Customer Reviews

Brothers, Boyfriends & Other Criminal Minds

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This novel has one of the best first lines I've ever read in a YA novel. It has an emotionally rich story that is laugh-out-loud funny. The setting is seventies Brooklyn in a neighborhood where mafia characters such as Soft Sal and Frankie the Crunch live. Against this backdrop we follow the main character, April, as she struggles to keep her brother out of trouble, deal with her own romantic difficulties, school, parents, and, of course, the neighborhood mobsters. It's a wonderful coming-of-age story. This is great read.

This book has everything, witty characters, hot teenagers, young romances, and also some important life lessons. This book had many plot twists and so many things going on at once, it would be hard not to enjoy it. It is filled with humor and also some serious subjects, but the author makes them all seem lighthearted and entertaining. This is a must read for a reader who enjoys any type of funny book.

the book Brothers, Boyfriends and Other Criminal Minds has been one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. i really loved the part about April and Dom. i seriously never knew what was going to happen next!

BROTHERS, BOYFRIENDS, AND OTHER CRIMINAL MINDS is April Lurie's semi-autobiographical tale of growing up in a Brooklyn neighborhood populated by made men and falling in love with a Dominick. However, she made quite a bit up in order to deliver an interesting and exciting story.

If you're into books about relationships, you should definitely consider finding yourself a copy of BROTHERS, BOYFRIENDS, AND OTHER CRIMINAL MINDS. April Lundquist has a plethora of suitors: Dominick, her brother's friend Little Joe, and her best friend's boyfriend's best friend with whom she was conned into going on a date with, Bert. Then her brother, a good Scandinavian boy, falls in love with Bettina, the daughter of a high-ranked Mafioso.

But romantic relationships aren't the only ones on display. April watches out for her both of her brothers, as well as Soft Sal's odd son Larry. She's close friends with Brandi, even if their friendship takes some hits in the book due to their divergent tastes in men. She also has an odd relationship with her English teacher, who recognizes her potential but dislikes her penchant to snog boys rather than show up to class on time.

The novel works well because these relationships ring true. Even though it is set in the 70s, the family, friend, and significant other dynamics are very familiar. (Although I never had to worry about a sibling getting whacked due to putting moves on the wrong person.) It's quick and funny, much like a Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy. The subject matter could be dramatic and angsty, but April Lurie keeps it light. And the world needs more light comedies involving La Costa Nostra.

I might not have noticed this if it hadn't been pointed out in the Local Authors panel, but I do appreciate the fact that BROTHERS, BOYFRIENDS, AND OTHER CRIMINAL MINDS is clean (no sex scenes or cussing). Lurie does a good job of creating a heroine who is comfortable with her sexuality and not condemning her for having three love interests. April's just a healthy teen girl learning how to maneuver in non-platonic relationships with boys. I love, love, love that Lurie manages this without sex scenes so that I can recommend it to certain girls I know in real life without their mothers showing up at my house with poisoned baked goods, saying "Mangia, mangia."

I'm not sure I'll read this one again, but I found it entertaining and think it's a good one to recommend to girls in junior high and high school. (Another great thing? April is brainy and athletic, with fab taste in music.) Despite the hot pink cover, some guys might like it too, given the criminal element.

From In Bed With Books

This is a YA book about April, a 14 year old blond, Scandinavian girl who lives in the middle of an Italian mafia's neighborhood. She has an older brother, Matt, and a younger brother, Sammy who she often babysits. Her best friend, Brandi, lives next door. Matt is in love with a girl who is a mob head's daughter, which gets him into ALOT of trouble. April is in love with a rocker who has a ponytail, does drugs, and skips class named Dominick. Brandi asks her to go on a double date with her with a guy she's never met named Bert, who is significantly shorter than April, but who ends up having a huge crush on her. Little Joe, Matt's best friend, starts to fall in love with April as well. When Dominick finally notices her, Little Joe is dangerously upset. Without giving away the whole story, it was fun to see how April handled everything with all 3 guys. The only thing stopping it from being 5 stars, is the ending. It left me asking "what just happened?" I was very surprised when I got to the last page....and that was it. I wanted more answers!