Eric DevineReseñas

I read this book for the FB challenge "set in high school" category. A young adult novel about high school boys (part of the unpopular group) who decide to perform a series of extreme 'dares' to establish a legacy at the school. Things ultimately spiral out of control and some tough lessons are learned.

Fast paced and well written, I was engaged through the whole book. The author did a good job of covering a variety of teen angst issues - boy/girl relationships, what happens when friends you've had for years start to change, dealing with parents and grades, and then ultimately, finding your place in the society of high school.

Set in current times kept it relevant to teens w/ texts & social media playing a part in the progression of the dares.

So a disclaimer before I start this review: I am not trans, so please take my opinions on this book with a grain of salt. I don't know if trans reviewers have reviewed this, but definitely check out their opinions over mine.

I do think this book was quite good, though. While Avery being trans was undoubtedly a large part of the story, the whole plot could have been done with another issue in place. Because this isn't a book about being trans. It's a murder mystery first and foremost, and I think it was written rather well. I was on the edge of my seat reading and after reading this and Gone Girl, I really want to pick up more thrillers. Because this was tense and so atmospheric - it had the small, suffocating town feeling and as the novel went on and the stakes got higher it really felt like the entire town was closing in on Avery and his family.

Another positive: Avery's character. His voice was incredibly well-written and unique. He was also very fleshed out. Avery's incredibly caring towards a select amount of close family and friends. He wants to protect them. He has a lot of anger and he can be violent at times, even to the people he cares about - it's understandable, though, because Avery gets a lot of shit thrown at him both before and during the events of the story. Another thing I appreciated: he's not a saint or a mouthpiece for trans people and this book isn't didactic at all, which is a nice change from "issue novels" about trans teenagers. Avery's written on the antihero side of main characters.

I feel like Devine did his research with trans teenage boys, because I don't think that he used harmful language. Avery is comfortable and supported in his transition by his family and friends, and he's as comfortable with himself as he can be. The one part I feel that Devine could have done without that might be uncomfortable is where Avery is forced to present as a girl for a morning. It's written as awful and something that shouldn't have been considered, but it's there when it could have been left out.

All in all: quite good and made me excited about thrillers.

This is the second book I have read by this author. I do have to agree that this author does know how to write about the tough subject matters. For this I am glad as there needs to be more authors that do not stray away from topics like bulling or peer pressure. However, while I liked that this book showed the real gritty, evil, and dangerous side of bulling; my thoughts about this book would have been better if I had been more engaged in the characters and I am talking about Greg and his friends. I hated the bullies as I should but while I understood Greg's reasons for not being forthright right away with what he witnessed with his past track record and everyone being for the lacrosse team's side; I still did not fully agree with the ways he went about getting the truth. Yet, I do hope that readers take away from this book that it is never right to bully anyone and to speak up when you have a voice.

One thing that I enjoy about Eric Devine’s stories is that they are raw and real. He never down plays the story but really tells it how it is. Because folks, we live in a real world with cruel people. I’ve seen it many times on tv. Kids being hazed in the most ugly, crazy, and de-humanzing way. Kids being bullied and pressured to fit in. This story captures what teens go through today.

Plot: This is about a young boy who loves to video tape. He tries to captures what goes on in his high school halls ways and has stumbled upon some harsh hazing. He decided to investigate further going onto much trouble he never seen before. He also battles with his weight (which kids constantly make fun of him) and him just learning to survive. Really this story is gritty. At times I cringed but could not look away. This kids are so harsh and so mean. I’m not going to lie and say that this story angered me a lot. The plot is good. It captures the reader right away.

Hazing/bullying: This is the part that angered me the most. No matter who Greg went too, EVEN TEACHERS, no one would help him. They never believed him. How could they sit there and brushed him as nothing. This kid has evidence yet the schools used it against him saying it was against school polices. UGH! The nerve of these people. These kids suffered yet no one did anything to protect or save the kids.

Ending: At least the ending gave some redemption for what these kids went through but only because the kids took matters into their own hands. No adults wanted to stand up for them until they did it for themselves. And you know what? That’s what happens in today schools. No one wants to take responsibility and its the kids that suffer in the end.

I really enjoyed this story. It certainly stirred up many emotions and got me thinking. You want a good look at what goes on with teens today, read this book. Press Play is a gritty yet realistic story that is gripping.

Dubbed “trailer trash” by his fellow high schoolers because of where he lives, Tony is expected to amount to nothing. He’s grown up with drunken boyfriends beating his mother, having her zone out through meth, and scavenging for food to survive.

Read the rest of my review at: http://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/tap-out-eric-devine/

How far would you go on a dare? How far for money? This and more is answered in this thrilling story which I’m glad I picked it. Thought provoking and realistic, this story will take you on an adventure.

Plot: The plot is simple. Teens doing dares during their senior year. One dare goes viral and the next thing you know, they are getting paid to do more dares….dangerous dares. And of course being teens, they go for it. I really liked this plot. Though it may not seem like much, this plot really brings in the emotions and thoughts of teens. The drive for money, popularity as well as going all out senior year.

Friendships: With teens and money things do go too far. Some of the dares push to the limits of a close dance with death. Luckily through the story, the teens began to realize that maybe money isn’t worth it after all. Because of the money and popularity there are a string of jealous teens and fights. Friendships are lost and others are born. Needless to say, you will not be bored reading this story.

Ending: I think the ending is fitting for this story. It didn’t end happily nor did it end badly. It ended just right giving the teens well… the consequences that happen with making bad decisions.

Overall, this is an exciting book! If you want a story that focuses on real teens emotions and social media, pick this book up. It’s takes all things that are going on today and focuses on issues that others may not want to see. Dare Me is fantastic.

I love books that make you think and I love YA that is applicable to youth. DARE ME is a both of those things. With topics that are very serious (bullying, family dynamic issues and abuse) and a coming of age story that captures what it is to be a young man, Dare Me is worth the read. It will make you think because it is very thought provoking read. It is tough to read, at times, because I think it is quite honest. 4 stars

If there is a debate as to whether YA or Teen sections novels should have a redemptive resolution, Tap Out should create a spark among librarians. The long review preceding mine only alludes to Tony's desperate home life and how he gets entangled in petty criminal activities which concluding with mayhem, murder, and worse.

When Tony joins an MMA gym at the urging of his friend Rob, he's an aimless teen, drifting in high school, living in a trailer with his mom. She's a crack addict who's abused by a boyfriend whose part of a drug dealing biker gang. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse is rampant in her life. The gym along with encouragement of his school principal offer him some hope. He seems to be making progress as his MMA skills develop, along with respect for himself and gym-mates. His toughness is noticed by the drug dealers and he and Rob start doing small jobs for the drug gang. There's a lot that goes on. Robs girl gets pregnant, Tony's mom keeps getting beat up. There are some great fight scenes in the gym and on the street, culminating in a melee at the end of the book.

Without spoiling the end, there are some aspects of the plot that don't follow to well, Tony looks like he might endure no consequence for his actions. I doubt in real life the police would be so dumb. And the push into the ending is rushed and (to me anyway) unsatisfying. The language is as coarse as any book I've read - adult or young adult. There's a lot of sex but not graphic or detailed. My issue with Tap Out is that for all Tony's progress in the gym, his life situation hardly improves and his future seems uncertain and perhaps hopeless. I wish that a YA novel could give a more positive portrayal of MMA and it's role in character building for youth.½

I received a digital galley, free, in exchange for my honest opinion.
This originally caught my attention through the BEA Book Buzz I received from Netgalley. When I saw that it was about mixed martial arts, I knew that I had to get my hands on it. When I read about Tony’s first time at the gym I had to laugh. That was me the first time that I walked into a mma gym, and I was only there to watch! Later, I tried to figure out why they clapped for me when I could barely block the punches that were flying at my face. My biggest strength in the beginning was making the guys work their butts off trying to pin me. I was (am) stronger than I look. This is probably true for everyone who dances in the cage. Sometimes while reading I had flashbacks of guys that I sparred with. Tap Out does an amazing job of mirroring real life.
With some stories you have to get grimy with it. It’s that point past dark and surreal that takes to the ugly side of reality. Devine got real grimy with Tap Out and I think it makes this story stand out even more. Unfortunately, Tony’s story is one that too many teens will be able to relate to. The great thing about it is that it gives these same teens a voice in a language that is their own.
This review has been written at different points throughout the reading of this book. I only mention this because I’ve had to stop reading for a bit. I had to stop because I couldn’t breathe. There are so many emotions coiled up inside of me that they are beginning to suffocate me. Anger at Tony’s situation forcing him into the monster he didn’t want to become. Sadness because he doesn’t see/understand that he always has a choice. Frustration because I know that understanding that he has a choice is almost impossible because of his situation and environment. Fear because as an outsider I can see where the path he’s on will lead him. Desperate because Tony’s face is replace by the faces of youth that I’ve worked with in the past who can relate to Tony’s tory, if not lived out their own version. Anger because this story – even down to the MMA crew – is drenched in way too much accuracy to be comfortable. Hope – a shred is left – that Devine has given Tony an out. Dammit! There are too many that don’t have an out and I really need Tony to have one.
At this point, I finished the book and I’ve reminded myself that this is just a story. There was blood, death, hope and a small sense of fear at the end. But, the only word I can say to sum up what I think about Tap Out is Wow!!! I love this book for so many reasons that I will do my best not to bore you. First, I have to say that Devine has accomplished a monumental thing. He has written a book that is relevant to teenage boys and one that they will read. Tap Out is Tony’s story. Tony is a flawed character who has been dealt a shitty hand and lives in an impossible situation. His story removes the veil that people have allowed to cover their eyes. People want to survive no matter where they come from or what it looks like to outsiders. Surviving and thriving looks differently to people depending on their situation. I’m not saying this to make excuses, only to ask that people reserve judgment. Some people have it harder than others. Another reason I loved this book was because the characters were well-developed and they came to life. Though it wasn’t pretty, it felt real.
MMA is a world of its own. If you’ve never been on the mat you wouldn’t understand it. The guys who punch you, kick you ad roll with you really do become family. I didn’t know this when I started. Being the only female didn’t matter. I had their backs and they had mine – on the mat and off. Your MMA crew will lift you up and carry you when you don’t have the strength to walk. They will stand with you and help you face whatever, and they do it with strength and honor. They don’t leave you, they make you stronger.
There were plenty of opportunities for Devine to fail, but he did not. Thank you, Mr. Devine! I hope that Tap Out finds its way into the hands of anyone who needs the hope to keep fighting even what they get caught in an arm bar or clinch, or some other uncomfortable and slightly painful position in life. I hope that they understand that there’s power in not tapping out.
Recommendation: Everyone needs to check this book out! But most especially those who work with teen boys who may be written off and not encouraged to live up to their potential.
What’s Next? I can’t wait to see what Devine’s going to write next!!!!
5 GRIMY STARS *****
I FOUND ANOTHER 2012 FAVORITE!