Ferguson's debut is a hysterically funny, fresh, and distinctive novel that perfectly captures the voice of a teenage boy.
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Sep 19, 2008
I couldn't put this book down when I started reading it. That has not happened a in long, long time. Ferguson's story moved quickly and I grew attached to Charlie. I was dissappointed when the book ended and there was nothing left to read.
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Nov 11, 2008
Becky
rated it: 
Ferguson, Drew. 2008. The Screwed Up Life Of Charlie the Second.
Okay, so maybe getting my scrawny ass pushed into the back of a Crystal Lake cop car wasn't the smartest thing I've done, but Dana's party last night--it sucked. She should thank me. The only thing anyone'll remember about the party is me getting busted.
What can I say about this one? I think you'll either love it or hate it. If you're looking for a book about the awkwardness and glory of a guy having his firs More...
Okay, so maybe getting my scrawny ass pushed into the back of a Crystal Lake cop car wasn't the smartest thing I've done, but Dana's party last night--it sucked. She should thank me. The only thing anyone'll remember about the party is me getting busted.
What can I say about this one? I think you'll either love it or hate it. If you're looking for a book about the awkwardness and glory of a guy having his firs More...
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Sep 29, 2008
Beverly
rated it: 
I was torn, do I review this book (and be embarrassed that I actually finished/read it, or just delete it from my list so no one would ever know I picked it up...) Obviously, I choose to review. I was actually excited to read this book, because I went to school with the author. Even the back made it sound a little interesting, and hey, it was my High School, so why not give it a try. Wow - I don't think I've HATED a book this much in a very long time. I found it very offensive (and my book g
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Mar 31, 2009
Dave
rated it:
A pretty good coming of age novel. I understand that this is Drew Ferguson's debut effort.
This book is written like a personal essay for college entrance turned into explosive personal, tell-all memoir (when I say "like" I am not using a simile, that is a conceit of the book).
I found the character of Charlie the Second interesting and compelling,if slightly unbelievable (he was pretty 'together' for such a dweeb). I also think that his supposedly horrifying existence as a More...
This book is written like a personal essay for college entrance turned into explosive personal, tell-all memoir (when I say "like" I am not using a simile, that is a conceit of the book).
I found the character of Charlie the Second interesting and compelling,if slightly unbelievable (he was pretty 'together' for such a dweeb). I also think that his supposedly horrifying existence as a More...
Dec 09, 2008
Nancy
rated it:
Charlie is the not only the dork of his senior high school class, is singled out for harassment for being gay, and is a huge disappointment to his father. Not only that, but his best friend since second grade now has a girlfriend, so he finds himself with a lot of time on his hands (and a lot of time with his hands on his dick). When cute and popular new student Rob shows an interest in him, Charlie keeps thinking it must be a mistake, but he soon finds himself with a boyfriend (and even more re
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Jan 14, 2012
BookChic
rated it: 
Just putting this out there right away, this book is VERY explicit when it comes to sexual matters, particularly solo and with another guy. It is pretty much erotica with plot, and I do mean that in the best way possible because I really did enjoy this book. However, I do think that it pretty much limits the audience due to the amount and detail of sex that happens throughout the book. While I had no problem with it (being a gay man myself), it may make other people uncomfortable reading it. But
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Mar 01, 2010
K.
rated it: 
I didn't go into reading this book with many expectations other than "here's another geeky high school character trying to find himself." I was surprised (pleasantly) to find out it's actually the story of a horny, gay teenager dealing with straight-boy relationships, some gay bashing, his first sexual relationship, parent-issues, and constant obsession with one's own body and er...body parts.
Charlie is snarky and self-deprecating and vulnerable. His voice draws you in and More...
Charlie is snarky and self-deprecating and vulnerable. His voice draws you in and More...
May 23, 2009
Brandon
rated it:
Drew Ferguson looks male adolescence unflinchingly in the eye - the penis eye.
Wildly entertaining, with balanced amounts of truth and insight, it's a shame it's not marketed as a YA novel, because young adults could really get some great stuff out of this, both in knowledge and in entertainment. And, that's what it is: a truly punk young adult novel. It takes typical YA fare; first romance, friendships changing, and some sort of life-changing-nothing-will-ever-be-the-same-"probl More...
Wildly entertaining, with balanced amounts of truth and insight, it's a shame it's not marketed as a YA novel, because young adults could really get some great stuff out of this, both in knowledge and in entertainment. And, that's what it is: a truly punk young adult novel. It takes typical YA fare; first romance, friendships changing, and some sort of life-changing-nothing-will-ever-be-the-same-"probl More...
Apr 15, 2009
Scott
rated it:
I had never heard of this book and only found it because it was shelved in the wrong section of the GLBT Library I volunteer at. The Screwed-Up Life of Charlie the Second is the first novel by Drew Ferguson. I really loved this book on so many levels and I read it almost one sitting. The story centers around Charlie at 17 year old teenaged high school boy who is struggling to figure out who he is. Charlie like most teenagers struggles with his parents, his friends, and finding the keys to happin
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Nov 28, 2008
Lauren (Shooting Stars Mag)
rated it:
Charlie Stewart the Second isn’t the most popular guy in his High School. He’s a geek with a dad, whom he calls First, that is always pushing him to do better. Not to worry though, Charlie is also pretty sarcastic and plays soccer. It’s actually that sport that begins to change his life, when a new kid joins the team. When the two start a relationship, Charlie is thrown into a world of discovery, passion...and death?
The Screwed -Up Life of Charlie the Second is told entirely through More...
The Screwed -Up Life of Charlie the Second is told entirely through More...
Nov 22, 2009
Steve
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 04, 2008
Teen
rated it: 
Jesten
This book grabs you from the moment you start reading it, but at times it repulsed me. It's a great discussion book (q's at back of the book), but is definitely for high school students and up. Lots and lots of masturbating and some sex.
This book grabs you from the moment you start reading it, but at times it repulsed me. It's a great discussion book (q's at back of the book), but is definitely for high school students and up. Lots and lots of masturbating and some sex.
Jan 06, 2012
Soapychk89
rated it:
For the sake of honesty, I should admit I didn't finish this book even though I have it marked as "read". A couple of factors turned me off of this book. One, I don't really get the sense that Ferguson cares for women as human beings much. Two, we get it, okay, guys masturbate. A lot.
The only likable female characters in the book are Rob and Charlie's mothers. All the girls they go to school with are vain, slutty bitches, and if they do happen to have any redeeming qualities More...
The only likable female characters in the book are Rob and Charlie's mothers. All the girls they go to school with are vain, slutty bitches, and if they do happen to have any redeeming qualities More...
Feb 24, 2009
Edward
rated it:
Drew Ferguson’s Screwed Up Life of Charlie The Second is an enjoyable coming of age with a funny identifiable main character. Charlie is tall and gangly, smells funny, and is a chronic masturbator -- in other words, a typical teenage boy. Even being gay and butting heads with his father (Charles the first) doesn't make Charlie that out of the ordinary. But when Charlie makes friends with Rob, The New Cute Kid in Town, the sexual tension, coupled with the above-mentioned chronic masturbation tu
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Jun 20, 2008
Robin
rated it:
While this is a very enjoyable read, and well-written, when I got to the end I didn't feel as if I'd learned anything or had come to feel anything in particular for the protagonist, other than sympathetic. The writing is true but not deep, and the story line contained no surprises.
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Mar 24, 2009
Kendra
rated it:
Well...this book wasn't what I thought it was going to be. If you just read the cover, it sounds like it's going to be about the trials of being a high school geek. And yeah, Charlie is kind of geeky, but they really should have used some truth in advertising: This book is about Charlie's coming of age as a gay teenager. Why hide that in marketing the book? I liked the diary format, but the book as a whole seemed too be trying too hard to be funny. And it was gratuitously graphic. I'm not
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Jul 22, 2009
Nikki
rated it:
One of the funniest, truly laugh out loud books I've read in a loooong time. But warning! I'm not actually recommending this book to everyone, because I totally understand that it's NOT FOR EVERYONE.
It's very crude. A lot of dick-humor, and explicit sex scenes. Personally, I love filthy crude humor, that's just who I am. But I get it that others don't. What's even better about this book is that behind all the crudeness, (and you kind of have to look for this) there is a boy wh More...
It's very crude. A lot of dick-humor, and explicit sex scenes. Personally, I love filthy crude humor, that's just who I am. But I get it that others don't. What's even better about this book is that behind all the crudeness, (and you kind of have to look for this) there is a boy wh More...
Nov 09, 2010
Bianca
rated it:
I found Drew Ferguson’s novel to be fascinating in its own right, though not wholly satisfying in terms of plot and character development. The main focus is Charlie’s life, his interactions with others and how blatantly self-absorbed he acts in his complicated existence. Charlie’s criticisms were amusing in the sense they lacked justified reason and simply stemmed from hormonal anger and hostility (and, perhaps, loneliness), but the fact this was the only solid element within the book was quit
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Sep 07, 2011
Hope
rated it:
I was very mercurial when it came to deciding whether or not I liked this book. I kept changing my mind, but in the end I decided I really did enjoy it. I think it captures the awkward feelings of high school lust and love quite well. I think the desire to fit in and find someone to love is something we can all relate to.
I will admit, I did find the mentions of sex and self-love a bit explicit. But unlike other readers on this site, I don't think that automatically means this boo More...
I will admit, I did find the mentions of sex and self-love a bit explicit. But unlike other readers on this site, I don't think that automatically means this boo More...
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Sep 01, 2008
Amy
rated it:
I had a hard time putting this one down, but then, I'm a sucker for gay/lesbian teen romances.
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Jan 24, 2010
Scott
rated it:
If I had owned this book in high school it would have helped a lot. I imagie it would be hard to turn the pages now though.
I think Ferguson captures the anxiety of a first gay male relationship very well. Is the a little too much sex for me to recommend the book openly to questioning students? yes. Is it something I think kids should fall upon in the library and read in in their bedrooms? yes. It's okay for straight boys to talk about crushes and sexual desires, but gay teens often More...
I think Ferguson captures the anxiety of a first gay male relationship very well. Is the a little too much sex for me to recommend the book openly to questioning students? yes. Is it something I think kids should fall upon in the library and read in in their bedrooms? yes. It's okay for straight boys to talk about crushes and sexual desires, but gay teens often More...
Jun 13, 2009
Sean
rated it:
I read an excellent review of this in the Chicago Reader tonight. It looks like a very good read indeed. Stay tuned.
I finished reading the book last week, though this is my first opportunity to indicate my pleasure with having read it.
Ferguson is a good writer; I found his characters compelling, interesting, multi-dimensional, and intriguing.
I will say it reminded me an awful lot of "Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky, yet it stand More...
I finished reading the book last week, though this is my first opportunity to indicate my pleasure with having read it.
Ferguson is a good writer; I found his characters compelling, interesting, multi-dimensional, and intriguing.
I will say it reminded me an awful lot of "Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky, yet it stand More...
Mar 14, 2011
Christian
rated it:
For starters, let me say how pleased I am that this book wasn't promoted as a YA novel just because it has a teenaged protagonist. I'd say there's far too much discussion of sexuality for them to consider doing that, but, well, Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging anyone?
Anyway, I found that I really enjoyed this novel. Yes, it's told in journal format and what not, but Charlie has a rather captive voice that actually comes across as a legitimate seventeen-year-old boy. And the awkw More...
Anyway, I found that I really enjoyed this novel. Yes, it's told in journal format and what not, but Charlie has a rather captive voice that actually comes across as a legitimate seventeen-year-old boy. And the awkw More...
Jun 08, 2009
Jocardo
rated it:
I absolutely loved this book! It was sweet, goofy, sexy, innocent, clever, funny, sad, romantic, erotic....everything I look for in a boyfriend! I ripped through this book and fell in love with the Character of Charlie. I loved his outlook on life and wished being a gay teenager would have been as "interesting" for me as it was for him. I am happy the way the book ended and I am sad to leave Charlie behind. It was nice to read a book about being gay without it really about being g
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Jan 16, 2009
Erin
rated it:
omg, it's set in my high school. wonder how he'll describe the Pit?
....I liked it. For a couple of biased reasons and at least one real reason:
1) I was always on the alert for a hometown reference. Even Pop's Popcorn Crib got a shout out!
2) It was nice to read about normal kid problems - not vampire-type ones.
3) I really did like Charlie. He was awkward and a mess and he got stronger than I anticipated he would by the end. I liked being surp
....I liked it. For a couple of biased reasons and at least one real reason:
1) I was always on the alert for a hometown reference. Even Pop's Popcorn Crib got a shout out!
2) It was nice to read about normal kid problems - not vampire-type ones.
3) I really did like Charlie. He was awkward and a mess and he got stronger than I anticipated he would by the end. I liked being surp
May 24, 2011
Ryan
rated it:
This was the first gay-themed novel that I think really captured the difficulties of growing up gay and teenage relationships. It was also very graphic, which is realistic and enjoyable to me. The writing is rather well done, particularly for a LGBT novel. And the characters are great; I definitely felt with them throughout the whole book. Definitely something I would read again.
Aug 06, 2009
Chris
rated it:
Gay or straight, we can all find an aspect of ourselves in Charlie. One of the funniest and dirtiest and perverse-est books I've ever read. Everyone should read this, and I'm not just saying this cuz Drew's an old pal of mine. For anyone who has ever felt they were an outcast on any level, read about Charlie. This book will make you laugh and cry at the same time.
Mar 06, 2010
Scott
rated it:
This book started strong. I wanted to give it 4 stars, but in the end it's closer to 3. Maybe 3.333. The final 80 pages didn't live up to the promise of the first 170, in my opinion. Still, the author did a great job with the first-person teen narrator. Charlie is funny and likeable, for the most part.
Aug 27, 2009
Nicholas
rated it:
Be privy to the comical, filthy excursion of Charlie's first time having sex, the true to life, youthful routine of chronic masturbation, and the bitter sweet elements of early relationships. Dirty and delightfully awkward.
Jan 27, 2009
Jesse
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
