Trying Out : Book Review

"Trying Out" by Caroline B. Cooney is a captivating novel that invites readers to join Jo, a 14-year-old girl, on a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery, friendship, and breaking free from societal expectations. Cooney masterfully develops Jo's character, making her relatable and multidimensional, while exploring the insecurities and doubts that often plague adolescents.

The story revolves around Jo, a talented gymnast who starts questioning her identity and the roles dictated by society. To confront her fear of failure and challenge herself, she auditions for the lead role in the school play, stepping out of her comfort zone. Cooney skillfully portrays the challenges Jo faces during auditions and the reactions of those around her, allowing readers to empathize with her journey.

"Trying Out" also delves into the complexities of friendship, as Jo's relationships with her best friend, Liz, and new friend, Eli, undergo strain. Cooney realistically portrays the obstacles that friendships encounter as individuals change and grow, drawing readers into the emotional dynamics of the characters' connections.

One of the novel's highlights is Cooney's prose, which is engaging and immersive. Her writing style effortlessly balances moments of tension and reflection, ensuring readers remain captivated until the very end.

Overall, "Trying Out" is a compelling and insightful novel that explores the challenges of adolescence. Cooney's portrayal of Jo's journey and her exploration of identity and friendship make this book a must-read for young adults seeking relatable and thought-provoking stories.

What are readers saying?

Caroline B. Cooney's novel, "Trying Out," has garnered a variety of reactions from readers. This young adult book follows the story of Joanna, a high school student who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal after secretly experimenting with smoking.

Many readers appreciated the relatable characters and the realistic portrayal of high school life found in "Trying Out." They commended Cooney for capturing the struggles and pressures faced by teenagers, particularly in terms of peer influence and making difficult decisions. The book was applauded for being engaging and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on their own choices and the consequences they may have.

However, some readers felt that the story lacked depth and failed to fully explore the potential consequences of Joanna's actions. They believed that the book did not adequately address or resolve the issues it raised, leaving them unsatisfied. Additionally, a few readers found the pacing to be slow at certain points, causing the plot to drag.

The character development in "Trying Out" also received mixed feedback. While some readers found the characters relatable and well-developed, others criticized the lack of growth and depth in certain individuals. They expressed a desire for more complexity and exploration of the characters' motivations and intentions.

Opinions on the writing style of the book varied as well. Some readers appreciated Cooney's accessible prose, which made for an easy and enjoyable read. However, others felt that the writing was too simplistic and lacked nuance, wishing for a more sophisticated approach that would have added depth and complexity to the story.

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