…OR NOT? is definitely one of my favorite books read in recent memory. Cassie is such a completely real, entirely interesting, and very unique character! This book is made up of her journals, written in her fresh, original voice. Cassie’s a fourteen year old girl with opinions and beliefs that make her an outcast at school (ie, she is not a blindly patriotic evangelical Christian). She’s lots of things–a writer, a vegan, a thinker–but at school they’d rather just label her a terrorist (as we do in the post-9/11 world) and be done with it. At school, she’s harassed and taunted with epithets like “American Taliban slut,” especially after she refuses to sing ” Proud To Be An American” at school.
In a high school like Cassie’s fictional one, this book would probably be banned. Or maybe burned.
Cassie is a strong-willed, gutsy, and very likeable protagonist, with a distinct voice, one great character in a whole cast of them. Her story really draws readers in; it’s quite a lengthy book, but it certainly doesn’t drag on. It’s also a very relevant story today. Prejudiced people like those Cassie has to deal with are everywhere. I remember once in middle school getting in huge trouble for not saying the pledge of allegiance. I, however, am not as brave as Cassie; I’d like to have her courage, but, after that, I stood up and pretended to say it.
It’s a thought-provoking, extremely well-written first novel. Brian Mandabach’s debut is brilliant, and I am really looking forward to reading whatever this talented author writes next.
Five Stars
November 23, 2007 at 1:02 am
[…] links and comment the first one. (I think for the second one you have to be a jacketflap member.) Teen Book Reviewer just gives me a heckuva rave, which I […]
May 21, 2008 at 6:58 pm
This book is absolutely WONDERFUL. Cassie a such a magnificent mind, and already, at the age of 14, she knows what she thinks on life. Not many kids have all the problems figured out that Cassie has, which makes it so appealing. I give this 3 thumbs up.
October 25, 2008 at 10:26 pm
[…] discovered unschooling, I believe, from Lisa Chellman’s review of Brian Mandabach’s wonderful book …Or […]
October 28, 2008 at 6:13 pm
[…] I first discovered unschooling, I believe, from Lisa Chellman’s review of Brian Mandabach’s wonderful book …Or […]
November 2, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I don’t know what this book is about. i didn’t read it. can someone tell me what’s it a bout ? like, i love reading . but i don’t really see a review kinda thing. answers ? thaanks
PositivlyAmazinng <3
September 29, 2011 at 4:26 pm
this book was good
November 28, 2011 at 11:44 am
This book sucks it started to get good in the ending which made it better
December 1, 2011 at 2:53 am
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