Teenage Dirtbags

TEENAGE DIRTBAGS is a YA book about Phil and Jackson. Phil is a “troublemaker” while Jackson is a “good guy”. The two used to be friends until something derailed their friendship. They are brought back together when Phil is dumped by his boyfriend Cameron and wants to expose him as a liar.

What I Loved:
The revenge plot was everything I wanted it to be a more. I can be a sucker for a revenge plot. I just find them fun and the messy hijinks that usually go with them are a great time. This one was handled quite well and I enjoyed watching it play out. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy than Cameron.

Jackson and Phil were both amazingly written characters. They shine in different ways and readers may not relate to both of them. But it is clear that the author knew what he was going for when he wrote their characters and I think he succeeded in getting his intentions across.

I personally have a soft sport for Phil. His bad boy visage being slowly broken down by Jackson who sees past all of that just hit perfectly for me. He’s rough around the edges, but he’s got some reasons to be. Jackson was also just a sweet character to read about. He is also struggling throughout the book, but he keeps it more contained.

I also really enjoyed the discussions that the two characters were able to have together because of their differences. Discussions about class, privilege, being out. I love seeing serious topics addressed in fiction books, especially books geared towards teenagers. They are important conversations and James Acker handled them with care.

What Left Me Wanting More:
The first part of the book was a bit slow. It allows for the characters and world to get introduced, which is great, but it also means that it may be hard to hold a reader’s attention at times. I struggled with trying to get through the first part of the book for a while but hoped that the revenge plot would be worth the effort.

Final Verdict:
If old friends bonding over getting back at one’s toxic ex interests you, TEENAGE DIRTBAGS is a great choice of read. The added depth and seriousness of these characters just makes it even better.

Teenage Dirtbags is such an eye-catching name and the premise of the book was instantly intriguing. At first, the plot followed the summary of the book so much that I didn’t become invested until it delved more deeply into the characters and how they executed their revenge plot. There were lessons learned, friendships made and mended, and harmful and healing truths revealed along the way.
I love Phil Reyno's character. He has the reputation of a rebel and he’s surrounded by people ready to wash their hands of him. He’s mean and has had a rough upbringing. There is no sympathy from others and no margin of error for him to seek redemption. Except, Jackson Pasternak knows Phil and sees all his reasons and understands.
Jackson’s ability to make himself a dependable, upstanding student and all-around good guy hides a lot of uncertainty. It takes him a while to realize that he has room for error and everyone wants to forgive and forget any foibles he has. How the world treats these two boys is vastly different allowing for great conversations about money, privilege, and compassion.
Phil was forcibly outed on social media as being gay. Yet, everyone finds it immensely charming and side with the one who did it. Jackson can’t put into words the fact that he is not indifferent to boys and loves Phil. Phil handles the matter so supportively and gently that their emerging relationship makes for a compelling read.
Overall, the revenge plot was fun to read. I liked the new friends and relationships made when Phil became public enemy number one when his social media boyfriend, Cameron, dumped him for likes. I love the realness of Jackson and Phil’s struggles with identity and their relationship. The explored themes would make for a great book club pick and elevate the book beyond a story of two teens rediscovering their childhood friendships.