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meghan111's review
4.0
I enjoyed this much more than her first book [b:escape from special|41124|Escape From Kathmandu|Kim Stanley Robinson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1169580733s/41124.jpg|1963543]. This is the second volume of a semi-autobiographical series, and while the first was about childhood, this is about being a teenager. Specifically, an angsty, outspoken feminist teenager in the mid-90s, which just happens to hit me right where I live. Each story is only a few pages, but there is continuity in the protagonist's struggle to figure out how to combat injustice and how to have friends that she actually likes.
saidtheraina's review
4.0
I love Lasko-Gross' art. It took me a while to warm up, but her little title illustrations for each anecdotal story are really amazing. And in this volume, unlike previous, the anecdotes actually lead somewhere, telling the story of one friendship. It's a little of a light, more artistic Ariel Schrag. A little bit of candid teenageness with a little less rebellion success. I can identify more, that's for sure. She's getting better, and I want more.
mikethepysch's review
3.0
It had its moments. Very relatable lead. Just nothing particularly great or groundbreaking.
mhall's review
4.0
I enjoyed this much more than her first book [b:escape from special|41124|Escape From Kathmandu|Kim Stanley Robinson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1169580733s/41124.jpg|1963543]. This is the second volume of a semi-autobiographical series, and while the first was about childhood, this is about being a teenager. Specifically, an angsty, outspoken feminist teenager in the mid-90s, which just happens to hit me right where I live. Each story is only a few pages, but there is continuity in the protagonist's struggle to figure out how to combat injustice and how to have friends that she actually likes.
starnosedmole's review
2.0
Beautifully colored, with a female protagonist who reminds me of Sally from _The Nightmare Before Christmas_. The storyline and characters felt simplistic, though pop culture references in the artwork did make the work feel fresh even during weaker moments. I would consider reading more of Lasko-Gross's work, and would certainly recommend this book to adolescents.
sheley's review
4.0
I saw some of myself in the main character and the style of this story. I admire the raw honesty and I think this is a good bildungsroman that doesn't come across as cliche. I didn't read the previous book so I'll have to go back and do that. There are some risqué topics addresses so I would be wary about teaching this for classes below (or even in) 11th or 12th grade.
lisamquinn's review
2.0
Angsty teen girl hates everything.
Her friend struggles with anoxeria.
They smoke, drink and hook up with guys.
The end.
Her friend struggles with anoxeria.
They smoke, drink and hook up with guys.
The end.
bluepigeon's review
5.0
A Mess of Everything is about high school with all its anxieties, problems, funny moments, and questions. Melissa struggles to be herself, yet succeed without antagonizing the teachers and often other students and friends. She's outspoken, yet doubts herself often. She worries about her best friend, yet is unable to help her. She's smart, yet her understanding of American history, capitalism and the "system" doesn't help her get As. It's a relief when she finally figures she can just play the system and get out to do what she wants, instead of resist it (a sad, but perhaps necessary lesson to learn for anyone at that age). Recommended for those who like to smoking, skateboarding and Tank Girl.
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