Just about all the characters are annoying. Two-for-two, go Samantha! What I didn't expect was just HOW cheesy and cliched this story would be. I also expected some cheesy, cliche-laden scenes and dialogue. What did I expect? Well, this is a James Patterson story, so I expected super short chapters. I won't be getting this book out for him. I'm not sure if this book is actually in print or if it is only in audio format (I'm guessing the latter as the main character references the fact that he is talking to me-his listener-through his story on an audiobook-a device I found quite annoying personally) but it doesn't matter. I was hoping this story would be suitable for him to read to get him out of the reading rut. I picked this book up because I have 2 middle-schoolers my oldest son (who now loves to read) has been stuck in the high fantasy/middle-ages genre. The reader's voice (Bryan Kennedy) was beyond annoying, but I'll say more about that in a minute. I knew I was in trouble when the intro music (an annoying electric guitar piece) continued even after the narrator started the story which made it difficult to focus on the words. So what's wrong with me? Why can't I get into his stuff? So many people in my town rave about how amazing his stuff is. Have you ever picked something up just because you've been told the author is amazing, and then after you start reading/listening to it begin to wonder if the world is crazy or if you just have no taste? That is what happened to me when I first started listening to this middle-schooler geared audiobook. James Patterson's debut middle-grade novel addresses some of middle schoolers' biggest issues: bullies, first crushes, and finding out what makes each of us special, all with a hilarious main character and fantastic in-text illustrations that are sure to have young readers begging for more! Chewing gum in class-5,000 points! Running in the hallway-10,000 points! Pulling the fire alarm-50,000 points! But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding. Luckily, he's got an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off: With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's oppressive Code of Conduct.

Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix.

In his acclaimed and #1 bestselling middle-grade comic debut, Children's Choice Award Author of the Year James Patterson has never been more hilarious-or heartwarming.

The worst years of my life book