Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books)'s Reviews > Teenage Dirtbags
Teenage Dirtbags
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Sometimes, rawness is all I need in a book. James Acker’s debut, The Long Run, was moody, dark, but above all raw. His sophomore book, Teenage Dirtbags, has the same rough feeling. And for those who loved The Long Run, Bash and Sandro make an appearance too!
After reading James’ author’s note about growing up as a nasty, spiteful dirtbag while feeling not worth the trouble, a brick already settled itself in my stomach. Then I found the table of contents, and my heart jumped up. A dual narrative, multiple flashbacks, chapters like songs on cassette tapes with an A and a B side, and those song titles! From My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and many more. Intense, unpolished, harsh songs. But also tender, craving, and sweet. I hadn’t even started reading yet and was already in love.
Phil and Jackson (or Philip and Jacks) couldn’t be more different, and still, they were best friends once. Phil, the troublemaker, the punk, the heated one. Jacks, the class president, the worker, the quiet one. I loved both of their voices. Phil’s anger splashed off the pages, and Jacks struggles to be enough were tangible between every sentence.
If you’re just like me and love raw, honest stories that make you feel all the feels, I urge you to pick up this amazing book. And if you’ve read The Long Run and found it too rough, I believe this one is a bit sweeter (but still rough around the edges).
I received an ARC from Inkyard and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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After reading James’ author’s note about growing up as a nasty, spiteful dirtbag while feeling not worth the trouble, a brick already settled itself in my stomach. Then I found the table of contents, and my heart jumped up. A dual narrative, multiple flashbacks, chapters like songs on cassette tapes with an A and a B side, and those song titles! From My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and many more. Intense, unpolished, harsh songs. But also tender, craving, and sweet. I hadn’t even started reading yet and was already in love.
Phil and Jackson (or Philip and Jacks) couldn’t be more different, and still, they were best friends once. Phil, the troublemaker, the punk, the heated one. Jacks, the class president, the worker, the quiet one. I loved both of their voices. Phil’s anger splashed off the pages, and Jacks struggles to be enough were tangible between every sentence.
If you’re just like me and love raw, honest stories that make you feel all the feels, I urge you to pick up this amazing book. And if you’ve read The Long Run and found it too rough, I believe this one is a bit sweeter (but still rough around the edges).
I received an ARC from Inkyard and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Follow me on Instagram
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Reading Progress
May 13, 2023
– Shelved
May 13, 2023
– Shelved as:
to-read
September 6, 2023
–
Started Reading
September 6, 2023
–
0.0%
"I only read the author’s note and the table of contents and I’m already in love."
September 9, 2023
–
34.0%
"Getting to the next part:
Tape one, side B
The twink must die
Love this book so far!"
Tape one, side B
The twink must die
Love this book so far!"
September 10, 2023
–
68.0%
"For those who read The Long Run, Bash and Sandro make an appearance in this story too!"
September 10, 2023
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-10 of 10 (10 new)
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Drache.... (Angelika)
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Sep 10, 2023 10:14PM
I've been waiting patiently for your thoughts, Marieke, and now I'm so happy for you that this was (nearly) as awesome as The Long Run! Amazing review.. Can't wait for the release. I love The Long Run so so much, I'm glad the author's raw writing is present in his second book, too.
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Ohhhhhh you have an aaaarrc 😍😍😍 Can’t wait for this!!!! So happy to see is almost just as good!!! ❤️
Georgia wrote: "OMG, can you tell me how Bash and Sandro are doing? I miss them!"
It were only glimpses and Bash was always sleeping 😂 .
It were only glimpses and Bash was always sleeping 😂 .
~Nicole~ wrote: "Ohhhhhh you have an aaaarrc 😍😍😍 Can’t wait for this!!!! So happy to see is almost just as good!!! ❤️"
I was so happy when I got approved! Hop you'll love this one as much as I did!
I was so happy when I got approved! Hop you'll love this one as much as I did!
Drache.... (Angelika) wrote: "I've been waiting patiently for your thoughts, Marieke, and now I'm so happy for you that this was (nearly) as awesome as The Long Run! Amazing review.. Can't wait for the release. I love The Long ..."
I hope you'll love this one as much as I did, Drache!
I hope you'll love this one as much as I did, Drache!
Ohh this does sound really good! I love that the book shows both POV; the angry troublemaker and the one who’s seemingly perfect, but is secretly buckling under all the pressure! Awesome review❤️
Imme wrote: "Ohh this does sound really good! I love that the book shows both POV; the angry troublemaker and the one who’s seemingly perfect, but is secretly buckling under all the pressure! Awesome review❤️"
I love a dual narrative! Thanks, Imme!
I love a dual narrative! Thanks, Imme!
Raw, music, A and B sides (nostalgia!) - This sounds really great! But first I want to read ‘The Long Run’.