Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Mark Frye, author and reviewer for TeensReadToo.com
If STONER AND SPAZ pushed the envelope, then MARGAUX WITH AN X set the envelope on fire and tossed it from a window. This engaging and fun read by Ron Koertge presents two more likeable, quirky, and sardonic main characters who don't fit in and stop trying to.
But it's not an edgy or controversial book full of salacious and scandalous details about Margaux and Danny, two teen misfits. This book is impossible to put down due to Koertge's omniscient narrator, who guides the reader through the lives of two teens who are scarred by their parents. The narrator's voice is snarky and intelligent (Dictionary, anyone? What DOES persiflage mean, anyway?) and it's blended with Margaux's and Danny's, lending the novel a feeling of wholeness. Koertge clearly knows what it's like to be an outsider. In less capable hands, the blending of voices used in MARGAUX WITH AN X would fall flat and appear amateurish. But Koertge succeeds masterfully; the impression left on the reader is that Danny and Margaux are two parts of the same puzzle, and the narrator knows how to fit them in place because he's worked the puzzle before.
The main characters do not "complete" each other. There is no romantic sizzle. Instead, theirs is a relationship necessary to start their lives over again, without the shallow expectations of their peers in their SoCal high school environment. Danny's friendly but his awkwardness or disinterest in Margaux sexually makes him appealing to her. Although he may seem contrived to some oversexed readers, it is an unstated fact that his father's abusive nurturing has affected him in a variety of ways, both good and bad. Margaux's good looks draw men to her, a fact she resents due to her own sad past. By keeping these two on a platonic but loving level, Koertge lays the groundwork for a believable, happy ending to a compelling novel.
Highly recommended.
If STONER AND SPAZ pushed the envelope, then MARGAUX WITH AN X set the envelope on fire and tossed it from a window. This engaging and fun read by Ron Koertge presents two more likeable, quirky, and sardonic main characters who don't fit in and stop trying to.
But it's not an edgy or controversial book full of salacious and scandalous details about Margaux and Danny, two teen misfits. This book is impossible to put down due to Koertge's omniscient narrator, who guides the reader through the lives of two teens who are scarred by their parents. The narrator's voice is snarky and intelligent (Dictionary, anyone? What DOES persiflage mean, anyway?) and it's blended with Margaux's and Danny's, lending the novel a feeling of wholeness. Koertge clearly knows what it's like to be an outsider. In less capable hands, the blending of voices used in MARGAUX WITH AN X would fall flat and appear amateurish. But Koertge succeeds masterfully; the impression left on the reader is that Danny and Margaux are two parts of the same puzzle, and the narrator knows how to fit them in place because he's worked the puzzle before.
The main characters do not "complete" each other. There is no romantic sizzle. Instead, theirs is a relationship necessary to start their lives over again, without the shallow expectations of their peers in their SoCal high school environment. Danny's friendly but his awkwardness or disinterest in Margaux sexually makes him appealing to her. Although he may seem contrived to some oversexed readers, it is an unstated fact that his father's abusive nurturing has affected him in a variety of ways, both good and bad. Margaux's good looks draw men to her, a fact she resents due to her own sad past. By keeping these two on a platonic but loving level, Koertge lays the groundwork for a believable, happy ending to a compelling novel.
Highly recommended.
Age R: 13+
Release Date: September 2004
Thoughts:
Margaux is a girl in high school who is beautiful. Guys are always interested in her. But then comes along this strange boy, Danny, who is a year below her and dresses so weird. Thing is, he doesn't show a bit of interest in her. This immediately intrigues her. Margaux has a troubled past but so does Danny. Not only that but he actually gets her.
I LOVE this book so much you have no idea. If it were a person I would hug it and never let go. I loved it that much. It made me so sad when it ended. Seriously. I went back two times just to make sure it really was over. I didn't want it to be :'(.
I've never read any of Ron Koertge's (Stoner & Spaz, Deadville) books but I've heard a bunch of great things about him. Now I know why people say he's a great writer. It's because he is! Sigh. I miss this guy's writing it is really good. I have found a new favorite author. :D
Like I said before the writing is awesome. I've read that some people found this book to be to complicated and/or hard to get into. It's not, well, not to me. It's really good at least give it a chance, you will not be disappointed.
It's a beautifully crafted story about an unlikely friendship. No, it's not a love story, so don't expect one. Gosh you will seriously miss these characters. Aww I want to find me a Danny now hehe You'll know exactly what I mean once you read it. This book is unfortunately short but so full of awesomeness it will seriously leave you satisfied once you've read it. :) This is one of those books I know I'll be re-reading again and again. :D
This book is not only enjoyable to read but it also makes you think. You really need to give people a chance. You shouldn't just be friends with people you are normally friends with but..branch out you know? That sounds funny but you know what I mean. Make friends with those you don't think you'd normally be friends with. You just might find yourself a great friend. :D Toy Story!! hehe Anywho....
Characters: Margaux and Danny, sigh I love them and I will miss them terribly. I hated Margaux's parents for being such a-holes. I just wanted her to get away from them! I really liked Danny's aunt, that lady is super duper! I got so sad because her illness made her sad :( I just adored that she, Danny, and Margaux, like reading so much. :D
Cool:
The story, the well-developed, surely-to-be-missed characters, the writing, um..everything!
Not so Cool:
I didn't like that the writer kind of made it seem like what happened to Margaux was something else. That irked me a bit. I understand that I jumped to conclusions but wouldn't you? Okay you might not have any idea what I'm talking about but I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I'll just keep my mouth shut.
-tvandbookaddict.blogspot.com
Release Date: September 2004
Thoughts:
Margaux is a girl in high school who is beautiful. Guys are always interested in her. But then comes along this strange boy, Danny, who is a year below her and dresses so weird. Thing is, he doesn't show a bit of interest in her. This immediately intrigues her. Margaux has a troubled past but so does Danny. Not only that but he actually gets her.
I LOVE this book so much you have no idea. If it were a person I would hug it and never let go. I loved it that much. It made me so sad when it ended. Seriously. I went back two times just to make sure it really was over. I didn't want it to be :'(.
I've never read any of Ron Koertge's (Stoner & Spaz, Deadville) books but I've heard a bunch of great things about him. Now I know why people say he's a great writer. It's because he is! Sigh. I miss this guy's writing it is really good. I have found a new favorite author. :D
Like I said before the writing is awesome. I've read that some people found this book to be to complicated and/or hard to get into. It's not, well, not to me. It's really good at least give it a chance, you will not be disappointed.
It's a beautifully crafted story about an unlikely friendship. No, it's not a love story, so don't expect one. Gosh you will seriously miss these characters. Aww I want to find me a Danny now hehe You'll know exactly what I mean once you read it. This book is unfortunately short but so full of awesomeness it will seriously leave you satisfied once you've read it. :) This is one of those books I know I'll be re-reading again and again. :D
This book is not only enjoyable to read but it also makes you think. You really need to give people a chance. You shouldn't just be friends with people you are normally friends with but..branch out you know? That sounds funny but you know what I mean. Make friends with those you don't think you'd normally be friends with. You just might find yourself a great friend. :D Toy Story!! hehe Anywho....
Characters: Margaux and Danny, sigh I love them and I will miss them terribly. I hated Margaux's parents for being such a-holes. I just wanted her to get away from them! I really liked Danny's aunt, that lady is super duper! I got so sad because her illness made her sad :( I just adored that she, Danny, and Margaux, like reading so much. :D
Cool:
The story, the well-developed, surely-to-be-missed characters, the writing, um..everything!
Not so Cool:
I didn't like that the writer kind of made it seem like what happened to Margaux was something else. That irked me a bit. I understand that I jumped to conclusions but wouldn't you? Okay you might not have any idea what I'm talking about but I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I'll just keep my mouth shut.
-tvandbookaddict.blogspot.com
