Title: Sean Griswold's Head
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pub. Date: 3.1.2011
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Romance, Family, Acceptance, Friendship
Pages: 288
Description (from Goodreads):
According to her guidance counselor, fifteen-year-old Payton Gritas needs a focus object-an item to concentrate her emotions on. It's supposed to be something inanimate, but Payton decides to use the thing she stares at during class: Sean Griswold's head. They've been linked since third grade (Griswold-Gritas-it's an alphabetical order thing), but she's never really known him.
The focus object is intended to help Payton deal with her father's newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis. And it's working. With the help of her boy-crazy best friend Jac, Payton starts stalking-er, focusing on-Sean Griswold . . . all of him! He's cute, he shares her Seinfeld obsession (nobody else gets it!) and he may have a secret or two of his own.
In this sweet story of first love, Lindsey Leavitt seamlessly balances heartfelt family moments, spot-on sarcastic humor, and a budding young romance.
SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD is my first Lindsey Leavitt novel, but it won't be my last.
This book is cute and funny. I'd heard lots of great things about it before deciding to pick it up, but was worried it'd be more middle grade than YA. Instead, I'd say it's more upper MG - it's definitely MG appropriate - and YA-friendly.
When Payton chooses her classmate's head as a focus object, she isn't taking the assignment very seriously, but her journal entries about it are hilarious. It doesn't take Payton long to realize that there's more to Sean Griswold than a big head... and that that big head is actually kind of cute.
Eventually, Payton's father's MS becomes more apparent and she realizes she needs to face her fears and feelings about the situation... because sarcasm and anger isn't going to make it go away. Her focus object actually ends up being more help than she'd imagined - considering she basically chose Sean's head to be rebellious - and Payton realizes that it isn't always about fixing a situation, but rather how you react and respond to the problem.
Annnnnd this cover is adorable. I don't think it appeals to guys in any way, but it fits the book perfectly!
If you're looking for a relatively quick read that has humor and shares a worthwhile message, pick up this latest offering from Leavitt.
SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD is my first Lindsey Leavitt novel, but it won't be my last.
This book is cute and funny. I'd heard lots of great things about it before deciding to pick it up, but was worried it'd be more middle grade than YA. Instead, I'd say it's more upper MG - it's definitely MG appropriate - and YA-friendly.
When Payton chooses her classmate's head as a focus object, she isn't taking the assignment very seriously, but her journal entries about it are hilarious. It doesn't take Payton long to realize that there's more to Sean Griswold than a big head... and that that big head is actually kind of cute.
Eventually, Payton's father's MS becomes more apparent and she realizes she needs to face her fears and feelings about the situation... because sarcasm and anger isn't going to make it go away. Her focus object actually ends up being more help than she'd imagined - considering she basically chose Sean's head to be rebellious - and Payton realizes that it isn't always about fixing a situation, but rather how you react and respond to the problem.
Annnnnd this cover is adorable. I don't think it appeals to guys in any way, but it fits the book perfectly!
If you're looking for a relatively quick read that has humor and shares a worthwhile message, pick up this latest offering from Leavitt.
I'm glad you liked this book! I loved it too!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not a appealing guy cover ^_^ I thought this was a fun book too, and you make an interesting observation. "Payton realizes that it isn't always about fixing a situation, but rather how you react and respond to the problem" Well said ^_^
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of this before, but it's definitely landed a spot on my to-read list! I just love the concept of obsessing over the back of someone's head. Classic! ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, it was a very cute book! Super quick, definitely worth the time.
ReplyDelete