My Kind of Crazy

My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul

Seventeen year old Hank Kirby knows he’s in for it when his attempt to ask Amanda Carlisle to prom sets her front yard on fire. But he has no way of knowing exactly what he’s in for. It isn’t legal action. It’s a girl. Peyton Breedlove, to be exact. A quirky pyromaniac who saw the whole thing. As they get to know each other, Hank and Peyton learn that life isn’t black and white and that everyone is carrying around their own baggage. But is it really possible to rise above bad circumstances?

Robin Reul has created the perfect novel. From flawed, yet lovable, characters, to Hank’s fresh voice, to a storyline so well plotted the ending is entirely satisfying, the book draws readers right in and doesn’t let go. While telling Hank and Peyton’s story, this book also imparts broader life lessons, much in the same vein as Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why and Jerry Spinelli’s Stargirl. It isn’t preachy, but challenges readers to see people, and their problems, in a different way simply by introducing them to great characters who also happen to be dealing with great obstacles. Very highly recommended.