Shut Out

I really loved the DUFF.
It has been years since I read it, but I remember being completely wrapped up in the story and the writing.
I figured I'd love Shut Out just as much.

But, it wasn't half of what I wanted it to be.

It was a simple read to get away from all the heavy stuff I've been reading lately.
It was something to do on a lazy afternoon.
It was sweet and funny.

But there was something about it that I felt could have been more.

This is a book that I want to love, one that I think I should love, but for whatever reason I can’t quite do it. Kody Keplinger wins a lot of awards from me for being open with sex in YA, but then she contradicts herself. And she wins awards for managing to pull off a cute/corny ending without making me gag, but then I remember that her main character’s logic is severely flawed. And, overall, I think there’s just something about Shut Out that doesn’t sit right with me, even though I can’t explain what that is. This is a good book, though, and I’d urge just about everyone to read it for herself.

Shut Out features narrator Lissa, who is tired of inter-school rivalry and decides to do something about it—by going on a sex strike. This sounds like it would be quirky and silly, and it is in a way. I think Keplinger has the unique ability to couple cutesy plotlines with serious pro-sex messages, and it works for her. At the same time, though, I fail to understand Lissa’s logic in instigating the sex strike. So your boyfriend is blowing you off to prank the soccer team and some freshman got hurt. MY first thought would be to talk to an adult about this, or StuCo, or start an awareness campaign or something; MY first thought would definitely not be “no sex.” But, you know, that’s just me.

I think another problem with this book was that Lissa (and Keplinger) made a big deal out of something that wasn’t so major. Yes, this rivalry is stupid and not good, but comparing it to the Peloponnesian War, where people got, you know, killed? Overkill. Overdramatic. Cue eye rolls from yours truly.

Also, as I’ve come to expect from Kody Keplinger novels, there was quite a bit of talk about double standards and teen sexuality going on in Shut Out. On a cerebral level, I agree with just about everything Lissa and her friends argue. There were some great lines in this novel, not going to lie, and I know for sure that Keplinger’s heart is in the right place and that YA needs more authors like her. However, I thought that entire aspect might have been a bit preachy. Basically, Lissa and the other girls sit down and then complain about double standards and talk about sex in a very forced made-for-TV movie kind of way. It’s hard to explain.

But Keplinger does have the amazing ability to set up the most corny romance in the history of corny romances (the love interest’s name is Cash Sterling, for Pete’s sake!), and somehow make it work. The final scene in Shut Out is even more clichéd than The DUFF’s final scene, but it works. I don’t know how, but it did. It was so squishable and cute and agh. I loved it. Stupid name aside, I really did like Cash—genuine, sweet, nice guy.

Altogether, I liked Shut Out. It wasn’t my favorite book, and I had some issues with how Keplinger inserted herself into the text (this is a known problem of hers), and I wasn’t a fan of the narrating protagonist, Lissa.I love that it’s different from other young adult contemporary novels in that it deals honestly with sex and double standards; but I think the vehicle Keplinger used to convey those messages didn’t work too well. At the same time, this book was a lot of fun, it was unique, and I thought the romance was fairly well-done. As I said, this is a recommended read.

In Shut Out by Kody Keplinger, Keplinger raises a ton of excellent points even while keeping with the light-hearted tone of her books that is so inviting. We are introduced to Lissa, a girl of raw nerves, guts, and riddled with insecurities that lead a suspicious trail back to her goofy boyfriend who is constantly causing her to doubt herself and her decisions toward sex, always making her feel broken open and ashamed for keeping her virginity intact, either with subtle comments or more drawn-out embarrassing sentiments. Lissa has to discover more about who she is, what she expects from herself, what she can handle and what’s she comfortable with, learning that she and only she has the right to decide and can reserve the right to change her mind and that that independence isn’t a cause for embarrassment as her boyfriend would have her believe.

The concept that starts a rebellion amongst the girls-a strike to break up the school’s longest standing rivalry between their own sports teams-is so… unique, interesting. It takes some serious guts to organize something of that magnitude and to attract other girls to get involved. The friendships that form because of their united front are heartfelt and lend a sense of empowerment, of togetherness, and allows the girls to express themselves to each other without fear or shame in knowing that their thoughts and their stance on sex will be accepted. The feminine support is addictive and hilarious, bringing comfort even amongst enemies who just about swear, initially, never to befriend one another and instead come to an understanding they never would’ve reached otherwise. Old friendships are rekindled even as new ones are forged, and together they work meticulously to overcome the protest mounted by the boys.

Because this is such a short book, it’s easy to feel as if the romance doesn’t get enough page time, and, after careful consideration, I believe that holds true—I wish there had been more time to get to know Cash and witness more of that spark between he and Lissa. However, we can’t help but grin at the sexual tension, the frustrating unspoken questions, and the history that makes them uneasy with each other because it makes their coming together all the sweeter (and no, that’s not a euphemism for something naughty—or, is it? *waggles eyebrows*).

I could barely fight back calling GO TEAM! with all the girl power vibes fluttering around, and it’s amazingly entertaining watching both sides of the strike attack in their subtle ways to weaken the opposition. More than that, each girl discovers some truth they’ve been attempting to hide from themselves, and move forward capable of making better, healthier decisions with their well-being in mind. Overall, I was left feeling satisfied and enlightened and just itching to watch something that holds the same mood and themes. Keplinger has once again impressed me with another of her wonderfully-written, powerfully honest novels, and I can’t wait for the next!

Originally posted at Paranormal Indulgence, 4/12/12

What made me keep turning the page?

Lissa’s neurotic personality
The chemistry/tension between Lissa and Cash
The ideas of double standards presented throughout the book

Any complaints?

I thought this book trivialized very serious topics.

Recommendation:

Older teens
Fans of Contemporary YA

Final Thoughts…

This book was an enjoyable easy read. The story was fun and light.

I did, however, have some issues with how the idea of sex was so trivialized. There was never mention of any potential consequences throughout the story. I just worry that in the wrong hands, a young girl could get the wrong impression from this book.

On the other hand I liked how the topic of double standards was addressed. It made you think about how guys and girls can be viewed differently for the same type of behavior.

All in all, this is a fun read for a mature reader. It brings up a lot of questions and ideas to think about.

Jocks are stupid. Well, at least Lissa’s boyfriend is. He would rather leave a half-naked Lissa in the car to chase after some team rivals who egged his car. Seriously, if I were Lissa, I would want him checked out at a hospital. Maybe boys are different now, but when I was in high school, no boy in his right mind would leave a topless girl alone in a car to run after some punks.

But I digress. So, there is this rival between sports teams in the same school. The soccer team and the football team have been rivals for so long that nobody even remembers why. But that doesn’t stop them from playing pranks on and beating the crap out of each other on a daily basis. Finally, Lissa realizes how ridiculous the whole thing is, gathers the other sports girlfriends together and gets them to declare strike. No more nooky until the rivalry ends. Of course, the boys are upset, but they don’t give in quite as easily as the girls expected. Suddenly, it’s not about the rivalry anymore. It’s a contest to see who will be the ultimate winner.

I really enjoyed this one. It was fast paced (I read it in 2 days) and fun. There was nothing sad or scary or really deep about it, it was just fun. The dialogue was snappy and full of quips and one-liners.

“So I asked around about The Blond,” she said, sitting down on my bed once the room was completely slumber party-ready. “She’s a sophomore. Her name is Autumn Elliott. What the hell kind of name is Autumn? Why don’t they just call her Fall or The Depressing Season When Everything Starts to Die.”

If you set aside the obvious stereotypes (the virgin, the slut, the man-whore, the jock), the characters are fine. Not a whole lot of back story, but I don’t think it’s really needed. You just want to know about these kids right now. One thing that kind of bothers me (in this book and many others out there) is how oblivious the females seem to be to the males who dig them. It’s obvious to their friends, family and the readers, but the girls are all la-di-da. Sometimes it just seems so unrealistic.

The plot seems like a unique one to me, and I like the way it’s presented. These high school girls are using their vajayjays to make a change for the better in their school. It turns into something else, but it’s handled well, and they all learn something about themselves. I like how the final takeaway is everyone is different and that’s perfectly fine.

There is very frank talk about sex and all the different versions of it. I don’t remember talking quite that way with my friends in high school, but maybe all my friends were prudes. Even with all the sexy talk, there are very few actual sexy hot scenes. There’s a few that are fairly steamy, but the sweetness is a nice balance.

The Sum Up: A fast paced fun book that is entertaining and actually has a pretty decent message underneath the bawdy talk.

SHOUT OUT 4 SHUT OUT! I thought I had an idea of what this book was about but I was surprised to find that the story and the characters were not quite what I was expecting - they were better. (Btw, is it just me or does the cover model look a little like a young Liv Tyler?)

Lissa Daniels is dating Randy, the quarterback for their school football team who, along with his teammates is part of the long standing rivalry with the school's soccer team. (I was a soccer player girlfriend in High School so I couldn't help but be Team Cash by default from the Intro page...my sincere apologies to Randy & the other guys.) Lissa's tired of playing second fiddle to Randy's "boyeez" so she comes up with a plan - one which involves getting the guys from both teams to end the fighting/hazing by cutting them off, through a well organized sex strike.

She's convinced that since guys (all guys according to her) are only concerned about getting, well, you know, and they won't be able to withstand the shutout for long, thus agreeing to give up the rivalry. She enlists the help of the girlfriends from both teams and figures with the all the girls working together, they'll be able to reach their goal much faster. Seriously, guys can't go THAT long without, well...you know...can they?! Time will tell.

What Lissa doesn't count on is a) not all the guys are one track minded jerks, b) the plan begins to affect the girls in strange ways, c) the guys figure out what's up and declare "GAME ON!" and d) how her own feelings about a certain soccer player hottie could potentially blow her plan to straight to hades.

A couple of the key players in this game are Randy - Lissa's longtime boyfriend, Cash Sterling aka Mr. Unattainable and Lissa's library co-worker, Chloe - Lissa's current BFF (she's a hot mess & we kinda love her for that), Ellen - Lissa's ex-BFF (everyone should WISH for an "ex" BFF like her) and Kelsey. The best way to describe Kelsey is "Spit-Fire" - as in when she opens her mouth to speak, she literally burns those around her with her words and her primary target tends to be Chloe.

In their first meeting, the girlfriends all appear to be on the defensive about what they are or aren't doing with their respective boyfriends and what they'll be giving up during this strike. When one of the girls bravely admits that she's still a virgin, she's made to feel bad about herself at first by a few others of while another comes to her defense.

As the strike continues and the girls continue to meet for regular "check-ins", we find that several haven't been completely honest with how far they've actually gone with their guys. Some have felt the need to lie to save face or to help their boyfriends save face. This is unfortunate on so many levels because really, what's wrong with waiting?

Nobody should feel pressured one way or the other, regardless of your gender. This may be a work of fiction but the same is true in real life.

"SHUT OUT" also addresses stereotypes like why is it OK for a guy to be flirtatious with lots of girls but when a girl is, she's called a nasty name? Likewise, when a guy sleeps around, he's championed for it but a girl is deemed a slut or a whore. None of these are OK, in my opinion. The dangers of using sex as a weapon or as a tool for manipulation is covered and discusses what it means to be a "virgin" and how far one can go and still be considered one.

There are some things in this book that will no doubt make some potential readers a little uncomfortable, shoot, just the topic of that three letter word...you know...the one that begins with an "s and ends in "x" makes many turn the color of a turnip. But, I think that if you look below the surface (much like you have to do with people) to the heart of the story, you'll find strong, courageous girls and guys who stand up for what they believe in and don't give in just because someone else wants them to give it up.

Shut Out was a nice change from all the paranormal I've been reading lately. Lissa was an interesting character - one that I thought seemed very realistic. Sure, she wasn't perfect, and I know some people think she handled the sex strike in the wrong way, but I think it's the same way plenty of other people would have handled it.

Randy, Lissa's boyfriend, is always putting her second to the rivalry between the soccer and football teams. And when Lissa decides to start the sex strike and get all the other girls who are girlfriends of guys on the teams, well, Randy isn't very happy. I hate the name Randy. I'm glad he was an ass >_>

Cash Sterling made me happy ^-^ He was not a man-whore who'd slept with half the female population like too many boys in YA fiction. He was just a boy who wanted Lissa's attention, and that I was something I really liked.

However, I do feel like all of the characters were a little . . . skimmed over, I guess. They weren't developed enough, except maybe Lissa. As for Randy and Cash and some of Lissa's other friends? You know approximately two things about their lives, and that's it. i wish there could have been a little more about their families or their hobbies or something like that.

And another thing that was skimmed over was the details and descriptions. I wanted to know what her house looked like, the people, anything. I don't want to discriminate or anything, but I feel like most YA contemp. books leave out those details. That's not to say paranormal and fantasy and other novels don't do that, too; I think I just notice it less because there's too many other things to think about.

Overall: The plot was something I thought was fairly original - I've never read anything where so many people come together and go on a sex strike :P While I think the writing needed some work, Shut Out was a fast-paced novel I read in one sitting. I'd definitely recommend it for those days when you want to read a fast book that doesn't involve too much thinking. 4 stars.

The battle of the sexes is on, sprinkled with female empowerment, this is a great read for mature teens who can handle sex being talked about openly and frankly.
I really enjoyed The Duff and Shut Out left me with many of the same feelings. There were laugh out loud moments, others that made you think, and still others that were just downright HOT.
Keplinger really nails characters--they are not perfect--they are who you would find in real life, which means that they are easy to connect to and relate with.
This book talks so casually about teenage sex, and on one hand that worries me because teens are so bombarded with it, and at certain parts it makes it seem like boys can't live without it, and absolutely everyone is having it. But I really appreciate when people start opening up, and there are some that haven't had it and are still in happy relationships.
If you liked The Duff, or the premise sounds like something you'd like, then I recommend giving it a try.

Kody Keplinger easily takes you back to those unforgettable high school days, when all that mattered were sports and boys. The characters in this book are relatable in so many ways, every school had its own slut and there was always the strong willed girl who had to make a stand, we can't leave out the HOT football star that could have any girl he wanted or the completely sexy athlete that seemed unattainable .
When you combine this group of characters with a modern day setting you get a book that will have you wanting more. Great characters and a good story line are what make a Kody a force to be reckoned with.