7 Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes

Gert Garibaldi's Rants and Raves #2

by Amber Kizer

Okay, so here's the there are books about volcanoes erupting and meteorites hitting Earth and plane crashes where the survivors have to eat people—those are extraordinary crises. That's not what this book is about. I'm more the ordinary catastrophe type. This second semester of my sophomore year, there are basically 7 KINDS OF ORDINARY high school, boys, heartbreak, family, job, friends, and the future. Well, I guess everyone's life is full of ordinary catastrophes. These are mine. Hi, I'm Gert Garibaldi. Welcome to my crazy life.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2011

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on: http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.com/

7 Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes is written by author Amber Kizer. I've been a massive fan of Amber's work since I read Meridian and 7 Kinds did not disappoint.

This story follows Gert, a sixteen year old girl who narrates her day to day problems of her life and.... boy, does she have a few problems.

To be honest before I started this book, I hadn't even heard of it. I don't know why I've never heard of it because its a MUST read for the summer of 2011. If your looking for something hilarious, quirky & hard to put down....then this is the book for you!

Although this isn't usually my genre of books I would read, I still enjoyed it and found myself laughing out loud with some of Gert's problems. The author writes the story that makes you think back to your days of a being a sixteen year old. Although, I haven't experienced some of the problems that Gert does, I still found them extremely funny.

As much as there are funny sides to Gert's story, there are also some serious ones that bring you right back to the story and you really do feel for her situation. I found Gert to be such as fun character, you can't help but love.

The secondary characters were great too and I loved they sense of humour of them. I also liked how there was several parts dedicated to Gert's rants. I couldn't control myself laughing at the some of them.

Overall, a fun read. One I really enjoyed. I would totally recommend this for a summer read.

Thank you Amber Kizer for giving me the opportunity to review your work.

[AtenRa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't think of a single reason why this book is not been talked about and reviewed throughout the blogoverse, therefore falling off the radar. I truly believe that 7 Kinds... is a hidden gem that everyone has to discover and sink their teeth into!

7 Kinds... is about a 16 year old, Gert, who narrates the everyday problems of her teenage life, all the while trying to make some sense out of the craziness that is boys, friends and family.
I found myself relating to Gert on many occasions. Not so much to her sometimes over-the-top reaction to things, which I guess were used to serve a comedic purpose, but more to her mindset and the way she viewed and assessed different situations. I was thinking "Exactly!" and "That's right!" while reading through her passing judgement on things we all consider wrong, but few have the guts and required "nerve" to say it. Her friends were very likeable as well, despite being so different from Gert and from one another.
Also, I caught myself laughing out loud at so many parts in the books, it's ridiculous! All due to Kizer's amazing sense of humor!

However, I soon discovered that 7 Kinds... had another side to it.
Recently, my dad went through something awful, health-wise. The whole family was devastated and completely dumbfounded, seeing that my dad is vigor and health personified. What happened with Gert's dad in 7 Kinds... hit too close to home for me and touched me beyond words. It is amazing how you can go all "Ugh, the 'rents are driving me insane" and talk semi-crap about them one minute, and be totally overwhelmed and left aghast the next. You go on in your life thinking everything's for granted and taking everything lightly and then suddenly something happens and then it hits you. Hard and without mercy. What I went through with my dad this summer was a very sad and terrible situation but also a huge eye-opener for me and I was glad to see that Gert handled it exactly the same way, with more maturity than I ever had at the age of 16.

Holy-Mother-of-Awesome-Books, 7 Kinds... was brilliant! It's a wonderful journey through adolescence, suitable for all ages!
Highly recommended to fans of "Confessions Of Georgia Nicolson" series.

[Teen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you haven’t read the first book, a little background on Gert. She is 15 and lives with her very old parents – her older brother had already graduated from college when Gert came along. She is very smart, a little sassy and these books are the result of a journal her mother gave to her.
I enjoyed this second book much more than the first. Maybe it was because I was already used to Gert (Gertrude Garibaldi), her self-absorption, the “Tanget: sorry”s, and somewhat rambling and largely disruptive journal entries. Despite my mild annoyance at the writing style I can't help but like Gert. As a warning to the faint of heart - she is very frank, especially about her body so while there is no sex in these books (yet) there is masturbation.
Life seems pretty good for Gert. She has a boyfriend, her parents have bought her a car, and she has her first job. However, her job in the donut shop isn't turning out how she expected. Dating Stephen is also not turning out how she expected; he isn't the best kisser and he severely shocks her one night with a phone call confession that she never could have expected in a million years! She still has a major crush on Lucas - the twin brother of Tim, a.k.a. best friend Adam's boyfriend. When she finds out that Lucas is one of the student coaches for the new girls’ soccer team, she decides to try out in order to spend time in his presence. She shocks herself into making it onto the team. A school assignment - writing an essay entitled "Who Am I?" – gets Gert thinking about who she really is; and a crisis in her family changes her life and expectations for the future. Adam and Tim finally come out, at prom, despite Adam’s fear of the reaction it may cause at a school.
The book ends with her acceptance in to the Passport Program, as a reporter. Setting up the next book to follow Gert on her whirlwind fall semester abroad...in Europe!

Addictive, like candy; not necessarily very nutritious but it will leave you wanting more.Recommended for high school students.

[Softreflection · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy. Shit.
This book was fricking amazing, possibly the funniest I've read all year. i was probably high for the beginning of the book, because I have no idea how I found it boring. From Gert's (Yes the main character's name is Gert. Amazing right?) witty comments to interesting opinions, I was just hooked. She was funny and thoughtful and everything I think a protagonist should have. She wasn't a Mary Sue, Gert had doubts about herself and others, she cared about her friends and was basically, well.. just plain awesome to read about.
Well, amazing main characters aside, I'm finished with my reading block! For like the past month, I haven't been able to finish or go past 20 pages in any book! All books seemed like complete boring crap, but now my heads cleared and ready to read like a librarian with a full paid Visa in Barnes and Noble.
I like how Gert was truly honest with herself about her doubts, fears, and general opinions. It made the story just seem more honest and kind of refreshing.
Plus, adding the gay relationship, bad kissing boyfriend and heart attack in there. Oops, didn't hear that from me!
But the story seemed really well planned out and very true, I found every single thing that Gert did believable and truly something Gert would do. I just love that! Because she was unexpected in her Gert way but still believable.
The ending was DEFINITELY (Woah there, CAPS and Italacizing there.) a cliffhanger. I still can't believe there isn't a third book. There BETTER be one, or i'll go mad, murder a puppy and feed it to Justin Bieber.
Okay, maybe I won't do all of that, but you get my point, it was just truly a fantastic book that definitely has series potential.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading One Butt Cheek at a Time I was instantly hooked as a Gert Garibaldi fan. I often tell people that Gert could be to today's generation of girls what Margaret (from Judy Blume's famous tale) was to my generation.

I believe this to be even more true having read the latest installment and I think every teenage girl struggling with all that teenagedom throws at you, should read.

From the simple everyday things like Mom's terrible cooking and how you feel when your best friend spends more time with their boyfriend to the important issues of getting a job and how to know when you are ready to have sex and the pressures to fit in, Gert deals with it all in a straight forward and realistic manner that is often missing in YA books today.

Though some of the issues are very serious and even scary the story comes across with wit, guts and warmth leaving the reader feeling as though there is at least one other person out there who knows what they are going threw. Or if you are an older reader l(like myself) went through.

I wish I had Gert as a companion to Margaret when I was a teenager. If you have a niece or daughter or any young lady in your life I highly recommend giving them this book.
BE WARNED HOWEVER the language is blunt and may not be suitable for everyone. Make sure you know the level of maturity and what they can handle before giving it to anyone under 15.

And here's the real kicker, I think that this is a book that would appeal to guys as well if they like Swim the Fly by Don Calame or William Bell.

[Kat Drennan-Scace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gert is probably the first to admit that she's a bit of a spaz. Maybe that's why I could relate to her so well? Her narrative voice is super quirky and hilarious and she likes to go on semi-wild tangents which usually had me giggling. I brought it with me to the beach and it was a perfect, lighter beach read. I kept interrupting my friends to read parts of it which is usually the sign of a good book.

My favourite parts of the book were things that I never thought I'd like hearing about - soccer practice! Gert's BFF convinces her to try out for the new female soccer team and to her mortification she actually makes the team. Her descriptions of the practices had me laughing out loud.

The plot of Seven Kinds feels like a highschool year. It has its ups and downs and the climax of the book really isn't what you think it will be. While there is boy drama, it's unresolved at the end which might point towards a sequel or may just point towards realistic high school experience.

If there is another semester of Gert in the works, I'd love to read about it!

Recommended to fans of Ruby Oliver (while I'm only a few chapters in to The Boyfriend List, Gert's neurotic voice sounds a lot like Ruby).

Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophe hits shelves April 5th, 2011.

(reviewed from an ARC. Thanks Random House!)

[Jenny W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes
By: Amber Kizer
Realistic Fiction
304 Pages

Are there times where everything just seems so messed up? Well welcome to Gert's life. Gert is like any other teenage girl. She faces many problems and has to overcome them. Some are not as big of a deal but others just seem hopeless. Adding to Gert's list of problems, is being in high school. But, there is more. High school, boys, heartbreak, family, job, friends, and the future. These are all seven of the terrible catastrophes Gert has to overcome and deal with. Throughout the book, Gert faces these problems with hilarious scenarios and solutions.

I thought this book was a pretty good book. I thought the author planned out all the events really well. I also think the author does it so that it is funny and the point is actually learned. She describes everything very, I repeat very in depth as well. I liked how the author leads up to each event with other interesting small events. I would recommend this book to my friends because I think anyone would enjoy this type of book. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about the highs and low of a girl's life.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the ARC of From Butt to Booty. I have to say that it is definitely just as good as the first Gert Garibaldi, in my opinion. Again it has many laugh out loud moments, and this time I sensed how Gert was more confident and she grew into her own skin as her life changed in many ways. She got dumped by her boyfriend, one of her friends started having sex with a boy who wasn't willing to have a relationship, her brother got engaged, and in the end one of her "parentals" has a crisis that Gert doesn't expect, but handles the best she can (with much support from her friends and family). I think teen girls will definitely identify with Gert's insecurities and her many observations of life, that actually are very smart and witty. Her view of the world is flawed, but she knows it. I think that makes her a character that is believable and you end up rooting for her because she isn't perfect or trying to be. I hope there is another follow up.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book a few weeks ago when I was shopping. Sadly I didn't find out it was a second book until I got home.

But apparently that is no problem. While I was reading, I never felt that I missed something, everything just flows ok, and enough is explained.

This book is really hilarious, I would call this the American equivalent to Tallulah or Georgia Nicolson (both by Louise Rennison).
It has the same kind of format and the same silliness.

I would really recommend it to everyone. :)

One thing though, why is PSAT score of 163 bad? Atleast that is what it seems like after I read the book. I searched the internet (we don't have SAT/GPA and such here), and they say it is pretty good/above average.

[Mona · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this book no stars I would.
I think this book is pointless; I had a really hard time finishing it because I hated it and what I hate even more is to leave a book unfinished.

To sum things up; this book talks about the stereotypical adolescent.
I understand that the writer may have been trying to make readers realize that what may seem a cliché to anyone is a big thing in the eyes of the adolescent. But isn’t it something that’s so commonly known these days? Why would anyone waste his time reading about an adolescent girl’s day-to-day-more-than-normal experiences? And what about those 7 catastrophes the writer’s talking about who are less than ordinary for an adolescent in the 21st century?

[Megalion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gert's story continues in this book and the prevailing theme is sexual awakening and sexual peer pressure. I refer to awakening as the process of figuring out what you do and do not like and resolving the larger questions of hetero and homo sexuality. Figuring out what is touted as "normal" really is "normal" or a myth.

A valuable book for those reasons yet the story didn't engage me. Primarily because Gert herself is conflicted in an pressure related event and from the first book, I would have thought her to be quicker to act on it. Trying not to give any spoilers so will stop there.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though it is quite fluffy. Still, the main character encounters various pitfalls of being a modern teenager and handles them all with aplomb--the writing is fast and easy. I thought it odd that for a book that includes a lot of sex (finally! YA that goes there!), her exclamation of choices is the stupid "buttocks!"

Also in many cases the text throws something out as if the reader knows what it is, when it hasn't been mentioned at all previously. There was a lot of "I guess if I keep reading then whatever is happening will become clear."

[Theresa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, it seems- three and a half. Fun for sure, and I could even mostly follow it without having read the earlier book (which now I'll probably read). I feel like if I'd read the earlier book, I'd be able to tell the difference a little more between the two best friends- they probably have better separate personalities, at least I hope so. I loved Gert's awkward relationship with Stephen because I think it shows some great true-to-life moments. And I thought her parents were too cliche, but I got over it.

[Rhiannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off really awkward and uninviting. I found it hard to get into the main character's way of thinking, which made it hard to get into the book. However, I did somewhat get used to it by the end. I found this book lacked a real plot. It left me wondering what the real conflict was and how the book was able to conclude it. There was no substance or form. The whole book just seemed like overhearing some girls gossiping in the school hallway. There were a few little bits that striked my interest, but overall not too much happened or made me get into the book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay. Finally finihed this book. I got this book for free from a goodreads giveaway and had exams and 'stuff' so i didn't have ime to read it sooner. But anyway :) it was really good. Unfortunately I didn't read the first book so I didn't really get what was going on sometimes. Btw, what;s "tangent:sorry" ? I liked the Who am I? essay. The plot was altogether pretty good but it didn't catch my attention until near the end. I liked all of the characters though, and the writing was good. :P

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title has changed since I read the ARC but I hope nothing else. I enjoyed Gert so much more in this second book and was able to really get to know her friends and family. A great laugh-out-loud teenage story that will ring true with many. Gert is maturing and her take on life, love, and friends make her much more likable in this story. Can't wait to see what kinds of mischief she gets into when she travels!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I feel like it covered quite a few interesting topics that adults don't want to admit teens deal with- such as boys wanting to set sex dates (seriously, teach your children better), how friends with benefits doesn't necessarily turn into a real relationship later on (TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN!), getting dumped for not putting out, and just the general (but hilarious) things that teens wonder about sex, relationships, and school.

[StorySnoops · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snarky, compulsively readable, and laugh out loud funny, 7 Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes is a great choice for older teen girls. Subject matter is mature and racy, though often hilarious, and definitely most appropriate for those no younger than high school. Typical teen behavior... (click for full review http://www.storysnoops.com/detail.php...)

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gert Girabaldi. She is a scream! More adventures of her in high school. She's a sophmore. This is a tough year. Her first break-up. Her dad has a heart attack. She's going places also. Funny but some tears.

[Susannah Brogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super funny and sweet. I really enjoyed reading it and actually laughed out loud at times. Gert reminds me of myself sometimes, and a lot of the times of my best friend. It's a good, lighthearted, funny read.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Gert/Amber's sense of humor, it is very much like my own. I about died on page 173, could not stop laughing. Very sweet and fun book.

[BCPL Youth Services Librarian]

Click to see book in BCPL's online catalog

[Emily W · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was too all over the place in terms of plot. I felt like it was trying to be funny but just wasn't realistic.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! (:

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome. Now I need to go back and read "One Butt Cheek at a Time."