Gr 8 Up-Three reasons Darren Jacobs is having a tough year: His parents have gotten a divorce and his dad reveals a truth that sends him reeling; his brother Nate has just moved out of the house to go to college, leaving Darren to deal with the fallout of his parents' split on his own; and he's torn between two girlsZoey Lovell, who is a troubled, elusive, and artistic enigma who Darren can't seem to get out of his mind and sweet, wholesome Rachel Madsen, who is supportive and cheerful. Hasak-Lowy's debut YA novel is told entirely in listsslightly disorienting at first, but which quickly becomes an integral part of Darren's voice. In terse, engaging prose, this novel of lists traces the teen's awkward yet heart-tuggingly true-to-life relationships with his parents, his older brother, and with the girls who are entering his life. Readers will relish and recognize the playful and profanity-tinged banter between the brothers as well as Darren's conflicted feelings as he analyzes (and overthinks) each scenario and interaction he has with Zoey, Rachel, Nate's college roommate, a new member of his band, his dad, and his mom. This novel might be great for reluctant readers due to its brief and inventive style, although younger teens might want to beware of the occasional depictions of drug and alcohol use. Although the characters are authentic and appealing, several plot threads are left dangling, which makes the ending feel a little rushed and abrupt. Evelyn Khoo Schwartz, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC

His parents' divorce was difficult enough for Darren, especially since, almost simultaneously, his brother Nate left for college and his best friend moved away. But then his dad, chocolate doughnut in hand, appears at 6 a.m. to announce to Darren that he is gay. Time to escape! Darren talks the barely known, somewhat freaky Zoey Lovell into driving him to the bus station d she decides to come along. Thus begins his challenging journey of self-reflection and understanding, warts and all. Hasak-Lowy relies on a series of lists to reveal Darren's struggle as he tries to reconcile his father's homosexuality with his own budding adulthood. It makes for a powerful stream of consciousness that allows readers insight into Darren's conflicting feelings not just about his parents but also Nate's fall from grace and his own frustration with his attraction to bad-girl Zoey rather than the obviously delightful Rachel. It's a sometimes humorous, somewhat sobering character study of growing up male in the midst of new family and friend configurations.

Darren Jacobs is a normal fifteen-year-old. He is learning how to navigate high school, relationships with girls, his brother/best friend going to college, and his parents' recent divorce. With that already on his mind, Darren's dad then tells him that he is gay. This discovery prompts Darren to use a bunch of f-bombs, skip school, and thoughtfully reflect on what happens when someone he thought he knew surprises him.Uniquely told in lists, this novel takes readers on Darren's journey of self-discovery. Each list shows a glimpse of a very specific part of Darren's life, which come together to create a holistic narrative. Although it takes a couple of pages of getting used to, the lists serve readers who do not have large chunks of time to devote to reading, as well as binge readers. The title accurately represents the conversational writing style; run-on sentences, young adult language, and references to sexuality make the novel realistic and the main characters human. At 656 pages, readers are in for a long ride; however, the lists make for fast reading, and the reward is sweet for those daring enough to engage in the unconventional format. In his young adult debut, Hasak-Lowy really gets what it is to be a teen.Cyndi Fenske.