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Going Off-Script
Landon Studley has it all – the picture-perfect girlfriend, the leading role in every school play, and the best friends a guy could ask for. But something feels off, and Landon can’t quite figure out what.
When a new boy starts at Central High, Landon is quick to befriend him, and when he brings up the school’s lack of a talent show, Landon makes it his life’s mission to create one. As the production looms closer, interest grows on and off the stage, and Landon begins to wonder if the perfect life he’s created is worth the cost of not being true to himself.
When a new boy starts at Central High, Landon is quick to befriend him, and when he brings up the school’s lack of a talent show, Landon makes it his life’s mission to create one. As the production looms closer, interest grows on and off the stage, and Landon begins to wonder if the perfect life he’s created is worth the cost of not being true to himself.
256 pages, ebook
Published December 1, 2022
4 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Sarah McKnight
16 books56 followersSarah McKnight is an award-winning multi-genre author with an interest in contemporary young adult, coming-of-age, and horror fiction. After spending two years teaching English to middle schoolers in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, she came back to the US to pursue her next dream – to finish writing all of the books taking up valuable space on her hard drive.
Her most popular book by far, The Reaper’s Quota, has placed in several awards, including the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the Book Blogger’s Novel of the Year Award. While some of her books lean more toward the fantastical, she always incorporates elements of realism and mental health, hoping that everyone can find something they relate to.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in creative writing. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and five cats.
You can find her on:
Twitter/X @mcknight_writes
Instagram @sarahmcknightwrites
TikTok @sarahmcknightwrites
Her most popular book by far, The Reaper’s Quota, has placed in several awards, including the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the Book Blogger’s Novel of the Year Award. While some of her books lean more toward the fantastical, she always incorporates elements of realism and mental health, hoping that everyone can find something they relate to.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in creative writing. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and five cats.
You can find her on:
Twitter/X @mcknight_writes
Instagram @sarahmcknightwrites
TikTok @sarahmcknightwrites
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 24, 2022
A fun and breezy low-angst, low-steam read bout a group of (mostly artistic) high school seniors in SoCal. It is not really a romance so much as it is the story of the central character's (Landon Studley-- still an unfortunate choice of last name even with the author's note at the end) growth throughout his final year. He is likeable and all the music is nice--and the feels at the ending with the climactic talent show that the entire book builds toward are well-earned.
While a pleasant diversion, the book is completely forgettable mostly due to the underdeveloped secondary characters and the lack of any real plot. The book mostly focuses on Landon's slowly dying relationship with Savannah who for no clear reason is furious with him for hanging out with his friends. It seems an odd choice on the author's part to tell the story from Landon's perspective using third person and not use this perspective to give the secondary characters more depth. Colton's character, especially, suffers from this lack of development--and his relationship with Landon takes a backseat in the plot. Savannah is merely tiresome (Why is he so afraid of her?) and Charlie, Landon's supposed best friend, also lacks development. Landon, despite his likeability, too often comes across as either a wimp or full of himself. The plot needs to be better thought out--pacing, motivation: the star basketball player's transition to drag queen is too easy, Landon suddenly and conveniently announces his sexual identity near the end of the book. Apparently, this is the third book in a series but as a standalone it does not work well.
One very annoying lapse in grammar--because the author uses it again and again--the verb relish is transitive--one relishes life or clean air. One does not "relish in" a feeling--rather one "revels" in a feeling. Sorry to be the grammar police!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
While a pleasant diversion, the book is completely forgettable mostly due to the underdeveloped secondary characters and the lack of any real plot. The book mostly focuses on Landon's slowly dying relationship with Savannah who for no clear reason is furious with him for hanging out with his friends. It seems an odd choice on the author's part to tell the story from Landon's perspective using third person and not use this perspective to give the secondary characters more depth. Colton's character, especially, suffers from this lack of development--and his relationship with Landon takes a backseat in the plot. Savannah is merely tiresome (Why is he so afraid of her?) and Charlie, Landon's supposed best friend, also lacks development. Landon, despite his likeability, too often comes across as either a wimp or full of himself. The plot needs to be better thought out--pacing, motivation: the star basketball player's transition to drag queen is too easy, Landon suddenly and conveniently announces his sexual identity near the end of the book. Apparently, this is the third book in a series but as a standalone it does not work well.
One very annoying lapse in grammar--because the author uses it again and again--the verb relish is transitive--one relishes life or clean air. One does not "relish in" a feeling--rather one "revels" in a feeling. Sorry to be the grammar police!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 11, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a cute story. The romance felt like a subplot to me, which is fine but I was under the impression that the talent show would be a subplot and the romance would be the main part of the story.
I really enjoyed all of the characters, except for Savannah. While she was definitely written as a "bad guy" or the person you're supposed to root against, she also seemed to get away with everything she did to Landon at the end of the story. As a result, the ending was less satisfying for me. None of the toxic stuff she did or said throughout the book was really addressed and it felt like the characters just moved on and decided not to have their own opinions about her. Because Landon decided to try and stay civil with Savannah, none of the other characters, who had shown previous dislike towards her, acted any differently.
Overall, the ending seemed rushed and the elements of the toxic relationship between Savannah and Landon could have been fleshed out more. It took me a long time to get into this story because I disliked Savannah so much. So, once I got into the story, I really hoped for some of the stuff she said to come back and bite her in some way.
There are also a lot of time skips throughout the book, which isn't a problem, but, most of them are at the end of the story when Landon and Colton finally get together. Like I said before the ending just feels a bit rushed because of this. Between two chapters, a month can pass. And after seeing so much of Landon's relationship with Savannah and their prep for the talent show, it's disappointing that Landon and Colton's relationship didn't get as much time.
While this story is cute and touches on important aspects of being bisexual, it also leaves me pretty unsatisfied.
This is a cute story. The romance felt like a subplot to me, which is fine but I was under the impression that the talent show would be a subplot and the romance would be the main part of the story.
I really enjoyed all of the characters, except for Savannah. While she was definitely written as a "bad guy" or the person you're supposed to root against, she also seemed to get away with everything she did to Landon at the end of the story. As a result, the ending was less satisfying for me. None of the toxic stuff she did or said throughout the book was really addressed and it felt like the characters just moved on and decided not to have their own opinions about her. Because Landon decided to try and stay civil with Savannah, none of the other characters, who had shown previous dislike towards her, acted any differently.
Overall, the ending seemed rushed and the elements of the toxic relationship between Savannah and Landon could have been fleshed out more. It took me a long time to get into this story because I disliked Savannah so much. So, once I got into the story, I really hoped for some of the stuff she said to come back and bite her in some way.
There are also a lot of time skips throughout the book, which isn't a problem, but, most of them are at the end of the story when Landon and Colton finally get together. Like I said before the ending just feels a bit rushed because of this. Between two chapters, a month can pass. And after seeing so much of Landon's relationship with Savannah and their prep for the talent show, it's disappointing that Landon and Colton's relationship didn't get as much time.
While this story is cute and touches on important aspects of being bisexual, it also leaves me pretty unsatisfied.
January 27, 2023
Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats as the show is about to begin!
The curtain rises on our teenage protagonist, Landon Studley, as he maneuvers the pitfalls of high school, relationships, and self-discovery! Actor extraordinaire Landon dons a mask and convinces himself that his current relationship is all he needs and more. But as with any good theatrical production, the plot has other plans for him!
Landon handles the spotlight well in this contemporary tale of self-awareness and growth. I was particularly pleased that at the conclusion he admitted he doesn't know himself completely yet. I think it's important for teenagers to be okay with "not knowing", and enjoying their journey for the sake of the journey. I've grown to love this cast of characters and I can't wait to read future escapades from Sarah McKnight! :)
The curtain rises on our teenage protagonist, Landon Studley, as he maneuvers the pitfalls of high school, relationships, and self-discovery! Actor extraordinaire Landon dons a mask and convinces himself that his current relationship is all he needs and more. But as with any good theatrical production, the plot has other plans for him!
Landon handles the spotlight well in this contemporary tale of self-awareness and growth. I was particularly pleased that at the conclusion he admitted he doesn't know himself completely yet. I think it's important for teenagers to be okay with "not knowing", and enjoying their journey for the sake of the journey. I've grown to love this cast of characters and I can't wait to read future escapades from Sarah McKnight! :)
November 14, 2022
I was excited to say the least to read the latest in the chronicles from The Basement. Landon Studley is my favorite in the gang, and as a thespian it’s only appropriate that he gets a chance to be the star of his own book.
I really like the way Landon is written. Although he is the most eccentric character of the series by far, his struggles to juggle his relationship, his friendship, and his extra-curriculars makes him much more relatable than when he’s just a supporting character. He’s not just the zany friend who wears outlandish outfits, with all of his confidence he also struggles with figuring out who he is (which I definitely relate to). I’ll never get tired of reading about Landon chasing his dreams.
Take a bow Stud-Muffin, your literary debut was a success!
I really like the way Landon is written. Although he is the most eccentric character of the series by far, his struggles to juggle his relationship, his friendship, and his extra-curriculars makes him much more relatable than when he’s just a supporting character. He’s not just the zany friend who wears outlandish outfits, with all of his confidence he also struggles with figuring out who he is (which I definitely relate to). I’ll never get tired of reading about Landon chasing his dreams.
Take a bow Stud-Muffin, your literary debut was a success!
November 21, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a light-hearted fun book t read. It involved a fellow who really thought too highly of himself befriending a new fellow in his senior year, a girlfriend, and some other friends. It was clear from the opening pages that the girlfriend was a problem in her controlling and jealous ways but the story builds up to a revelation that the main character is actually bi and attracted to his new friend.
The tsory is also built around some joint enterprises in starting a teaent club, three plays that the main character and his new friend become leaing characters in.
It is a coming-of-age story and I just wish that coming of age in the 1950s had been more like this book portrays.
This was a light-hearted fun book t read. It involved a fellow who really thought too highly of himself befriending a new fellow in his senior year, a girlfriend, and some other friends. It was clear from the opening pages that the girlfriend was a problem in her controlling and jealous ways but the story builds up to a revelation that the main character is actually bi and attracted to his new friend.
The tsory is also built around some joint enterprises in starting a teaent club, three plays that the main character and his new friend become leaing characters in.
It is a coming-of-age story and I just wish that coming of age in the 1950s had been more like this book portrays.
January 8, 2023
I enjoyed this sweet coming of age bi-awakening story between Savannah, Landon and Colton. His GF seems be jealous of his friends, the new kid in town fits right in with them… Landon has an unique style and personality that reminds me similar to a friend of mine back in HS… and this friend always had a wonderful sweet funny way to make you feel like a great friend too. I connected to Landon loved the sorting through those feelings of self awareness to find their new direction. Also the part of the dog tags reference to Landon's dad. Such heart in this YA story!!😉💖
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy, this is my honest review.
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy, this is my honest review.
May 20, 2023
This book had its ups and downs but overall it was a very nice story. I really liked the relationship the characters had. Though to me, one character (no names for no spoilers) was not the greatest or nicest but I guess that’s how it is in real life. I can’t wait to read the other character’s stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2022
This was a sweet story about a drama geek finding his true self.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews