Joe Schreiber’s first young adult novel, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is a fun read that embodies Le Femme Nikita, Chuck and a splash of Degrassi.
From the marketing copy:
It’s prom night—and Perry just wants to stick to his own plan and finally play a much-anticipated gig with his band in the Big Apple. But when his mother makes him take Gobija Zaksauskas—their quiet, geeky Lithuanian exchange student—to the prom, he never expects that his ordinary high school guy life will soon turn on its head. Perry finds that Gobi is on a mission, and Perry has no other choice but to go along for a reckless ride through Manhattan’s concrete grid with a trained assassin in Dad’s red Jag.
Infused with capers, car chases, heists, hits, henchmen, and even a bear fight, this story mixes romance, comedy, and tragedy in a true teen coming-of-age adventure—and it’s not over until “au revoir.”
My copy was an advanced reader’s copy that I read courtesy of Net Galley and I am excited for the finished product. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s a fast read that held my interest. The plot was realistic with a few over the top moments that didn’t distract from the story but instead made me laugh out loud. Older tweens and teens familiar with spy stories and espionage will enjoy this book.
The main character, Perry, is very real and relatable. As he discovers that Gobi is not the awkward girl that he knew her to be he also discovers that there are things about himself that he’d like to change. The changes he makes are subtle and normal; anyone tackling high school or seeking parental approval will relate. The events in the book are totally in line with action/ thrillers. Car chases, bad guys, guys with scars and tattoos! Joe Schreiber’s writing is so engaging that while there are real threats readers will find themselves cheering as Perry and Gobi evade and escape the danger. The violence in the book is minimal (well for me!) but adds to the story.
I read that this book was going to be made into a movie. While I often scoff at books turned into movies, I gave a silent cheer! This book was action packed and begging for time on the big screen.
This book is due out in October 24 of 2011. I am going to order for my library and am excited to share it with my tween book group.
Learning to hotwire a car,
-r
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