, with all her maneuvering, Amy had her heart in the right place. That really helped me love and relate to her character. She wasn't scheming for evil reasons such as the character in Gone Girl or other books where the main character's wheels are always turning.

[eskimoses]

Exactly. She's "Michelle" Corleone - she didn't set out to do anything but protect her family. After that, it's just business... And if certain perks apply, so be it.

[bookowlie]

Exactly. She's "Michelle" Corleone - she didn't set out to do anything but protect her family. After that, it's just business... And if certain perks apply, so be it.

The comparisons to the Godfather are inspired! That movie trilogy has taken on a life of its own over the years with great characters, cinematography, and always...the quotes. "Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

By the way, I loved the wrap-up at the end regarding where Amy was thinking about living. I didn't see that coming, but it could pave the way for a sequel with some new characters and some old ones coming to visit.

[eskimoses]

The ending surprised me, and then again... The second kind of left me speechless.

[Lee Stone]

Another tip of my straw hat to Owlie and Eskimoses for reviews on goodreads! I have to tell you, Eskimoses, you hit the nail with your Godfather analysis. Exactly what I had in mind with TSC - the first chapter in the evolution of Godmother Amy Westin - where it all began. The world is hers to mold.

[bookowlie]

You're most welcome. Are you planning to write more books about Amy and her friends?

[Lee Stone]

We'll see how Amy flies. I'm doing final editing of An Old Golfer's Tale (sports fantasy - a third genre) that I wrote several years ago and will release within a few weeks. Slacker in Costa Rica comes next, but my head is already manufacturing more Amy exploits.

I'm abysmal with my marketing. Instead of making a mailing list of the thousands who have downloaded Free Fish Friday, I just let things slide. I published TSC without any lead-in or business plan. I only like the writing part. I buried myself in TSC for eight full months.

[bookowlie]

We'll see how Amy flies. I'm doing final editing of An Old Golfer's Tale (sports fantasy - a third genre) that I wrote several years ago and will release within a few weeks. Slacker in Costa Rica comes next, but my head is already manufacturing more Amy exploits.

I'm abysmal with my marketing. Instead of making a mailing list of the thousands who have downloaded Free Fish Friday, I just let things slide. I published TSC without any lead-in or business plan. I only like the writing part. I buried myself in TSC for eight full months.

I can see how you are already thinking of more "Amy exploits." She is a character that is hard to forget! Your next book sounds interesting. It's nice that you are challenging yourself with writing in different genres. Still, I am sure the Slacker mysteries are your favorite because they were your first "babies."

I don't know too much about marketing. However, there is a subforum on the site where members discuss marketing strategies. Maybe you will pick up some useful tips there.

[Lee Stone]

Slacker is fun. Amy's engrossing. Market for Slacker is limited. Amy is everybody.

[bookowlie]

Slacker is fun. Amy's engrossing. Market for Slacker is limited. Amy is everybody.

I guess it all depends on what type of genre readers enjoy. This book is in the Young Adult genre whereas the Slacker Mills books are adult mysteries. I do think adults would also enjoy this YA book, although it should be marketed in such a way that adults would know that.

[eskimoses]

We'll see how Amy flies. I'm doing final editing of An Old Golfer's Tale (sports fantasy - a third genre) that I wrote several years ago and will release within a few weeks. Slacker in Costa Rica comes next, but my head is already manufacturing more Amy exploits.

I'm abysmal with my marketing. Instead of making a mailing list of the thousands who have downloaded Free Fish Friday, I just let things slide. I published TSC without any lead-in or business plan. I only like the writing part. I buried myself in TSC for eight full months.

I was curious how long it took to write it. There is so much going on, a lot of layers. It would seem time consuming to me.

[bookowlie]

We'll see how Amy flies. I'm doing final editing of An Old Golfer's Tale (sports fantasy - a third genre) that I wrote several years ago and will release within a few weeks. Slacker in Costa Rica comes next, but my head is already manufacturing more Amy exploits.

I'm abysmal with my marketing. Instead of making a mailing list of the thousands who have downloaded Free Fish Friday, I just let things slide. I published TSC without any lead-in or business plan. I only like the writing part. I buried myself in TSC for eight full months.

I am glad to hear you "buried yourself" in the writing the book for 8 months - not too long, not too short. I read The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt last year. Ms. Tartt said that she wrote the book over a period of 10 years, and I think it showed - The Goldfinch went off in so many directions it could have been a few separate books. In comparison, The Student Council had a nice, smooth flow.