74 pages 2 hours read

Geoff Herbach

Stupid Fast

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Geoff Herbach’s young adult novel Stupid Fast (2011), 15-year-old Felton Reinstein transforms from a nerdy outcast to a talented athlete after hitting puberty. While navigating new friendships and a budding relationship with Aleah, he struggles with his mother's worsening mental health and the lingering trauma from his father's death by suicide, ultimately seeking help to manage his family's crises. Stupid Fast contains content concerning suicide and may be emotionally challenging and cause discomfort or distress for some readers. Additionally, the novel uses racially charged language, as well as stigmatizing language around mental health.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach has garnered praise for its authentic portrayal of adolescence and humor. Readers appreciate the protagonist's growth and relatability, as well as the engaging, humorous narrative. Some find the pacing uneven and secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's celebrated as a heartfelt and entertaining read that resonates with teenagers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Stupid Fast?

Readers who would enjoy Geoff Herbach's Stupid Fast are typically teens who appreciate coming-of-age stories with humor and depth. Comparable to fans of Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and John Green's Looking for Alaska, they seek narratives exploring identity, growth, and resilience amid personal and social challenges.

Recommended

Reading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

670L

Book Details

Genre

Humor

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Realistic Fiction

Topics

Sports

Depression / Suicide

Mental Illness

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Identity: Mental Health

Relationships: Family