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Stupid Fast #3
I'm With Stupid
Felton Reinstein has never been good with stress. Which is why he's seriously freaking out. Revealing his college choice on national TV? It's a heart attack waiting to happen. Deciding on a major for the next four years of his life? Ridiculous. He barely even knows who he is outside of football. And so...he embarks on The Epic Quest to Be Meaningful.
Which leads to:
1. Mentoring a freshman called Pig Boy.
2. The state of Wisconsin hating him.
3. His track coach suspending him.
4. The funniest viral video the world has ever seen.
5. A whole new appreciation for his family, his friends, and what's really important in life.
Which leads to:
1. Mentoring a freshman called Pig Boy.
2. The state of Wisconsin hating him.
3. His track coach suspending him.
4. The funniest viral video the world has ever seen.
5. A whole new appreciation for his family, his friends, and what's really important in life.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
About the author
Geoff Herbach
14 books221 followersI am the author of the YA title, Stupid Fast (June 2011 from Sourcebooks Fire). I also wrote The Miracle Letters of T. Rimberg, a Novel from Three Rivers Press. When I'm not writing books, I'm writing for Radio Happy Hour or developing ridiculous musical bits.
When I'm not writing, I'm teaching writing at Minnesota State, Mankato, which means I write a lot of comments about writing on student writing.
Writing a lot of writing and reading about writing and writing on reading.
When I'm not writing, I'm teaching writing at Minnesota State, Mankato, which means I write a lot of comments about writing on student writing.
Writing a lot of writing and reading about writing and writing on reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 26, 2016
Four stars for the individual books, five stars for the series as a whole. Because the total is more than the individual parts, even though I think the individual parts are pretty great. I love Felton. I love Andrew. And Gus and Grandpa and Abby. Even Cody and Karpinski and Jerri, who I was mad at so much of the time.
Basically, this is maybe one of my favorite - if not the favorite - YA series out there.
You know how, even though everyone told you that Friday Night Lights was amazing and not really about football, you put off watching it for a long time, because you still thought it was a show about football? And you don't care at all about football, despite coming from a hometown which is pretty much synonymous with it? But then, you finally watched it and were like, "Holy crap! This is amazing. I must evangelize and everyone must love Friday Night Lights too and if you don't, what the heck is wrong with you. Have you no soul?" These books are pretty much the literary equivalent of it and I maybe love them equally. (Okay, not quite. But it's close! And there's no unfortunate "Whoops, we killed a guy!" storyline here that you have to just pretend never happened.) Plus, FNL made me cry a lot more and it was a much bigger time commitment, but Herbach is no slouch in the make-Jenn-cry department (especially in this one) and maybe comparing it to FNL because they are both about-football-but-not-about-football is false and stupid, but whatever. It's my review.
These books are great. You should read them.
Basically, this is maybe one of my favorite - if not the favorite - YA series out there.
You know how, even though everyone told you that Friday Night Lights was amazing and not really about football, you put off watching it for a long time, because you still thought it was a show about football? And you don't care at all about football, despite coming from a hometown which is pretty much synonymous with it? But then, you finally watched it and were like, "Holy crap! This is amazing. I must evangelize and everyone must love Friday Night Lights too and if you don't, what the heck is wrong with you. Have you no soul?" These books are pretty much the literary equivalent of it and I maybe love them equally. (Okay, not quite. But it's close! And there's no unfortunate "Whoops, we killed a guy!" storyline here that you have to just pretend never happened.) Plus, FNL made me cry a lot more and it was a much bigger time commitment, but Herbach is no slouch in the make-Jenn-cry department (especially in this one) and maybe comparing it to FNL because they are both about-football-but-not-about-football is false and stupid, but whatever. It's my review.
These books are great. You should read them.
February 8, 2013
"We have problems, but we're so lucky, too. That's the mortal coil. It's the whole thing, all of it, and it's easy to hate that mess in yourself, fight it, hate those who seem to cause it. But, whoever we sit next to in school is the same and whatever jerk you read about on ESPN is the same and whoever honks their horn at you at the intersection is the same. They struggle. Do you know what I mean? They suffer, too. We aren't alone. [...] We can act. Maybe not fix everything. But we can make it better for those others and that makes it better for us. I see it. I've seen it. Good comes back around."
Felton made me cry three times in the final installment in what may be one of the best YA series out there. I saw what happened to him coming, and it tore me up because I just like this character so damn much.
Longer review to come -- really, the quote up there says it all.
Felton made me cry three times in the final installment in what may be one of the best YA series out there. I saw what happened to him coming, and it tore me up because I just like this character so damn much.
Longer review to come -- really, the quote up there says it all.
December 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this series 🤗
November 11, 2017
I strongly encourage people to read this book. This book could possibly teach future high school stars what is to come in the future dealing with colleges. I have not seen the play so I do not know if it is worth seeing or not. However, the novel is worth reading. This is a story based on real life situations that some people or in this case star High School athletes adapt to. The author published I’m with Stupid in 2013. Geoff Herbach is known for his Stupid Fast series. Geoff Herbach likes to talk about the life of a high school athlete and see what their lives are like on a daily basis. The genre of this book is Young Adult Fiction. I’m with Stupid, is a book that deals with a high school senior that was a star runner for both the track and football teams. His dad committed suicide when he was younger and he still thinks about his dad all the time. Felton Reinstein was a talented high school football player, who was one of the top in the nation. He is receiving emails and notifications from almost every piece of social media there is, and is told that he will be announcing his decision live with ESPN. He is a senior mentor for a freshman, Tommy Bode, who was bullied by his classmates. Felton felt the need to stand up and teach the bullies a lesson. Tommy then did what Felton did to the bullies and practiced them with his little brother, until one day, Tommy Bode’s younger brother pulled out his dad’s loaded handgun from under his pillow and shot himself in the heart. This was a sad time for Felton because he felt he was the person who started all this by standing up for Tommy and Tommy repeating them on his younger brother. Felton is also dealing with a break up with his girlfriend. He does everything he can to try and get her back but it just does not work. When the time comes around he chooses to go to Stanford University and play football.
Felton is a well developed character. Herbach tells the readers his background and everything he has been through. Not every single person in this world has experienced a childhood quite like Felton’s. I personally can not relate to him but I know someone in this world can relate to them. I believe that if there were the thoughts of more of the characters about Felton than it would be a lot better. The plot in the beginning is the introduction of Felton and his background. The Climax of this story is when Felton makes his college decision and heads off to college and explore the new world. The plot is intriguing. This story relates to geography because Felton tries to follow his ex girlfriend to a potential college she might go to, so that is why he chose Stanford. I have not read or seen plays quite like this one. I know of many people that have committed suicide because they could not take anymore pressure on their lives. They struggle in finding a purpose in life. Felton uses what his dad did to motivate him to be the best he can for his dad because he knew his dad was a champion himself. This book does talk about suicide, and can be disturbing to some as some intensive imagery is used. The global issue would be teen/adult suicide. The theme of this novel is to tell young athletes to never give up and use your gifted talents to the best of your abilities. The Moral of the story is, whatever your past may be like use that as motivation for the future. Felton knew that his dad wanted to see him succeed and Felton knew his dad was a champion and wanted to be just like him.
I would recommend this to young adults. Teens younger than thirteen would probably dislike this book. I believe that this would be more directed to males. This book is about a football player that has went through so much and this is more a male topic than a female. This would be an appropriate book for advanced students to read.
Felton is a well developed character. Herbach tells the readers his background and everything he has been through. Not every single person in this world has experienced a childhood quite like Felton’s. I personally can not relate to him but I know someone in this world can relate to them. I believe that if there were the thoughts of more of the characters about Felton than it would be a lot better. The plot in the beginning is the introduction of Felton and his background. The Climax of this story is when Felton makes his college decision and heads off to college and explore the new world. The plot is intriguing. This story relates to geography because Felton tries to follow his ex girlfriend to a potential college she might go to, so that is why he chose Stanford. I have not read or seen plays quite like this one. I know of many people that have committed suicide because they could not take anymore pressure on their lives. They struggle in finding a purpose in life. Felton uses what his dad did to motivate him to be the best he can for his dad because he knew his dad was a champion himself. This book does talk about suicide, and can be disturbing to some as some intensive imagery is used. The global issue would be teen/adult suicide. The theme of this novel is to tell young athletes to never give up and use your gifted talents to the best of your abilities. The Moral of the story is, whatever your past may be like use that as motivation for the future. Felton knew that his dad wanted to see him succeed and Felton knew his dad was a champion and wanted to be just like him.
I would recommend this to young adults. Teens younger than thirteen would probably dislike this book. I believe that this would be more directed to males. This book is about a football player that has went through so much and this is more a male topic than a female. This would be an appropriate book for advanced students to read.
October 31, 2018
I’m With Stupid by Geoff Herbach is part of a three book, young adult fiction, trilogy that illustrates the deceivingly harsh life of Felton Reinstein. Herbach’s writing most likely appeals to a common teenager because of his relaxed style of writing and how it can relate to his target audience. Overall, the plot is based on Felton’s success as a football player. However, it also portrays the hardships he faces that push him to become someone others can look up to, and try to be more like. The first impression I got from this book was moderate, however as the book continued the plot became more and more interesting. Herbach was able to create a clear illustration of what life was like for Felton Reinstein, and also made it a story that lots of teenagers can relate to. Felton is very stressed out in this book because of so many different problems in his life. He has to announce his college choice on national television, he has to pick a major, and he has lots of issues dealing with family and friends. Not only did Felton’s dad commit suicide when he was young, but also the young boy Felton mentored decided to commit suicide. These are the problems that affect him the most throughout the story, and are what drive him to become more meaningful outside of football. Overall, Geoff Herbach’s I’m With Stupid was a very interesting and original piece to read. I felt that it clearly portrayed the life of a modern day teenager and some of the troubles that they go through. Felton Reinstein can be looked at by many as a positive role model because of his willingness to never give up during tough times, and his drive to become more than just a elite football player.
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September 16, 2019No-nonsense and full of wit
March 17, 2015
"I'm weak and weird and scary.
I'm also normal.
You are not alone."
I didn't mean to finish this in less than a day.
But oh my gosh this book was so great!!
I'm With Stupid was a spectacular ending to Felton Reinstein's hilarious journey, Stupid Fast. It brought tears to my eyes.
In I'm With Stupid, our beloved Felton is a senior in high school, and is pressured with stress. It is pressing down on his shoulders, and there is so much stress, he might just be going crazy.
First of all, colleges are wanting him, and have been calling, texting, and notifying him in every way, wanting him to pick their college. Jerri is getting fed up with it all. Felton is just stressed. He visits various colleges, but none of them are what he expects them to be.
Also, Felton has become obsessed with 'justifying his existence'. In doing so, he decides that he will mentor a freshman for football. This freshman named Tommy, nicknames 'Pig Boy' is chubby, kind of rude, and is picked on and bullied. Then Felton comes up with a true meaning for justifying his existence:
Drumroll please...
To "protect the 'dipshits!'"
Felton really feels for Pig Boy; he feels like he connects to Pig Boy before he became really popular and such a big jock. Felton had been the one that was picked on, and now he wants to stick up for the kids that are getting picked on.
It's actually a lot of hard work.
Then, something happens, and all of the sudden, Felton is seriously grieving about his dead father. Haunted by hidden uncovered memories of his father, Felton becomes near hysterical. And who is there to talk to? Jerri is busy working on studying to get a true career. Andrew is off in Florida, and though he offers help, Felton doesn't accept the help. Aleah is too far away, and Felton and Aleah might be avoiding each other.
Oh, and possibly, the entire state of Wisconsin might hate Felton for a stupid accident that he made.
Oh, and he might of made the most hilarious video that anyone has seen in a long time, that may or may not make people hate his guts while others respect him.
Stress! Stress! Stress!
Om shanti, shanti, shanti.
Ha, no.
How does Felton deal with the stress?
Running, right?
But now, that might not be the case.
You see, our sweet friend Felton Reinstein has gotten introduced to alcohol. Once he knows what relief and relaxation it brings, he just can't seem to stop, and it brings him to make stupid decisions.
Felton is just spiraling towards insanity.
First Jerri, then Andrew, now Felton?
But don't worry. There are important lessons learned in I'm With Stupid. I learned a lot from this book. Felton really proves to you what really is important, and what doesn't matter. It is beautiful.
Holy crap. What am I going to do!? No more Stupid Fast! What is this? This is the end. Oh my gosh. I loved this series SO much more than I thought I would. Oh jeez. It made me laugh out loud, and cry, and reflect on my own life. I truly loved these books so much, and I don't know what I'm going to do now. Maybe re-read them? Hmm.
Do you want to know what was funny? I had I'm With Stupid sitting out on my table today during my school's lunch. There'd be jocks, jocks that never even dared to look at me, that took a little glimpse at the cover of I'm With Stupid, and then looked back at me, with a little look of confusion, or maybe they were intrigued. You know the look; the straight lips with the corners turned down slightly and the slight nod with the cock of the eyebrow that suggests, I'm impressed.
They're probably thinking: wow, the girl has got a book with a football player on it. I thought girls were only into chick-flick-type books. Wow. When they weren't looking, I stared them back down like: yeah, Mr. Jock, I have a great taste in books! Now why don't you go read Stupid Fast as well! You'll really enjoy it!
Goodness. I have not read a book series as great as Stupid Fast in a long time. I can't express how much I love these books into words. If Felton Reinstein were a real person, I would just want to give him a hug, because I totally understand his feelings, and he's just so witty and honest. He is my hero!
I guess this is it. Do I even need to say it?
GO READ STUPID FAST!!!
"We have problems, but we're so lucky too. That's the mortal coil. It's the whole thing, all of it, and it's easy to hate that mess in yourself, fight it, hate those who seem to cause it. But whoever we sit next to in school is the same and whatever jerk you read abut on ESPN is the same. They struggle. Do you know what I mean? They suffer too. We aren't alone."
"Go!"
I'm also normal.
You are not alone."
I didn't mean to finish this in less than a day.
But oh my gosh this book was so great!!
I'm With Stupid was a spectacular ending to Felton Reinstein's hilarious journey, Stupid Fast. It brought tears to my eyes.
In I'm With Stupid, our beloved Felton is a senior in high school, and is pressured with stress. It is pressing down on his shoulders, and there is so much stress, he might just be going crazy.
First of all, colleges are wanting him, and have been calling, texting, and notifying him in every way, wanting him to pick their college. Jerri is getting fed up with it all. Felton is just stressed. He visits various colleges, but none of them are what he expects them to be.
Also, Felton has become obsessed with 'justifying his existence'. In doing so, he decides that he will mentor a freshman for football. This freshman named Tommy, nicknames 'Pig Boy' is chubby, kind of rude, and is picked on and bullied. Then Felton comes up with a true meaning for justifying his existence:
Drumroll please...
To "protect the 'dipshits!'"
Felton really feels for Pig Boy; he feels like he connects to Pig Boy before he became really popular and such a big jock. Felton had been the one that was picked on, and now he wants to stick up for the kids that are getting picked on.
It's actually a lot of hard work.
Then, something happens, and all of the sudden, Felton is seriously grieving about his dead father. Haunted by hidden uncovered memories of his father, Felton becomes near hysterical. And who is there to talk to? Jerri is busy working on studying to get a true career. Andrew is off in Florida, and though he offers help, Felton doesn't accept the help. Aleah is too far away, and Felton and Aleah might be avoiding each other.
Oh, and possibly, the entire state of Wisconsin might hate Felton for a stupid accident that he made.
Oh, and he might of made the most hilarious video that anyone has seen in a long time, that may or may not make people hate his guts while others respect him.
Stress! Stress! Stress!
Om shanti, shanti, shanti.
Ha, no.
How does Felton deal with the stress?
Running, right?
But now, that might not be the case.
You see, our sweet friend Felton Reinstein has gotten introduced to alcohol. Once he knows what relief and relaxation it brings, he just can't seem to stop, and it brings him to make stupid decisions.
Felton is just spiraling towards insanity.
First Jerri, then Andrew, now Felton?
But don't worry. There are important lessons learned in I'm With Stupid. I learned a lot from this book. Felton really proves to you what really is important, and what doesn't matter. It is beautiful.
Holy crap. What am I going to do!? No more Stupid Fast! What is this? This is the end. Oh my gosh. I loved this series SO much more than I thought I would. Oh jeez. It made me laugh out loud, and cry, and reflect on my own life. I truly loved these books so much, and I don't know what I'm going to do now. Maybe re-read them? Hmm.
Do you want to know what was funny? I had I'm With Stupid sitting out on my table today during my school's lunch. There'd be jocks, jocks that never even dared to look at me, that took a little glimpse at the cover of I'm With Stupid, and then looked back at me, with a little look of confusion, or maybe they were intrigued. You know the look; the straight lips with the corners turned down slightly and the slight nod with the cock of the eyebrow that suggests, I'm impressed.
They're probably thinking: wow, the girl has got a book with a football player on it. I thought girls were only into chick-flick-type books. Wow. When they weren't looking, I stared them back down like: yeah, Mr. Jock, I have a great taste in books! Now why don't you go read Stupid Fast as well! You'll really enjoy it!
Goodness. I have not read a book series as great as Stupid Fast in a long time. I can't express how much I love these books into words. If Felton Reinstein were a real person, I would just want to give him a hug, because I totally understand his feelings, and he's just so witty and honest. He is my hero!
I guess this is it. Do I even need to say it?
GO READ STUPID FAST!!!
"We have problems, but we're so lucky too. That's the mortal coil. It's the whole thing, all of it, and it's easy to hate that mess in yourself, fight it, hate those who seem to cause it. But whoever we sit next to in school is the same and whatever jerk you read abut on ESPN is the same. They struggle. Do you know what I mean? They suffer too. We aren't alone."
"Go!"
February 25, 2019
Hi, I am a freshman in Colorado writing this book review for my 9th-grade English class. I read the book I'm With Stupid by Geoff Herbach, this book was published in 2013.I found this to be one of my favorite books I have read. I liked this book because it was very interesting and it really explained the life of a high school athlete. I can really relate to this as I am a high school athlete as well. I loved how the author described the settings of college campuses. The author in this book wrote out really well how the colleges Felton visited made him feel and what they looked like. In this book, Felton visited many colleges such as Wisconsin, Stanford, Northwestern, and the “not to be named college.” When Felton went and visited these colleges Herbach described the settings really well by having Felton describe how he feels when he's there and what it's like being there. “...two large dudes who smelled like the body spray car wash started shoving each other, crushing into people, beer spilling, everybody screaming,” (pg35-36) This is an example of the extensive descriptions the author uses throughout the book. This quote really made me feel in awe because of how Herbach was able to describe this little part of the party so well.
I also liked the conflict of Felton having to go visit colleges and having a live interview with ESPN on what college he was choosing. I really liked these conflicts because it made the book very interesting. I was really able to connect with these conflicts because I know one day I will have to choose a college and I will be very stressed. Just like how Felton was. “I went to these schools to see if I liked them...Not enjoyable for me. I didn't really know what I was looking for,” (pg 25) Felton kept getting frustrated and confused because he had no idea what he wanted in a college. I feel like this will happen to me as well because it's very easy to get frustrated when you don't know what to look for.
Another thing I liked about the book was the characterization of Felton. Herbach described how Felton was feeling and what he used to look like compared to now. In this book, the author really described well how Felton was feeling about choosing a college and how he was before becoming a football player. “... I was a dipshit much like him, except skinny and squirrely” (pg 15) Felton was talking about one of his old friends and how he was really big and strong and how back then Felton used to be a really skinny and squirrely kid before high school football. I felt like this quote made me feel like the author was telling us that Felton has grown into a bigger, stronger athlete now since he's been playing high school football.
I would recommend this book to high school athletes. If you are a high school athlete you will be able to connect with this book really well. I would also recommend this book to people that love reading about sports. This book will really catch your attention and you will think it is so interesting how Felton copes with all of his problems by playing football.
I also liked the conflict of Felton having to go visit colleges and having a live interview with ESPN on what college he was choosing. I really liked these conflicts because it made the book very interesting. I was really able to connect with these conflicts because I know one day I will have to choose a college and I will be very stressed. Just like how Felton was. “I went to these schools to see if I liked them...Not enjoyable for me. I didn't really know what I was looking for,” (pg 25) Felton kept getting frustrated and confused because he had no idea what he wanted in a college. I feel like this will happen to me as well because it's very easy to get frustrated when you don't know what to look for.
Another thing I liked about the book was the characterization of Felton. Herbach described how Felton was feeling and what he used to look like compared to now. In this book, the author really described well how Felton was feeling about choosing a college and how he was before becoming a football player. “... I was a dipshit much like him, except skinny and squirrely” (pg 15) Felton was talking about one of his old friends and how he was really big and strong and how back then Felton used to be a really skinny and squirrely kid before high school football. I felt like this quote made me feel like the author was telling us that Felton has grown into a bigger, stronger athlete now since he's been playing high school football.
I would recommend this book to high school athletes. If you are a high school athlete you will be able to connect with this book really well. I would also recommend this book to people that love reading about sports. This book will really catch your attention and you will think it is so interesting how Felton copes with all of his problems by playing football.
December 13, 2018
I’m with Stupid is a novel by Geoff Herbach. This book is about a twelfth grader Felton Reinstein who is struggling with college football recruiting and anxiety. But when Felton was a kid he saw his dad hanging after he committed suicide. And things have never been the same. And being really good out on the football field he has to use football as his therapy. When finding out his dad was an alcoholic Felton was also drinking at a young age. When Felton made his college football pick he picked up the wrong hat which led to the whole state of Wisconsin hating him because he didn’t pick up the Stanford one right away. But thats not his only problem, Felton finds out he has a problem with alcohol. But after pushiing thought he finly is onto collage.
This book has a few things that keep the reader reading the book, such as prophecy, flashback, and obvious foreshadowing. One of the bigger flashbacks is when Felton’s person that he mentors brother kills himself just like his dad. One of the times it shows prophecy is when Felton’s Grandpa tells him what is going to happen to him when he keeps drinking like his dad. The final one is obvious foreshadowing. Like when he gets really drunk and he gets sick.
I would recommend this book for 7th-9th graders. I recomeded it for that age group because it swares alot, they do a lot of drinking, and it talks about naked people one time. But besides that, the book is really good, it was also prity easy to read thought. I made a life connection to Felton picking a college because of my sister, she wasn’t shure what college to go to than after a while she made her decision. The ending was by far my favorite part because Felton changed his whole life around.
This book has a few things that keep the reader reading the book, such as prophecy, flashback, and obvious foreshadowing. One of the bigger flashbacks is when Felton’s person that he mentors brother kills himself just like his dad. One of the times it shows prophecy is when Felton’s Grandpa tells him what is going to happen to him when he keeps drinking like his dad. The final one is obvious foreshadowing. Like when he gets really drunk and he gets sick.
I would recommend this book for 7th-9th graders. I recomeded it for that age group because it swares alot, they do a lot of drinking, and it talks about naked people one time. But besides that, the book is really good, it was also prity easy to read thought. I made a life connection to Felton picking a college because of my sister, she wasn’t shure what college to go to than after a while she made her decision. The ending was by far my favorite part because Felton changed his whole life around.
October 24, 2019
Imagine reading about your future and about a popular sport well, I'm With Stupid by Geoff Herbach is a very good book to read if you like sports especially Football. The book revolves around the main character who is called Felton Reinstein, but during the start of the story, colleges and universities call him every day to entice him into accepting their scholarships. However, throughout the story, Felton keeps visioning his dad being hung in his garage and it frightens him and always distracts him when going to his university (I won't spoil which one he had picked ) and when he's out with his friends or during a football game. Around the start of the book, he is having a tough time deciding to stay with his girlfriend or break up, but he had made up his mind but the same problem had happened near the middle. Felton is trying very hard to get homecoming king, when reading the book Herbach (The Author) had mentioned a Shakespeare type of quote that overshadowed a bit more of the end of the story, but the whole story is very great but if you are going to read it there are a lot of curse words throughout every page and chapter. In the middle of the book, Felton said this “Then we kissed for about 25 years, I think." (Herbach 184)” That meant a lot of his Girlfriend because it was the most romantic thing that he said in a long time to her. I hope this review had encouraged you to read this and see that I'm With Stupid is a great book, very funny and interesting book, and maybe relatable for some people in the future. I personally would give it a 10/10.
March 13, 2020
I’m with Stupid by Geoff Herbach is a pretty interesting book for me since most of it is relatable. Felton Reinstein is a young man who has his whole life ahead of him as he enters college while being a student athlete, and he isn’t very good with stress. Felton has to choose his preferred college on live tv and doesn’t even know which major to pick, and these problems mold the story and the plot. I would recommend this book to teenagers around 13-14 since the story is about someone transitioning into a whole new experience such as highschool or college, and it showcases some of the problems we might run into. The main characters had many ups and downs with each other, especially Felton. I honestly felt that it was only Reinstein that had developed over the course of the book and could have shown more character development or change, other than this, the book was relatable and fun. “But whoever we sit next to in school is the same and whatever jerk you read about on ESPN is the same and whoever honks their horn at you at the intersection is the same.They struggle,” (Herbach 307).
January 26, 2016
I'm With Stupid by Geoff Herbach is an fictional story about a football star. Felton Reinstein has never been good with stress. That's why he is seriously freaking about making his college choice on national t.v. Felton is having problems with his family, friends. His mom a few years ago had a mental break down and wouldn't leave the house or wouldn't even clean, or cook. His brother ran away to find his grandparents down in Florida. His friends are turning on him cause of a you tube video. Also he got kicked off the tracked team because he was caught drinking and smoking. So now his friends wont talk to him or even look at his direction. Also the whole state of Wisconsin hates cause he embarrassed the state on live t.v. Everyone thinks he will pick Wisconsin badgers but he doesn't. Now he has to mentor this 7th grader named pig boy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sports. Also this book always kept me off my seat and i never wanted to but down the book
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sports. Also this book always kept me off my seat and i never wanted to but down the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2024
This is by far the best young adult series I've ever read, and I've read a lot of them. Most of YA doesn't really interest me anymore, and many series left such a small impression on me that I can't even remember anything about them, but this one was one of the few that stuck. I cried reading this series at 10 years old and it's just as good now as it was back then. The characters explore fame, death, depression, suicide, and the meaning of life through such accessible and loveable characters, as Felton is haunted by his dad’s death, but he also has a lot of people to love and support him if only he will let them in. Everyone's gone through tough times, but they're good people, although they might not seem it (even you, Jerri). Definitely going to re-read (for like the fifth time) this summer.
August 8, 2018
I think I've found my new favorite YA author! I'm so excited to read the rest of his books. Guys will pick up the book because of the cover, the title & the fact that the main character is a high school athlete. The narrator is funny and easy to relate to, the writing is excellent and the teen voice is authentic. It's heartbreaking at times because it deals some very serious topics like bullying, mental health issues and suicide, but includes enough humor to make you laugh out loud and familiar high school situations that are very relatable to any reader.
December 21, 2018
This story is about a senior boy who’s debating what college to attend to since all he’s interested in is football. I feel like this book is a good book for high schoolers since they all going to pass through that phase. Felton is the main character, he passes through real life problems since he’s an athlete and he has many colleges to chose from but knows nothing about the courses then later on life changes after having the support of his family. If you like books about high schoolers you’d love this book since you’ll be able to relate to it specially if your an athlete.
March 12, 2018
this book was a really fun entertaining book with lots of important life decisions and how you should really think of them carefully. personally I liked this book because its about football and I like football. the book always has something going on to keep me really interested on whats going to happen next. the book always had me on the edge of my seat wanting to read more
June 21, 2018
Felton developed further in I’m With Stupid. Even though he was succeeding as an athlete, he still had issues in other parts of his life. I liked that Geoff Herbach explored Felton’s issues further and the various coping mechanisms he tried. I thought the book was a good depiction on how a person can be closed off and focuses on themselves in an attempt to repair emotional pain.
July 31, 2014
I'm sad that I'm done reading Felton's story, but I'm so happy to have experienced his story. I love how I'm With Stupid ended. Full review to come.
November 23, 2013
This book has the power to change perspective.
May 12, 2017
This quarter I read the book, I’m With Stupid, by Geoff Herbach. I have previously read Stupid Fast which is also by Geoff Herbach. The book I read this quarter happens to be the 3rd Stupid Fast book. This is now the second book I have read by him and now am familiar with his writing style. This follow up book is about a three year older Felton Reinstein and his last days as a senior in high school. He has many college visits and has to make a live announcement on TV, everything falls apart again on his quest to become meaningful. The lexile level in this book comes to a 510, which makes it an extremely easy book to understand, typical a 6th or 7th grade reading level. It is 309 pages long, making it a book that takes some time to read but everything is easily understood. The content of this book fits as well, it is a young adult fiction. I would recommend this book to an audience who like sports and action or adventure.
I infer that the central idea or the theme of this book is for Felton to realize he really does have a meaning and to form a lesson to readers that no matter what mistakes you have made, you can learn from them and become a great person. This does develop over the course of the novel by starting off Felton as a wreck with many problems and keeps showing different situations he gets into. Then finally towards the end from there, he starts to find his meaning and understands a lot more about the world and himself. This can also apply to the readers like I said before. People can learn a lesson about who you are as a person, if you’ve been a good person or bad, made mistakes or anything. You can always be forgiven and start new, you do have a meaning. The particular acts of Felton while he was stressful really do propel the action. Felton ends up drinking while still a senior and is drunk many times which causes many more disasters for him, considering everyone knows this D I college football player. “ ‘Good. That’s a lot of beer man,’ I said.” is one example of Felton’s drinking problem. “... and even though I’d puked from alcohol and my stomach still ached in a weird way, I said, ‘Yeah, I’d like to try.’” is another. These are all exciting and suspenseful During the whole book I always felt I should keep reading, it all made sense.
In conclusion I really did like I’m With Stupid by Geoff Herbach. This is my 2nd book by this author and I really do like his writing style, it all connects the points to make the book readable. There really isn’t any hard vocabulary in this book considering the easy lexile level. The reading audience level is about a 6th or 7th grade one but again it swears more than normal and influences alcohol. So an 8th grade audience is fine too. I did find the book more intense from the swearing and alcohol. The reason I chose this book was because again my love for football and because the last book I read was the first book and this one happened to be similar to a sequel, so I had to read on. I never really noticed many predictable spots in the book which made it better as well. The ending definitely wasn’t my favorite though. It wasn’t good or suspenseful and didn’t have much meaning, it could have used a lot of work. I didn’t really have a favorite part of this book because there were many great parts but if I had to pick one, it would be when Felton described Stanford. It’s in California and I have visited there once, this brought back great memories. That is also a connection I made to my own life, how Felton loves California and so do I. Felton and I are both close to each other where we grew up, me in Minnesota and him in Wisconsin. We also both have a passion for football, we love it. Those are some connections that I made with the book and especially Felton. This book to me meant more than sports and taught a great lesson for all audience. I would recommend this book again to the sports, action and adventure lovers. You won’t regret reading this great novel.
I infer that the central idea or the theme of this book is for Felton to realize he really does have a meaning and to form a lesson to readers that no matter what mistakes you have made, you can learn from them and become a great person. This does develop over the course of the novel by starting off Felton as a wreck with many problems and keeps showing different situations he gets into. Then finally towards the end from there, he starts to find his meaning and understands a lot more about the world and himself. This can also apply to the readers like I said before. People can learn a lesson about who you are as a person, if you’ve been a good person or bad, made mistakes or anything. You can always be forgiven and start new, you do have a meaning. The particular acts of Felton while he was stressful really do propel the action. Felton ends up drinking while still a senior and is drunk many times which causes many more disasters for him, considering everyone knows this D I college football player. “ ‘Good. That’s a lot of beer man,’ I said.” is one example of Felton’s drinking problem. “... and even though I’d puked from alcohol and my stomach still ached in a weird way, I said, ‘Yeah, I’d like to try.’” is another. These are all exciting and suspenseful During the whole book I always felt I should keep reading, it all made sense.
In conclusion I really did like I’m With Stupid by Geoff Herbach. This is my 2nd book by this author and I really do like his writing style, it all connects the points to make the book readable. There really isn’t any hard vocabulary in this book considering the easy lexile level. The reading audience level is about a 6th or 7th grade one but again it swears more than normal and influences alcohol. So an 8th grade audience is fine too. I did find the book more intense from the swearing and alcohol. The reason I chose this book was because again my love for football and because the last book I read was the first book and this one happened to be similar to a sequel, so I had to read on. I never really noticed many predictable spots in the book which made it better as well. The ending definitely wasn’t my favorite though. It wasn’t good or suspenseful and didn’t have much meaning, it could have used a lot of work. I didn’t really have a favorite part of this book because there were many great parts but if I had to pick one, it would be when Felton described Stanford. It’s in California and I have visited there once, this brought back great memories. That is also a connection I made to my own life, how Felton loves California and so do I. Felton and I are both close to each other where we grew up, me in Minnesota and him in Wisconsin. We also both have a passion for football, we love it. Those are some connections that I made with the book and especially Felton. This book to me meant more than sports and taught a great lesson for all audience. I would recommend this book again to the sports, action and adventure lovers. You won’t regret reading this great novel.
January 7, 2019
Felton Reinstein seems to have a great life on the outside. However, coping with his dads death appears to take a bigger role on him that he thought. Felton has to juggle his school life, social life, and his sports life all at the same time which is a real struggle for Felton. Trying to get through the rest of senior year, Felton decides to try to break down his life to figure out who he is and what he wants for himself. This book is about of of the difficulties high school students go through and some of the pressure they are under. I thought the book was interesting. It had its good parts and I could relate to a big portion of the book considering I am a high school student athlete just as Felton is. However, it wasn’t my favorite book. I would suggest this book to reader who likes books they can relate to. Most likely between the ages of 15-17.
May 21, 2021
I loved the ending of this book. Felton is all of us. Again, the story is told to the reader by Felton as if he is having a conversation with the reader and just telling all of the things that have happened to him over the past several months. Teenagers have real problems, but sometimes we (as adults) tend to forget that. We trivialize their problems. We shouldn't. We used to be them. We had their problems. It doesn't matter if we were popular, dorks, jocks, nerds, or whatever. We ALL had problems with this mortal coil.
June 27, 2017
A fitting end to the trilogy, giving Felton a chance to greet (maybe even exorcise a few) his demons, and possibly leave them behind. More fun, funny, forgettable humor (protecting the dipshits), and very little Aleah. Jerri makes one parent-like choice in the end. Andrew is going to be all right. Felton will play football at a great school next year, and has friends. I'm glad for all of them.
June 5, 2020
This book was not all that good was somewhat entertaining. The main character is just so moody and emotional it gets tiring he seems to be like a one note song that doesnt have anything but anger and emotion. It would be almost stupid to befriend him and dangerous too.
December 24, 2020
DNF: When I buy books, I wish I would read them at that time. I have had this book on my shelf for a few years. I picked it the other day hoping it would break a streak of in-interesting books. I probably would of enjoyed it more if I read it when I bought it.
February 14, 2023
Amazing!
Felton Reinstein has problems but we all do as he reminds us all. He’s great at football but he has a past nagging him. He finds his place finally and we are all happy he does. Bravo!
Felton Reinstein has problems but we all do as he reminds us all. He’s great at football but he has a past nagging him. He finds his place finally and we are all happy he does. Bravo!
August 2, 2018
Better than 2, still not as good as 1.
Read
November 12, 2021That book was pretty emotional and isn't really about football. It is about appreciating the people who love you and learning from your mistakes.
Read
February 4, 2022it was a good book and a good read that I enjoyed
April 17, 2023
This book has some good drama and you get to really experience what the main character is experiencing. He goes through hard decisions and whether or not know the right choice.
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