The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

     The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp is a coming-of-age story about a high school senior named Sutter. After his parents divorced and his sister moved out, it seemed Sutter lived alone even though residing with his disinterested mother (who sees too much of her ex-husband in her son) and step-father (more of a robot than a man, it seems). Sutter knows all the funny punchlines, is an expert story-teller, dares to be bold and is the life of every party...but he's starting to notice his friends are drifting away from the wild and wacky, spectacular "now" in search of their promising "nexts."

     Sutter couldn't be happier with his beautiful girlfriend Cassidy, a large, voluptuous goddess. His best friend, Ricky, is in need of a girlfriend and Sutter decides to take the role of matchmaker...and succeeds! But now it seems Ricky's lost interest in adventures, partying and living on the wild side with Sutter. Cassidy gives Sutter the ultimatum to consider her feelings "or else", but he fails while distracted with matchmaking for Ricky and finds himself kicked to the curb. Cassidy was ready for maturity and a little seriousness occasionally and Sutter couldn't commit. His longtime friend Ricky is now caught up in a happy relationship thanks to Sutter but now he's single...and alone with his flask.

     It would seem Sutter exists as much due to oxygen as whiskey. He gives no thought to time of day or location but just opens the flask, takes it straight or mixes with a big gas-station-cup of 7-UP. This leads to poor decisions, but a "fortified" mind, he claims, which gets the laughs and keeps the fun coming. Cassidy even tells her new boyfriend at one point that Sutter probably wouldn't drive half as well sober as drunk it had become such a crutch.

     One night, in a drunken adventure, Sutter ends up parked in one person's yard but passed out in someone else's yard a mile away. Aimee, a paper-delivering girl, stops to examine the corpse on the lawn in the small hours of the morning and discovers he's alive. Wondering where his vehicle is, she agrees to have him ride along, helping deliver papers, while searching for his vehicle. It seems Sutter's not quite finished with Aimee even after finding his car and his interest in helping her out of her shell grows quickly.

Author Tim Tharp

     Aimee goes from shy and reserved with a head full of dreams to drunken and bold in a matter of weeks. She's suddenly acting haphazardly and with no regard for the rules. Her grades drop, she's getting hurt and burning bridges...but she's happy being with Sutter. Has he really helped her at all? He thinks so. His friends think otherwise. This novel is a great reminder that what works for you and makes you happy may not be the best or safest for others.

     Sutter struggles with the concept of a concrete plan for the future in Tharp's novel, The Spectacular Now. He is so content with living moment to moment, carefree. With graduation fast approaching, however, he finds himself thrust into adulthood and caught in a confusing web of love, friends, family and the future. There's no laughing himself out of this one. It's time to grow up. But maybe the Spectacular "Next" isn't for everyone.

     Check out The Spectacular Now from your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or audiobook.

Five, Six, Seven, NATE! by Tim Federle

     Tim Federle follows Better Nate Than Ever with another awe-inspiring story from the heart. Nate's journey in New York continues and takes turns so exciting and sharp you had best wear your seat belt.

     In Five, Six, Seven, NATE!, Nate Foster (my new superhero) is an understudy to the role of E.T. in Broadway's production of E.T.: The Musical. Nate must deal with a wide variety of creative staff, some old and some new, including a director who can't remember Nate's name and a choreographer fueled by junk food and poor fashion. At times it seems no matter how bright Nate shines, the staff only sees a sparkle and then other times when Nate would rather not be noticed, he's seen by all.

     In a rather interesting series of events Nate befriends Asella, a fellow understudy with 25 years' experience, who it would seem never carried much of a liking for children until Nate. With his best friend Libby's support from afar and the local support of Asella and his aunt Heidi, Nate is armed with all tools needed to navigate the business of show business in this gripping sequel.

Author Tim Federle

     I couldn't put this book down. A note from a secret admirer, the uncertainty of the production's future, tension with the leading role of Elliot, Jordan Rylance, who is also originally from the Pittsburgh area as well and incidental miracles will entrust your hands to the covers until you've finished the story, welcomed it into your heart, and shelved the book among your favorites.

     I finished this book in less than 24 hours and found myself filled to the brim with tears of joy throughout the final four chapters. I, as well as I'm sure many others, relate to the main character Nate and can't help but find myself going through so many emotions as if for the first time again with Nate. Euphoria, fear, worry, hopelessness, shame, hope, confusion, excitement, uncertainty and my favorite: love.

     Five, Six, Seven, NATE! will keep you on the edge of your futon and grinning from ear to ear by the end. Pre-Order Federle's newest book (to be released January 28th, 2014) in hardcover or for your Amazon Kindle.

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

     I've just had the privilege of reading Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle. Though it sounds as if it could be a highly personalized self-help book for Nates around the world revealing the secrets of becoming a better Nate than ever, it was actually the most delightful story I've read in a long while about Nate Foster, thirteen (nearly fourteen) year-old dreamer from a small town in Pennsylvania.

     Nate's stuck in a rut. His hometown doesn't seem to appreciate him, his talents are considered weird or "gay" by his peers he's often the target of bullying. Nothing dims the stage lights to the production of Nate's dream, however. Nate is going to be a star on Broadway. It all starts with a carefully-planned trip to New York to audition for the leading role in E.T.: The Musical...without his parents knowing about it.

     Nate's partner in crime (and most likely future agent) Libby helps him unlock his potential and fine tune his craft as an actor and singer. She encourages his love for Broadway and musicals and together they form an unbreakable bond of friendship that leads them through some pretty interesting situations in the book.

Author Tim Federle

     The characters in this book, particularly in New York where the majority of the story takes place, are fantastically and magically brought to life through Federle's writing. Throughout the book, I laughed, I cried, I was anxious then calm and finally overwhelmed with euphoria upon finishing the book. Federle will engage your senses, make a home for Nate in your heart and leave you inspired and uplifted.

     I also love that Nate hasn't quite figured out his sexuality - he's "undecided" and feels no pressure to declare or slap a label on himself. Though bullies throw their limited and cruel vernacular at Nate, he holds his head high. We are who we are and who we are is beautiful. He encounters hateful people, loving people, straight people and gay people and sees them all as equal individuals. When it comes to bullies, or a-holes, he speaks words of wisdom saying each day we all make a choice whether we're going to be a nice guy or an a-hole and Nate chooses to be a nice guy even in the face of bullying.

     I dare not spoil the events of the story. Will Nate make it to the audition? Will Nate make it back home undetected? Read it and find out but know that your heart will be engaged and you'll fall in love with Nate as you're cheering him on, admiring his courage. Nate's an inspiration for us all to follow our hearts and realize our dreams are always within our reach.

     Check out Better Nate Than Ever at your local library. You can purchase Better Nate Than Ever for Amazon Kindle or buy the hardcover book here. It is also available as an unabridged audio edition via Audible.