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Editorial Content for The Haters

Book

The Haters

Contributors

Ariel G.

Reviewer (text)

Ariel G., Teen Board Member
In Jesse Andrew’s second literary pursuit, the theme tunes in on a slightly different artistic expression: music. While enjoying universal praise and acclaim for his first endeavor in the very memorable ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL, Andrews summed up his newest work in the most comical of ways, saying, “I feel pretty confident that this is my finest second novel yet.” I might have to agree, both because of its obviousness and because he just might be right.  
 
"Jesse Andrew’s authenticity, sense of humor and talent for creating character chemistry --- and awkward situations --- gives the whole book a unique charm."
 
Although THE HATERS may share genetic similarities with its predecessor, it can definitely hold its own. Jesse Andrew’s authenticity, sense of humor and talent for creating character chemistry --- and awkward situations --- gives the whole book a unique charm. Kind of based on a true story, like the years Jesse Andrews spent playing bass in a band, THE HATERS follows the distinct circumstances of two best friends, Wes and Corey. The duo have been chosen to participate at jazz camp, but are immediately dismayed to see a whole crowd of dudes who aren’t really that cool. Sensing their time at jazz camp is a waste, they suddenly hear the chords of a guitar played by the only girl in a ten mile radius. Instantly intrigued, the pair hold a spontaneous jam session and know that musical fate has led them to their destiny. Ash, a charismatic guitarist with a new sound, can say and do anything with little objection, which leads the trio to quit band camp and start The Haters Summer of Hate Tour with no way to trace their whereabouts, no map and a car that is barely fit to last an hour, much less a whole tour.
 
I honestly have never read a book quite like this one. I laughed in so many parts, appreciated the history of music that the book gives and loved the sincerity of each character’s personality. Although the book was a little bit juvenile, there was a lot to enjoy. The transformation and process of each individual is a key component of THE HATERS. It is evidently displayed, and, as readers, we get to see how those experiences ultimately shaped the characters at the end, making us feel like we were a bit involved. Yet, there were far too many distractions that were unnecessary. Though this seemed more of a problem towards the end, the book is filled with crass jokes and references. Take this element out, and it might easily be one of my favorite books in a long time. I would recommend this book to music lovers, those looking for a good laugh and the adventurous type.

Teaser

For Wes and his best friend, Corey, jazz camp turns out to be lame. It’s pretty much all dudes talking in Jazz Voice. But then they jam with Ash, a charismatic girl with an unusual sound, and the three just click. It’s three and a half hours of pure musical magic, and Ash makes a decision: They need to hit the road. Because the road, not summer camp, is where bands get good. Before Wes and Corey know it, they’re in Ash’s SUV heading south, and The Haters Summer of Hate Tour has begun.

Promo

For Wes and his best friend, Corey, jazz camp turns out to be lame. It’s pretty much all dudes talking in Jazz Voice. But then they jam with Ash, a charismatic girl with an unusual sound, and the three just click. It’s three and a half hours of pure musical magic, and Ash makes a decision: They need to hit the road. Because the road, not summer camp, is where bands get good. Before Wes and Corey know it, they’re in Ash’s SUV heading south, and The Haters Summer of Hate Tour has begun.

About the Book

From Jesse Andrews, author of the New York Times bestselling ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL and screenwriter of the Sundance award–winning motion picture of the same name, comes a groundbreaking young adult novel about music, love, friendship, and freedom as three young musicians follow a quest to escape the law long enough to play the amazing show they hope (but also doubt) they have in them.
 
Inspired by the years he spent playing bass in a band himself, THE HATERS is Jesse Andrews’s road trip adventure about a trio of jazz-camp escapees who, against every realistic expectation, become a band. 
 
For Wes and his best friend, Corey, jazz camp turns out to be lame. It’s pretty much all dudes talking in Jazz Voice. But then they jam with Ash, a charismatic girl with an unusual sound, and the three just click. It’s three and a half hours of pure musical magic, and Ash makes a decision: They need to hit the road. Because the road, not summer camp, is where bands get good. Before Wes and Corey know it, they’re in Ash’s SUV heading south, and The Haters Summer of Hate Tour has begun.
 
In his second novel, Andrews again brings his brilliant and distinctive voice to YA, in the perfect book for music lovers, fans of The Commitments and High Fidelity, or anyone who has ever loved --- and hated --- a song or a band. This witty, funny coming-of-age novel is contemporary fiction at its best.

Audiobook available, narrated by Michael Crouch.