Stranger than Fanfiction – Chris Colfer, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316383448, 2017
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 2
Genre: YA Fiction
What did you like about the book? Stranger Than Fanfiction tells the tale of 4 friends obsessed with a TV show, Whiz Kids. Having just graduated high school, they’ve planned a road trip from Downers Grove, IL to Santa Monica, CA. One of the group, Topher, decides to invite their favorite actor from Whiz Kids, mostly as an afterthought. Surprise, surprise, Cash Carter accepts the invitation and they are off on a cross-country adventure.
Colfer tries hard to give each character depth and character. Ultimately, all of the characters fall flat, despite the true attempt to make them stand out as individuals. There’s some backstory, but no development.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Pacing was slow. Predictable everything. Zzzzzzz.
To whom would you recommend this book? Fans of Colfer’s might enjoy this book.
Who should buy this book? I don’t recommend this book for purchase. Look instead to Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.
Where would you shelve it? YA/middle grade fiction
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Kasia Piasecka, Falmouth Public Library, Falmouth, MA
Date of review: 4/12/17
