Play Me

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

Eighteen-year-old Ed Rochester thinks he has it all. He and his friends movie production, Riot Grrl 16, is doing well in MTVs movie contest, and Ed thinks he has a good shot of winning and becoming the next Orson Welles. He is also a successful ladies man, something that he prides himself on but otherwise doesnt give much thought to. His family is oddhis mother abandoned him, his dad, his stepdad, and his young half-brother for an acting role in Miamibut he doesnt let that get him down.

Then he remeets Lucinda Dulko. Athletic, unknowingly sexy, and intimidatingly self-confident, Eddy is nearly overwhelmed by her. Shes not his usual delicate, needy, hookup type, but that doesnt stop him from falling head over heels for her.

However, just when he thinks his life is perfect, everything falls apart. What will Ed do in the face of so much disappointment and feelings hes never experienced before?

PLAY ME has nearly the same plot of Thu-Huong Has HAIL CAESAR, about a player getting his heart broken, and the story, once again, doesnt work for me. Maybe Im a sucker for happy endings, but there are many moments in the novel that I didnt feel were at all believable, and the first half of the book dragged. The book is chock full of movie references and easy-to-read narration, but I was left not caring for the characters, which is disappointing because I loved Laura Rubys first YA novel GOOD GIRLS so much. Perhaps I will enjoy future books of herselfs more. I certainly hope so.

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Eddy Rochester is a movie fanatic, a wannabe famous filmmaker, and a player. Hes figured hes pretty much on the fast track to success with his popular online video series Riot Grrl 16. Its all about him, and the girls love him at least most of them do. But Lucinda Dulko is different; shes not as easily charmed as Eddys other conquests. Play Me followes Eddy through his ups and downs with Riot Grrl 16, his relationship with his actress mother, and his various female friends. Eddy has to realize that maybe hes not guaranteed instant success, and that maybe there are other people in the picture besides him.

Laura Ruby weaves and incredibly realistic story in Play Me. Eddys character is developed so well that I totally felt I could see through his eyes into his life. Theres something so believable about Eddys story that made me want to keep reading. The plot isnt too exciting, but reading this book was such a great experience because I could really feel Eddys emotions. There arent many books that Ive read that have such a real and honest male protagonist like Eddy. Play Me was a beautifully written and extremely honest story anyone can relate to.

If youre looking for a realistic story to read, Play Me should be your first choice. Fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Catherine Ryan Hyde will also enjoy Laura Rubys latest novel.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com