League of Strays

Aug 01, 2012 Blythe rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Come on, I'm not THAT mean.

Shelves: netgalley-edelweiss-arc, 1-star, 2012-reads, disappointments, hand-me-some-tissues, take-your-insta-love-and-leave, read-reviewed, i-totally-saw-that-coming, losing-my-faith-in-humanity, snark-bait-ooh-ah-ah

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS AND PROFANITY.

BUT I JUST REALLY DON’T GIVE A SHIT.

Fuck, I hated this book. I don’t think I’ve ever been so offended, so disgusted, and just so damn pissed when reading a book. It genuinely pains me to see that people actually enjoyed this.

In League of Strays, the main character—who’s name I can’t be bothered to remember—gets invited to a meeting by a mysterious person. In a new neighborhood. At night.

RED FLAG #1

When at the meeting, she sees a bunch o...more

188 likes · like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Emily May added it

Shelves: ya-na, arc

Edit 07/12: I still stand by everything I've said in this review, however I do not and will never support Stopthegrbullies and I feel sad that the author is doing so. Especially when her book is about how bullying - even of those who are bullies - is wrong.
....................................................................................................

If I ever say I'm not going to read a book which has been the centre of goodreads controversy, just ignore that and take it as I will probably...more Edit 07/12: I still stand by everything I've said in this review, however I do not and will never support Stopthegrbullies and I feel sad that the author is doing so. Especially when her book is about how bullying - even of those who are bullies - is wrong.
....................................................................................................

If I ever say I'm not going to read a book which has been the centre of goodreads controversy, just ignore that and take it as I will probably give in to the pressure of my own curiosity. No matter how much the subject matter (etc.) may displease me, I can't resist the call of a highly-debated book. My initial intentions today when I picked up my kindle and opened League of Strays was to read the supposedly gay-bashing scene and then read the last couple of chapters, just so I could work out for myself what the author's intentions were of including such an upsetting event. I ended up reading the majority of the book's second half, however, I am not going to give a rating because I feel that not reading the first part of the book makes me unqualified to do so.

Firstly, I'd just like to say in the author's defence that I've seen no evidence of this sock-puppeting. I know this doesn't necessarily mean it isn't true, but it seems as if goodreads members have become extremely paranoid since the earlier author attacks and a lot of it is without good enough reason. A negative comment on your review from a new member or a private account doesn't mean that it's the author coming to bash your review. There are plenty of morons out there that get off on this kind of thing, we used to just call them "trolls" before we started crying "author". Also, when the author attempted to defend herself and deny the accusations, people then started jumping down her throat for being unprofessional... if something is a complete lie regarding the individual and not her work, then I can see no reason why she shouldn't speak out about it.

Right. And that so-called gay-bashing thing she did. I'm honestly not here to comment on the story or the characters, I'm not going to talk about whether it's boring or engaging - because I think the beginning is a big player in deciding these things and setting up how you see the rest of the novel. This might be a crap story and the characters may be as bland as they come. But one thing I gathered - and it was quite clear - was that the group's ideas were not meant to be viewed positively. It's evident in the way the story ended with (view spoiler). It seems very obvious to me that the author's message was negative about the group and their actions. There are all kinds of lessons you can take away from this, you can learn that violence only breeds violence, that sometimes the worst things start with good intentions, that revenge can make you just as bad as the one who wronged you.

I also think this book goes some way towards showing how people will turn the other cheek to things they don't like if it means they can fit in with a crowd and avoid being the victim. The league offers these comforts to Charlotte, they offer her the kind of life she's always wanted... as long as she plays along with their games.

I hate homophobia. I hate that people can experience so much mental and physical abuse just because they choose (or have no choice) to love someone of the same sex. I hate that it happens... but it does. The author shows that it happens and she eventually shows that any type of bullying is wrong - even bullying to get back at bullies. I'm not sure I'm quite as much of a pacifist as Schulman, but the "two wrongs don't make a right" idea is far better than the gay-hater portrait that has been painted of her. Schulman doesn't hate gays, Charlotte doesn't hate gays. Kade is the sicko who gets a kick out of watching people get beaten up, but we're not actually meant to like him. This is the key thing, if we were supposed to root for a character who likes to see gay people get beaten up, then you could call the author out on her homophobia. But Kade is meant to be a twat, and frankly, this makes all the difference.

One more comment from me: the writing. I've seen it praised, I've seen it described as being like a child's writing... I'd say it's nothing spectacular but is still pretty standard for the young adult genre. In my opinion, it's neither notably good or bad.(less)

98 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2012 Ashleigh Paige rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, don-t-need-my-clairvoyance-for-this, i-screamed-at-it, please-no-more-slut-shaming, e-arc-via-netgalley, right-reaction-wrong-reason, the-shameful-shelf-of-get-rid-of-it, what-kind-of-mess-is-this, worst-books-i-ve-ever-read

See more of my reviews on The YA Kitten! My copy was an ARC I received from the publisher via NetGalley.

A premise I thought had promise and a cover I kind of liked because of how the models' expressions match the story ended up going to waste and upsetting me more than I thought it would. League of Strays reads well and it was never a slog to get through, but characters I don't find the least bit interesting, bad handling of subject matter, and a lack of understanding as to why these characters...more

45 likes · like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Jord¥n rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: no one!

Shelves: beyond-crap, why-did-i-read-this, wtf, will-never-read-again, net-galley, id-rather-read-twilight, young-adult, arc, author-fucked-up

The author of this book just disgusts me to high hell. Just because people didn't like your book gives you NO right to create sock puppets and troll on book reviewers. Thats a great way to get people to not want to read your book. Just. So. Immature. -_- IMO she shouldn't have even written a book if she cant handle other peoples opinions ...

Ahem...now onto reviewing this "book"..
Wow..this book was an absolute fucking trainwreck. It was so messed up that I only read to 56%. But here's a run down...more The author of this book just disgusts me to high hell. Just because people didn't like your book gives you NO right to create sock puppets and troll on book reviewers. Thats a great way to get people to not want to read your book. Just. So. Immature. -_- IMO she shouldn't have even written a book if she cant handle other peoples opinions ...

Ahem...now onto reviewing this "book"..
Wow..this book was an absolute fucking trainwreck. It was so messed up that I only read to 56%. But here's a run down of everything that I had a problem with so far..

. I hated all the characters especially Kade, he was such a Dick. The way that he liked watching others being beat up was such a turn off.

. The main idea of teens who were harassed by bullies getting revenge on them is just plain stupid. Doesn't that fucking make them a bully too since they are "getting back" at them? *facepalm* I would honestly love to know what the hell was going through this author's head when she wrote this book.

. Apparently a gym teacher is a bully because she gave a straight A student a C in gym class so the girl freaks out because the college wont accept her cause of the low grade. So what do the league of strays(dicks) do? They trash her office and burn her grade book. Are you fucking kidding me!?!? Its a damn C not an F! Most colleges that I know of still accept you if you get a low grade in gym..I should know..

. Kade, this guy who mysteriously shows up, has been keeping tabs on the girls for weeks and Charlotte, the main heroine, thinks hes all dreamy and crap. I'm so sick of heroine's falling for the stalkers...its so yesterday's news.

. The writing was too juvenile for my liking, it made the book unbearable to get through. Also the teens were supposed to be seniors in highschool but they are acting like children with all the immature pranks. My little sister(who is currently 11) is more mature and knows better.

. There was a scene that deals with gay bashing and I was extremely offended by what went down. It was in my opinion unnecessary and I was completely appalled that the other characters had no problem with this prank. Fucking disgusting-_-. I have family members who were beat up for being gay and I was even tormented in a cruel way for being bi. I just thought that scene should have been taken care of differently.
So basically if you get bullied, its ok to get revenge on who ever bullies you. Its ok to beat the shit outa them, make them feel your pain. *eye roll*

So between the immature author and how ~~terrible~~ shitty this book was, I DO NOT recommend this to anyone. Save your precious $$$$$ peeps! Remember : friends don't let friends read horrible books :)
(less)

27 likes · like · see review

Jul 02, 2012 Lisbeth Avery {Assorted Insanity} rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: hormone-crazy-teens, horrible-heroine, author-attacks, never-again, own-kindle, reviewed

Reason I didn't want to read it (then I got an ARC).

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Actual Rating: .5/5 stars

**Caution: spoiler alert and ranting**

This book is wrong on so many levels. The story is about kids who decide to et revenge on all the injustices in their highschool. The injustices include a mean physical education teacher, a homophobic bully, and a mean girl.

Ok, not all people may find that plot idea offensive. If the author wrote this better, it coul...more

12 likes · like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Rose rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, drama, netgalley, realistic-fiction, young-adult, tough-subjects, tbr-challenge, coming-of-age, arc-or-galley

Bullying is a difficult subject matter to write about, but I think it's one that's worth merit considering many kids, pre-teens, and teens are subject to it at schools. It is also worth talking about peer pressure and how being part of certain groups that influence one to do terrible things to other people are immoral.

That said, I think "League of Strays" started out as being a book that wanted to show the induction of a girl, among many students, into a secret group that functions like a cult,...more

33 likes · like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Rayne marked it as not-gonna-happen

Shelves: what-a-jackass-or-creep, yes-this-is-a-rant

Two wrongs don't make a right.

I understand the point of the book. I really do. To be honest, if someone had approached me while I was in High School and offered me a chance to get revenge on the people that bullied me and my gay best friend, I probably would've accepted the invitation. But even back in those immature days of my youth, I had a working brain, which means that if getting revenge would physically hurt or emotionally scar people, or if it would in any way make me every bit the bully...more Two wrongs don't make a right.

I understand the point of the book. I really do. To be honest, if someone had approached me while I was in High School and offered me a chance to get revenge on the people that bullied me and my gay best friend, I probably would've accepted the invitation. But even back in those immature days of my youth, I had a working brain, which means that if getting revenge would physically hurt or emotionally scar people, or if it would in any way make me every bit the bully that I despised, I would've send that person to hell and carry on with my life. There's simply no excuse for the things I've read about this book. At this point, I honestly don't care if the protagonist redeems herself in the end, if they all regret it or if she decides to stay away from that obviously deranged and sick idea of a love interest, there's simply a line and those characters obviously crossed it. This protagonist seems like she'll just become the unquestionable and unbeatable Queen of YA moronic 'heroines', but what has me raging is the blatant and disgusting gay bashing. I seriously doubt an actual gay guy, one who has been bullied to no end because of his sexual orientation, would agree to have someone else bullied because they are gay. What freaking pride could he or she have in their sexuality if they would use it violently against someone, even if to prove a point? What point could he or she possibly hope to prove by doing the exact same thing that was done to them? I get that the point was to make the bully go through the same ordeal, but we keep going in circles if to prove how painful it is to be bullied because you are gay you decide to show how horrible it is under social standards to be gay.

Needless to say, I will not be reading this one. Not because of the trolling or the fake accounts or anything like that, but because of the contents of the book. What kind of 'moral' could I possibly take from a book that gives her protagonist no confidence, no self-worth, glorifies a violent sociopath and makes him a desirable person, and, willingly or unwillingly, promotes intolerance towards homosexuals? This is off my reading list and, from the moment I click 'save', off my mind. (less)

6 likes · like · see review

Sep 28, 2012 Beryl rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a page turner! Caveat: As the author's annoying big sister I have every reason to give this book a hard time, but it gets my highest compliment:it took me out of myself and into its world. I said to others "be quiet, I'm reading" because I was so caught up in the intriguing interplay of people. Each character has a personal agenda and a group agenda, Kade was a fascinating character study and the primary voice in the book, Charlotte, wasn't one dimensional and predictable like so many...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Evie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: october-2012, 2012-contemporary, 2012-arcs, 2012-ya, arc, blog-tour

Have you ever been bullied or teased? Have you been laughed at for being overweight, too tall or too short, too nerdy, or simply not cool enough to fit in? What if you could do something about it? What if you were offered a chance to join a secret group, one that would offer you understanding, support and friendship? And what if you could get revenge on all the people that humiliated you over and over again, hurt your feelings, smashed your confidence and dreams to pieces? Would you do it?

When...more Have you ever been bullied or teased? Have you been laughed at for being overweight, too tall or too short, too nerdy, or simply not cool enough to fit in? What if you could do something about it? What if you were offered a chance to join a secret group, one that would offer you understanding, support and friendship? And what if you could get revenge on all the people that humiliated you over and over again, hurt your feelings, smashed your confidence and dreams to pieces? Would you do it?

When Charlotte's father is offered a new job, the entire family moves to a different town. For Charlotte that means starting her senior year at a new school (which, obviously, is not easy), but also a new beginning and a chance to get away from Tiffany, a girl that bullied her at her previous school. But her hopes for a fresh start are dashed when she learns that Tiffany's family moved, too, and her tormentor will be attending the same school. Once again, Charlotte feels trapped, lonely and afraid. So when an opportunity presents itself to join a secret club called League Of Strays, Charlotte takes it, thinking she finally found a group of people she can trust and rely on. Little does she know the trouble she's getting herself into...

League Of Strays is a one of the most interesting novels I've read this year. Skilfully written, emotionally engaging, powerful, at times even deeply disturbing, it's a fascinating and complex creation. A story with a message that is extremely important and provocative, relevant and disquieting. Many books have been written about bullying, most of them from the perspective of the victim, some from the bully's point of view. League Of Strays is different from all of them, because it offers the reader an insightful look at both sides of the spectrum. And not only do we get to explore both sides of the story, but we can also see what happens when the bullied become bullies themselves. It's a book about misplaced trust, revenge, fear and peer pressure, loneliness, desperation and finding somewhere to belong. A story of people who are so hungry for attention, friendship, kindness and acceptance that they'll push their limits and do just about anything to get all that.

I found the characters to be extremely well developed. Some of them inspire sympathy, others (like Kade) are all too easy to hate and despise, in the end, though, all of them are essential to the story. L.B. gives them distinct personalities and talks about the motives behind their actions, their feelings, fears and hopes. She assigns each of them an important role to play and breathes life into their paper souls. I can't say that I liked them, but these characters are not meant to be liked or admired, they're real, flawed, lost and confused. You sympathize with them, you feel sorry for them, you get angry at them, you find yourself relating to them, but you don't really like them. Kade? Kade is a whole different story. He's a perfect anti-hero. Manipulative, charismatic, dangerous and cruel, he knows exactly what to say to get people to do what he wants them to do. Charming and caring on the outside, he's all rotten and evil on the inside. A true monster in disguise. I'd read this book just for this fascinating character alone!

There's no denying the fact that this is a book with a moral, an issue-driven story designed to teach the reader something about life and bring light to a very important topic: bullying in schools. Finding this message is up to you, though, as L.B. does not spoon-feed anything. To me, the message was clear: bullying is not OK. It's never OK, in any form or shape, even if bullying is a response to being bullied. Actions have consequences, no wrongdoing goes unpunished and, in the end, the story concludes in a very satisfactory way, but to get there you need to read all the way to the end, and you need to read with understanding. Nothing is obvious, things are not what they seem to be at a first glance, there are lies, deception and manipulation involved, and to see through all that, you really need to focus on the story and let it carry you away. I've seen way too many people misunderstand the message in this book and all I have to say to that is: no, this book does not in any way condone or promote homophobia or bullying. If you think it does, you have clear comprehension problems, or you're nitpicking at certain scenes in the book, taking them totally out of context.

L.B. Schulman's writing style is honest, raw and very smooth. It invokes many emotions, good and bad alike. Personally, I found League Of Strays to be absolutely unputdownable. Not only was I dying to find out how the story will end and when/if the revenge-madness will stop, but I was also genuinely scared for Charlotte and afraid of Kade's manipulative personality. I won't lie, this book was all kinds of creepy and disquieting, but never - not even for a minute - was it a meaningless, pointless kind of creepy and disquieting.

At less than 300 pages long, League of Strays is a fairly quick read, but also one that is sure to resonate deep within. It's the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the final page. I myself was deeply affected by its profound message and couldn't stop thinking about the plot, the characters and the events depicted within its pages. L.B. Schulman did a remarkably great job shaking me out of my comfort zone. Her story sent cold shivers down my spine, made me wince and frown, pulled me deep into a very dark and unpleasant place. It's a thoroughly riveting blend of drama and thriller, and an unforgettable look at the nightmare side of high school. A brooding and unnerving piece of contemporary fiction that I highly recommend to fans of intelligent and provocative issue-books.
(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 02, 2012 Kelly Maybedog Hawkins marked it as never

Shelves: why-focus-on-behavior, what-danger-danger-wilma-robinson

I will not be reading this book because it is about girls who get sucked into this group led by this horrible controlling and mean guy and allow him to abuse them and convince them to do horrible mean things. I am increasingly disturbed by the spate of young adult novels where girls are stalked and manipulated by boys and they just take it because they are attracted to the young men.

For additional concerns, please see comment #3.

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 25, 2012 Crystal Starr Light marked it as do-not-read

Shelves: young-adult, author-to-avoid

7/17/12
Back on the list because of new information. Was moved to "not for me" because book didn't seem like something I would care to read.

5 likes · like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Pauline rated it 4 of 5 stars

My review in French: http://featherandink.blogspot.fr/2012...

BRRRRRR I NEED TO SHAKE OFF THE CHILLS!!!!!!

It was an interesting thriller. I felt ill-at-ease all the way through expecting bad shit to happen. I was freaked out. But then again, I'm easily scared! ^^

Kade is a sociopath, a master of manipulation and a sadistic son of a b****. I mean, the kid is intense and if he wasn't so twisted, he could have worked for the secret intelligence! The things he knows, the way he manipulates and gets in...more My review in French: http://featherandink.blogspot.fr/2012...

BRRRRRR I NEED TO SHAKE OFF THE CHILLS!!!!!!

It was an interesting thriller. I felt ill-at-ease all the way through expecting bad shit to happen. I was freaked out. But then again, I'm easily scared! ^^

Kade is a sociopath, a master of manipulation and a sadistic son of a b****. I mean, the kid is intense and if he wasn't so twisted, he could have worked for the secret intelligence! The things he knows, the way he manipulates and gets into your head... Scary!
Charlotte is SO naive... I mean, she knows deep down that what the league does isn't right, but she's so mesmerized and under Kade's control, that even the most obvious proof doesn't set an alarm in her mind. It takes pretty serious stuff to happen until she does the right thing. It was really frustrating but at the end, she turns it around. Still, she gives an all new meaning to the word "victim"; in a bad way.
Nora, I didn't like. Just needed to say it. How stupid can you be???

Schulman uses bullying, a sensitive subject, to explore the mind of a violent teenage sociopath/stalker. You're so used to watching this kind of character fully grown up on TV being a murderer or a serial rapist, that you're left wondering: how and when does it all start? Here is an example. It starts early and only grows darker and more dangerous.
The author uses vandalizing, assault, cruel pranks to set the tone of the League of Strays' revenge. I think the worst is without a shadow of a doubt the beating of David because it relates to homophobia. Setting up someone by claiming they're gay is as cruel as forcing someone to come out of the closet publicly. I know a lot of readers were offended by that scene but I honestly think it wasn't the author intentions. It just shows a reality that some people are to quick to dismiss. I'm a firm defender of the LGBT cause, let's make that clear. And plundging our heads in the sand because some words or truths are too hard to accept doesn't change that bad shit like this happens and needs to stop.

Personnally, I don't give two shits about controversy about an author and the contents of a book. I like to make my own opinion about things. If I truly felt like Schulman had crossed a line in this book, I would have been the first to say so. Other than the contents of the book, I leave the rest up to other GR reviewers and bad behaving authors groups.

Finally, I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for sending this book. Thanks!
(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 19, 2012 Selene rated it 1 of 5 stars

A book where its ok to bash gay teens? Fuck no! My son is gay and I don't tolerate shit like this.

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 25, 2013 Scott Pilgrim marked it as not-interested

Shelves: contemporary

Not in a million years would I read this book!

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 27, 2013 Skyla rated it 1 of 5 stars

Does anyone else think the cover makes this look like a vampire novel? And if they are supposed to be all lovey dovey with one another they aren't standing close enough together, it looks like she is scared of him. Which is what I hope she is.

I got accepted for this as a galley and just couldn't get into it. I got to page 20 and gave up. However my friend DID read it and I have posted his thoughts below.

EDIT 14/June/2012:

So my friend decided to read this. He told me not to tell him anything a...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dear Reader,
Throughout reading the entire book, it was impossible to tear myself away from the fantastic story that is League of Strays. The only two things that could take me away from finishing this novel were: 1) sleep deprivation and 2) my mom pushing me out the door to whatever was planned for me to do that day. This innovative tale exemplifies both great writing skills and a phenomenal story line. The “dark” demeanor of this story adds an intriguing fervor, but the League of Strays so call...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 06, 2012 Cas marked it as not-worth-my-time

You were bullied and so, you are now going to bully your bullies? That makes no sense. I get the revenge thing, but by doing that, aren't you as bad as them? If you want to get your "revenge" then stand up to them. Show them you're not afraid of them. Get help from your school, family & friends and talk to them, it'll help.

As for the prank "gay bashing". WTF? Excuse the language, but it's necessary. I have (& had, bless their hearts) gay friends who went through that bullshit. I almost w...more

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Nemo (the Moonlight Library) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, mine-mine-mine, teens-rule-the-world-yo, ebook, stand-alone, 2012-read, candidate, publisher-amulet

See this review and more on The Moonlight Library!

League of Strays delivers an interesting, twisted concept that leaves a distinct impression of distaste in one’s mouth all wrapped up in a nicely decorated book cover. The cover art is intensely accurate – from the pose of the two models, the uncertain, uncomfortable fear in Charlotte (who is physically accurate) and the brooding, constipated look of Kade (who is also physically accurate). I say constipated because Kade is an intensely unlikeable...more

9 likes · like · see review

Aug 06, 2012 Jazmin rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. EDITED 8/6: reading a few different perspectives (mainly just one of the good ones, as opposed to the scathing ones, I should stop READING REVIEWS BEFORE I READ THE BOOK dammit)

Ms. Schulman definitely deserves a gold star for dealing with tough subjects like bullying and homophobia, along with the sociopathic Kade.

However, the one thing that still creeped me out was that fact that Kade knew everything about everyone in his League without them knowing at all. I would've high-tailed it out of the...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 12, 2012 The Holy Terror marked it as will-never-read

Shelves: sounds-awful

Duh duh duh ... another one bites the dust!

17 likes · like · see review

Jul 28, 2012 Hannah rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Teens who like romance and semi-dark novels.

Review of League of Strays by L.B. Schulman
07/21/20120 Comments

Charlotte, a new senior at the high school this book is set in. A few months into the year, she gets a mysterious note from someone who only calls himself K saying to meet her at the park. She does, and that's when the trouble starts.
K- Kade, for your information- wants Charlotte to join his "League of Strays" with two other girls, Nora and Zoe. At first Charlotte thinks it's a good idea- get back on the people who were mean to them-...more

like · see review

Jul 18, 2012 Lexxie (un)Conventional Bookviews marked it as might-read-1-day

Shelves: netgalley, review-books

For the time being I have decided not to read or rate this book. I cannot support anyone who thinks that the STGB website is OK.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 29, 2012 Chloe (Girl In The Woods Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

LEAGUE OF STRAYS was a quite interesting book with a deep mystery ready to be unlocked. I loved the characters and the settings written throughout the book, making this book what it is now. Especially the main protagonist of the book, Charlotte with the rest of her friends and members from the LEAGUE OF STRAYS: Nora, Kade, Richie and Zoe.

THE MEMBERS OF THE LEAGUE OF STRAYS:

CHARLOTTE; quiet and different was a character who I loved from the start. Rebelling parents and fighting and crying for h...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Amy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Originally at ...http://teenyreader.blogspot.co.uk/

Plot: Charlotte is the typical good girl, she practices her Viola everyday and obeys her parents every command however all is about to change when she finds a letter in her locker inviting her to join 'The League Of Strays' a mysterious group of loners that band together and serve out revenge to those that have wronged them. However Charlotte soon becomes uncomfortable by what the League is doing but can Kade, the leader of the league change he...more Originally at ...http://teenyreader.blogspot.co.uk/

Plot: Charlotte is the typical good girl, she practices her Viola everyday and obeys her parents every command however all is about to change when she finds a letter in her locker inviting her to join 'The League Of Strays' a mysterious group of loners that band together and serve out revenge to those that have wronged them. However Charlotte soon becomes uncomfortable by what the League is doing but can Kade, the leader of the league change her mind?

Good Points: I liked most of the other characters in the book and I thought there was a nice blend of personalities in the group. At points I liked some of the pop culture references in the book but to finish I think the ending was a little weak, though it did leave room for another book.
The author was successful however in portraying the creepy socio-path that is Kaden, however in my opinion because I hated him from the start it kind of lost the build up that I think the book needed and I think that's why I just didn't sympathise with Charlottes character.

Bad Points: Okay now some things got me a little annoyed within the book if I must be honest, for example the character of Kade who at the beginning of the book is described by Charlotte as 'Kade really likes to research people' *translate* and alarm bells ringing-- STALKER ALERT! This factor seriously creeped me out and I just could not see where this Charlotte character was coming from, I think that's why I just didn't sympathise with her or relate to her within the book at all.
I thought the beginning of the book could have had a little more about Charlotte's life before the whole joining the League thing because it kind of made me hate her character a little and in my opinion sort of rushed the plot too much.
Also there are some questionable expletives here so as I have already seen many may take offence to parts of the book.

To Sum Up... Now I know this book has had quite a lot of hate from people who vowed never to finish the book, but I decided to read it anyhow because I think everyone should read the book for themselves before heading off making decisions. Yes at times in the book I think the author went a little too far but couldn't it be argued that so did Suzanne Collins when she was killing all of those kids in the Hunger Games?
The book was okay overall in my opinion, I didn't especially love it as I thought the ending was a little 'meh' but it was an okay read , ignoring parts to the dialogue that I really don't think a teenager would ever say.
Try it for yourself though, the book is out October 1st.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 13, 2012 Patricia marked it as nope-not-interested-dnf

The title is so intriguing, and the cover suggests some..

H: I only mean to hug and protect you and look at the reader with a very weird expression on my face saying something like "I'm (over-) confident and don't care about the discomfort about the girl in my arms. Also: Why are you looking at me like that?"
S: I'm afraid, dunno of what/whom yet. Also slightly uncomfortable. Are you happy to see me or..?

NOT ANYMORE.

Nothing has brought as big a smile to my face as this site. http://stopthegrbulli

...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2012 Kate rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, net-galley, galley, characters-i-hated, controversial, couldn-t-finish, douchery, disliked-alot, flounced, meh, meh-characters, female-pov, romance, realistic-fiction, stand-alone, unrealistic, was-excited-to-read-but-in-the-end, wtf-ckery, ya, reviewcopies

I didn't find this as contoversal as others probably because this book had almost bored me to the point of sleep by the time it got to that point.

Full review to come closer to publication.

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 22, 2013 Shoshana rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, young-adult, merde

I didn't even know about the problems with the author and the troll-y fans (which I find deplorable) when I read this and therefore came to hate it purely by its own merits. Just for the record.

The only reason I read this whole thing is I was stuck somewhere REALLY boring, and the only other book I had with me was even worse. (Somehow it IS possible.)

"League of Strays" revolted me from the beginning. We follow Charlotte, new girl in town, to a mysterious meeting she's been invited to in the mid...more

like · see review

Nov 17, 2012 Owen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

This is probably one of the most controversial books I have read in a while, so I will go about this trying to do a fair review and not offend people at the same time.

I think a lot of us know what it is like to be lonely. The main character of this book, Charlotte, experiences loneliness as well. The past few years she had few friends and spent most of her time playing the viola, under the watchful eyes of her extremely paranoid parents. Ahem ahem my parents ahem ahem. So, when she receives a my...more This is probably one of the most controversial books I have read in a while, so I will go about this trying to do a fair review and not offend people at the same time.

I think a lot of us know what it is like to be lonely. The main character of this book, Charlotte, experiences loneliness as well. The past few years she had few friends and spent most of her time playing the viola, under the watchful eyes of her extremely paranoid parents. Ahem ahem my parents ahem ahem. So, when she receives a mysterious invitation promising great oppurtunities for friendship, she is ecstatic. Charlotte sneaks out one night and meets a group of people from her school. This group consists of Nora- the valedictorian candidate, Zoe- fierce and rebellious, Richie- gay (sorry, but he doesn't have much personality), and Kade- the leader who seems to know everything about everyone. He explains that they will be the League of Strays, a band of misfits that gives hell to their enemies and will become experts at embarrassing people and getting revenge. What follows is slightly controversial, but not the most controversial part. Their devious acts include trashing a teacher's office and getting the football team to beat up a "gay" teammate. Later, certain events lead to a decision the Strays must make to determine their loyalties. I know, that sentence sounded really dramatic.

I think I'll first talk about the most controversial part: the gay bashing scene. This was the main reason that so many people put this book on their lists for books not to read. I understand why they want to never touch this book, that is their choice and they have a right to it. But some people take it too far. They are always agreeing with people they look up to and absolutely bash the book. They will say things about it when they know absolutely nothing about it. To be honest, it is a little disappointing that people act like this. I want to share my opinion. Lately, there have been a lot of authors who attack reviewers. L.B. Schulman absolutely does not do this. I've seen I think only one comment she has made and it was purely to clarify something. But then, people reply to that completely in an inappropriate way, with nothing to do with her comment. Really? There is a difference between author bad behavior and controversial content in a fictional book. I know she does not endorse beating gays. I don't encourage homophobia, and it makes me sad when people just try to show off by slamming this book that has not even come out yet. I know I'm ranting a bit here, but I laugh when I see comments like "I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this but once I saw you weren't going to I won't either." Okay, um, maybe learn how to make decisions for yourself? I can definitely see those types of people. And they spread the hatred, yes, hatred, of this book by linking to other reviews and comments and putting it under shelves like "fuck-no" and "i-hope-this-author-dies". Alright, maybe they are not that severe but still.

Now that is out of my system, let's get on with my thoughts. People try to put down the writing style by saying it is poor and crap and such, but it's not. The writing is fine. This is a debut and I would love to see more of the author, because people are bashing things just to prove a point. And I don't think the author should regret writing this, or want to change her writing or book ideas. I personally have experienced people questioning what I do but I have decided to ignore them but L.B. Schulman keeps cool and professionally responds to like one comment, clarifying that she did not in fact make sock puppet accounts to give negative responses to one star reviews.

Also, I thought the characters in this book were great. There were some things that Charlotte's mom said that were so familiar and she sounded exactly how my parents sound sometimes. The Strays were great, they definitely added to the story. This whole book is about Charlotte learning who she is, and how she decides what is good and bad. One thing I thought was a little weird was the romance. It was a little unbelievable. I know she had a crush on Kade and he was manipulative, but there was just something that didn't seem like it would likely happen.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I have to say that some parts were slow, but it was a great read.

(less)

like · see review

Oct 24, 2012 Big Book Little Book rated it 3 of 5 stars

Helen for www.bigbooklittlebook.com
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Set in an average all American high school this story definitely focuses on the darker and more difficult side of school life and adolescence. Many people experience troubles at this particular time of life but the teens in this story all have a little extra to contend with. Between them they have faced bullying, been neglected by their parents, been their parents carer, faced physical abuse and general...more Helen for www.bigbooklittlebook.com
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Set in an average all American high school this story definitely focuses on the darker and more difficult side of school life and adolescence. Many people experience troubles at this particular time of life but the teens in this story all have a little extra to contend with. Between them they have faced bullying, been neglected by their parents, been their parents carer, faced physical abuse and generally have been hurt maybe more than average.

Our protagonist, Charlotte is a good girl. She has moved to a new school in a new place and has no friends. She plays the viola and is headed to music school after graduation. She is very sheltered and incredibly naive. But when she receives a note asking her to a strange meeting she sneaks out to find out what it’s all about. Here she meets Kade Harlin, who she finds very attractive, and three others that Kade has invited to be a part of the league of strays.

Charlotte does want friends and her desire to spend time with Kade leads her to join the group despite some mis-givings. From here she goes on a journey she could never have imagined as Kade’s real agenda begins to surface. Charlotte’s conscience is always whispering in her ear but she begins by switching it off and trying to turn away from the good girl she has always been. Her eyes are opened to the suffering in the lives of others and she does find some kind of friendship with them. But her relationship with Kade develops and the excitement of being with him blinds her to his faults. This is typical of many a teenage girl but Kade’s faults are pretty bad! Eventually Charlotte is forced to confront her fears and the consequences of both her actions and those of the group.

The others in the group are an interesting group of characters. I didn’t like Nora who has a real mean streak, but Zoe’s handling of her mother’s alcoholism has a strong ring of truth about it. These needy young people are ripe to be taken for a ride and Kade pulls all the strings he can to achieve this. Kade gave signals of his true nature right from the beginning but no-one wanted to see them, their need for each other was too great. He chose well for his task, but under-estimated them in the long run. It felt like the pranks the Strays played could really happen as kids egg each other on, and do. But the fact that these pranks (some are worse than pranks!) were all planned out gave it an edge. As the ideas become more vicious it is easy to see how Charlotte feels trapped into the group and into doing things she feels are wrong. It is so difficult to walk away from a gang and to stand up for your own beliefs, it’s even worse if the punishment involved could ruin your life.

Verdict: This is an interesting read, the characters engaged me and I wanted to know if Kade would get his comeuppance! It succeeds in showing how difficult it can be when you get in over your head.
(less)

like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Nathan Siegel rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, i-love-this-author

BURN FOR BURN, FURY, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, I love revenge stories, but this one took a turn for the worst. When I received LEAGUE OF STRAYS from of Amulet, I was really excited to read it, based on the striking cover. Looks at it: is the mysterious boy holding her in his arms, or trapping her in his grasp? And why does the red-haired girl look so terrified?
Charlotte is the new girl in town, and she isn't exactly making friends: the friends are making her. When she receives a note telling her to m...more

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: League of Strays
avg rating	preview: League of Strays Goodreads rating: 3.35 (296 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194623-league-of-strays?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333189421l/10194623.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194623-league-of-strays?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]League of Strays by L.B. Schulman[/url]

League of Strays

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About League of Strays

League of Strays

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About League of Strays

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)