Prom, to me, conjures up images of pretty dresses, silly dance moves and awkward pictures. Perry, main character of Joe Schreiber’s Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick totally experiences a prom night different from what I remember. You see, Perry and his family are currently hosting a foreign exchange student named Gobi who is Lithuanian and kind of weird. She requests to go to prom and so Perry’s parents make him go as her date.
Au Revoir Crazy European Chick
Perry expects a boring night and is hoping to be able to cut out early and play at his band’s gig in NYC. What he gets instead is rather unexpected. Gobi asks him to head out and go to the city — as he wanted, but her plans are different. You see, she’s actually an international assassin on her way to kill five people in one night. Y’all Gobi is such a bad ass and a lot of fun to read about, cuz she takes no prisoners and is totally a character after my own heart.
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is comprised of a lot of short chapters with a snappy pacing. Each chapter is headed with a different college admissions essay prompt. The chapter loosely relates to the prompt. I thought that this was quite an interesting way to lay out the book.
I felt that character development was slightly lacking in Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick. I mean, Perry and Gabi are great, but honestly, I don’t have a super strong sense of them as people. Like, yes, Perry is struggling to stand up under his dad’s scrutiny, but I don’t know. I just don’t think as a reader that I got to know him as much as I wanted to.
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber is a rollicking roller coaster ride of action on prom night — and not the expected sort of action if ya know what I mean. If you’re in the market for a book heavy on plot with very few lulls in the action, then definitely check this one out.
Disclosure: Received for review at BEA 2011. (I KNOW I KNOW BUT AT LEAST I AM REVIEWING IT NOW/shameface)
Other reviews of Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber:
Reut Reads – “That’s what this plot is–insanity”
Bookworm1858 – “A fast-moving, freewheeling story around New York City”
Presenting Lenore – “Pure male adventure fantasy”
Lisa Is Busy Nerding – “Guys, there’s killing in this book”
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I’ve heard about this but I hadn’t read a review until now. This sounds like a lot of fun and probably quite a quick read, too! Shame about the lack of character depth but I am intrigued by the essay questions worked into the format. Great review, April!
The essay questions are rather cool and add an interesting development to the book, I think.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. More character Development would have been nice but I wonder if it would detracted from the story.
Are you up for book two coming out this fall?
I think because I am so overwhelmed with fall releases, I will just pass on it and maybe wait to read the sequel later.
I didn’t really miss the lack of character development…probably because I was trying to keep up with where they were and what was going to happen next. Perhaps the sequel will fill them in some more? I know I definitely want to read it!
Yeah maybe the sequel will have more character development, I certainly hope so at least.
To me, this book sounds like it’s going to be a fun ride! I’d probably read it in between other books if I got the chance to 🙂
It really is a fun ride, I just would have liked a deeper connection with the characters.
I had never heard of this book before, but now I’m kind of looking forward to reading it. I love a book that’s heavy on character development, but I’m in the mood for a fast, fun read right now and this one sounds like it might fit the bill!
Ashley based on your description of wanting a fast fun read, I think that Au Revoir Crazy European Chick is totally the perfect book for you right now.
I somehow had no idea that the crazy European chick was an assassin. Now I’m very intrigued. Also, I love when books have unique chapter titles or headings. It adds another level of fun to the story.
I love chapter headings too, like it just adds a whole new dimension and is a nice little bonus.
This sounds like such a fun read! I’ve only heard good things about this book. Adding it to the list. Thanks!
Yay! I hope you really end up enjoying it, Lauren.
This sounds awesome! I have to buy it for my classroom library! My male students will love it and I think my girls will too. Thanks for reviewing it!
I am glad this will appeal to your students, I hope they love it Cari.
I loved this book! One of those I read in one sitting. Completely agree with you on hte plot and pacing trumping character development but I still crazy enjoyed it. I have a soft spot for bokos that take place in one crazy night! It’s also one of those books I think would work great as a movie, because it’s heavy on action and light on characterization.
I like books that take place in one night too, Alwyn. Have you tried Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley? That one is fabulous.
I agree, this would make a fantastic movie that I wouldn’t mind seeing.
I too would have liked a bit more character development…but I’m not sure how that would have worked with the CRAZYFAST pacing.
Regardless, this book was rad.
Maybe if the book was longer it would have allowed for better exploration of the characters.
I agree, it was mostly rad.
I really liked the college essay idea. Really neat! And you’re right about character development. Thanks for the link!
No problem, I love linking to reviews.
The college essay prompts were my favorite.
mmmm haven’t heard anything that great about this book. The title is cool though.
I like the title too. Yeah, it’s not like the best book ever but I suppose if action is your thing, you’ll like it. Not so much if character is.
I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to read this book, but you’ve definitely convinced me. This sounds hella unique and really fun. Badass chick? Awesome. Essay prompts? Clever.
I am ready. Except that I’m buried under the review pile. Oh yeah, and no need for shame. This shiz happens!
LOL i am buried under my review pile too, it’s cool ha ha.
I think you’d like this and it would take you like a blink of an eye to read.