SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR

“Hugely enjoyable.” School Library Journal **STARRED** review

“…a searing story of redemption…it’s nearly impossible to remain unmoved.” Publishers Weekly

“Sorta Like a Rock Star is the perfect antidote to the squelchy does-he-or-doesn’t-he average teenage love drama weighing down Young Adult shelves. Amber is real and wonderful, everything you want in a main character. She deals with horrible life traumas and comes out the other side stronger for it. Have your tissues ready. Even the most cynical won’t be capable of quelling the rising tide of tears. Best read of the summer.” Lanine Bradley, Sacramento Book Review

“This special book dares us to embrace audacious hope. Amber Appleton is my hero.” Sara Zarr, author of ONCE WAS LOST and National Book Award finalist STORY OF A GIRL

“Every sentence in SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR beats with hope and heart. If there ever was a manifesto for living with your heart wide open, for embracing exuberance, for choosing YES and WHY NOT, this book is it.  And Amber Appleton? She is the ambassador of sassy optimism.  This is a must-read, must-quote, must-hug kind of book, the best kind of book there is.” Justina Chen, author of NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES)

“I love this book so much, it’s almost hard to talk about … the most unforgettable book I’ve read in a really long time.” Jennifer Buehler, Ph.D., readwritethink.org’s Text Messages

“Quick, in his debut young adult novel, gives Amber enough of a quirky edge that her relentless hope in the face of poverty, abuse, and cynicism is inspirational, rather than sentimental, her story alternately comic and painfully moving. There are indeed ‘many worse things in the world’ that one could be than a ‘hopeful misfit.’ Indeed, there are few better.” Claudia Mills, Ph.D., Children’s Literature

“This memorable teen’s fresh voice and uplifting spirit will endear readers (word!), while a bring-down-the-house ending will inspire them to find the best in humanity (true!). Sure, Amber may be a little over the top at times, but aren’t all rock stars? Grades 9-12.” Angela Leeper, Booklist

“…a distinctive narrative voice… The multidimensionality of [Amber's] character—its bittersweet possibility and utter improbability—will suck readers completely into her world, where they will ride waves of tears through to a world washed clean.” Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books

“Matthew Quick has given us a teen heroine who makes you laugh when you want to cry and cry when you want to laugh. This funny-sad book keeps you guessing until the very last page about which will win: the humor or the heartache? The answer, lucky reader, is both. In short, Amber Appleton might only be ‘sorta like a rock star,’ but she is certain to rock your world.” Dana Reinhardt, author of A BRIEF CHAPTER IN MY IMPOSSIBLE LIFE and HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE

“Completely blown away…the next John Green.” Trish McCarthy, Children’s & YA Events Coordinator, R.J. Julia Booksellers

“SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR is a touching, gritty read that will make you smile, if not laugh, and will force you to wish you had been a cooler teenager. Buy this book, read it, and keep it for your own children until they are teenagers. They’ll thank you one day.” Liz Wagner, The Collegian, La Salle University

“I challenge anyone to read SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR and not come away with a smile and a decision to make the best of what they have – just like Amber Appleton.” Teens Read Too, Gold Star Award for Excellence

“…the world is a better place because Amber is in it.” The Toledo Blade

“The frenetic pace of the book took my breath away.  Before I knew it, I was submerged in Amber’s life and relationships.” Unshelved

“Equal parts humor and heartbreak, Sorta Like a Rock Star is a moving and worthwhile read. Amber Appleton is a truly unique and endearing character. … This story is rich with discussion material.” Story Snoops

“Rating: Excellent. Lovable. A must-read for both young adults and lovers of YA books. This book is so unlike all the other, what I call, VCT — Vamp, Camp and Tramp — teen books out there. You want to hug it, it’s so endearing.” SouthCoastTODAY.com

“…a heartfelt tale of hope and how one person can make a difference in the lives of others. Cynthia Holloway’s narration is superb. She rocks as Amber and brings subtle differences to the eclectic cast of characters. A must-have audio book.” School Library Journal, **STARRED** review, audio book

********************************************************************

From blogs:

“Fast paced and light on its feet, SLARS (as Quick and his fans refer to the book) introduces readers to a town in which nobody and nothing is perfect, except for the quality of caring.  He jazzes the page with quick strokes and bright humor, slipstreaming haikus, a cast of quirks, and a well-spring of only temporarily daunted heart.  No wonder Quick and his wife, writer Alicia Bessette, are on a quest for kindness.  Because, judging from the powerful Sorta Like a Rock Star, kindness fuels Quick’s world.” National Book Award finalist Beth Kephart, Beth Kephart Books

“A cast of characters so real and quirky and different, you want to live inside the book and just be around them. I laughed out loud, and I cried, I mean really CRIED, and when I turned the last page, I shouted to the heavens, more books like this PLEASE!! Award committees – I hope you are listening. Here, maybe if they have their google alerts set: Printz, Printz, Printz, Printz, Printz, Excellence in Young Adult Fiction, ALA, YALSA, Printz, Printz, Printz, Printz!!!” Lisa Schroeder, author of CHASING BROOKLYN, FAR FROM YOU and I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME

“This one is for all of the kids who live outside the edge of normal, all of the kids who have secrets behind what their faces show at school each day, all of the kids who have been picked on, and especially for all of the kids who when faced with the worst, offer up their best.” Myfanwy Collins, Read By Myfanwy

“An immensely powerful book about grief and overcoming loss, Sorta Like A Rock Star has more quirky characters than an indie film. It’s both hilarious and heartbreaking. … If you know someone who loves quirky mainstream fiction—or you just want to read an amazing novel that with make you laugh out loud and cry shamelessly on an airplane—then you should definitely check out Sorta Like A Rock Star.” Chandra Rooney, Indigo Teen Blog + Top 10 of 2010: Teen Fiction

“It’s about the difficulty of hope, how terrible things happen for no reason, how the mechanics of poverty and oppression keep great people down, how they can be combated, and how faith – of many kinds, including in one’s God, in one’s self, and in one’s friends and allies – can be maintained, lost, regained, and blaze like a beacon for others.” Karen Healey, author of GUARDIAN OF THE DEAD, Karen Healey’s LIVEJOURNAL

“This is my new favorite book and the single best thing I’ve read to date.  That’s a really big statement, but I mean it! … This book champions sincerity and belief in a greater good, which is a pretty incredible take, considering the customary tone of books covering the heavy stuff, like alcoholism, violent crime, and homelessness. While the plot is original, and the characters are all interesting and multi-dimensional, it’s really Amber’s voice that brings the story to life.  I know you’re gonna love her!” For the Love of Books (And the woman who runs the blog wrote this to Q in an e-mail: “It’s this lovely affirmation of the powers of sincerity and anti-irony, and loving with open hands, something the world needs more of!”)

“…this book has a sorta genius way of working.  It does not read like a serious work of literature, and yet it has all that good, meaty stuff going on underneath it all. With discussions of faith, the meaning of life, and why bad things happen to good people, this book will have massive appeal to readers that enjoyed Francisco X. Stork’s Marcelo in the Real World.” Jennifer Barnes, Baby I Was Born To Read

“One thing I want to call out in particular is the portrayal of Amber’s autistic best friend, Ricky Roberts.  … I was impressed that Ricky was portrayed as a normal kid, with normal capabilities, who wasn’t held back by his autism. He isn’t described as mentally challenged—his autism is a part of who he is and he lives a fairly normal life… Quick’s handling of Ricky’s dialogue was particularly impressive. I have an autistic cousin who is graduating from high school this year and I could almost hear him in my head as I read Ricky’s dialogue.” T.S. Ferguson

“When a book makes me cry and laugh in the space of a few pages, I know I have found a gem. Quick seems to be concerned with making the world a better place and he does so by introducing us to a contagiously optimistic character who loves with all her heart.  I dare you to read this book and not to feel moved to go out and help someone, somewhere.  Read it first and then get out there!” My Head is Full of Books

“Many authors strive for an authentic teenage voice and it comes out feeling phony—Matthew Quick, however, seems to manage with perfunctory ease with Amber Appleton, the rock star of hope…Amber is the kind of do-gooder that might really annoy some people. But those people HAVE NO SOUL, okay?” Once Upon A Faye

“I just finished reading Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick … It’s one of those very special reads which I didn’t want to put down  … It most certainly will be one of my top ten for the PSLA Top Forty Book Review Committee!” Mary Schwander

“If you want to read a book that’s going to put a smile on your face and touch that Grinch heart of yours, SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR is guaranteed to do the trick.” Ken Wheaton, author of THE FIRST ANNUAL GRAND PRAIRIE RABBIT FESTIVAL, The Word O’ Wheaton

“I adored this book. As a glass-is-half-empty person most of the time, I didn’t know if I’d like Amber Appleton, but her voice won me over from the first page. Humorous, smart, sassy, and ever hopeful, even the darkest soul can’t help but love Amber Appleton. This is the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud and then worry like crazy.” Book Obsession

“Sorta Like a Rock Star is a book that will empower its readers with an incredible appreciation for life. With its remarkable Amber Appleton, a main character nearly unmatched by any in the ability to find hope in darkness and penetrate anybody’s cold heart with the warmth of her personality, it will give you the urge to dance the Spanish Flamenco.” Wordbird

“I just loved this book … Consider it a story to get you thinking about how you might live your own life a bit more thoughtfully, considerately, optimistically.  I would also add that besides being a great story, I thought this was really well written.” Sarah’s Book Journal

“…go out to your nearest library, bookstore, or buy the ebook version but you MUST read this book.  It is truly an inspiring story and a favorite of the year.  Highly Recommended.” The Joys of Reading

“…the end of the book is pretty darn magical.” BookEnvy

“Sorta Like a Rock Star isn’t a typical novel. It’s got faith, hope, haikus, dogs, a Marketing Club, old people, Korean soul singers and a variety show. It’s a fairy tale story, inspirational and heartwarming and a little bit sad. While the characters have a wealth of eccentricities, that doesn’t make them feel any less real. And in Amber, Matthew Quick has created a princess worthy of this fairy tale. Not unlike My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger, Sorta Like a Rock Star is an enchanting book that will sweep you away.” librarian by day

“This is a …wow… book. Any expectations I might’ve had were blown away. This book is just so. freaking. hopeful.” (microwave safe) book reviews – Definitely Recommended books

“Sorta Like a Rock Star is the kind of book that will smack you in the face. … Sorta Like a Rock Star is the kind of novel you hand sell to your readers. There is a lot going on inside it, but it takes a patient reader to unlock everything that happens. I think a lot of readers may see themselves in Amber’s mental position, working through a lot of challenges in their own lives but maintaining some spot of hope things will look up. The relationships Amber develops within her community are authentic and the interactions among her own peers realistic and, at times, heartbreaking. She works for the underdog and she, too, is the underdog.” Stacked

“Mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 15 and up will be able to talk about several important issues, such as homelessness, alcohol addiction, the effects of autism, building community, and more. And Amber may just inspire you along the way to put your own efforts behind a cause or person who needs it. I highly recommend it.” MotherDaughterBookClub.com

“This book is both profoundly sad and uplifting, and you’ll find yourself crying through one chapter, and laughing the next. This is a good one!” Reads, Rants And Raves

“The synopsis was right when it called it an “oddball cast”, because each one was quirky and developed and so wonderfully fleshed-out. Private Jackson, for instance, was more than just traumatized ex-soldier. I absolutely loved how he wrote and read haikus – these are the kind of character traits that give someone more depth, and they come from intimately knowing your character, even if he or she plays a more minor role. A lot of people call this book an inspirational read, and it is. … this is truly Amber’s story, with laughs and tears and face-stretching grins, and that makes it something anyone can enjoy. Grade: A-” My Words Ate Me

“If Amber does not touch your heart, ice runs in your veins.” proseandkahn

“Sometimes a good book comes along and slaps you in the face. It wakes you up. It opens your eyes, it makes you want to be a better you. This is that book, and it’s totally hug-able!! A new favorite of mine, may Amber always rock in your heart. You should get this book.” Epic Book Nerd

“Amber is one of my all-time favorite heroines, right up there with Emily Starr, Hermione Granger and Katniss Everdeen.” Forever Rewrighting

“I think more than any other book I read this year for the Cybils, this is the one that stays with me. This is the one that has a special place in my heart.” Interactive Reader

“… a story to be devoured. … a philosophical gold mine.” A Musing Reviews

“This vibrant, strong-willed, and deeply wounded character would be too much for readers to take in a lesser author’s hands, but Quick manages to infuse Amber with just the right amount of authenticity to make her shine. … No exaggeration is being used when I tell you that this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.  Go get a copy.  You won’t regret it.  It’s a beautifully rendered story” Early Nerd Special

“Amazing characters; I loved this story.” Whitman Library Blog

“A perfect vacation read.” The Less Dusty Shelves

“I cannot rave enough about Matthew Quick’s writing. I loved the humor in this novel and I do think a lot of teens are going to be able to relate to parts of this story. At the very least, they will love Amber and admire her sense of hope. In addition, I found that Mr. Quick conveyed some fantastic messages about perseverance, friendship, and hope. I hope this comes across the right way, but I was extremely impressed that this book was written by a man.” Booking Mama

“This is a perfect book. I love Amber and her world and I’m sorry I’m not in it anymore. I could not possibly recommend this book more fervently. Please read it and then please make everyone you’ve ever met read it, too. That’s what I’m planning on doing. ” KellyVision

“I loved that it was a story featuring a main character whose faith is a big part of who she is.  To me this seems like a topic that’s often avoided altogether in books—the character’s beliefs—which seems really strange because I think that what a person believes about God and their faith or lack of it is usually a big part of who they are. But in addition to the that aspect of the book, I loved the entire cast of characters and believe that Matthew Quick must be surrounded by fascinating people and be fascinating himself.  In my opinion, anyone who loves a message of hope and redemption would enjoy this book!” Strands of Thought

“This book is a bit insane in the best possible way.” Frenetic Reader

“Sorta Like a Rock Star was made of awesome. It’s one of my favorite contemporary books.” ece red young-adult book blog

“Amber has an unwavering optimism that is fresh and appealing. When her life is railroaded by tragedy, she struggles to remain a rock star of hope, and her emotional transformation is real and riveting.” I Heart Daily

“Sorta Like a Rock Star is relatable to anyone who has felt out of place or underestimated, and is a definite must-read for all teenagers.” MMS Reading Listmania! RECOMMENDED BY CARSON S. PERIOD 8 GOLD

“I read this book in between activities at summer camp, then passed it off to a friend so that she could enjoy it, too. This is one of the best fiction books I have ever read.” Lauren M., Arlington Public Library, Teen Review

“…this book made me cry eight times. Amber’s story is one that everyone should read if they have the chance. Very highly recommended…” Pure Fictional Intent

“…Amber’s unique slang was just plain amusing and it made her seem so much more REAL. In real life, teens don’t talk in the perfect, structured way they do in most YA books. Granted, Amber’s slang wasn’t slang I’ve ever heard before—but that’s why it made HER unique. … I loved the tragedy twist—it made the story so much more raw and real—but I loved the ending even more. This book is real and legit. It’ll make you wanna cry and laugh, all at the same time … Overall Grade: A+” Lit Princess