The McGowan Boys

For this week, I read Kate Brian's recent book Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys. The plot revolved around a 16 year-old high school girl whose military parents were sent to Korea for two years. During their time away, their daughter Megan was sent to live for some family friends...and their seven boys!! Soccer tryouts, random makeouts, and sibling rivalry ensue as Megan learns not only how to deal with her parents' absence and a new school, but also the intricacies of the male species.
For the most part, the book was an entertaining (and quick) read. The story was easy to follow, as one might expect, and the characters were surprisingly believable. I failed to support, however, Brian's depictions of the female antagonists who often appeared hyperbolic in their overemphasis on sports and popularity. I also had a problem with the language of the text. I understand that because the text aims at a younger audience (and teenagers are never exposed to foul language) it behooves authors to write using a minimal amount of objectionable terms. I get frustrated, however, with the logic of including subject matter that doesn't match its the characters' dialogue. This book, in particular, dealt with sex, drinking, violence, and rebellion against authority, yet when the characters were consumed by emotions, their worst words were variations of the word "freakin'" I guess it's asking too much that an author's words resonate with the verisimilitude of the actions depicted in the book. Not to say that I enjoy reading curse word after curse word, but I think something is lost when an adult's teen characters don't accurately reflect the way teens really behave.
Sorry for that tangent. The book presented a fairly one-sided view of teenage boys. In a family with seven children, one would think there would be some variety of personalities and habits. One boy had autism, to the author's credit. However, despite this attempt at "pushing the envelope" all the brothers were different versions of the same person: athletic, attractive, well-liked, and adverse to academics. Consequently, the lessons Megan learns about boys from living with the family reflect only the narrow view the author chose to portray. I have more to say, and in the future I shall plan my drafts not so close to my bedtime, but as I am quite tired, I must leave you. Good night to you all and I shall see you tomorrow evening!