Novel Winger is an emotional rollercoaster

Alejandra Rodriguez, Staff Writer

I dove into “Parry’s March Madness” and read one of the bracket’s advancing book, Winger by Andrew A. Smith. I had read it a few months back but since it has been advancing along the Modern Fiction bracket, I decided to re-read it.

Big mistake.

Now, I don’t say it was a big mistake because it’s bad – it’s actually one of the best novels I have read – but it’s quite an emotional rollercoaster. Just looking at the cover, you start to feel pity for the guy on there. Who, if you decide to read it, you’ll discover to be Ryan Dean West.

There’s countless reasons why this book is an emotional rollercoaster but a must read. I don’t want to list out all the reasons I loved the book because then I’d be stepping into “Spoilerville”, and nobody ever likes this town, but I’ll give a synopsis that is sure to lure you in.

Ryan Dean West, a junior at a prestigious boarding school, is going through things everyday teenagers go through; first loves, painful sports, school rivals, bullies, school dances, weird hobos and you know the rest.

Throughout the book, you grow attached to Ryan and you’re always hoping things turn out the way he wants. He’s well deserving of good things due to the things that happen to him in the book, bad things (you’ll have to read to find out, of course).

To add to how wonderful the book is, it has drawings/comics/diagrams! Who doesn’t love books that take a break from words to show you sketches. I know I do!

All in all, if you ever have a chance to read it, please do because although you’ll feel happy at moments, then sad, then devastated, it’s worth the ride. Remember though, when you sit down to read it, have a box of tissues with you.

Happy reading!