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Real Life #2
Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble
In this YA contemporary novel from bestselling author Nancy Rue, the issues of abuse and its emotional effects are explored as Bryn O’Connor struggles to find her voice while many of her one-time friends doubt she’s telling the truth and her ex-boyfriend won’t let go of their past. Bryn has learned to keep her mouth shut. But when a trip to the hospital following a car accident reveals bruises and injuries inflicted by her boyfriend days and months before, her biggest secret is unwillingly unleashed. And though a restraining order is meant to keep her safe from Preston, it seems nothing can protect her from her supposed friends, who refuse to believe Preston is capable of such violence and look to punish her for what happened to him. Making Bryn wonder if finally telling the truth only made things worse. The stress and loneliness leaves Bryn feeling crazy—especially when it seems like the leather book she picked up at the hospital is reading her thoughts. It doesn’t help that her visiting grandma, Mim, is convinced surfing lessons and homemade Mexican food will somehow help Bryn regain control and focus away from the bullying messages pinging her phone. Though when Preston breaks the restraining order yet again, and a trial date looms, it’s clear the only way out of the tsunami that is her life is to charge in and take control of the waves around her. Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble:
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2010
24 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Nancy N. Rue
224 books291 followersNancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 9, 2011
I came across this book on Amazon.com as a Free book. I thought name was pretty cool and started reading it. I was her in so many ways at some points in my life. I wasn't as smart. I kept finding the The bad boys. My story was aduse during sexual moments. Some boyfriends hated the word ''NO'' I put up a wall gained weight and boys stayed away till my husband. He truely was my Knight in and shining armer. Or in my case Kevlar... ( He's a Marine ) I'm not very Christian atleast not like I was before I was hurt by the many people throughout my life. But This story caught my attention like a fat kid with candy lol. It was beautilful and evil at the same time! I'm glad she grew and came into herself and found an amazing guy and connected with her grandmother. I pretty much did the same with my grandmother we have a bond now that is stronger than anything. I would tell you if your reading this. READ READ READ & PASS IT ON I plan on ordering my daughter a copy when shes older. Every young woman should read this. God Bless
June 13, 2011
The Real Life series by Nancy Rue is four books written for teens. The books are about four completely different teen girls who each find Christ during a difficult time in their lives. The girls never meet in the books and the only thing they have in common is a book that each found when they needed guidance the most. Or the book found them. The books are Motorcycles, Sushi and One Strange Book,
Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble, Tournaments, Cocoa and One Wrong Move, and Limos, Lattes and My Life on the Fringe.
I won the last book in the series from GoodReads and got two others from the library because I hate to read a series and not know what's going on. Turns out each book stands alone, but reading three of them gave me an overview I wouldn't have had if I had only read one of the books.
What I liked: The books address subjects that teen girls can really relate to: divorce, parents, boys, friends (and faux friends), fitting in, prom.
There is a strong pro-God message in the books. Jesus and scriptures are explained in a way that make it easy to understand.
What I didn't like: The mysterious book (Real Life or RL) doesn't claim to be the Bible, although it's Bible-story book. In fact, when each girl's "turn" is over, the book tells her that she can find all she needs in the Bible, and it's time for someone else who need RL to find it... Which is what bothers me about these books. I read fantasy and horror, so I'm not one of those anti-Harry Potter people (Although I haven't read any HP; I just haven't gotten around to it.), but the concept of the RL made me uncomfortable. The whole concept is that RL turns up when someone needs it. When they're done, they leave it somewhere and it mysteriously ends up somewhere else so the next person who needs it will find it. Then the writing on the pages tailors itself to whatever message the reader needs and answers the readers questions, basically having a conversation with the reader.
The author compares this to the Bible speaking to each of us according to what we need at the time. I couldn't disagree more. If you're a believer, you've had at least one experience of picking up the Bible and opening it up to a passage that answered whatever question you had right then or offered comfort or whatever you needed at that moment. But the text of RL actually changed to fit the reader. At times, the girl could only turn to certain pages because that was the lesson RL thought she needed at that moment. In a "woo-woo" book, this kind of thing wouldn't have bothered me, but these are not "woo-woo" books. They're Christian books. No, that's not even what bothers me. I've read Christian fantasy books. But they weren't focused on the Bible, especially not on some bizarre version of the Bible that moves itself around and rewrites itself.
On one hand, I believe God is strong enough to take anything we throw at him, and I also believe that while the Bible is the Word of God, he can and does use other means to reach people. The message of God's love and grace is front and center in these books and I certainly hope they lead people to search more and accept God into their lives. But I can't really say I recommend these books because something in the premise just seems "off" to me.
Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble, Tournaments, Cocoa and One Wrong Move, and Limos, Lattes and My Life on the Fringe.
I won the last book in the series from GoodReads and got two others from the library because I hate to read a series and not know what's going on. Turns out each book stands alone, but reading three of them gave me an overview I wouldn't have had if I had only read one of the books.
What I liked: The books address subjects that teen girls can really relate to: divorce, parents, boys, friends (and faux friends), fitting in, prom.
There is a strong pro-God message in the books. Jesus and scriptures are explained in a way that make it easy to understand.
What I didn't like: The mysterious book (Real Life or RL) doesn't claim to be the Bible, although it's Bible-story book. In fact, when each girl's "turn" is over, the book tells her that she can find all she needs in the Bible, and it's time for someone else who need RL to find it... Which is what bothers me about these books. I read fantasy and horror, so I'm not one of those anti-Harry Potter people (Although I haven't read any HP; I just haven't gotten around to it.), but the concept of the RL made me uncomfortable. The whole concept is that RL turns up when someone needs it. When they're done, they leave it somewhere and it mysteriously ends up somewhere else so the next person who needs it will find it. Then the writing on the pages tailors itself to whatever message the reader needs and answers the readers questions, basically having a conversation with the reader.
The author compares this to the Bible speaking to each of us according to what we need at the time. I couldn't disagree more. If you're a believer, you've had at least one experience of picking up the Bible and opening it up to a passage that answered whatever question you had right then or offered comfort or whatever you needed at that moment. But the text of RL actually changed to fit the reader. At times, the girl could only turn to certain pages because that was the lesson RL thought she needed at that moment. In a "woo-woo" book, this kind of thing wouldn't have bothered me, but these are not "woo-woo" books. They're Christian books. No, that's not even what bothers me. I've read Christian fantasy books. But they weren't focused on the Bible, especially not on some bizarre version of the Bible that moves itself around and rewrites itself.
On one hand, I believe God is strong enough to take anything we throw at him, and I also believe that while the Bible is the Word of God, he can and does use other means to reach people. The message of God's love and grace is front and center in these books and I certainly hope they lead people to search more and accept God into their lives. But I can't really say I recommend these books because something in the premise just seems "off" to me.
June 2, 2011
I didn't read the description of the book before I bought it. I was just downloading a bunch of free ones. I knew it would be geared towards teens, but not much more than that. I wasn't expecting the religious overtones the story had.
That said, the book wasn't bad. It dealt with a subject that there are teenagers dealing with today. Maybe not many, but there are some. And it dealt with it pretty honestly.
Bryn, the main character, gets upset with her dad for not just letting things be. She gets frustrated with her grandmother for not acting the way she expected her grandmother to act from the last time she'd seen her, 5 years earlier. She feels alone, even when talking to her closest friends. She shies away from situations that are too much for her to deal with, or hide things that she thinks will just compound the situation. She's very real.
I'm not knocking on my sister's door saying "you've got to read this," but if she picked it up, I'd tell her "It's not a bad book, you might like it, go ahead and try it."
If you don't want religion slammed down your throat, though, this book probably isn't for you. Within the first chapter, she's praying to Jesus, asking what she should do. She picks up a magic book that ends up being preachily full of Bible stories, written in a modernized way a teenager can understand. Great if you want a teenager to understand Bible stories. Not so great if you really don't care about the Biblical message of the book, whether because you've made up your own mind before reading it, or you just don't care right then.
That said, the book wasn't bad. It dealt with a subject that there are teenagers dealing with today. Maybe not many, but there are some. And it dealt with it pretty honestly.
Bryn, the main character, gets upset with her dad for not just letting things be. She gets frustrated with her grandmother for not acting the way she expected her grandmother to act from the last time she'd seen her, 5 years earlier. She feels alone, even when talking to her closest friends. She shies away from situations that are too much for her to deal with, or hide things that she thinks will just compound the situation. She's very real.
I'm not knocking on my sister's door saying "you've got to read this," but if she picked it up, I'd tell her "It's not a bad book, you might like it, go ahead and try it."
If you don't want religion slammed down your throat, though, this book probably isn't for you. Within the first chapter, she's praying to Jesus, asking what she should do. She picks up a magic book that ends up being preachily full of Bible stories, written in a modernized way a teenager can understand. Great if you want a teenager to understand Bible stories. Not so great if you really don't care about the Biblical message of the book, whether because you've made up your own mind before reading it, or you just don't care right then.
December 4, 2012
Bryn Christopher is scared. Her father has just found out that her boyfriend has been abusing her for months, and is determined to press charges. Bryn just doesn’t know where to turn, especially when the threatening text messages and blog entries start appearing. How can she possibly testify when no one but her family believes her? Luckily, a surf-loving grandma, a really nice guy, and a very special book remind her that she’s a lot stronger than she thinks.
I must admit, I had my doubts about this story. For one thing, it was a free Nook book which was the first red flag. For another, the Christian fiction genre doesn’t have the greatest reputation when it comes to quality. So, I was a little skeptical. Fortunately, the novel greatly exceeded my expectations. The narrator’s struggle with herself and those around her was so authentic. The conversation she has with Jesus through the RL book is one that is familiar for many of us, especially when we feel helpless and alone. Rue cleverly uses the concept behind Eugene H. Peterson’s The Message – converting scripture into a contemporary language that is most accessible to everyone of all ages.
I must admit, I had my doubts about this story. For one thing, it was a free Nook book which was the first red flag. For another, the Christian fiction genre doesn’t have the greatest reputation when it comes to quality. So, I was a little skeptical. Fortunately, the novel greatly exceeded my expectations. The narrator’s struggle with herself and those around her was so authentic. The conversation she has with Jesus through the RL book is one that is familiar for many of us, especially when we feel helpless and alone. Rue cleverly uses the concept behind Eugene H. Peterson’s The Message – converting scripture into a contemporary language that is most accessible to everyone of all ages.
June 5, 2011
When Bryn and her boyfriend, Preston, have a car accident and end up in the hospital, all the lies and secrets come out. Preston has been hitting Bryn. When the doctor assumes it's her father who is abusing her, Bryn admits the truth and things start spiraling out of her control. But when she finds a book that seems to "speak" to her, and when her grandmother comes to stay, things really get interesting.
I don't often like "Christian" fiction for teens. The stories all too often descend into predictability and an overly preachy tone. Although there is a distinct Christian and faith-based message to this story, the twists and turns in the plots kept me interested. The message of faith is strong, but does not over-power the plot. I really liked Bryn and her grandmother. This is a story that teen girls need to hear, and the religious overtones don't distract from the story. There are apparently 2 more titles in the series. I'm going to look for them as well.
I don't often like "Christian" fiction for teens. The stories all too often descend into predictability and an overly preachy tone. Although there is a distinct Christian and faith-based message to this story, the twists and turns in the plots kept me interested. The message of faith is strong, but does not over-power the plot. I really liked Bryn and her grandmother. This is a story that teen girls need to hear, and the religious overtones don't distract from the story. There are apparently 2 more titles in the series. I'm going to look for them as well.
September 4, 2011
I really LOVED the story! I loved how the main character's personality and point of view changes as her view and perception of her grandmother changes. The characters were very well developed and I felt like I actually knew these people as I was reading it. However, there were a lot of spacing/paragraph errors that were kind of distracting. I also wasn't a big fan of the book (RL) that "helps" Bryn get through the trial. I liked the idea of it, but it seemed like it was forgotten about until halfway through the book. It is also kind of redundant because Mim is teaching her the same lessons "on the waves" that she is reading in the book. Because the RL book isn't brought up until the middle of the book, it doesn't feel like it is supposed to be in the story. It also takes away from the down to earth feeling of the story. It might just be me, but it also seems a little too preachy for the last quarter of the book.
January 24, 2011
I thought this book was a good read. Especially since it was a freebie on Kindle. The plot is okay, a bit predictable, but overall a nice light read.I would read more from this author, she knows how to setup her stories and make them relatable. Which is a hard thing to find now days it seems. The only thing I found odd was the RL book and how it 'spoke' to her, and knew her thoughts. I didn't think that fit too well with the rest of the book. I get the purpose, I just think it could have been potrayed differently. Though it was nice to see a book with a loose Christian type theme going on for teens (without being overly preachy). Overall I wouldn't go out of my way to read this one, but I'd suggest it too friends no doubt.
August 16, 2012
This was a great book! I think there are so many lessons to be learned here. Girls are often abused both physically and mentally and nobody can imagine a teen going through it. This is a strong faith based book that I think is a must read.
August 16, 2013
This is the second book in a series, but it's can be read as a stand alone. But it was terrible so no one should read it. It was cliche, unrealistic, and annoying.
June 7, 2021
OH...
This was an absolutely AMAZING book!
Definitely lived up to my expectations!
OH...amazing...
5/5.
This was an absolutely AMAZING book!
Definitely lived up to my expectations!
OH...amazing...
5/5.
February 13, 2025
If you’ve ever experienced abuse in a relationship and are struggling to heal, this book is a powerful reminder that God is always there, even in the darkest moments. It speaks to the pain, the heartbreak, and the feelings of being lost, but more importantly, it shows how faith can bring comfort, strength, and renewal. Sometimes, when we go through deep hurt, it’s easy to feel alone or question if things will ever get better. This book definitely reminds you that no matter what you’ve been through, God has never left your side and can help you through the darkness.
January 24, 2019
3.5 if I could rate it that! Some bits were reeeeally predictable, but it was still good. I think I liked the first book better, but the lesson was a real one to take away from. Even if it was a bit after school-special-y. Haha.
Still want to finish the series! I actually do read these (e)books hungrily, so that’s a plus.
Still want to finish the series! I actually do read these (e)books hungrily, so that’s a plus.
June 30, 2020
I didn’t know this was a christian book before reading it. I know some people get really put off by that, and whilst there was a little part of me that cringed a little I actually found that it was a decent read.
The characters felt fairly real, the teenage voice decent if maybe the heroine had a little less depth than I prefer it still felt realistic.
The characters felt fairly real, the teenage voice decent if maybe the heroine had a little less depth than I prefer it still felt realistic.
February 2, 2018
I've been re-reading this whole series and still love it.
November 25, 2018
Too much religion and bible talk
September 23, 2019
Makes me want to got to the beach - and make burritos :)
March 23, 2017
I loved it!!!!
February 3, 2016
Before I read this book I was a big fan of Nancy Rue. I have read The Lilly Series, The Sophie Series, and The Lucy Series. But when I started reading this series I found them very disturbing. Nancy Rue is a great writer. She writes clearly and simply but yet in a very moving way. Her stories are always well thought and planned. There is no doubt that she is a good writer.
But the Bible when it talks about false prophets it says, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matthew 7:20 NKJV) The direct result of this book for me was deep anxiety and confusion about the God I knew of since I was a little kid. The point of this book was to teach you about God,wasn't it?
One of the most disturbing things was the mysterious book the girl finds that 'talks' to her and tells her what she should do. One of the stories of the Bible that she reads and that 'talks' to her is the story of the woman that was healed by Jesus but just touching His robe.(Matthew 9:20-22,Mark 5:25-34) It's point is that the woman told her problem to Jesus in front of everyone that was there. This book 'tells' the girl that therefore she should tell everyone about her problem - her boyfriend that would beat her up. What's wrong with this is that the point was that the woman was speaking TO HIM. Sure, there were other people there but she was talking to HIM. (Mark 5:33) So, if this story was telling the girl in the book anything it would be to talk to GOD, not to man. A person is not saved when he confesses his sins to man, only to God. He sees the secret things, and we should talk to Him about them first and foremost. Why must she confesses to man? To be saved? To suffer? To compensate for her past? Her sins? This is unnecessary,and the Bible says so. "...Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you,O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:7-8)"For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,A broken and contrite heart - These ,O God, You will not despise." (Psalm 51: 16-17) God does not require us to suffer to be saved, though sometimes because of our on hearts and our pride we do suffer. God does not make us pass through ridicule to somehow suffer for our sins to somehow reach Him. "... Because the former troubles are forgotten, And because they are hidden from My eyes." (Isaiah 65:16-18) The book that is supposedly the Bible tells her that what she must do is tell the nice guy about how her old boyfriend would beat her up. What she needs is salvation, not a boyfriend. The Bible would tell her about God and forgiveness in Him, about true salvation. Not about a relationship with guy that won't beat you up.
As a teenager I understand the pressure about having a boyfriend and also the wanting to have one. But as a Christian, I know that it is nothing to play around with. And I personally believe that fifteen/sixteen year old girls are not ready to have such a relationship. And I say this as a sixteen year old girl. And this book as with the others in the series, teach that what God wants for your life is for you to learn to surf, learn to eat right, and have a nice boyfriend, when the Bible clearly says that what God wants for you is salvation.
This book confused me and was a trial for me. I learned discernment because of it. I learned that just because it clams to be Christian, doesn't mean it is. So I DO NOT recommend it. And as Christians we should be wise in our knowledge of Christ and not just pick up any book at The Family Christian Book Store and believe it is the truth.
And although I admire Nancy Rue as a good writer, I don't recommend any of her books. Observing the other books of hers that I have read, I have seen the same things. They all teach salvation by works,with God observing and judging from a distance.
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts,Come to the waters;And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come,buy wine and milk without money without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you - the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:1-3)
But the Bible when it talks about false prophets it says, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matthew 7:20 NKJV) The direct result of this book for me was deep anxiety and confusion about the God I knew of since I was a little kid. The point of this book was to teach you about God,wasn't it?
One of the most disturbing things was the mysterious book the girl finds that 'talks' to her and tells her what she should do. One of the stories of the Bible that she reads and that 'talks' to her is the story of the woman that was healed by Jesus but just touching His robe.(Matthew 9:20-22,Mark 5:25-34) It's point is that the woman told her problem to Jesus in front of everyone that was there. This book 'tells' the girl that therefore she should tell everyone about her problem - her boyfriend that would beat her up. What's wrong with this is that the point was that the woman was speaking TO HIM. Sure, there were other people there but she was talking to HIM. (Mark 5:33) So, if this story was telling the girl in the book anything it would be to talk to GOD, not to man. A person is not saved when he confesses his sins to man, only to God. He sees the secret things, and we should talk to Him about them first and foremost. Why must she confesses to man? To be saved? To suffer? To compensate for her past? Her sins? This is unnecessary,and the Bible says so. "...Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you,O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:7-8)"For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,A broken and contrite heart - These ,O God, You will not despise." (Psalm 51: 16-17) God does not require us to suffer to be saved, though sometimes because of our on hearts and our pride we do suffer. God does not make us pass through ridicule to somehow suffer for our sins to somehow reach Him. "... Because the former troubles are forgotten, And because they are hidden from My eyes." (Isaiah 65:16-18) The book that is supposedly the Bible tells her that what she must do is tell the nice guy about how her old boyfriend would beat her up. What she needs is salvation, not a boyfriend. The Bible would tell her about God and forgiveness in Him, about true salvation. Not about a relationship with guy that won't beat you up.
As a teenager I understand the pressure about having a boyfriend and also the wanting to have one. But as a Christian, I know that it is nothing to play around with. And I personally believe that fifteen/sixteen year old girls are not ready to have such a relationship. And I say this as a sixteen year old girl. And this book as with the others in the series, teach that what God wants for your life is for you to learn to surf, learn to eat right, and have a nice boyfriend, when the Bible clearly says that what God wants for you is salvation.
This book confused me and was a trial for me. I learned discernment because of it. I learned that just because it clams to be Christian, doesn't mean it is. So I DO NOT recommend it. And as Christians we should be wise in our knowledge of Christ and not just pick up any book at The Family Christian Book Store and believe it is the truth.
And although I admire Nancy Rue as a good writer, I don't recommend any of her books. Observing the other books of hers that I have read, I have seen the same things. They all teach salvation by works,with God observing and judging from a distance.
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts,Come to the waters;And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come,buy wine and milk without money without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you - the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:1-3)
July 8, 2016
"I stopped arguing. I stopped crying. I realized for the first time ever that I didn't really know how to get my way with anybody. I did know how to pretend it didn't happen or that I could make it disappear, or that I was somebody else."
Contains Spoilers
See reviews first on my blog
I originally got this book as a part of the #VASRP Challenge that I set for myself with trying to read more summery books for the next few months. While this book does have a summery theme with the beach and surfing it also deals with a very heavy topic of abuse in dating as teenagers. I haven’t really read many books that deal with abuse in general, as it’s something outside of my comfort zone, but after I found that out about this one, I decided to go ahead and keep reading and see how it turned out.
Bryn is dating Preston who is an Olympic Level swimmer, but has serious problems that he hides from almost everyone and those problems he takes out on her in private so no one will know he’s doing it. But one night he escalates and they end up getting into a car accident. Preston knows how to act like the doting boyfriend in order to not get caught, but this time no amount of doting boyfriend act will keep him from getting into trouble.
"I just wanted this to go away. I wanted me to go away. I was nothing before I met him and I could be that again. But Preston was everything everybody wanted to be. Who were people going to believe?"
At the hospital Bryn starts telling what’s been going on after her father is accused of hitting her. After this she is forced by her dad to charge Preston. This is when everything starts going wrong, not only does no one she had become friends with believe her, she also gets a ton of hate via social media that continues on throughout the whole book.
When Bryn’s grandma that goes by Mim comes into town to help her deal with all of this as her mother is out of the country with her sister. Bryn is not happy and instead closes herself off even more until Mim takes her surfing where they have to talk to each other and Bryn start opening up about what happened and why she let it go on for so long. While Bryn didn’t really want to surf she was finally able to and really started to enjoy it and make new friends as well until Preston started to try and take them away.
As court started happening as well and Preston refused to take plea deals, his friends antics to try and scare Bryn escalated, but she never told anyone until near the end of things and then told everything after she realized they just weren’t going to stop. Once court starts and things don’t look so good for Preston he ends up sealing his own fate after hurting one of Bryn’s friends and her new boyfriend as well.
Overall I really liked this story and wanted to find out what happened to Bryn and if she could make it stop before he hurt anyone else. I loved how her relationship with Mim changed as they spent more time together and Bryn also grew an extreme amount as a person. By the end of the book I was proud of what she was doing and how she was dealing with things. I did think jumping into a new relationship so fast wasn’t such a great idea, but it ended up turning out for the best thankfully. The way Bryn learns to deal with things is through a book she got at the hospital called RL and through this scripture is personalized exactly for her and her situation which I found very interesting and a good way to add it into the story without it being preachy.
I can’t wait to read the other books in this series a little later on this year as they are all companion novels I believe which I’m really starting to enjoy.
"If you don't start talking about it to the people that matter, no amount of surfing or new girlfriends or new boyfriends is going to heal you. It's still going to be in their, festering, until you get on a witness stand and have to tell it to strangers who not only don't love you, they want to prove you wrong."
Contains Spoilers
See reviews first on my blog
I originally got this book as a part of the #VASRP Challenge that I set for myself with trying to read more summery books for the next few months. While this book does have a summery theme with the beach and surfing it also deals with a very heavy topic of abuse in dating as teenagers. I haven’t really read many books that deal with abuse in general, as it’s something outside of my comfort zone, but after I found that out about this one, I decided to go ahead and keep reading and see how it turned out.
Bryn is dating Preston who is an Olympic Level swimmer, but has serious problems that he hides from almost everyone and those problems he takes out on her in private so no one will know he’s doing it. But one night he escalates and they end up getting into a car accident. Preston knows how to act like the doting boyfriend in order to not get caught, but this time no amount of doting boyfriend act will keep him from getting into trouble.
"I just wanted this to go away. I wanted me to go away. I was nothing before I met him and I could be that again. But Preston was everything everybody wanted to be. Who were people going to believe?"
At the hospital Bryn starts telling what’s been going on after her father is accused of hitting her. After this she is forced by her dad to charge Preston. This is when everything starts going wrong, not only does no one she had become friends with believe her, she also gets a ton of hate via social media that continues on throughout the whole book.
When Bryn’s grandma that goes by Mim comes into town to help her deal with all of this as her mother is out of the country with her sister. Bryn is not happy and instead closes herself off even more until Mim takes her surfing where they have to talk to each other and Bryn start opening up about what happened and why she let it go on for so long. While Bryn didn’t really want to surf she was finally able to and really started to enjoy it and make new friends as well until Preston started to try and take them away.
As court started happening as well and Preston refused to take plea deals, his friends antics to try and scare Bryn escalated, but she never told anyone until near the end of things and then told everything after she realized they just weren’t going to stop. Once court starts and things don’t look so good for Preston he ends up sealing his own fate after hurting one of Bryn’s friends and her new boyfriend as well.
Overall I really liked this story and wanted to find out what happened to Bryn and if she could make it stop before he hurt anyone else. I loved how her relationship with Mim changed as they spent more time together and Bryn also grew an extreme amount as a person. By the end of the book I was proud of what she was doing and how she was dealing with things. I did think jumping into a new relationship so fast wasn’t such a great idea, but it ended up turning out for the best thankfully. The way Bryn learns to deal with things is through a book she got at the hospital called RL and through this scripture is personalized exactly for her and her situation which I found very interesting and a good way to add it into the story without it being preachy.
I can’t wait to read the other books in this series a little later on this year as they are all companion novels I believe which I’m really starting to enjoy.
"If you don't start talking about it to the people that matter, no amount of surfing or new girlfriends or new boyfriends is going to heal you. It's still going to be in their, festering, until you get on a witness stand and have to tell it to strangers who not only don't love you, they want to prove you wrong."
February 10, 2014
“I was nothing before I met him.”
Girl wears long sleeves in summer, girl makes up excuses for her boyfriend’s obsessive behavior, girl can’t break up with boyfriend as his threatens scare her, is this really a relationship? It sound more like a fear but this is the relationship among fifteen-year old Bryn and her boyfriend, Preston in Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble. Had it not been for the car accident, the bruises and Bryn’s secret would have still remained hidden. But now, doctors, parents, law enforcement and peers are involved and the situation has some individuals taking sides. With her mother gone, her grandmother arrives to help Bryn handle the pressure. This is no older cookie-baking grandma though; Mim is a fun, surfing guru with a positive attitude, just what Bryn needs. While her father is eager to make Preston pay for his actions, Mim is helping Bryn deal with her emotions and trying to help her heal. Trying to confine in her older sister Tara, her sister’s lashing out brings Bryn to a standstill and she withdrawals. The threats keep coming for Bryn to withdraw her claim but her pleads to her father are not heard. As she picks up the RL book that has magically appeared in her room, she feels as if someone is finally listening to her but the answers are not fully drawn out and immediate. Bryn wants immediate results before the text messages she has received become a reality. Bryn feels she is losing everything she thought she had and the pressure from her “so-called” friend and the messages are a lot to handle on her own. The violence escalates as Bryn learn to surf the waves.
I didn’t feel this was a preachy book, throwing religion in your face as some viewer mentioned. Yes, there was the religion aspect of it with the RL book that Bryn kept picking up, trying to gain some footing, as she felt she was drowning in all the chaos that was happening in her life. The stories in the RL book were biblical stories that I remembered hearing as a child, only they were retold as if the book were talking directly to Bryn. The stories are related to the mayhem that was happening to her life and how she was supposed to take that story and apply it to her life. Later at the end of the book, it talks more about what the RL book is and why people like it – it’s a Real Life book, they use everyday language so it makes sense so people know how to read and understand it. Enough about this. I was riveted with all the activity taking place and the interactions among the characters, never a dull moment was inside the pages here. Mim was like a breath of fresh air when everything around Bryn was collapsing. There were times I got frustrated with Bryn and there were times, I had to remember she was only fifteen and she really needed a good best friend that she could rely on.
Girl wears long sleeves in summer, girl makes up excuses for her boyfriend’s obsessive behavior, girl can’t break up with boyfriend as his threatens scare her, is this really a relationship? It sound more like a fear but this is the relationship among fifteen-year old Bryn and her boyfriend, Preston in Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble. Had it not been for the car accident, the bruises and Bryn’s secret would have still remained hidden. But now, doctors, parents, law enforcement and peers are involved and the situation has some individuals taking sides. With her mother gone, her grandmother arrives to help Bryn handle the pressure. This is no older cookie-baking grandma though; Mim is a fun, surfing guru with a positive attitude, just what Bryn needs. While her father is eager to make Preston pay for his actions, Mim is helping Bryn deal with her emotions and trying to help her heal. Trying to confine in her older sister Tara, her sister’s lashing out brings Bryn to a standstill and she withdrawals. The threats keep coming for Bryn to withdraw her claim but her pleads to her father are not heard. As she picks up the RL book that has magically appeared in her room, she feels as if someone is finally listening to her but the answers are not fully drawn out and immediate. Bryn wants immediate results before the text messages she has received become a reality. Bryn feels she is losing everything she thought she had and the pressure from her “so-called” friend and the messages are a lot to handle on her own. The violence escalates as Bryn learn to surf the waves.
I didn’t feel this was a preachy book, throwing religion in your face as some viewer mentioned. Yes, there was the religion aspect of it with the RL book that Bryn kept picking up, trying to gain some footing, as she felt she was drowning in all the chaos that was happening in her life. The stories in the RL book were biblical stories that I remembered hearing as a child, only they were retold as if the book were talking directly to Bryn. The stories are related to the mayhem that was happening to her life and how she was supposed to take that story and apply it to her life. Later at the end of the book, it talks more about what the RL book is and why people like it – it’s a Real Life book, they use everyday language so it makes sense so people know how to read and understand it. Enough about this. I was riveted with all the activity taking place and the interactions among the characters, never a dull moment was inside the pages here. Mim was like a breath of fresh air when everything around Bryn was collapsing. There were times I got frustrated with Bryn and there were times, I had to remember she was only fifteen and she really needed a good best friend that she could rely on.
May 30, 2012
3.5 stars
I was really surprised by this book. Based on some of the reviews, I was afraid that it would be overly preachy, and I had, in fact, started reading this book to see how bad the religious tones were and whether it was a book I might want to delete without reading. It wasn't very subtle, but I didn't feel as if I was being beaten over the head with it. It helped that the author didn't have everyone praying aloud to God every other page or before a decision.
I found this book to be a thoughtfully written story about a teenage girl who was learning to survive the aftermath of being found to have been abused by her boyfriend. Her voice rang authentic to me. She had her fears, her doubts, and her moments of stupidity. She sounded like a typical girl - not stereotypical. Her complaints and dismal thoughts got a bit whiny but I also looked at it as being a natural response her situation.
I liked how real Bryn and her response to her situation seemed, how real the attacks on her seemed, the court scenes, the surfing lessons, etc. It's made me look at surfing with a more appreciative eye; I would like to learn how to surf now.
This was also a story of a teenage girl learning to depend on Jesus, and towards the latter half of the book, there are a few scenes that may seem to be too much religion talk for the non-religious. Throughout the book, there are also stories from the Bible retold in modern language in the form of RL (Real Life), a book that apparently knows what the reader is thinking and knows just what stories to share to send the right message. While this RL kind of adds a supernatural element to an otherwise typical contemporary Christian fiction, I didn't mind it too much although I wondered what the book would have been like without RL in it.
This was an inspirational story, and I'm glad of it, because all the troubles that came to Bryn made me feel so bad for her. I didn't blame her for wanting to shut the world away. It really did feel as if her world was falling apart, and it made me feel depressed reading about it - almost. Mim, her maternal grandmother, was a great mentor and support to Bryn, and I appreciated her character.
I guess the only major complaint that I can think of at the moment is the fact that in my Kindle version, there were random line breaks in the middle of sentences.
I would recommend this book to any young adult, because regardless of the Christian element, some of the lessons Bryn learns in this book are universal.
I was really surprised by this book. Based on some of the reviews, I was afraid that it would be overly preachy, and I had, in fact, started reading this book to see how bad the religious tones were and whether it was a book I might want to delete without reading. It wasn't very subtle, but I didn't feel as if I was being beaten over the head with it. It helped that the author didn't have everyone praying aloud to God every other page or before a decision.
I found this book to be a thoughtfully written story about a teenage girl who was learning to survive the aftermath of being found to have been abused by her boyfriend. Her voice rang authentic to me. She had her fears, her doubts, and her moments of stupidity. She sounded like a typical girl - not stereotypical. Her complaints and dismal thoughts got a bit whiny but I also looked at it as being a natural response her situation.
I liked how real Bryn and her response to her situation seemed, how real the attacks on her seemed, the court scenes, the surfing lessons, etc. It's made me look at surfing with a more appreciative eye; I would like to learn how to surf now.
This was also a story of a teenage girl learning to depend on Jesus, and towards the latter half of the book, there are a few scenes that may seem to be too much religion talk for the non-religious. Throughout the book, there are also stories from the Bible retold in modern language in the form of RL (Real Life), a book that apparently knows what the reader is thinking and knows just what stories to share to send the right message. While this RL kind of adds a supernatural element to an otherwise typical contemporary Christian fiction, I didn't mind it too much although I wondered what the book would have been like without RL in it.
This was an inspirational story, and I'm glad of it, because all the troubles that came to Bryn made me feel so bad for her. I didn't blame her for wanting to shut the world away. It really did feel as if her world was falling apart, and it made me feel depressed reading about it - almost. Mim, her maternal grandmother, was a great mentor and support to Bryn, and I appreciated her character.
I guess the only major complaint that I can think of at the moment is the fact that in my Kindle version, there were random line breaks in the middle of sentences.
I would recommend this book to any young adult, because regardless of the Christian element, some of the lessons Bryn learns in this book are universal.
July 2, 2011
We read about it almost every day or hear it on the radio or TV. Girl/woman abused by boyfriend/husband. Or it might be boy abused, as well. Many times the abuse has been going on for weeks, months, even years. So why does the victim allow it to continue? Why don’t they tell the authorities, their parents, or a good friend?
Author Nancy Rue’s novel, BOYFRIENDS, BURRITOS AND AN OCEAN OF TROUBLE, deals with the subject of abuse. Through her fictional characters, Bryn and her abusive boyfriend, Preston, the author provides a glimpse into possible reasons people do not report what’s happening to them. Preston is popular, good looking, and Bryn thinks she’s lucky to be his girlfriend. She keeps quiet about his hitting her, until they are in an auto accident and the truth is revealed. When her father insists on pressing charges against Preston, Bryn learns just how far Preston will go to protect his reputation and his future.
Bryn’s mother and sister are away. That leaves Bryn and her father, who avoid discussing what they don’t want to talk about, to deal with what soon escalates into threats and intimidation unless they drop the charges. Can Grandmother Mim who comes to stay until Bryn's mother returns home and gives Bryn surfing lessons while helping her through the days leading up to the trial and the trial itself, a book called RL (Real Life) that tells Bryn stories about Jeshua, and Shaun, a gorgeous new guy, help Bryn overcome her distrust of boys and put her life back together?
The author has written a story that anyone who’s been in the same situation as Bryn can relate to. They’ll understand her reluctance and fear to tell on the abuser. Perhaps seeing how Bryn deals with the situation will encourage them to act. This novel would make a good supplemental reader for classrooms to let young people know they’re not alone and they need to admit the truth to stop the abuse. Also, the book would be a useful resource for school counselors when dealing with their subjects. I recommend this novel for teen readers and their parents, as well.
Paperback courtesy of Zondervan and Z Street Team
###
Author Nancy Rue’s novel, BOYFRIENDS, BURRITOS AND AN OCEAN OF TROUBLE, deals with the subject of abuse. Through her fictional characters, Bryn and her abusive boyfriend, Preston, the author provides a glimpse into possible reasons people do not report what’s happening to them. Preston is popular, good looking, and Bryn thinks she’s lucky to be his girlfriend. She keeps quiet about his hitting her, until they are in an auto accident and the truth is revealed. When her father insists on pressing charges against Preston, Bryn learns just how far Preston will go to protect his reputation and his future.
Bryn’s mother and sister are away. That leaves Bryn and her father, who avoid discussing what they don’t want to talk about, to deal with what soon escalates into threats and intimidation unless they drop the charges. Can Grandmother Mim who comes to stay until Bryn's mother returns home and gives Bryn surfing lessons while helping her through the days leading up to the trial and the trial itself, a book called RL (Real Life) that tells Bryn stories about Jeshua, and Shaun, a gorgeous new guy, help Bryn overcome her distrust of boys and put her life back together?
The author has written a story that anyone who’s been in the same situation as Bryn can relate to. They’ll understand her reluctance and fear to tell on the abuser. Perhaps seeing how Bryn deals with the situation will encourage them to act. This novel would make a good supplemental reader for classrooms to let young people know they’re not alone and they need to admit the truth to stop the abuse. Also, the book would be a useful resource for school counselors when dealing with their subjects. I recommend this novel for teen readers and their parents, as well.
Paperback courtesy of Zondervan and Z Street Team
###
October 22, 2013
Once again, Nancy Rue has scored a direct hit on the mind of a teenage girl in the midst of horrifying situations. Last venture out, Motorcycles, Sushi & One Really Strange Book, she tackled the difficult topic of ADHD and emotionally unstable parents. This time, a teenager abused by her boyfriend and bullying pushed to the extreme are her hot button topics and she once again approaches them with tender style and respect. Inside the mind of a teenage girl is not always the easiest subject matter for an adult writer trying to reach a young adult audience. I, for one, remain impressed with Rue’s style and technique as she moves through this fast paced story.
Again we have an adult role model that seems nearly too good to be true. This time, instead of a parent, it’s a grandparent who understands everything with a keen perspective and seems to not make mistakes. And like last time, I’m more than willing to give grace for this ‘perfect’ character. As I was reading, I was tucking away lines and thoughts and ideas for when my girls venture into teen drama. Parts of this book frightened me with the vehemence, anger and vitriol spewed at Bryn’s character when she was doing the right thing. Then again, all one has to do to understand that Rue has captured the teenage mind well is watch the news. Stories like this one, where kids bully other kids (to death in some instances), have become all too commonplace in the news. Nancy Rue seems to have her finger firmly on the pulse of the troubled teenager. Once again, she’s brought us a story with drama, intelligence, a little bit of romance and a lot of insight into the teenage mind.
With this story, I’ve become a passionate Nancy Rue fan and would heartily recommend her to anyone who would like a little bit of advice, insight, or a new way to reach a troubled teen.
Review copy provided by Zondervan.
Again we have an adult role model that seems nearly too good to be true. This time, instead of a parent, it’s a grandparent who understands everything with a keen perspective and seems to not make mistakes. And like last time, I’m more than willing to give grace for this ‘perfect’ character. As I was reading, I was tucking away lines and thoughts and ideas for when my girls venture into teen drama. Parts of this book frightened me with the vehemence, anger and vitriol spewed at Bryn’s character when she was doing the right thing. Then again, all one has to do to understand that Rue has captured the teenage mind well is watch the news. Stories like this one, where kids bully other kids (to death in some instances), have become all too commonplace in the news. Nancy Rue seems to have her finger firmly on the pulse of the troubled teenager. Once again, she’s brought us a story with drama, intelligence, a little bit of romance and a lot of insight into the teenage mind.
With this story, I’ve become a passionate Nancy Rue fan and would heartily recommend her to anyone who would like a little bit of advice, insight, or a new way to reach a troubled teen.
Review copy provided by Zondervan.
January 2, 2012
I won this from Good Reads.
Bryn gets in a car accident and when inspected and interrogated by the doctor reveals that the accident was caused by her abusive boyfriend, Preston. Bryn doesn’t want to press any charges, but her father presses forward with the charges. Her sister, Tara, and her mother tell her that she should know better and not have let him treated her that way. Lucky for Bryn, they are out of town and only has to deal with her Dad…until she finds out that her grandmother on her mother’s side, Windy (nicknamed Mim).
Bryn’s not really thrilled because when she visited Mim in Hawaii she was very bossy and made fun of her for saying sir and ma’am. Not only does she have to deal with Mim pushing her to surf she also faces threats of Preston’s friends that she needs to drop the charges and finds solace in a book, Real Life, that tells stories of Yeshua (Jesus).
She also has trouble trusting guys. Shaun, a guy at the Surf Shack, is always nice to her and sticks up for her when another worker, Goof, picks on her. Will Bryn find God and turn into the girl he wants her to be? Will Bryn realize that not every guy treats girls like Preston did her?
I like reading Christian Fiction books and young adult, especially when blended together. I was kind of hesitant when I saw the title and didn’t expect to like it much. I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t like how her mom and sister acted like it was Bryn’s fault that she was abused. Overall, this was a really good book.
Bryn gets in a car accident and when inspected and interrogated by the doctor reveals that the accident was caused by her abusive boyfriend, Preston. Bryn doesn’t want to press any charges, but her father presses forward with the charges. Her sister, Tara, and her mother tell her that she should know better and not have let him treated her that way. Lucky for Bryn, they are out of town and only has to deal with her Dad…until she finds out that her grandmother on her mother’s side, Windy (nicknamed Mim).
Bryn’s not really thrilled because when she visited Mim in Hawaii she was very bossy and made fun of her for saying sir and ma’am. Not only does she have to deal with Mim pushing her to surf she also faces threats of Preston’s friends that she needs to drop the charges and finds solace in a book, Real Life, that tells stories of Yeshua (Jesus).
She also has trouble trusting guys. Shaun, a guy at the Surf Shack, is always nice to her and sticks up for her when another worker, Goof, picks on her. Will Bryn find God and turn into the girl he wants her to be? Will Bryn realize that not every guy treats girls like Preston did her?
I like reading Christian Fiction books and young adult, especially when blended together. I was kind of hesitant when I saw the title and didn’t expect to like it much. I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t like how her mom and sister acted like it was Bryn’s fault that she was abused. Overall, this was a really good book.
December 20, 2016
Typical Bryn: "I wasn’t so worried about tonight’s injuries. Those bruises wouldn’t rise to the surface until at least tomorrow. It was Wednesday’s evidence I was worried about. I couldn’t let [the doctor] see that."
The last thing Bryn wants is for someone to know. But when taken to the hospital after a car accident, her secret is revealed. Her boyfriend has abused her. A number of times. What is Bryn supposed to do with her father pressing charges, her boyfriend’s friends threatening her and a grandmother coming over to help that insists Bryn learns -of all things- how to surf? Is there any way out of this mess, with or without this strange book that seems to talk directly to her?
As usual, Nancy Rue has written an amazing book. I loved "Boyfriends, Burritos and an Ocean of Trouble!" It was fun to read about a girl who, though in high school, is still younger than me (Bryn’s fifteen). The issues dealt with are serious and are real problems that teenage girls face daily. RL-the book that helped her- is basically a modern-day paraphrase of the Bible and can mysteriously open to the pages that Bryn needs to read. Although a book that talks to you isn’t really there, Nancy does show us that the Bible can speak to you too.
This is the second of the Real Life series for teens. The others are "Motorcycles, Sushi and One Strange Book," "Tournaments, Cocoa and One Wrong Move" and "Limos, Lattes, and My Life on the Fringe." They can all be read as stand-alones, since the only thread is that one girl places the RL book for someone to find, and the next girl picks it up.
The last thing Bryn wants is for someone to know. But when taken to the hospital after a car accident, her secret is revealed. Her boyfriend has abused her. A number of times. What is Bryn supposed to do with her father pressing charges, her boyfriend’s friends threatening her and a grandmother coming over to help that insists Bryn learns -of all things- how to surf? Is there any way out of this mess, with or without this strange book that seems to talk directly to her?
As usual, Nancy Rue has written an amazing book. I loved "Boyfriends, Burritos and an Ocean of Trouble!" It was fun to read about a girl who, though in high school, is still younger than me (Bryn’s fifteen). The issues dealt with are serious and are real problems that teenage girls face daily. RL-the book that helped her- is basically a modern-day paraphrase of the Bible and can mysteriously open to the pages that Bryn needs to read. Although a book that talks to you isn’t really there, Nancy does show us that the Bible can speak to you too.
This is the second of the Real Life series for teens. The others are "Motorcycles, Sushi and One Strange Book," "Tournaments, Cocoa and One Wrong Move" and "Limos, Lattes, and My Life on the Fringe." They can all be read as stand-alones, since the only thread is that one girl places the RL book for someone to find, and the next girl picks it up.
July 6, 2010
"Boyfriends, Burritos & An Ocean of Trouble" is a young adult novel with some romance that also deals with serious, real life teen issues. I loved it. I very highly recommend it to teen girls and adult women. This is the second book in the "Real Life" series, but you can read them in any order without missing information or spoiling the other books in the series.
The world-building was excellent in all areas and brought the story alive in my imagination. I liked the characters. They acted realistically and dealt with realistic, hard problems. I really cared about what happened to Bryn and the other main characters, so I had a hard time putting the novel down. The suspense/tension kept building throughout the story as the situation kept getting worse and worse. Despite the tough issues, the book was realistic but encouraging rather than depressing.
This was definitely a novel intended for Christians. Bryn found a strange, "RL" book with stories from the Bible about Jesus but they seemed written just for her and the situation she's going through. The Christian element was a main part of the story, but I didn't feel like the author was lecturing the reader or Bryn. It was just...comforting and challenging.
The minimal bad language was of the "he said a five letter word" type. There was no sex. Overall, I highly recommend this as a touching, well-written, clean novel.
I received this book from the publisher as a review copy.
The world-building was excellent in all areas and brought the story alive in my imagination. I liked the characters. They acted realistically and dealt with realistic, hard problems. I really cared about what happened to Bryn and the other main characters, so I had a hard time putting the novel down. The suspense/tension kept building throughout the story as the situation kept getting worse and worse. Despite the tough issues, the book was realistic but encouraging rather than depressing.
This was definitely a novel intended for Christians. Bryn found a strange, "RL" book with stories from the Bible about Jesus but they seemed written just for her and the situation she's going through. The Christian element was a main part of the story, but I didn't feel like the author was lecturing the reader or Bryn. It was just...comforting and challenging.
The minimal bad language was of the "he said a five letter word" type. There was no sex. Overall, I highly recommend this as a touching, well-written, clean novel.
I received this book from the publisher as a review copy.
August 23, 2010
Bryn is an amazing character! I really love her psychological development as she transforms from her old cowardly-self into a courageous and valiant person. At first, she is intimidated by her boyfriend's constant physical abuse and chooses to keep it a secret. When everything comes to light in an accident, she wants to hide from everything and everyone, and most of all, the fact that she is a "battered" teenager.
As she keeps on receiving threats from her [now:] ex-boyfriend and his friends to drop her charges against him, her life is like a living hell. She tries to stay in her own protective cocoon, believing that hear fears will eventually disappear. At last, with the help of her outgoing grandmother, her growing love for the sea and a special someone, her life takes a change for good. With the guidance of a mysterious book called RL, she manages to summon her hidden courage and testifies against her abusive ex-boyfriend.
With an super-interesting plot and storyline, readers will surely be charmed by this remarkable book. The author's descriptions of the scenes, especially in the hospital and courtroom are amazingly written, and the characters are distinctive and realistic. I feel particularly connected to Bryn, who has an authentic voice and gripping character.
Without any doubt, Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble will be embraced by teenagers, especially those who love a good, quirky and entertaining novel.
As she keeps on receiving threats from her [now:] ex-boyfriend and his friends to drop her charges against him, her life is like a living hell. She tries to stay in her own protective cocoon, believing that hear fears will eventually disappear. At last, with the help of her outgoing grandmother, her growing love for the sea and a special someone, her life takes a change for good. With the guidance of a mysterious book called RL, she manages to summon her hidden courage and testifies against her abusive ex-boyfriend.
With an super-interesting plot and storyline, readers will surely be charmed by this remarkable book. The author's descriptions of the scenes, especially in the hospital and courtroom are amazingly written, and the characters are distinctive and realistic. I feel particularly connected to Bryn, who has an authentic voice and gripping character.
Without any doubt, Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble will be embraced by teenagers, especially those who love a good, quirky and entertaining novel.
September 6, 2011
I won this book through a give away from goodreads.. I started it not really knowing what to expect but I found out that I could not put it down! This is a great book for people of all ages, especially teenage girls that are just starting to date and aren't really sure how to "work" Jesus into their relationship. This story is about a 15 year old girl who is being abused and she would pray to Jesus to make it stop. She feels like Jesus isn't real bc the guy she was dating supposedly went to church and he was a bad guy. She ends up finding this "RL" book and it literally speaks to her. It tells her stories about a guy named Yeshua and shows her things she can relate to. She realizes eventually that Yeshua is actually Jesus and she develops a relationship with him that helps her get through a trial against her physically abusive boyfriend. It shows how even if people that you thought were your friends turn against you, Jesus will always be there for you.
I loved how the author took bible stories and made them into "nowaday" stories. She put it into surfer lingo and made it really relate to what Bryn was going though. It also shows how Jesus puts people into your life when you really need them.
I would highly recommend this book and I loved it! I can't wait to find more books from this author!
I loved how the author took bible stories and made them into "nowaday" stories. She put it into surfer lingo and made it really relate to what Bryn was going though. It also shows how Jesus puts people into your life when you really need them.
I would highly recommend this book and I loved it! I can't wait to find more books from this author!
July 5, 2012
I nearly threw this book across the room (except I read it on my e-reader) when the author completely misspelled the Hawaiian word haole as "Howlie." AAAAAAAAHHH!!!!
Beyond that, this was a bit simplistic. Bryn is a teenage girl involved in an abusive relationship. Her father presses charges and Bryn is harassed by her ex-boyfriend and his friends before the trial. Bryn's grandmother also flies out from California to help (Bryn's mother and sister are on a mission in South America).
Bryn's grandmother gives Bryn surfing lessons as a way of giving her confidence. Bryn also finds a special leather book with RL on the cover which tells interesting stories about a young guy named Yeshua who didn't quite fit in either. Bryn opens the book and somehow, the book just speaks to her and helps her make sense of what's going on. Eventually Bryn realizes that Yeshua is actually Jesus. As in Jesus Christ, not some guy named Jésus.
Having Bryn be so complete ignorant of the Bible beggared belief, in my mind. Really? Really? (Seth Myers and Amy Pohler agree with me. Really?)
But I did want to find out how the trial went and how Bryn made sense of it all, so I reluctantly finished even as I was irked by the author.
Beyond that, this was a bit simplistic. Bryn is a teenage girl involved in an abusive relationship. Her father presses charges and Bryn is harassed by her ex-boyfriend and his friends before the trial. Bryn's grandmother also flies out from California to help (Bryn's mother and sister are on a mission in South America).
Bryn's grandmother gives Bryn surfing lessons as a way of giving her confidence. Bryn also finds a special leather book with RL on the cover which tells interesting stories about a young guy named Yeshua who didn't quite fit in either. Bryn opens the book and somehow, the book just speaks to her and helps her make sense of what's going on. Eventually Bryn realizes that Yeshua is actually Jesus. As in Jesus Christ, not some guy named Jésus.
Having Bryn be so complete ignorant of the Bible beggared belief, in my mind. Really? Really? (Seth Myers and Amy Pohler agree with me. Really?)
But I did want to find out how the trial went and how Bryn made sense of it all, so I reluctantly finished even as I was irked by the author.
July 9, 2010
Do you remember the "ABC After School Special"? It was a program that dealt with real life situations that no one talked about. This book reminds me of that series. "Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble" deals with teen relationship abuse - something that most of us don't even think about, let alone consider.
The main character, 15 year old Bryn O'Connor, dates her "dream guy" who ends up being the boyfriend from a nightmare. He's controlling and abusive but even worse, popular. When it comes to light Bryn is being abused by him, no one believes her and she walks from one nightmare into another.
This is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend giving to every teenage girl. Bryn is a wonderful role model, going from meek to a strong character. She learns about love, trust and taking risks, both in her physical and spiritual life.
If there is one book your teen needs to read this summer, this is the one!! It's not only well written and entertaining, but really has a powerful message about relationship abuse.
The main character, 15 year old Bryn O'Connor, dates her "dream guy" who ends up being the boyfriend from a nightmare. He's controlling and abusive but even worse, popular. When it comes to light Bryn is being abused by him, no one believes her and she walks from one nightmare into another.
This is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend giving to every teenage girl. Bryn is a wonderful role model, going from meek to a strong character. She learns about love, trust and taking risks, both in her physical and spiritual life.
If there is one book your teen needs to read this summer, this is the one!! It's not only well written and entertaining, but really has a powerful message about relationship abuse.
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