I enjoyed this YA book -- great character development and plotting. I read the first books in the series but had forgotten most of them, so this book gave me just enough background to remember. I like Russel's voice a lot, though I think sometimes he's a bit too self-deprecating. He needs to realize how cool he actually is!

Love this series

It was not as solid as the other books in the series but I thought it ended the high school series wonderfully.can't wait to read the next seroed

a little more far fetched. but hey at least he gets the guy in the end

4.5/5
THE ENDING!! THE ENDING OH MA GOSH THE FEELS TOO MUCH

The Elephant of Surprise is the 4th book in Hartinger's series that started with Geography Club. While I genuinely enjoyed Geography Club and have read all of the other books in this series, the series is beginning to resemble the Babysitter's Club books I read when I was in elementary school. There was nothing wrong with those books, either - they're told from the perspective of one friend in a group, and the plots are predictable but still entertaining. Hartinger's books are similar. Each of these stories follows Russell, Min, and Gunner in their adventures in high school. The first book dealt with their creation of a GSA at their school. The second book took place at summer camp. The third book took place around Thanksgiving. Now this book takes place in the late winter. The plots are easy to follow, the action is not very intense, and even the "scarier" parts of the book aren't that scary, because just like a Disney movie, the reader knows everything will turn out all right in the end.

I'm glad I read this book, but I only gave it three stars because the series is just a bit too predictable, and I probably won't reread this particular title, although I wouldn't object to having it in the collection at my future library.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley for the purposes of review.

3.75

I thought the book was really good. a good twist.

Unique story, just like all of Hartinger's other books, but I read it in one sitting without the usual excitement that comes from doing that. At some points, he talks down to his readers (by defining big words, but then dismissing their use several sentences later), but it was still relatively enjoyable. I enjoyed the other three novels in the series much more.

Again, another absolute winner from Brent Hartinger. I've enjoyed getting to know Russel and living in his world.

In this installment Russel finds himself involved with a group of environmentalists called Freegans who live off the grid in every way possible but with one freegan in particular, Wade. Wade is a hunky sort of smooth talking older boy who charms the pants off of Russel by almost immediately. In the midst of this new infatuation Russel is still dealing with his feelings about Kevin which are becoming ever so much complicated because of what he's been seeing and hearing about him.

Other situations involve breaking into Min's girlfriend's house, dandelion wine, confessed feelings, and surprises galore.

Okay so I'm gonna go all fan girly over this novel. I loved, loved, loved it! No, I haven't read any of the other novels in the series, but I wasn't at all lost. There is enough back story that I felt completely in the know as I read the story. Russel is the navigator of The Elephant of Surprise and I say it that way because he's kind of leading a double life. Don't worry his friends are, too, sort of. I love having Russel narrate because he talks to the reader asking us to agree with him. He is funny and kind of like talking to one of the girls. He swoons over the same things we do, tight shirts over big muscles, kissable lips....definitely notices the things we do. Russel also has a flair for the dramatic and apparently metaphors. The novel begins with Russel telling us he's in the middle of a jungle with vicious animals all around, frozen with fear afraid one move would make him prey for some animal. Then he says, "No, really, I was! I know, I know. You're thinking: 'He always does this. He stars the story pretending he's in the middle of some exciting event- a war, a fire, a zombie apocalypse,- but then it just turns out to be something metaphorical. I'm not falling for it this time.'" (first page, chapter one) Drama, metaphors. But my favorite and this shows his humor which is present throughout the book - "A weed had broken through the concrete of my heart. (Yes, I know that's over-the-top. Go with it.) (Chapter 11). Russel is always throwing things out to the reader like we are living the story with him. I loved it!

Russel's love life is a bit of a drama, too. Remember it's high school, who's wasn't? He is torn between his jock (gorgeous) ex who did something unforgivable (or maybe he just thinks he did) and a new guy he met, a "Freegan" who he can't tell if he's gay or not. There is a nice lesson in there about being Freegan something I've never heard of, don't worry it's not an info dump. It's really entertaining and makes some very good points about Americans and consumerism. No, I didn't feel guilty. I read for pleasure, not to feel guilty. But it was good knowledge to have.

Then there's Min who is dating a girl from another school who isn't exactly "out" yet. Min thinks she might be cheating on her, but is afraid to confront her. What she convinces Gunnar and Russel to do to get any evidence that she's cheating definitely goes beyond the bounds of friendship. She sends out the "Bat Signal" as Russel says. I say more the Bat S*** Crazy signal. But it does make for some funny/tense moments. Min is one of a kind. I need to read the rest of the series just to see her antics. Apparently she is a know-it-all, only she really does know it all!

And Gunnar, well according to Min and Russel he operates on a whole other level. (I've got a son like that. We haven't identified the level yet). Gunnar documents his every waking minute and posts it on line during the book. Russel tells him it's so boring even he unfriended him but Gunnar doesn't care. We don't see a lot of Gunnar, but I think still waters run deep with Gunnar. Russel describes him as "too different to even realize how different he is, if that makes any sense. It's something of a curse, but it's a good curse: it makes him one of the most interesting people I've ever met, and probably one of the most interesting people I ever will meet." (end of chapter one).

These are people you really want to get to know the more you read about them. They are so close they feel the same feelings at the same time. They have each others backs. They love each other. There is no petty back stabbing or jealousy. These three are true friends and despite their own troubles, they ask about each others lives and help each other, no matter how crazy the scheme or idea, because that's what friends do. So when The Elephant of Surprise comes and stomps on them or brings happiness, they are there for each other.

Recommend for lovers of contemporary YA, romance, and friendships. There is some language and sexual mentions so this would be for a more mature YA reader. I highly recommend it. It's actually a quick read. The story is so engaging, the characters so well written and the pacing is perfect. And the romances, some are good, some are in flux and some fall apart. That's YA romance! But there's lot's of it!

***I wrote Brent Hartinger an email to tell him how much I loved the novel right after I finished it. You know that feeling you have inside right after you read a great novel? I told him I felt all glowy inside like a warm chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven! I love books that can make me feel that way! What about you?***

As mentioned in the beginning of the Goodreads Summary, The first book in this series, The Geography Club will be coming to theaters later this year, I think. I hope so!