Finding Mr. Brightside - Hardcover

Clark, Jay

3.44

1,088 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805092579 ISBN 13: 9780805092578

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2015

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Abram and Juliette know each other. They've lived down the street from each other their whole lives. But they don't really know each other―at least, not until Juliette's mom and Abram's dad have a torrid affair that culminates in a deadly car crash. Sharing the same subdivision is uncomfortable, to say the least. They don't speak.

Fast-forward to the neighborhood pharmacy, a year later. Abram decides to say hello. Then he decides to invite Juliette to Taco Bell.

To her surprise as well as his, she agrees. And the real love story begins.

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Review:

“I have rarely rooted for anyone--fictional or real--more than I rooted for Abram and Juliette. Jay Clark--you just wrote one of my favorite YA books ever. Thank you!” ―Jerry Spinelli, author of Stargirl

“High school seniors and neighbors Abram Morgan and Juliette Flynn have each been hiding in their own ways since his father and her mother died in a car accident while having a secret affair. Abram takes too much Paxil, which has caused him to be lethargic, drop tennis, overeat, and avoid thinking about college. Juliette is hooked on Adderall, runs compulsively, and barely eats. One night in a CVS, they stop avoiding one another and are surprised by their easy chemistry. Bonding over late-night TV marathons and Taco Bell runs, they take a trip to Abram's beach house, but their insecurities and disappointment in their parents (including the ones who are still alive) keep their romance slow-burning. Clark (The Edumacation of Jay Baker) crafts a believably tentative relationship between these two damaged teens, their sharp-edged humor masking the pain that they can't quite shake. Supporting characters don't make much of a showing or impact-Baker keeps the focus on Abram and Juliette as they prove to be just what the other needed. --Publishers Weekly

“Clark’s characters are realistic and sympathetic. Readers will root for both of them to overcome their trauma and accept a future of happiness.” ―VOYA

“Clark makes this thorny story work by creating dynamic and complex teens who help each other face their demons. . .Though the problems the teens face are myriad, the story never bogs down. Instead, the uncomfortable silences, the awkward conversations, and the slow but gradual trust that connects both the teens and their surviving parents ground the novel in the stark reality that sometimes life is full of genuine surprises.” ―Booklist

“The magic lies in the telling . . . a narrative patter so deeply laced with groaner puns, pop-culture bombs, and warp-speed free associations that it's almost a new language. . . . Most of all, though, Jay's smarts, originality, and warmth make the old teen trope of the hot girl(s) falling for the doofus guy actually believable.” ―Booklist, starred review on The Edumacation of Jay Baker

“Readers eager to give both their hearts and their brains an energetic workout will enjoy this mash-up of rockin' comedy and problem novel.” ―BCCB on The Edumacation of Jay Baker

“Two teens embark on a romantic relationship in the wake of their parents' death.” ―Kirkus Reviews

About the Author:

Jay Clark is the author of Finding Mr. Brightside, which author Jerry Spinelli (Stargirl) calls "one of my favorite YA books ever," and The Edumacation of Jay Baker, which Booklist praised in a starred review: "The magic lies in the telling." He's also a random blogger. Surprisingly popular entries like "How to stop hating people in 21 minutes" and "8 tips for posting your best selfie yet!" can be found on his website: jayclarkbooks.com.

When he isn't writing, Jay enjoys thinking seriously about getting a golden retriever puppy but then having second thoughts about it, playing tennis as if something important is at stake, and complaining about his monthly Starbucks expenses when they're fully within his control. He lives in Columbus, Ohio.

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