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Why Can’t Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza?
It’s the summer after sophomore year and RV plans to enjoy new adventures and new challenges after finishing two years of high school. He gets a job as an usher at a movie multiplex but discovers the realities of dealing with job stresses and unruly customers. It’s also time for him to start learning how to drive, and his father is eager to give him lessons. But he’s not the most patient of teachers and RV is not the most capable of drivers. RV opens himself up to a new relationship and it looks like the start of a budding romance—until it isn’t. And then there is RV’s family… Luckily, as always, Mr. Aniso, RV’s freshmen-year teacher, is always there to talk over anything that might be bothering RV. But he’s away for the summer, so there’s only so much time and attention he can give RV. It looks like RV’s summer won’t be fun and games after all.
247 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 2, 2021
FR- Alors alors.... alors une fois de plus j'ai été super contente de retrouver cette série et le personnage de RV. On ne peut pas vraiment dire qu'on est dans une romance mais plutot dans une tranche de vie vu qu'on est dans le journal intime d'RV. Comme je l'ai souvent dit, j'aime les romans qui se passent à l'adolescence car c'est une période de la vie que je trouve vraiment intéressante.
Tout est plus intense, tout est vital. A cet âge, on a l'impression de jouer sa vie pour chaque décision qu'on va prendre alors qu'avec le recul on réalise que ce n'était pas forcément le cas.
Et c'est exactement ce que j'aime retrouver avec cette série et le personnage d'RV. On le voit grandir au fil des tomes et ses questionnements se font plus poussés. J'aime sa façon de réagir à ce qui l'entoure. Que ce soit sa famille, avec toute la problématique liée au fait d'être des immigrés, d'avoir une culture différente mais qui ne lui parle pas autant qu'à ses parents qui eux sont nés en Europe. Avec son frère, du quel RV va se rapprocher doucement , même si lui aussi traverse des bouleversements et que les deux frères semblent très opposés. Avec Bobby surtout qui vit un moment très difficile et dont l'amitié sera au centre de ce tome.
J'ai aimé voir RV se poser des questions, découvrir de nouvelles choses , de nouvelles relations mais rester lui même. J'ai vraiment beaucoup aimé ce tome qui nous en livre encore plus sur RV qui est tellement attachant dans sa quête de lui même.
En résumé encore un excellent tome d'une série attachante et très bien écrite. Bravo à l'auteur pour réussir à traduire les tourments de l'adolescence sans jamais tomber dans le pathos ou le condescendant.
ENG- So well well well... welll again I was very happy to find this series and the character of VR. We cannot really say that we are in a romance but rather in a slice of life since we are in RV's diary. As I have said many times, I love novels that are set in adolescence because it is a time in life that I find really interesting.
Everything is more intense, everything is vital. At this age, we have the impression of playing our life for each decision that we are going to make, whereas with hindsight we realize that this was not necessarily the case.
And that's exactly what I like to find with this series and the character of RV. We see him grow over the volumes and his questions are more advanced. I like the way he reacts to his surroundings. Whether it is his family, with all the problems linked to being immigrants, to having a different culture but which does not speak to him as much as to his parents who were born in Europe. With his brother, what RV will approach slowly, even if he too is going through upheavals and the two brothers seem very opposed. Especially with Bobby who is having a very difficult time and whose friendship will be at the center of this volume.
I liked seeing RV asking questions, discovering new things, new relationships but being himself. I really liked this volume which gives us even more about RV which is so endearing in its quest for itself.
In short, another excellent volume in an endearing and very well written series. Bravo to the author for successfully translating the torments of adolescence without ever falling into pathos or condescending.
Tout est plus intense, tout est vital. A cet âge, on a l'impression de jouer sa vie pour chaque décision qu'on va prendre alors qu'avec le recul on réalise que ce n'était pas forcément le cas.
Et c'est exactement ce que j'aime retrouver avec cette série et le personnage d'RV. On le voit grandir au fil des tomes et ses questionnements se font plus poussés. J'aime sa façon de réagir à ce qui l'entoure. Que ce soit sa famille, avec toute la problématique liée au fait d'être des immigrés, d'avoir une culture différente mais qui ne lui parle pas autant qu'à ses parents qui eux sont nés en Europe. Avec son frère, du quel RV va se rapprocher doucement , même si lui aussi traverse des bouleversements et que les deux frères semblent très opposés. Avec Bobby surtout qui vit un moment très difficile et dont l'amitié sera au centre de ce tome.
J'ai aimé voir RV se poser des questions, découvrir de nouvelles choses , de nouvelles relations mais rester lui même. J'ai vraiment beaucoup aimé ce tome qui nous en livre encore plus sur RV qui est tellement attachant dans sa quête de lui même.
En résumé encore un excellent tome d'une série attachante et très bien écrite. Bravo à l'auteur pour réussir à traduire les tourments de l'adolescence sans jamais tomber dans le pathos ou le condescendant.
ENG- So well well well... welll again I was very happy to find this series and the character of VR. We cannot really say that we are in a romance but rather in a slice of life since we are in RV's diary. As I have said many times, I love novels that are set in adolescence because it is a time in life that I find really interesting.
Everything is more intense, everything is vital. At this age, we have the impression of playing our life for each decision that we are going to make, whereas with hindsight we realize that this was not necessarily the case.
And that's exactly what I like to find with this series and the character of RV. We see him grow over the volumes and his questions are more advanced. I like the way he reacts to his surroundings. Whether it is his family, with all the problems linked to being immigrants, to having a different culture but which does not speak to him as much as to his parents who were born in Europe. With his brother, what RV will approach slowly, even if he too is going through upheavals and the two brothers seem very opposed. Especially with Bobby who is having a very difficult time and whose friendship will be at the center of this volume.
I liked seeing RV asking questions, discovering new things, new relationships but being himself. I really liked this volume which gives us even more about RV which is so endearing in its quest for itself.
In short, another excellent volume in an endearing and very well written series. Bravo to the author for successfully translating the torments of adolescence without ever falling into pathos or condescending.
August 29, 2021
This is the fourth book in a series and I'm going to sum up a bit of stuff that many be spoiler-y if you haven't read the previous books.
Arvydas "RV" is the eldest son of Lithuanian ex-pat citizens and living a middle class life in Boston. RV's parents have worked hard for their modest American existence; it's not exactly the American Dream they had envisioned upon emigration. RV has a younger brother Ray who is more outgoing and popular--he's got a steady girlfirend and regularly challenges their parents on their conservative beliefs. In contrast, RV is very non-confrontational, and hides pretty much all of his feelings, all of the time. This is especially true about his sexuality, which RV is pretty sure that he's gay. He did have a girlfriend, Carole, and he like the physical things they did, but his responses are away more intense when he's with or near a boy he likes. One of these people is Bobby, who was his boyfriend--until he'd had a catastrophic concussion playing football and he's been struggling to recover since.
It's the beginning of summer and RV has a new job as an usher at a multiplex--which means doing whatever is necessary in the theaters, like clean up, ticket taking, and telling customers to behave when they are unruly. He meets Matteo there, and Matteo is a bit of a kindred spirit. He's about the same age, and has gay or bisexual attraction. Casual attention seems to bloom into more, leaving RV both excited and guilty. Bobby is not really acting like a boyfriend, but he still wants RV to visit him at home and help with his recovery exercises. It's tenuous and troubling because Bobby's frustration with his physicians and condition is high and he's sometimes angry with everyone that he's so injured. He wants to recover and get back to football by the end of summer, no matter how dangerous or unrealistic this sounds. In truth, I felt his parents were problems here, for not being honest or realistic with Bobby, allowing him to hope for something that was never to be. And, it upset RV too, to see Bobby so determined, and be so scared for him.
During the summer RV connects with people that had been important in previous stories: Carole, Mark, the S-head cousins, Mr. Aniso, even Joe the pizza guy. They provide support and struggle for RV to work with and against. Like Carole gets RV to have some fun tours with her boyfriend Guillome. And, Mark gets him thinking about whether gayness could, or should, be cured. Mr. Aniso and Joe are voices of reason and comfort, allowing RV to help them in turn. Even Ray, his argumentative brother, is a source of immense support, knowing RV's sexuality and loving him unconditionally--challenging him to come out to their parents, and supporting him through it.
As RV is learning growing up is about overcoming challenges, and building friendships that will stand the test of time. It's about loving yourself, and being your true self, whenever possible. RV has brushes with bullies in this one, those who pick on him for suspected gayness, and his levelheadedness and need to analyze the situation before acting sometimes aggravates the people around him. It was fun to watch RV practice driving with his dad, who is trying to build some type of rapport on common ground, except that RV is terrified of driving, and he's really bad, at first. RV's friends all consider him to be a pretty innocent kid, and he may be, but it's refreshing that he's not totally jaded.
Like the previous books, this story hits a great balance between voice and action, with RV both narrating and living his experiences. I'm glad I've read this series through, and would be happy to keep riding along on RV's emotional and evocative journey. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy YA and tween LGBTQ stories.
Arvydas "RV" is the eldest son of Lithuanian ex-pat citizens and living a middle class life in Boston. RV's parents have worked hard for their modest American existence; it's not exactly the American Dream they had envisioned upon emigration. RV has a younger brother Ray who is more outgoing and popular--he's got a steady girlfirend and regularly challenges their parents on their conservative beliefs. In contrast, RV is very non-confrontational, and hides pretty much all of his feelings, all of the time. This is especially true about his sexuality, which RV is pretty sure that he's gay. He did have a girlfriend, Carole, and he like the physical things they did, but his responses are away more intense when he's with or near a boy he likes. One of these people is Bobby, who was his boyfriend--until he'd had a catastrophic concussion playing football and he's been struggling to recover since.
It's the beginning of summer and RV has a new job as an usher at a multiplex--which means doing whatever is necessary in the theaters, like clean up, ticket taking, and telling customers to behave when they are unruly. He meets Matteo there, and Matteo is a bit of a kindred spirit. He's about the same age, and has gay or bisexual attraction. Casual attention seems to bloom into more, leaving RV both excited and guilty. Bobby is not really acting like a boyfriend, but he still wants RV to visit him at home and help with his recovery exercises. It's tenuous and troubling because Bobby's frustration with his physicians and condition is high and he's sometimes angry with everyone that he's so injured. He wants to recover and get back to football by the end of summer, no matter how dangerous or unrealistic this sounds. In truth, I felt his parents were problems here, for not being honest or realistic with Bobby, allowing him to hope for something that was never to be. And, it upset RV too, to see Bobby so determined, and be so scared for him.
During the summer RV connects with people that had been important in previous stories: Carole, Mark, the S-head cousins, Mr. Aniso, even Joe the pizza guy. They provide support and struggle for RV to work with and against. Like Carole gets RV to have some fun tours with her boyfriend Guillome. And, Mark gets him thinking about whether gayness could, or should, be cured. Mr. Aniso and Joe are voices of reason and comfort, allowing RV to help them in turn. Even Ray, his argumentative brother, is a source of immense support, knowing RV's sexuality and loving him unconditionally--challenging him to come out to their parents, and supporting him through it.
As RV is learning growing up is about overcoming challenges, and building friendships that will stand the test of time. It's about loving yourself, and being your true self, whenever possible. RV has brushes with bullies in this one, those who pick on him for suspected gayness, and his levelheadedness and need to analyze the situation before acting sometimes aggravates the people around him. It was fun to watch RV practice driving with his dad, who is trying to build some type of rapport on common ground, except that RV is terrified of driving, and he's really bad, at first. RV's friends all consider him to be a pretty innocent kid, and he may be, but it's refreshing that he's not totally jaded.
Like the previous books, this story hits a great balance between voice and action, with RV both narrating and living his experiences. I'm glad I've read this series through, and would be happy to keep riding along on RV's emotional and evocative journey. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy YA and tween LGBTQ stories.
September 7, 2021
First of all, I didn’t realize this was a 4th book of a series, The Pizza Chronicles; however, I had no problem following the storyline and honestly enjoyed the life of RV without fully knowing what had happened in the previous summer of school year.
As an immigrant and the oldest child myself, I related to RV and his struggles with his identity and the weird and awkward exchanges he has with his parents and his brother Ray. I was also a “late bloomer” in the romantic department and was terrified of driving, especially with my mom! His dad being very pushy on their driving practices to have some father-son bonding time and Ray being supportive yet annoying brother were both quite similar to my teenage life.
I enjoyed reading about the (romantic or platonic) relationships he had with both Matteo and Bobby. I can tell there was more history between RV and Bobby, and I will need to read the previous books in the series to figure out what had happened between them. But I can tell they they are more than just friends.
Having Matteo in RV’s life had let him grow a little this summer. Life is all about experiencing and learning. Not everything works out as you want it to be, but you still learn from that experience. I loved RV’s interaction with Mr. Aniso. Their friendship was so pure and needed in both of their lives, and knowing that they have each other made me happy inside.
Being confused at your own feelings and tying to figure yourself out are all parts of being in teens. I can’t say I want to be in RV’s shoes, again, but it was surely fun to have a glimpse of RV’s life with all the fun factors as a reader: Family conflicts, identity crisis, confusing friendship/relationship, summer job experiences, etc.
This was an absolutely delight read, especially for the summer time. It will definitely bring you back to your high school time when you were also an RV.
Thank you to Netgalley and NineStar Press for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
As an immigrant and the oldest child myself, I related to RV and his struggles with his identity and the weird and awkward exchanges he has with his parents and his brother Ray. I was also a “late bloomer” in the romantic department and was terrified of driving, especially with my mom! His dad being very pushy on their driving practices to have some father-son bonding time and Ray being supportive yet annoying brother were both quite similar to my teenage life.
I enjoyed reading about the (romantic or platonic) relationships he had with both Matteo and Bobby. I can tell there was more history between RV and Bobby, and I will need to read the previous books in the series to figure out what had happened between them. But I can tell they they are more than just friends.
Having Matteo in RV’s life had let him grow a little this summer. Life is all about experiencing and learning. Not everything works out as you want it to be, but you still learn from that experience. I loved RV’s interaction with Mr. Aniso. Their friendship was so pure and needed in both of their lives, and knowing that they have each other made me happy inside.
Being confused at your own feelings and tying to figure yourself out are all parts of being in teens. I can’t say I want to be in RV’s shoes, again, but it was surely fun to have a glimpse of RV’s life with all the fun factors as a reader: Family conflicts, identity crisis, confusing friendship/relationship, summer job experiences, etc.
This was an absolutely delight read, especially for the summer time. It will definitely bring you back to your high school time when you were also an RV.
Thank you to Netgalley and NineStar Press for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 31, 2021
Why Can’t Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza? by Andy V. Roamer
Why Can’t Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza? Is a young adult, romance story with LGBTQIA+ themes that picks up from the events of Why Can't Relationships Be Like Pizza?
Growing up isn’t easy for the best of us. You have expectations to live up to – set by yourself, family, friends, work, and pretty much everyone around you. Which are only complicated more by the empathy that comes as you grow up and the fact, you’re still trying to understand who you are in this confuddling world. So, it helps when you’ve got others to rely on and support you through the awkward times – even if they are a thousand miles away.
It’s the start of sophomore summer and Arvydas or RV is about to find out that new adventures create even more challenges. RV’s new adventures see him take on a new job at a multiplex, learning to drive, and opening himself up to a new relationship. All while his friends face their own summer of adventures and challenges.
Roamer weaves together opportunities and challenges effortlessly to create tension and misunderstanding that is believable and draws empathy from the reader. Roamer allows the reader to understand the intimate thoughts and feelings of RV as they happen and as they evolve through RV’s desire to grow up into a well-rounded young adult.
Roamer doesn’t shy away from creating a character flawed and aware of it. In fact, it is RV’s awareness of his flaws that push him to become a better person who admits their mistakes and tries to understand the impact of their actions on others.
Why Can’t Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza? is a must-read for fans of The Pizza Chronicles and newcomers to the series. You can either pick up from the start or start from here – Roamer writes in a way that you can pick up any book in the series and start reading.
Why Can’t Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza? Is a young adult, romance story with LGBTQIA+ themes that picks up from the events of Why Can't Relationships Be Like Pizza?
Growing up isn’t easy for the best of us. You have expectations to live up to – set by yourself, family, friends, work, and pretty much everyone around you. Which are only complicated more by the empathy that comes as you grow up and the fact, you’re still trying to understand who you are in this confuddling world. So, it helps when you’ve got others to rely on and support you through the awkward times – even if they are a thousand miles away.
It’s the start of sophomore summer and Arvydas or RV is about to find out that new adventures create even more challenges. RV’s new adventures see him take on a new job at a multiplex, learning to drive, and opening himself up to a new relationship. All while his friends face their own summer of adventures and challenges.
Roamer weaves together opportunities and challenges effortlessly to create tension and misunderstanding that is believable and draws empathy from the reader. Roamer allows the reader to understand the intimate thoughts and feelings of RV as they happen and as they evolve through RV’s desire to grow up into a well-rounded young adult.
Roamer doesn’t shy away from creating a character flawed and aware of it. In fact, it is RV’s awareness of his flaws that push him to become a better person who admits their mistakes and tries to understand the impact of their actions on others.
Why Can’t Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza? is a must-read for fans of The Pizza Chronicles and newcomers to the series. You can either pick up from the start or start from here – Roamer writes in a way that you can pick up any book in the series and start reading.
August 28, 2021
I think the reason why I love the Pizza Chronicles so much is because RV is so “real”. Yeah, I know he’s a fictional character, but I think most of you know what I mean. He’s far from perfect – and he knows it.
His family is annoying, but he loves them regardless. And as frustrating as they may be, he knows he’s lucky to have them. He struggles with embracing his heritage, even though he understands it’s important to know where you came from. He’s confused about his feelings about a lot of things. The thing that really makes him “human” in my mind is that he has no desire to be “perfect” – he just wants to survive his high school years and not screw up too much on the way.
He’s also learning that a lot of those feelings that he’s having are normal and some of them don’t go away just because you’re an adult. His struggles with his relationship with Bobby was at times hard to read, but I was impressed with the way that RV handled himself. It wasn’t an easy situation – for anyone involved, including Bobby’s parents. Regardless of his confusion, he cared and sometimes that’s all you can do.
RV has grown a lot since this series began and he’s come to terms with a lot as well. He’s still got some learning to do, but he has a great support system. His parents may not understand him totally, but they obviously love him. He’s also got a strong sense of right and wrong. He has good friends and a couple of adults outside of his family that care about him as well. I’m hoping that the Pizza Chronicles continue, but I’m already impressed with the young man that RV is growing into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Why Can't Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
His family is annoying, but he loves them regardless. And as frustrating as they may be, he knows he’s lucky to have them. He struggles with embracing his heritage, even though he understands it’s important to know where you came from. He’s confused about his feelings about a lot of things. The thing that really makes him “human” in my mind is that he has no desire to be “perfect” – he just wants to survive his high school years and not screw up too much on the way.
He’s also learning that a lot of those feelings that he’s having are normal and some of them don’t go away just because you’re an adult. His struggles with his relationship with Bobby was at times hard to read, but I was impressed with the way that RV handled himself. It wasn’t an easy situation – for anyone involved, including Bobby’s parents. Regardless of his confusion, he cared and sometimes that’s all you can do.
RV has grown a lot since this series began and he’s come to terms with a lot as well. He’s still got some learning to do, but he has a great support system. His parents may not understand him totally, but they obviously love him. He’s also got a strong sense of right and wrong. He has good friends and a couple of adults outside of his family that care about him as well. I’m hoping that the Pizza Chronicles continue, but I’m already impressed with the young man that RV is growing into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Why Can't Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 11, 2023
I had no idea this was the 4th in a series - The Pizza Chronicles - however it wasn't difficult to follow the storyline. This book navigates through their sophomore summer and deals with issues such as sexuality, family problems, and social pressure. What I love is the authors ability to capture the thoughts and emotions of teenagers in a realistic and relatable way. The book also tackles important themes such as self-acceptance, friendship, and diversity, which are all explored in a thoughtful and thought-provoking way.
Overall, "Why Can't Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza?" is a well-written and engaging coming-of-age story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with identity, relationships, and the pressures of growing up. It's a great read for young adults, but also has a universal appeal that will make it enjoyable for readers of all ages.
Overall, "Why Can't Sophomore Summer Be Like Pizza?" is a well-written and engaging coming-of-age story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with identity, relationships, and the pressures of growing up. It's a great read for young adults, but also has a universal appeal that will make it enjoyable for readers of all ages.
August 26, 2021
Poor RV. He's discovering that the experiences that come with growing up are not all they are cracked up to be. First jobs bring paydays, but when that job is as an usher in a movie theatre, earning that pay isn't always fun. Movies sound glamorous but dealing with the customers isn't. I felt his pain in the scenes about learning to drive. My experiences with parents and a stick shift were equally stressful. Then there is romance. People don't behave like those in the romance novels. Making things worse, Mr. Aniso is taking some time to enjoy a summer break and isn't as available as usual for RV. This series continues on a high note. RV is a delightful, realistic high schooler whose adventures and misadventures it is a pleasure to follow.
August 31, 2021
thank you netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a review
why can't sophomore summer be like pizza is the 4th book in this serie, but it's possible to read it without reading the previous ones.
It's a nice story about being a teenager, relatable. It touches a lot of topics : friendships, being a gay teen, family, first job. A lot of teens will be able to relate !
why can't sophomore summer be like pizza is the 4th book in this serie, but it's possible to read it without reading the previous ones.
It's a nice story about being a teenager, relatable. It touches a lot of topics : friendships, being a gay teen, family, first job. A lot of teens will be able to relate !
August 30, 2022
It’s summer again and RV is dealing with relationships on a new level with a new more stressful job, and learning to drive thrown into the mix.
I like that in this book even with school out we get a nice tour of the Freedom Trail learning more of our history and how life do easily changes
I like that in this book even with school out we get a nice tour of the Freedom Trail learning more of our history and how life do easily changes
October 9, 2021
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This is the fourth book in The Pizza Chronicles series, so I’ll try to summarize this and keep it spoiler free. RV is the eldest son of Lithuanian immigrants and living a middle class life in Boston. It’s the beginning of summer and RV has a new job as an usher at a multiplex. He meets Matteo there, and Matteo is a bit of a kindred spirit.
During the summer RV connects with people that had been important in previous stories: Carole, Mark, Mr. Aniso, even Joe the pizza guy, as well as meeting new people. They provide support and struggle for RV to work with and against. We follow RV as he learns that growing up is about overcoming challenges, and being your true self. It’s a nice relatable story about being a teenager. It touches on topics such as friendships, sexuality, family.
This is the fourth book in The Pizza Chronicles series, so I’ll try to summarize this and keep it spoiler free. RV is the eldest son of Lithuanian immigrants and living a middle class life in Boston. It’s the beginning of summer and RV has a new job as an usher at a multiplex. He meets Matteo there, and Matteo is a bit of a kindred spirit.
During the summer RV connects with people that had been important in previous stories: Carole, Mark, Mr. Aniso, even Joe the pizza guy, as well as meeting new people. They provide support and struggle for RV to work with and against. We follow RV as he learns that growing up is about overcoming challenges, and being your true self. It’s a nice relatable story about being a teenager. It touches on topics such as friendships, sexuality, family.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews