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JessicaGreen (USA: VA) (2008/08/20):
I bought the book to read concurrently with my 13 year old nephew who is a reluctant reader. He loves skateboarding, so I thought it would appeal to him. He lost interest mid-way through. I think he found Hornby's flash forward technique confusing and difficult. Unlike my nephew, I waited until I had finished the book to really dislike it.There are very few adolescents to whom I would recommend it (and I have a masters in secondary English education). The story moves from a typical coming-of-age theme to an accidental pregnancy and birth. It is a good chronicle of why children should not have children; however, Hornby does not give his adolescents any choice in the matter (both abortion and adoption are summarilly dismissed by the female protagonist). For some odd reason, teenagers suddenly start thinking they should "own up to their responsibility" (live with their "mistake") when it comes to bringing another human into the world and Hornby's story only affirms an immature choice. Ironically, my very much at risk 13 year old nephew is the product of a teenage pregnancy, as was his mother.
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