This was so good! A great writing assignment also. ( )

The book is written as an alphabiography—a chronicle of life with chapters headed from A to Z— by seventh-grader Joe Bunch. He feels the English assignment is going to be boring. What if he tells the truth and someone besides his teacher reads it? The part about ending each chapter with a “life lesson” seems totally lame. But as Joe’s chapters build from “A”for his best friend Addie to “T” for turning thirteen and beyond, he finds his entries becoming increasingly honest and thoughtful. He writes about his crush on Colin Briggs, about being gay, and about a world where acceptance and ridicule can be confusingly intertwined.
What is most striking about Totally Joe is not the stand-out hair, apparel and attitude of its flamboyant protagonist but the poignant similarities between his experience and that of all young teens as they striveto be true to themselves in a junior high world where following the crowd—and not one’s own heart—often seems to be the easiest and least painful path. Joe Bunch is an honest and likable gay young adult and an inspiration to anyone struggling to feel good about his or her identity. This book definitely has to be included in any collection designed to be representative of a diverse and tolerant society. ( )

The sequel to The Misfits. I actually didn't like it as much as either The Misfits or as I'd hoped I would. I found the novel's premise -- that it was an English class project, an "alphabiography" -- incredibly annoying. I used to like to write things with asides and footnotes too, but I think it's a poor writing technique. It really irritates me. Plus, dude, what 13-year-old gay boy wants to go see Ani *now*? But it was sweet, and I still love the character. ( )

When I started reading this book, I thought it was so adorable that I unselfishly gave it to my twelve-year-old daughter and then read it when she was done. We have probably never talked so much about any other book as we have about this one. Joe is so cute and chirpy (there really isn't a better adjective) that it is impossible not to like him. That being said, I think teen girls would be more drawn to this than teen boys, and if you're looking for gay angst, this is not your book. Joe's family takes awhile to get used to his proclamation of homosexuality, but they're very accepting in the end. A very cute, happy read. ( )

http://booksareking.blogspot.com/2006... ( )