Stupid Fast: Review

Title: Stupid Fast

Author: Geoff Herbach

Release Date: June 2011

Published By: Sourcebooks

Pages: 320

Goodreads Rating: 4.48 stars

Review: Felton Reinstein has always been on the smallish side, but all of a sudden sophomore year, he starts growing and growing until he's huge. And not just that - he's fast now. Stupid fast. But along with his new athletic prowess come a host of problems: his mom's depression, his annoying little brother, and even a first love. As he starts dealing with these new-found issues, he discovers a secret from his past that both explains and changes everything.

One of the most notable things about STUPID FAST is Felton. He's at once endearing and admirable. His cute awkwardness shines through the startlingly honest narration and everything about him screams innocence, from his hilarious observations to naivety about other people. However, he has to deal with a huge amount of problems, ranging from problems in his football team to problems with his girlfriend to problems with his family itself. Everything's starting to cave in around him, and yet he manages to endure.

This book is definitely on the quirky side. When I first received this, I was worried that it would be a sports-centered book, and since I'm so non-athletic that it's a talent, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. But as I soon found, despite the cover, the focus is very much on his changing life rather than football itself, though that is still a part of it.

STUPID FAST is the rare kind of book with a completely different feel to it, from the honest and funny yet innocent narration to the touching moments that will have you tearing up. This is something everyone could enjoy, but I would particularly recommend it to boys who are reluctant readers, as the gripping quality of this novel will keep them hooked from beginning to end.


I received a free copy of this book for review. This is no way affected my review, which is 100% honest.