You Don't Know Me

Reader reviewed by Dede

John is a teenager who has a tough life. His dad walked out and disappeared when he was a baby and his mom is dating a man who physically abuses John when she's not around. Which is quite often because she works long hours at a factory. He doesn't have many or any friends (he calls them friends who aren't really friends), has a crush on one of the popular girls, and a wicked sense of humor. He plays the tuba (or the tuba plays him) in the band. The band teacher is a man who feels for John and suspects things aren't handy dandy in his life but John pretty much ignores the teachers concern. John gets the nerve to ask the popular girl, Gloria to the basketball game but things don't go as he planned. When John's mom has to fly to a different state to be with a dying aunt, her boyfriends assault on John escalates. This book reminded me of teenage years and issues very well but the way John acted at times and the way it was written had me picturing John as younger. It is a good book and most teens will probably like it because it resonates.

Reader reviewed by Jazzy Spazzy

0MG! This was far most the awesome book I have read. I don't read many books, but I read this one for a class unit [indidentent study unit], and it was so intersting that I had to finish it ina 3 hours... :P
This book gives the reader a sence of how some people mostly children go through but can't tell due to circumstances in their lives. To enter John's world you have to understand the fact that things aren't always what they seem to be....

Overall, i recmmend this book for anyone from the ages 12 and up..

Reader reviewed by TheBookworm

Sad, Witty, Horrible, Humorous& Odd right. Nope.
You dont know me& by David Klass
5 out of 5 stars

You don't know me by David Klass is a sad, witty, horrible, humorous novel that is completely brilliant.

Fourteen year old John, the book's narrator, is slowly losing his sanity. But how much sanity can he really lose if he wasn't all that sane to begin with? Because of his neglect ion and abuse, John lives in a lonely, cut-off world. Not being able to understand new found feelings and thoughts, he edges a little closer to the deep end.

As You don't know me continues, many unexpected events occur. Events such as his crush takes notice of him, a tuba solo, his mother's abusive boyfriend will soon become his new father, teachers learn that he is not invisible, and tons more usual and unusual events. While this plays out John is finding himself in more of a angry, humilified, and hurt state.

From the first page on, John develops a three- dimensional human likeness. By the second chapter John is no longer a one-dimensional outline, but a living, breathing, feeling human being who you instantly bond with.

Although John is approaching depression, there is never a dull moment. John's simple pitying, odd humor effectively molds him into a very likable character that will keep you hooked to every word and detail. And also gets you very near the edge of your chair in anticipation.

Reader reviewed by Kristin

You Don't Know Me is the most interesting, eccentric, endearing, and flat out best book I have ever read, also having the rare quality of becoming better and better with each chapter until the poignant and fabulous ending. John's tone and voice are extremely unusual, filled with sarcasm, odd comparisons, and silent ramblings, and in this way Klass manages to present a novel dealing with child abuse without overly depressing the reader. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting read - adults too; my parents loved it.

Reader reviewed by Jellybean. =)

Wow. 'You Don't Know Me' is a truly unique book. It had me laughing hysterically at some parts, while it also made me cry. The story is told in the point of view of John, who is, on the whole, is pretty sarcastic.

David Klass writes the voice of John spectacularly. It is raw and filled with emotion. This book is a definite must read.

Reader reviewed by angel0292

i read this book a while ago, but i really liked it. My friend recommended it to me so i thought i would recommend this book to you all. This book is like a person talking but you dont know who it is. kind of a stalkerish book, i think. many people i know read this and really liked it. The cover is really interesting and you will be hooked on to this book until you finish it.

Reader reviewed by JEN<3

This book is really good. It is about a teenager who has to go through a lot. This book can make you cry and laugh at the same time. In the beginning it can be a little confusing because you're not sure what is going on but it gets better. I would recommend this book to anyone that like's dramas.

Reader reviewed by iki

In this book ther is a boy and he talks about goint to the mall with his friends. going to a basketball game with a girl he likes, dealing with his moms lovers mean-ness. it is a great book thatkeeps your attension. It was kind of hard to comprehend the first few pages but once you get past those it is smooth sailing. Have a good read! :)!

Reader reviewed by wendtjuh

after choosing this book for a book review and having two days left to write it I guess i have to finish it, but so far it is the most boring book I have ever read!

Reader reviewed by noxzeema

John is a typical boy, with family problems and tring to get the girl he likes to notice him. But the way he describes his life, his very originally humorous. Much like the Rennison books only minus the british and add a lot more sadness. John is a character who we can all relate to, you can't help but hope for a happy ending for him.