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Real Life #1
Motorcycles, Sushi and One Strange Book
From bestselling author Nancy Rue comes a YA contemporary novel that combines coming-of-age drama with a rom-com series of adventures as one girl deals with her complicated family and first love.
Jesse Hatcher is used to keeping everything together—from trying to manage her thoughts amidst her ADHD to helping her mom through bipolar “phases” and keeping the reality of the highs and lows—and their living situation—a secret. But when her supposedly dead father, Lou, appears and her mother becomes suicidal, her taped-together life comes undone.
Soon Jesse is placed in Lou’s temporary custody, where she has everything but control. As she works her Dad-mandated job learning to make sushi with a chef intent on torturing her, she concocts a plan to get back to her real home. But then a cute boy named Rocky and the thrill of riding his motorcycle complicate things, and the book she found seems to have all the answers she doesn’t want to hear. Torn between what her mom wants and a life she might actually enjoy, Jesse is forced to make a crazy decision.
Motorcycles, Burritos & One Strange
features a vibrant and witty protagonist dealing with the realities of a divided family and mental illnessis a Christy award-winning novel that explores the ideas of self-worth and empowermentprovides an inspirational message for those dealing with tough circumstancesis the first book in the Real Life series
Jesse Hatcher is used to keeping everything together—from trying to manage her thoughts amidst her ADHD to helping her mom through bipolar “phases” and keeping the reality of the highs and lows—and their living situation—a secret. But when her supposedly dead father, Lou, appears and her mother becomes suicidal, her taped-together life comes undone.
Soon Jesse is placed in Lou’s temporary custody, where she has everything but control. As she works her Dad-mandated job learning to make sushi with a chef intent on torturing her, she concocts a plan to get back to her real home. But then a cute boy named Rocky and the thrill of riding his motorcycle complicate things, and the book she found seems to have all the answers she doesn’t want to hear. Torn between what her mom wants and a life she might actually enjoy, Jesse is forced to make a crazy decision.
Motorcycles, Burritos & One Strange
features a vibrant and witty protagonist dealing with the realities of a divided family and mental illnessis a Christy award-winning novel that explores the ideas of self-worth and empowermentprovides an inspirational message for those dealing with tough circumstancesis the first book in the Real Life series
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2010
26 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Nancy N. Rue
253 books289 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 69 reviews
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.
October 22, 2013
Nancy Rue stunned me with her portrayal of a teenage girl’s mind. Especially one wrapped up in such emotional turmoil and with ADHD to boot. I was so completely wrapped in this story; I couldn’t stop myself from reading portions of the book out loud to my family. In the same way I was instantly drawn into the story, the few pages I shared with them brought them in just as quickly. It was love at first read with this book.
I think one of the things I enjoyed best was the “RL” book that Jessie discovered at the airport. When she picked it up off of the seat, she thought she was stealing it and this would force her father to send her back home. It didn’t. And she didn’t. It comes out later that the book was left there for someone else who might need it. Jessie needed it. “RL” you see, is a ‘real life’ version of the Bible, with language that modern day teenagers can understand.
The plot moves quickly. Written in the first person perspective from a girl whose mind bounces all over faster than you can say sushi, you have to expect that. The dialogue is brilliant, witty, and perfectly on par with what you would imagine a teenage girl might say in this situation. The only point I’d make in characters is that Lou, Jessie’s father, seems perfect. Even his mistakes aren’t that colossal and he very quickly apologizes for them. I don’t know if I have a problem with this because he’s a really great example of what we should try to be, but don’t always accomplish. In sharp contrast, Jessie’s mom does pretty much nothing right whatsoever. Much like Jessie’s life, there’s no simple middle ground. Then again, with teenagers is there a lot of simple middle ground?
Motorcycles, Sushi & One Really Strange Book is the first in a new series from Nancy Rue. Called the Real Life series, it follows the ‘RL’ book and what happens with four different girls when they find the book. I’m more than intrigued. I can’t wait to see the new books in the series and see who Nancy Rue brings to the forefront next.
Review copy provided by Zondervan.
I think one of the things I enjoyed best was the “RL” book that Jessie discovered at the airport. When she picked it up off of the seat, she thought she was stealing it and this would force her father to send her back home. It didn’t. And she didn’t. It comes out later that the book was left there for someone else who might need it. Jessie needed it. “RL” you see, is a ‘real life’ version of the Bible, with language that modern day teenagers can understand.
The plot moves quickly. Written in the first person perspective from a girl whose mind bounces all over faster than you can say sushi, you have to expect that. The dialogue is brilliant, witty, and perfectly on par with what you would imagine a teenage girl might say in this situation. The only point I’d make in characters is that Lou, Jessie’s father, seems perfect. Even his mistakes aren’t that colossal and he very quickly apologizes for them. I don’t know if I have a problem with this because he’s a really great example of what we should try to be, but don’t always accomplish. In sharp contrast, Jessie’s mom does pretty much nothing right whatsoever. Much like Jessie’s life, there’s no simple middle ground. Then again, with teenagers is there a lot of simple middle ground?
Motorcycles, Sushi & One Really Strange Book is the first in a new series from Nancy Rue. Called the Real Life series, it follows the ‘RL’ book and what happens with four different girls when they find the book. I’m more than intrigued. I can’t wait to see the new books in the series and see who Nancy Rue brings to the forefront next.
Review copy provided by Zondervan.
December 20, 2016
Typical Jessie: I guess my life was crazy even before the day it really lost its mind. I just didn’t think it was. I did think my friend Chelsea’s life was a little weird. Her parents had been married to each other for twenty years and her family sat down at the table to eat supper together every night... I definitely considered my friend Marcus’s life to be strange. His family went on a two-week vacation every single summer to places like Key West and the Grand Canyon... Totally off the wall.
When Jessie's mom is sent to the hospital for gulping down a bunch of pills, Jessie is left with her dad. Who she had thought was dead. Her plan is simple: drive him nuts until he sends her back home. Except it might be nicer in some ways in Florida: like motorcycles, the beach and a book that she can actually read. Can there really be a relief from the hamster wheel in her head? Can she just be herself, without always covering up the fact that she has ADHD?
Like most of Nancy Rue's books, Motorcycles, Sushi and One Strange Book is awesome. I love how Jessie changes from the I-have-to-hide-this girl to someone who more or less embraces herself as she is. RL-the book that she found herself reading despite her disability- is basically a modern-day paraphrase of the Bible. It can mysteriously be clear when it's time to read and blur when the reading is enough for the day. Although a book like that isn’t really out there, Nancy Rue does show us that parts of the Bible can stand out to us too.
This is the first of the Real Life series for teens. The others are "Boyfriends, Burritos and an Ocean of Trouble," "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 the RL book that they find when they need it and leave for someone else to find.
When Jessie's mom is sent to the hospital for gulping down a bunch of pills, Jessie is left with her dad. Who she had thought was dead. Her plan is simple: drive him nuts until he sends her back home. Except it might be nicer in some ways in Florida: like motorcycles, the beach and a book that she can actually read. Can there really be a relief from the hamster wheel in her head? Can she just be herself, without always covering up the fact that she has ADHD?
Like most of Nancy Rue's books, Motorcycles, Sushi and One Strange Book is awesome. I love how Jessie changes from the I-have-to-hide-this girl to someone who more or less embraces herself as she is. RL-the book that she found herself reading despite her disability- is basically a modern-day paraphrase of the Bible. It can mysteriously be clear when it's time to read and blur when the reading is enough for the day. Although a book like that isn’t really out there, Nancy Rue does show us that parts of the Bible can stand out to us too.
This is the first of the Real Life series for teens. The others are "Boyfriends, Burritos and an Ocean of Trouble," "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 the RL book that they find when they need it and leave for someone else to find.
August 17, 2025
This is probably my third or fourth time through this book and I still enjoy it as much as the first. Jessie is very relatable, and Rue’s writing style is humorous and engaging. Any teen (and I would venture to include adults) with their own ‘demons’ to battle will appreciate the insight found inside.
Also Rocky. He cracks me up like no one else 😂
Also Rocky. He cracks me up like no one else 😂
February 11, 2017
This book is amazing! I love it!
Before I started this book I thought it was going to be a chick-lit, but of course it wasn't. I am blown away and utterly surprised by how emotional I got while reading, as well as how much I love all the characters. The main character Jessie was hilarious and Nancy Rue wrote her really well. Watching Jess and her father grow closer as well as her kinda romance was amazing. I am so happy I want to buy this book right now.
There is only one thing in the book that can ever tempt me to bring the rating slightly down. Of course I'm not going to do that because my love of this book surpasses my confusion over this problem. My confusion is over the whole demon thing. I know it sounds really weird said like that. I promise this book isn't about demons possessing people. However, the people in this book talk about the major sins holding on to a person as demons. I am fine with this because in a way we do each have a personal sin we struggle with, and the name demon seems to fit that problem. My problem is that Nancy Rue does not really distinguish the sin demon having hold on one's self with a real demon possessing someone. There is a point where she almost clarified the difference, but it was very vague. I do know the difference between the two, but if an nonbeliever or a young Christian were to read this book they man not be able to distinguish as well.
That is my one and only discomfort, but overall I was super moved by this book and practically read it three time over the course of a few days. I recommend this book to girls thirteen and older. I love everything about this book, and God is very present in the story.
Before I started this book I thought it was going to be a chick-lit, but of course it wasn't. I am blown away and utterly surprised by how emotional I got while reading, as well as how much I love all the characters. The main character Jessie was hilarious and Nancy Rue wrote her really well. Watching Jess and her father grow closer as well as her kinda romance was amazing. I am so happy I want to buy this book right now.
There is only one thing in the book that can ever tempt me to bring the rating slightly down. Of course I'm not going to do that because my love of this book surpasses my confusion over this problem. My confusion is over the whole demon thing. I know it sounds really weird said like that. I promise this book isn't about demons possessing people. However, the people in this book talk about the major sins holding on to a person as demons. I am fine with this because in a way we do each have a personal sin we struggle with, and the name demon seems to fit that problem. My problem is that Nancy Rue does not really distinguish the sin demon having hold on one's self with a real demon possessing someone. There is a point where she almost clarified the difference, but it was very vague. I do know the difference between the two, but if an nonbeliever or a young Christian were to read this book they man not be able to distinguish as well.
That is my one and only discomfort, but overall I was super moved by this book and practically read it three time over the course of a few days. I recommend this book to girls thirteen and older. I love everything about this book, and God is very present in the story.
May 11, 2012
Review by Jill Williamson
Fifteen-year-old Jessie Hatcher has a system to deal with her with her mom’s bipolar disorder and her own ADHD—until her father shows up. Her dead father. Apparently, mom told a little lie. And on the day her dad comes to meet her, mom ends up in the hospital. And now Jesse’s only relative is her dad, who lives in Florida, far away from all her friends. So Jesse goes, but she isn’t staying, even when she starts to like her job at the local sushi restaurant, the cute guy who works at the bike shop, and the mysterious book she “stole” from the airport.
Loved it! And let me just say, I could relate to Jessie’s randomness and mood swings. This is a really fun story about a girl who is searching. She’s had to depend on herself for so long that it’s hard for her to trust anyone. But her dad isn’t like her mom at all. It’s weird for Jesse to have an adult who cares. The writing is funny and thoughtful. The characters are fabulous, real, and struggling like the rest of us. I flew through the book and hope I’ll be able to read all the books in this series. Highly recommended.
Fifteen-year-old Jessie Hatcher has a system to deal with her with her mom’s bipolar disorder and her own ADHD—until her father shows up. Her dead father. Apparently, mom told a little lie. And on the day her dad comes to meet her, mom ends up in the hospital. And now Jesse’s only relative is her dad, who lives in Florida, far away from all her friends. So Jesse goes, but she isn’t staying, even when she starts to like her job at the local sushi restaurant, the cute guy who works at the bike shop, and the mysterious book she “stole” from the airport.
Loved it! And let me just say, I could relate to Jessie’s randomness and mood swings. This is a really fun story about a girl who is searching. She’s had to depend on herself for so long that it’s hard for her to trust anyone. But her dad isn’t like her mom at all. It’s weird for Jesse to have an adult who cares. The writing is funny and thoughtful. The characters are fabulous, real, and struggling like the rest of us. I flew through the book and hope I’ll be able to read all the books in this series. Highly recommended.
June 10, 2017
Probably the best juvenile Christian fiction I have read in a long time. The lively voice of the ADHD heroine is strong and realistic. We can understand both her frustrations with her inability to control herself and her friends enjoyment of her bubbly, spontaneous personality. The spiritual message is also strong and fully integrated in the story as the father she has never known has come to Christ and tries to give her a stable, disciplined home she needs. He has his own demons, as has Jessie and her mother. Highly recommended whether you have ADHD or not.
June 20, 2017
"You always have a choice between doing the thing that's going to help you or doing the same thing you've been doing that makes you miserable."
Last summer I read BOYFRIENDS, BURRITOS & AN OCEAN OF TROUBLE which was the second book in the real life companion novel series. That one dealt with an abusive relationship, and an overbearing mother. While this book deals with ADHD, Bipolar, and a parent who is suddenly around for the first time.
We have Jess who is a 16-year-old who is dealing with a mother who has in-bed phases and out of bed phases, she also has ADHD that while is medicated is not the right medicine. Add on the fact that her mom goes back and forth between super controlling to absent for days on in, it's a very complicated environment for Jess.
One day though her bio father Lou calls and asks to meet her. This leads to her mom taking drastic measures and Jess suddenly being forced to go with Lou.
Once she is with Lou things really get interesting in my opinion, not only does he truly care about her, but he wants to make her feel comfortable in her new environment and to have the ability to thrive in it and be the person she can be when her "hamster wheel"(that's what she calls her ADHD brain) isn't going 100mph all the time.
"Life isn't an endurance test. Why make it any harder than it already is? If there's something that can help take the edge off all this frustration, why not use it?"
Lou gives her the options and stability she needs and kind of wants after she gets used to the idea. She even is able to start a job working at a Sushi place (this is where she really starts changing and thriving) and Bonsai who is the owner/chef and Rose the everything else woman. We also have Rocky who is a guy that works for Lou and want to be Jess's friend and shows her the town she is now living in. (this was a really nice friendship to see and how it changed was in a mostly realistic way to.)
"No I don't have to pull attitude with him. He doesn't put me down every single chance he gets. He doesn't treat me like a moron. He doesn't ignore me for weeks and then get up and tr to run my life. That's why I don't pull attitude with him. And that's why this is my home now. "
Overall I really liked this book and this series so far. Each book can be read on its own as the only that is consistent is the RL book. I don't really know much about ADHD or Bipolar, so I don't know how well represented they both are in this book. I just thought it was nice to see it dealt with in a book, and for the character to just not suddenly get better all on her own with no help from anyone.
This is a mostly realistic story, besides the RL book portions where the book is specifically 'talking' to Jess and helps her deal with things. Now as a teenager I would have loved the idea of this and I still think it's a pretty cool one today. I can see how it would make some people uncomfortable though and make them not want to read the book. For the first 75% religion is only slightly mentioned, but the last 25% it gets mentioned a lot more.
I am hoping to read the other two companion novels in July, because I am interested to see what topics get addressed in them.
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Last summer I read BOYFRIENDS, BURRITOS & AN OCEAN OF TROUBLE which was the second book in the real life companion novel series. That one dealt with an abusive relationship, and an overbearing mother. While this book deals with ADHD, Bipolar, and a parent who is suddenly around for the first time.
We have Jess who is a 16-year-old who is dealing with a mother who has in-bed phases and out of bed phases, she also has ADHD that while is medicated is not the right medicine. Add on the fact that her mom goes back and forth between super controlling to absent for days on in, it's a very complicated environment for Jess.
One day though her bio father Lou calls and asks to meet her. This leads to her mom taking drastic measures and Jess suddenly being forced to go with Lou.
Once she is with Lou things really get interesting in my opinion, not only does he truly care about her, but he wants to make her feel comfortable in her new environment and to have the ability to thrive in it and be the person she can be when her "hamster wheel"(that's what she calls her ADHD brain) isn't going 100mph all the time.
"Life isn't an endurance test. Why make it any harder than it already is? If there's something that can help take the edge off all this frustration, why not use it?"
Lou gives her the options and stability she needs and kind of wants after she gets used to the idea. She even is able to start a job working at a Sushi place (this is where she really starts changing and thriving) and Bonsai who is the owner/chef and Rose the everything else woman. We also have Rocky who is a guy that works for Lou and want to be Jess's friend and shows her the town she is now living in. (this was a really nice friendship to see and how it changed was in a mostly realistic way to.)
"No I don't have to pull attitude with him. He doesn't put me down every single chance he gets. He doesn't treat me like a moron. He doesn't ignore me for weeks and then get up and tr to run my life. That's why I don't pull attitude with him. And that's why this is my home now. "
Overall I really liked this book and this series so far. Each book can be read on its own as the only that is consistent is the RL book. I don't really know much about ADHD or Bipolar, so I don't know how well represented they both are in this book. I just thought it was nice to see it dealt with in a book, and for the character to just not suddenly get better all on her own with no help from anyone.
This is a mostly realistic story, besides the RL book portions where the book is specifically 'talking' to Jess and helps her deal with things. Now as a teenager I would have loved the idea of this and I still think it's a pretty cool one today. I can see how it would make some people uncomfortable though and make them not want to read the book. For the first 75% religion is only slightly mentioned, but the last 25% it gets mentioned a lot more.
I am hoping to read the other two companion novels in July, because I am interested to see what topics get addressed in them.
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January 7, 2020
In many ways, this is a sad book about a girl named Jessica who had a seriously messed up home life with just her mom. Her dad had died before she was born, or at least that is what her mom led her to believe. And then one evening the phone rings - "I'm your dad.". But we are just at page 11, and there is going to be a lot of "stuff" happening before this story is over. Nancy Rue has always been one of the coolest of all Christian authors for girls of all ages, and this book is one of her best.
April 26, 2024
This is a wonderful opportunity for teenage girls with lots of questions. They will find life in all it's messiness and craziness in the life of Jessie. Read through as Jessie sorts through the confusion of her life and the hold that mental illness had on her family. It was a fun read with intense situations, and Jessie faced her own ADHD and learned to face it, not run from it. In the midst of all this, Jesus was introduced to Jessie. I highly recommend this book for girls looking for a story that they can relate to!
January 23, 2017
This book had me laughing so hard that even my cat was looking at me funny. I loved Jess's dad and their relationships, as well as the motorcycle, the sushi making, Rocky, and Weezie. I could so totally relate to Jess and all the struggles she had in her life. This was a teen/YA book, but I found the book totally interesting. I loved the line towards the end of the book...we may not be totally "cured" of our demons but with God's help, the stronghold they have on our lives can be lessened.
February 1, 2024
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOOD!
I discovered this book in the library and I picked it up because of the crazy title. I cannot over emphasize how good this book is it was absolutely amazing, I had been trying to get my hands on the other ones in the series (yes. there is more don't scream tho) I would absolutely recommend this, in fact this introduced me to Christian realistic fiction. So good ❤️
I discovered this book in the library and I picked it up because of the crazy title. I cannot over emphasize how good this book is it was absolutely amazing, I had been trying to get my hands on the other ones in the series (yes. there is more don't scream tho) I would absolutely recommend this, in fact this introduced me to Christian realistic fiction. So good ❤️
November 28, 2018
There were very few bits that were a cheesy, but as a whole I couldn’t stop reading this book! I loved the way it approached the Bible, and the storylines were interesting. I’m actually waiting for the next book to be off hold so I can get more of her reading style of plots!
November 26, 2024
I have read this book thrice, twice this year. I love it sooo much. It's hard not to like Jessie, the main character. I just love how Nancy Rue gives me a fresh perspective to life. This book does it for me.
June 29, 2019
Great book!! Teen girls should all read this!
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March 23, 2017Loved It!!!!!!!
July 9, 2010
"Motorcycles, Sushi, & One Strange Book" is a fast-paced young adult novel with some romance. This is the first 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 cared about what happened to the characters, so I had a hard time putting the novel down.
This was definitely a novel intended for Christians. Jessie 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 Jessie. It was handled in a way that was both comforting and challenging. It made me want to read my Bible more, and I already read it a lot!
There wasn't any cussing or swearing. There was no sex. Overall, I highly recommend this novel as a well-written, clean reading. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
I received this book from Zondervan 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 cared about what happened to the characters, so I had a hard time putting the novel down.
This was definitely a novel intended for Christians. Jessie 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 Jessie. It was handled in a way that was both comforting and challenging. It made me want to read my Bible more, and I already read it a lot!
There wasn't any cussing or swearing. There was no sex. Overall, I highly recommend this novel as a well-written, clean reading. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
I received this book from Zondervan as a review copy.
August 4, 2011
Jessie is 15 years old and lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her mother. Jessie has ADHD, which she spends a lot of time trying to hide, and her mother is either in her "In-Bed Phase" or "No-Bed Phase", which she also hides. Jessie has learned to cope with all of this on her own. Jessie's mother has told her that her father died, so no one is more surprised than Jessie when her father shows up and wants to meet her. Jessie's mom gets sicker and ends up in a mental hospital and Jessie has to go live with her newly found father in Florida. Jessie decides to show her father how messed up she really is so he'll send her back home to Alabama. On the flight to Florida Jessie finds a book. In Florida Jessie meets a guy. Both become important to Jessie learning to trust other people and develop the self confidence she needs.
This is the first book in a Christian fiction series called Real Life. Jessie is a fun character who is in a horrible situation. Her father is a little too good to be true, but the other characters are more realistic. If you want your chick lit with a heavy dose of Bible stories, this book is for you. Each book in the series has different characters, so it doesn't need to be read in order.
This is the first book in a Christian fiction series called Real Life. Jessie is a fun character who is in a horrible situation. Her father is a little too good to be true, but the other characters are more realistic. If you want your chick lit with a heavy dose of Bible stories, this book is for you. Each book in the series has different characters, so it doesn't need to be read in order.
July 13, 2010
Book number one of Nancy Rue's Real Life Series, "Motorcycles, Sushi, & One Strange Book" deals with ADHD and bipolar disorder. Written in first person, 15 year old Jessie reveals what it is like to have ADHD and how she tries to handle it. She also tries to care for her mother, who has untreated bipolar disorder until she can no longer control the situation and her mother is hospitalized.
Jessie grew up with the lack of stability and finds it all normal, until her "dead" father appears and removes her from the situation. Her thought process, rebellion, and fear of getting close to others because of her secrets are so very real to what goes on in a dysfunctional home. The reality of the character and her situation is very well done. As Jessie grows and learns how to deal with ADHD as well as her mother's disorder, her views go from scattered to "normal" and her character not only matures but becomes confident and finds herself worth loving.
This is a wonderful book to give to any teen and would be helpful in both understanding what it feels like to have ADHD and for those that have it to not be ashamed.
Note: A strong Christian theme runs throughout the book.
Jessie grew up with the lack of stability and finds it all normal, until her "dead" father appears and removes her from the situation. Her thought process, rebellion, and fear of getting close to others because of her secrets are so very real to what goes on in a dysfunctional home. The reality of the character and her situation is very well done. As Jessie grows and learns how to deal with ADHD as well as her mother's disorder, her views go from scattered to "normal" and her character not only matures but becomes confident and finds herself worth loving.
This is a wonderful book to give to any teen and would be helpful in both understanding what it feels like to have ADHD and for those that have it to not be ashamed.
Note: A strong Christian theme runs throughout the book.
May 25, 2019
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
7/26/2015-
“The title of this book mentions "and one strange book" and to be frankly honest, that what this book felt like to me. It got better by the end, but still not a series I plan to finish.”
*Main Content-
Someone tries to overdose but lives; Blood & Dead fish (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of drinking, alcoholics, drunks, & getting drunk; Mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of smoking pot & cutting; Jessie lies a lot; A curse is cut-off; Minor cussing (buzz off, dang it, duh, idiot, moron, screw up, shut up, sissy, stupid, what the--, yappie).
A barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Jessie was told that her father died before her parents could get married; Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Nearness; Mentions of who-likes-who, crushes, dates, going out, & boyfriends; A mention of a woman of questionable reputation; a 'hot'.
Mentions of bras, shorts, mini skirts, tank tops, & not a skimpy outfit.
7/26/2015-
“The title of this book mentions "and one strange book" and to be frankly honest, that what this book felt like to me. It got better by the end, but still not a series I plan to finish.”
*Main Content-
Someone tries to overdose but lives; Blood & Dead fish (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of drinking, alcoholics, drunks, & getting drunk; Mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of smoking pot & cutting; Jessie lies a lot; A curse is cut-off; Minor cussing (buzz off, dang it, duh, idiot, moron, screw up, shut up, sissy, stupid, what the--, yappie).
A barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Jessie was told that her father died before her parents could get married; Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Nearness; Mentions of who-likes-who, crushes, dates, going out, & boyfriends; A mention of a woman of questionable reputation; a 'hot'.
Mentions of bras, shorts, mini skirts, tank tops, & not a skimpy outfit.
November 29, 2013
I picked this book up at the library, and was not able to put it down! Nancy Rue does an astounding job of developing the plot and the characters. A must-read!
This book focuses on Jessie Hatcher, a fifteen-year-old girl whose idea of normal is dealing with her ADHD 24/7. Jessie's mom, having bipolar disorder, isn't much of a help. When Jessie's dad contacts her, she is surprised, since she had always been told that he was dead. After her mom is rushed to the hospital for a drug overdose (good thing Jessie's dad was there to help!) Jessie finds herself living with her dad in Florida, working at a sushi restaurant, sharing a room with her ten-year-old half-sister Louisa "Weezie" Kennesaw, and finally finding some help for her ADHD. Along the way, Jessie meets a boy named Rocky, who offers to show her around the town. With the help of her dad, Rocky, and a mysterious book found in the airport, Jessie finds the strength she needs to overcome her ADHD.
I recognized almost immediately that the passages in the book were actually passages from the Gospel. I found this book to be an incredibly helpful guide in my walk with Christ. Well done, Nancy Rue, well done!
This book focuses on Jessie Hatcher, a fifteen-year-old girl whose idea of normal is dealing with her ADHD 24/7. Jessie's mom, having bipolar disorder, isn't much of a help. When Jessie's dad contacts her, she is surprised, since she had always been told that he was dead. After her mom is rushed to the hospital for a drug overdose (good thing Jessie's dad was there to help!) Jessie finds herself living with her dad in Florida, working at a sushi restaurant, sharing a room with her ten-year-old half-sister Louisa "Weezie" Kennesaw, and finally finding some help for her ADHD. Along the way, Jessie meets a boy named Rocky, who offers to show her around the town. With the help of her dad, Rocky, and a mysterious book found in the airport, Jessie finds the strength she needs to overcome her ADHD.
I recognized almost immediately that the passages in the book were actually passages from the Gospel. I found this book to be an incredibly helpful guide in my walk with Christ. Well done, Nancy Rue, well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2014
This has to be one of the best contemporary novels I've read in a very long time. I was a little hesitant to get it at first, seeing that Nancy Rue had written the FaithGirlz series which was geared towards younger girls and, to me, seemed a bit cheesy. With this book, however, I found myself enchanted. Jessie, the 15 year old protagonist, is relatable and likeable. The setting is realistic, the story line believable, and none of the characters were pure evil or eye-rollingly goody goody. They all had back stories that made them relatable. Even though Jessie is younger than me in the story, she deals with a lot of stuff I do. (Little sisters, annoying boys, and hyper-emotional friends) On the flipside, her life is so unlike mine it kept me interested. (A bi-polar mom, a dad "returned from the dead", a non-Christian upbringing) Her battle with ADHD had me smiling at points because it reminded me of myself with caffeine. The Christian theme is noticeable but not shoved down your throat. It's there but not preachy, you know?
Anyway, very pleased with this book. I can't wait to read the others in this series.
Anyway, very pleased with this book. I can't wait to read the others in this series.
January 5, 2011
( this book is a: christian fiction)
I think this book speaks to me because i am like the main character in a few different ways. I have trouble focusing, and have had family troubles in th past. In this book the main character undergoes a great deal of drama in her life and tries to rebel against what, if she just gave it a try, she has been looking for her whole life. She needs her boundaries and borders that keep her in check in the mind. I mean i know that i personally have trouble staying on track and need a lot of structure in my life to keep going and even attempt to do well.
Jessie, the main character, finds structure in a mysterious book called "RL". this book turns out to be a different version of the bible. I feel this relates to me because over the past few months i have been going through confirmation, and my relationship with God has grown. I don't know if you are a christian, but i would like to believe that i have a strong relationship with God, and this book just came at a good time for me. it really spoke to me.
I think this book speaks to me because i am like the main character in a few different ways. I have trouble focusing, and have had family troubles in th past. In this book the main character undergoes a great deal of drama in her life and tries to rebel against what, if she just gave it a try, she has been looking for her whole life. She needs her boundaries and borders that keep her in check in the mind. I mean i know that i personally have trouble staying on track and need a lot of structure in my life to keep going and even attempt to do well.
Jessie, the main character, finds structure in a mysterious book called "RL". this book turns out to be a different version of the bible. I feel this relates to me because over the past few months i have been going through confirmation, and my relationship with God has grown. I don't know if you are a christian, but i would like to believe that i have a strong relationship with God, and this book just came at a good time for me. it really spoke to me.
January 2, 2016
This was a fun read with an interesting, at times heavy, plot. Not only that, but it was written quite well. As stated above, this book is “starring” Jessie, a 15-year-old with ADHD. Written in the first person, this book reflects Jessie’s state of mind quite well! At the beginning of the book, I felt dizzy reading it. The way she jumped from topic to topic, often within a matter of a sentence or two. It was interesting, to say the least. But I know it is fitting. That’s the mind of someone with ADHD (at least I think it is). I also like how, as the story progresses and Jessie gets some order in her life, the writing reflects that. Her thoughts aren’t as scattered, and you can tell she’s learning how to focus. I honestly didn’t even notice that until after I had finished, when I was thinking back through the book, deciding what to say about it.
September 14, 2010
Okay, don't get mad at me please, but um, some Christian books are, well, a little cheesy. Sorry. But its true. Not with this one those. If you like Chick Lit you'll really like Motorcycles, Sushi & One Strange Book. Yet its so much more than Chick Lit. This is the story of a 15 year old girl, Jesse, who struggles with ADHD and a mother with issues of her own. One day Jesse gets a world-rocking phone call from the Dad that her mother has led her to believe died years before. Jesse is taken out of the world she has formed with lies to cover her secrets and thrown into one where all secrets are revealed. This was a heart warming story that made you forget you were reading a "Christian" book. Just a great story.
September 29, 2010
Ok, here is the deal, I liked this book. I liked the storyline. I loved the characters. The relationships betweens the varies characters were so honest, it was great. What I didn't like is how the author tried to make this book a religious book. It's like the author took a great book that was finished and then inserted this religious stuff and chopped up the storyline and made it ackward and destroyed the flow of the book. I really think if the author took all the stuff about the found "book" out of story it would be a better book. I would have given it probably 4 stars if she did. I have nothing against religion, or religious books, it just did not fit well in this book. I am sorry if I offend anyone with my opinion.
October 2, 2010
Nancy Rue has started a great new series here. It may be for young adults but not too young. This first book deals with ADHD, bipolar disorder, parental suicide and much, much more. The second book dives into dating abuse (older boyfriend beating up his younger girlfriend) and takes it all the way through the trial. Heavy issues, but very well written. Great characters and realistic scenarios. For young people in high school and college these books are very appropriate, but I think it'll be awhile before my 14 year old, homeschooled daughter will be reading them. I am a huge sushi fan and found the insight into the sushi restaurant fascinating. In the second book Nancy gives us a great insight into surfing - that was also very interesting.
October 2, 2010
Nancy Rue has started a great new series here. It may be for young adults but not too young. This first book deals with ADHD, bipolar disorder, parental suicide and much, much more. The second book dives into dating abuse (older boyfriend beating up his younger girlfriend) and takes it all the way through the trial. Heavy issues, but very well written. Great characters and realistic scenarios. For young people in high school and college these books are very appropriate, but I think it'll be awhile before my 14 year old, homeschooled daughter will be reading them. I am a huge sushi fan and found the insight into the sushi restaurant fascinating. In the second book Nancy gives us a great insight into surfing - that was also very interesting.
July 5, 2015
I wish this series had been around when I was in high school. What a great way to make scripture seem more real! Is there an RL for 40-somethings? Rue's characterization of what it is to be a high school student reflects my memories fairly accurately. While this first book's scenario seemed a bit extreme with the bi-polar mother, I enjoyed returning to St Augustine (scene of reluctant prophet trilogy). And as this series progresses, the situations feel more and more realistic (or at least closer to what I remember). I'm actually disappointed there aren't more books in this series. It was set up so it could continue.
This has the feel of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants--but with much more meaningful implications.
This has the feel of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants--but with much more meaningful implications.
February 3, 2011
Great story from the perspective of a 15 year-old girl. She has ADHD, her mother is Bi-Polar, and from out of nowhere, her biological father shows up. She had been told that her dad was dead, and now he want's to be in her life.
I won't give any spoilers here, but just tell you that this is a very well written piece of fiction. I will warn those who don't have a spiritual bone in their bodies, she does end up turning to the Lord for help. It felt a little preachy a couple of times, but I actually felt the warm influence of the Lord in my own heart while reading this, and I heartily suggest this book!
I won't give any spoilers here, but just tell you that this is a very well written piece of fiction. I will warn those who don't have a spiritual bone in their bodies, she does end up turning to the Lord for help. It felt a little preachy a couple of times, but I actually felt the warm influence of the Lord in my own heart while reading this, and I heartily suggest this book!
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