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The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig
by
Janesville, Wisconsin (cold in the sense that there is no God)
1994
The worst thing that's ever happened to Craig is also the best: Amy. Amy and Craig never should've gotten together. Craig is an awkward, Dungeons & Dragons-playing geek, and Amy is the beautiful, fiercely intelligent student-body president of their high school.
Yet somehow they did. Until Amy dumped him. Then ...more
1994
The worst thing that's ever happened to Craig is also the best: Amy. Amy and Craig never should've gotten together. Craig is an awkward, Dungeons & Dragons-playing geek, and Amy is the beautiful, fiercely intelligent student-body president of their high school.
Yet somehow they did. Until Amy dumped him. Then ...more
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Start your review of The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig
Jan 12, 2018
Don Zolidis
rated it
it was amazing
· (Review from the author)
·
review of another edition
So I may have written this book, but I will say clearly that it is the best thing I've ever done. So there.
...more
Okay, so this wasn't what I expected it would be, and that's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I really did. I love Craig's voice and humor. I laughed out loud several times. I also listened to this on audiobook, and the narrator did a FLAWLESS job of re-creating a Wisconsin accent.
This story tells the relationship of Amy and Craig who meet in their senior year of high school and break-up 7 times. We start the book on break-up number 3 and bounce a little bit between timelines, which confused me a ...more
This story tells the relationship of Amy and Craig who meet in their senior year of high school and break-up 7 times. We start the book on break-up number 3 and bounce a little bit between timelines, which confused me a ...more
I had the good fortune to get an advance proof of this title, and I'm really glad I did. YA isn't a frequent genre (age bracket?) for me to read, but given that I finished this in two days, I'd say that this was a welcome and engaging departure from my usual fare. The author captures small-town Wisconsin and all its weirdness perfectly - deer widows indeed. And the group of his friends - they're so accurate to my teenage experience that it's almost painful. I nearly laughed out loud in a restaur
...more
I was prepared for this book to be hilarious, which it was. What I wasn’t prepared for was for it to be genuinely touching. Craig’s journey through his seven breakups with the same girl is a thoughtful and moving depiction of growing up and recognizing your own faults.
“Are you Okay?” she asked
“What?”
“You seem a little messed up.”
“I’m getting dumped! And I’m probably having an aneurysm or something.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I would appreciate in the future if you would stop breaking up with me.”
This was a beautifully bittersweet love story that was so grounded in realism and authenticity that I fell head over heels, and had my heartbroken alongside Amy and Craig. The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig details the on-again off-again romance between Amy and Craig. ...more
First and foremost, I want to thank Zolidis for warning me that though this is a love story, there would be no HEA. So, yeah, he warned me, but I just kept hoping the outcome would change, because I am the sappiest sap alive. He prepared me for it, but I still cried.
This book is called The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig, but to me, this was really Craig's story. It was the story of his first love and subsequent heartbreak, but it also chronicled a rather cataclysmic year in his life, which I gu ...more
This book is called The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig, but to me, this was really Craig's story. It was the story of his first love and subsequent heartbreak, but it also chronicled a rather cataclysmic year in his life, which I gu ...more
The book starts with a spoiler, this is not a happy ending. And yet, you still read it all the time wondering how it will actually end.
3.5, because of a loss in pace around the ending.
Craig is an awkward nerd but he has finally made a move on Amy, one of the most popular girl in school. When they become boyfriend and girlfriend, Amy soon dumps Craig until then they get back together and repeat.
Told in a non linear form by Craig himself starting from one of their breakups before we learn how they ...more
3.5, because of a loss in pace around the ending.
Craig is an awkward nerd but he has finally made a move on Amy, one of the most popular girl in school. When they become boyfriend and girlfriend, Amy soon dumps Craig until then they get back together and repeat.
Told in a non linear form by Craig himself starting from one of their breakups before we learn how they ...more
Apr 12, 2018
Samantha Clark
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
2018-debut-authors,
young-adult-contemporary
This is not your average YA love story, but it's a realistic one. In THE SEVEN TORMENTS OF AMY AND CRAIG, the couple are together, then they're not, then together, then not, then together... You see where I'm going with this. And this isn't a spoiler. It's on the jacket copy and the ending is predicted in the book's first line.
But the brilliance of this book is not in any surprises in the plot; it's in the real look at the uncertainty of teenage years and teenage love. It's hard to give yourself ...more
But the brilliance of this book is not in any surprises in the plot; it's in the real look at the uncertainty of teenage years and teenage love. It's hard to give yourself ...more
This is the epitome of the kind of love story I love in YA: there's an ending that feels utterly deserved and that you're told right away would happen (it's not a romance with a capital R), and both of the characters have good and not-so-good qualities to them. Zolidis tells this story in a nonlinear fashion, taking us from the middle of Amy and Craig's rocky relationship, then to the beginning, and then through to the end. We see both characters become well-fleshed, and we see their flaws in po
...more
Who’s ready for a funny YA book? The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig is the first novel from the prolific, frequently-produced playwright Don Zolidis. This on-again-off-again romance is told from Craig’s point of view as Amy breaks up with him not once, not twice, but you guessed it—seven times. Craig is understandably tormented by all this, although his sense of humor keeps the story light and downright funny, even when the plot turns more serious toward the end. Threading through Craig’s expla
...more
Craig is a senior in high school struggling to be a nerd in the small town of Janesville, Wisconsin. He’s been an outcast at school, at home, and sometimes even with his friends; but his whole life changes when he starts dating Amy. She is the best thing in his life, proof that taking a chance can lead to success. She’s also the worst thing in his life, proof that risk-taking can land you facedown in the snow with your heart broken.
This is the funniest book I’ve read in a long time. I relate to ...more
This is the funniest book I’ve read in a long time. I relate to ...more
I didn't just like this book because I can deeply rate to '90s something nerds (although I can).
I didn't just like this book because it made me laugh out loud (which it did).
I didn't just like this book because it's non-linear and follows an emotional arc rather than a chronological one (and I appreciate creative storytelling like that).
I didn't JUST like it for those reasons, although they were all part of why I fell hard for this book about a boy who falls hard for a complicated girl. More tha ...more
I didn't just like this book because it made me laugh out loud (which it did).
I didn't just like this book because it's non-linear and follows an emotional arc rather than a chronological one (and I appreciate creative storytelling like that).
I didn't JUST like it for those reasons, although they were all part of why I fell hard for this book about a boy who falls hard for a complicated girl. More tha ...more
As a teacher, I think the way that Don Zolidis portrays young romance is so spot on. There's none of the romanticized, sickly-sweet romanticizing that can be so detrimental to young relationships. I don't mean to say that it isn't a good story. It definitely is. It's real and down to earth in a way that I haven't seen in a while.
...more
Don Zolidis' debut YA is destined to be a hit. By turns laugh-out-loud funny and heart-achingly bittersweet, The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig features an engaging cast of characters and the kind of realistic romance that,many teens will be able to relate to. Highly recommended!
...more
Craig is an obnoxious and self-obsessed butthead who can’t focus on anything else but his own minor problems.
He’s also freaking funny because he’s such an idiot and learns how to NOT be an idiot, so there’s a nice redemption arc that makes reading this book have a nice pay off.
Amy was your typical teenager, acting as though no one will ever understand her and saying things like “it’s better off for you if we aren’t together,” all passive aggressive and shit. I enjoyed it for its authenticity but ...more
He’s also freaking funny because he’s such an idiot and learns how to NOT be an idiot, so there’s a nice redemption arc that makes reading this book have a nice pay off.
Amy was your typical teenager, acting as though no one will ever understand her and saying things like “it’s better off for you if we aren’t together,” all passive aggressive and shit. I enjoyed it for its authenticity but ...more
I really enjoyed reading this one! Craig's sense of humor is really similar to my own, which was actually pretty new to me in a book, I even laughed out loud a few times - never happened to me while reading before.
I'm glad that it wasn't just a lovestory, I like heavy contemporary and this one is really well balanced for those readers, who don't like the really heavy ones, as it contains some really deep and important problems and messages!
The only thing I didn't like was the time jumps back and ...more
I'm glad that it wasn't just a lovestory, I like heavy contemporary and this one is really well balanced for those readers, who don't like the really heavy ones, as it contains some really deep and important problems and messages!
The only thing I didn't like was the time jumps back and ...more
3.5 Stars
Readable and interesting, but lacking that special something. I liked reading about the nerdy parts and thought the high school heartbreak parts felt so true. But I wanted that one extra THING to happen to take this book to the next level.
Readable and interesting, but lacking that special something. I liked reading about the nerdy parts and thought the high school heartbreak parts felt so true. But I wanted that one extra THING to happen to take this book to the next level.
Seven Torments chronicles the on-again, off-again romance of Amy and Craig over the course of their senior year. Craig, the geeky Dungeons and Dragons aficionado, is amazed to find that Amy, the beautiful and determined class president is interested in him and they start an unlikely romance. The two main characters are each struggling with trying to reconcile their pasts and figuring out what the future may hold for them. Craig, somewhat of a social outcast living in the shadow of his athletic a
...more
Cleverly structured book that creates a page-turner in that we know this dude is going to be dumped seven times and we need to know why. I loved the male perspective on relationships and whether you're a girl or boy yourself, you'll be entertained by this book, and gain romance tips from a unique perspective.
...more
This is the book I would highly reccomemd!
I liked the writing style and the atmosphere was magnificient. It really felt like I actually were in the 90s. Author is really skilled with words and that blew my mind.And that's the main reason why I gave this book 4 stars. I would like to read this author's next book, just because the way the author manipulates and weave words and how I ended up sucked right in this world. But, there is a reason why this wasn't a 5 star read for me.
My main problem wi ...more
I liked the writing style and the atmosphere was magnificient. It really felt like I actually were in the 90s. Author is really skilled with words and that blew my mind.And that's the main reason why I gave this book 4 stars. I would like to read this author's next book, just because the way the author manipulates and weave words and how I ended up sucked right in this world. But, there is a reason why this wasn't a 5 star read for me.
My main problem wi ...more
As a teacher of ELA, I'm always interested in books for my students to enjoy. Most YA "romance" books have a feminine slant and are a hard sell for my guys. The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig is a great book for guys, and girls as well. I immediately bonded with Craig. As a twin, I know what it's like to be practically the same as someone else and yet feel lesser-than. Craig has the wonderful and vulnerable quality I felt very protective of. My heart broke for him. Maybe it's because I have a d
...more
Don Zolidis is a genius! He has created a realistic love story that I could see happening in real life. The best part is that you know how it will end but it still surprises you. I would never imagine Don Zolidis would make me cry, but he did. This master piece should be in everyone's TBR pile ASAP. Thank you for this amazing novel that speaks to the soul.
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The amount of love and care put into this book is so so evident. I’m so incredibly in awe of how realistic and wonderful this book is. If I could recommend one book every year, this would be the one. A+ work from one of my favorite authors. So excited for the rest of the world to experience what I did.
This book is amazing in every way, the story is humorous, awesome, and fun
It made me laugh so many times. Whenever you open up the book, it just fills you up with joy
It made me laugh so many times. Whenever you open up the book, it just fills you up with joy
OMG, I loved this book! Will be my new favorite YA recommend!
I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I signed up for this blog tour, but I can honestly say that this book blew any expectations I had out of the water. I cannot tell you how often, and how loudly, I laughed while reading this book! Part of is that I was a freshman in college in 1994, the year in which the book is set, so I definitely felt an affinity for Craig and Amy, who are in their senior year in high school. There aren’t a ton of references to pop culture of that time, but there are en
...more
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Pro: I really liked Craig and thought he was a wonderful perspective for this story!
Pro: I thought the high school experience was authentic and made me remember a teenage version of myself. I remember falling in love and not being able to see when a relationship wasn't working.
Pro: I loved the setting! ...more
Pro: I really liked Craig and thought he was a wonderful perspective for this story!
Pro: I thought the high school experience was authentic and made me remember a teenage version of myself. I remember falling in love and not being able to see when a relationship wasn't working.
Pro: I loved the setting! ...more
How can I properly review this book? Not only is it set in one of the best decades to have grown up in, it was full of deeply flawed characters that made me want to hug them.
The overall story was far more complex than I was prepared for. Craig was a bit of a social outcast and constantly struggled to find his own identity in the shadow of his twin sister. Amy had a learning disability that she was determined to prove would not hold her back in any way. The journey these two went on to find a way ...more
The overall story was far more complex than I was prepared for. Craig was a bit of a social outcast and constantly struggled to find his own identity in the shadow of his twin sister. Amy had a learning disability that she was determined to prove would not hold her back in any way. The journey these two went on to find a way ...more
In 1994, self-proclaimed D&D nerd Craig achieves a remarkable accomplishment. He starts a relationship with Amy, his high school’s beautiful resident over-achiever. But the story doesn’t end there-- over the course of their senior year, Amy and Craig go through a series of break-ups and make-ups as they figure out who they want to be and where they want to go with graduation looming.
The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig is told in a non-linear timeline, and offers a hysterical and poignant explor ...more
The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig is told in a non-linear timeline, and offers a hysterical and poignant explor ...more
A heartfelt book with a few laugh out loud moments. The characters felt extremely real. Even though it takes place in the mid-90s there's nothing that's not relatable now in it. In fact, the story line of Craig's dad losing his job just as Craig is about to leave for college hit incredibly close to home for me. Character motivations feel incredibly authentic. There's a bit of angst, but it's balanced well by more humorous moments.
...more
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| Emotional Connection? | 1 | 6 | Apr 09, 2018 07:09AM |
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Originally from Wisconsin, Don Zolidis is a novelist and one of the most-produced playwrights in America.
His 102 published plays have received more than 12,000 productions and have appeared in every state and 64 countries.
His first novel, The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig, will be published by Disney-Hyperion in October 2018.
He currently splits time between Texas and New York and aspires to o ...more
His 102 published plays have received more than 12,000 productions and have appeared in every state and 64 countries.
His first novel, The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig, will be published by Disney-Hyperion in October 2018.
He currently splits time between Texas and New York and aspires to o ...more
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Kerine Wint is a software engineering graduate with more love for books than for computers. As an avid reader, writer, and fan of all things...
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“Was mom pissed?"
"Women get pissed about all kinds of things. It's best not to even think about it. Now, normally, I would tell you not to use the word pissed. But we're in the woods, and we're men. And we can use the word pissed."
"Can I use the word fuck?"
"Can your mom hear you?
"I don't think so."
"Well, there's your answer then. Out here in the woods we will swear like men.”
—
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"Women get pissed about all kinds of things. It's best not to even think about it. Now, normally, I would tell you not to use the word pissed. But we're in the woods, and we're men. And we can use the word pissed."
"Can I use the word fuck?"
"Can your mom hear you?
"I don't think so."
"Well, there's your answer then. Out here in the woods we will swear like men.”
“There's a concept in Wisconsin called deer widows, which is basically when all the menfolk leave town to go on their [hunting] trips and the women are left behind, bewildered and confused, to do whatever it is women do without men. (Celebrate.)”
—
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