Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature

Reader reviewed by Readergirl

The Ultimate battle between Evolution and Creationism takes place in Robin Brande's debut novel, "Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature". The main character is Mena. A girl being torn in two by what she knows is right, and the expectations of her peers. A born Christian, and happy that way, Mena's life takes a turn for the worst when she decides to apologies for being involved in provoking a fellow student. But when he decides to sue everyone in her church Mena becomes the outcast who is ill used by everyone she once trusted, even her parents can hardly stand to look at her, let alone talk to her.
Things start to look up when she meets Casey Conner, a would be geeky kid to her old friends, who ends up helping Mena through her exile and becoming her best friend with potential for more, In her science class. There she also meets the zany Mrs. Shepherd, a teacher that introduces Mena to the thought that both evolution and god could co-exist. When Mrs. Shepherd starts a unit on Evolution things really start heating up. Through all this Mena learns a lot about herself, and realizes what her faith means to her. Robin Brande has done an exceptional job writing such a delicate subject, Evolution VS. Creationism, which she has depicted with such grace and delicacy that I don't think anyone could read this book and go away angry about the focus of the plot. Not to say that there wouldn't be any disagreements on it somewhere, as you can find on any subject today, but that she airs her views so lightly as to give an idea, not a lecture. Lovable characters, interesting idea, brilliant writing; everything you need for a great read. Go out and buy Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature at your nearest bookstore today. You won't regret it.

*reposted with permission*

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Reader reviewed by Krista

This novel is about a girl, Mena, who is having the worst time of her life. She has been ostracized from her church, barely spoken to by her parents, and lost her friends. The novel starts with a first day of high school: a time known for new beginnings.

Luckily, things begin to look up thanks to Ms. Shepherd, Menas crazy science teacher, and her lab partner, Casey Connor (a boy). Alas, new problems arise when Ms. Shepherd begins the evolution section, and class members refuse to believe or be taught the theory.

One of the reasons I loved Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature was that it was SMART. It covered so many topics in just 272 pages. Combining science & religion. Right vs. wrong. Teenage love. I could keep going on and on.

In the book, Caseys sisters boyfriend makes t-shirts with the most hilarious one-liners. My favorite: Gravity Is Just a TheoryWhy Wont They Tell Us the Truth?

Reader reviewed by Beth

Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature is about Mena trying to find out what she believes in. Mena has been raised in a very conservative church, but then got kicked out of that church. The story revolves around her biology class, specifically the unit they cover on evolution. Mena has to decide what she believes and what is right.

I absolutely adored this book. The struggle to reconcile faith and science is one that I know all too well. It was refreshing to see Christians portrayed in different lights because not all Christians believe the same things. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially someone who is having a tough time being able to believe in God and evolution.

Reader reviewed by abscae

Mena apparently committed a sin. A sin that turned her parents, her friends, her church, and her faith against her. She stood up for something she believed in, and being an astute Catholic (along with her family), she now is faced with the constant rejection of everyone around. Here enters the theory of evolution, introduced by Mrs.Shephard in a science class. And along with it, Casey, the guy who can make her laugh, and excepts her.

Thus ensues Mena's trials and tribulations, her confrontations, and the revelation of what faith means to one.

I found this novel to be powerful, and quite enchanting. It addresses issues such as personal faith and morals, ideas that I don't find quite too often in the newer young adult novels. The characters are vivid, and overall, it was a wonderful read.

Reader reviewed by Jocelyn

I was going to wait and blog about this one tomorrow, but I couldnt sleep (yes, Im still up at 5:30 AM), so forgive me for any fuzziness/mistakes in this post, as I havent slept since yesterday. My mind is too busy, with various things, to sleep. Including this book, of which I intended to read a chapter of before going to bed but ended up reading the whole thing.

Yes, it really is that good. I dont want to give away too much, but Im going to have to tell you more than whats on the back cover because that is very vague which is all well and good, but dont read on if you are very very anti-spoiler.

At the start of the book, everybody in Menas group of friends, who all happen to be from her church, hates her for doing the right thing in a situation where that meant going against what her friends did. So shes starting high school not only friendless, but with people actually knocking her books out of her arms in the hallway. The atmosphere at home is a bit chilly, too; her parents seem to have sided with her church.

Theres one bright spot in Menas day, though: science class. Ms. Shepard is a really amazing (and really weird, but in a good way) teacher, and her lab partner, Casey, isnt too bad either. Soon, Menas got a new crowd: Casey, his big sister Kayla, and her friends.

Kayla, however, is a very outspoken and opinionated sort of person. So getting involved with her pretty much means that Menas not going to be suffering the freeze-out from her church in silence for very long.

First of all, I have got to say I LOVED Kayla. Mena was a great character, toothey all werebut Kayla was by far my favorite. I guess shes the outspoken, intelligent person I want to be but dont have the guts to be. Ms Shepard is another fantastic character; shes a science teacher I wish I could have! Josh, Casey, Mrs. ConnorI could go on about how great all of the characters are, but you get the idea.

EVOLUTION certainly talks about controversial issues, but its not in a heavy-handed Christian fiction sort of way. The topic of evolution obviously comes up, and it is nicely addressednot as evolution vs. intelligent design, or evolution vs. religion. I read a comparison somewhere of this book to the movie SAVED (brilliant movie, by the way, see it!), I cant remember where, and that was right on target (not that Mena gets pregnant or anything, just in the way the issues are addressed).

I love the characters and the story in this book, but its also just a very well-written novel. It obviously flowed well, if it had me in its clutches all night! Robin Brande is pretty much brilliant. This is a smart, absorbing novel sure to find a fan in anyone who reads it!

Reader reviewed by Kiersten

I enjoyed this book so much that i wish there was sequel to it. I love Mena and I hope she eventually gets off restriction. I wonder if everything work out with mena and casey. i hope all the puppies are taken good care of. i want ot know the whole story of why she is hated by everyone in the school.

Reader reviewed by Tanya

This book is an awesome read! It reminded me so much of high school, your kids will agree! Robin takes a difficult concept and helps stretch your mind around it in an easy, funny and inspiring way! Watch out, your kids might even learn something!!!
----Tanya Phillips, Austin, TX