Or Not [Hardcover]

Brian Mandabach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 8, 2007

When 14 year-old Cassie Sullivan-smart, sensitive, and perceptive-stands up for her beliefs, the flagpole Christian majority decides she's the school Antichrist.  Cassie had no idea defending Darwin and refusing to sing "Proud to be an American" would be such a big deal.  But it's a brave new world of post-9/11 paranoia in her über-conservative Colorado school.  Trying to stay cool while the torments increase, Cassie wonders if anything is really worth it. Taking solace in her journal, she begins to question if simply being is what she really wants. Or Not?

Editorial Reviews

Review

You will laugh, you will weep, and you'll enjoy this delightful novel about a kooky idealist who refuses to give up as she grows up."

About the Author

Brian Mandabach teaches writing to teens in Colorado. He has been a public school teacher for over a decade. Or Not is his first novel.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 408 pages
• Publisher: Flux (October 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738711004
• ISBN-13: 978-0738711003
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,737,249 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the non-conformist in all of us, October 1, 2007

By 

Taylor McIlquham (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Or Not (Hardcover)

This book truly is amazing. An insight to the life of an eighth grade girl, it seemed so real that I found it diificult to believe the journal wasnt written by an eighth grade girl. Even if you don't agree with everything Cassie does or thinks, you should definitely read about her actions and cynical comments on the world.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Or Not, October 29, 2007

By 

Judy F. Pohlod - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Or Not (Hardcover)

I wish I had read this book before my son entered 8th grade. I wish all 8th grade teachers, parents, and administrators would read this book now. Mr. Mandabach really captured the Middle School emotions and what some students really go thru. I keep looking for Cassie in the hallways in my school. 12/10/07 I re-read OR NOT this weekend and enjoyed it even more. Hope there are more books by Mr. Mandabach to come.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't take this book for granite!, October 4, 2007

By 

Cory A. Gavitt "Gavitron" (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Or Not (Hardcover)

Simply brilliant! An epic novel, of a typical (or atypical) middle school student's plight through the drudgery that is adolescence. Cassie Sullivan is not your typical middle school student...or is she? Cassie, seemed to me (an eighth grade educator,) to be a unique character with a captivating story, however, after discussions with my students I was amazed at how many students felt connected to this character. Although the details of Cassie's story may be unique, the author has captivated the "essence of adolescence." This allows all of us, whether you're just entering this phase of life or pushing 60, to feel a real connection to this embattled teen.