Review originally posted on Bookish Lifestyle 
 Andrew Smith gets it. What it feels like to be a teenager buzzing with hormones, conflicting feelings, untamable emotions, hopes, dreams and fears. He just gets it. That's one of the reasons why I love his books so much and always make time for his latest when it comes out. He's on my automatic to-read and to-buy list, and has a very special place on my shelf. When you read his books, you feel like you're reading about actual people, not characters. His stories feel authentic and honest, and completely free of bullshit. He doesn't beat around the bushes. He doesn't hold back. He makes you feel real emotions, takes you out of your YA fairytale comfort zone and makes you face the reality of teenagedom in its freakishly awkward and goosebumpy glory. Man, if that isn't a true talent then I don't know what is. 
 Winger is one incredibly tricky book to review, though. I loved it so so SOOOOOO much, but I can't tell you why, because that would spoil everything. I can't tell you what to expect from this book either, because you really need to go into it blindsided and just enjoy the journey (and skip the Goodreads reviews, too, they reveal way too much!). If you'll stick with it till the end, you'll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping, cathartic ending. I know I was completely mind blown and reeling from it for a very long time. 
 Ryan Dean is a truly remarkable character. He's intelligent and witty, but also pretty socially awkward, especially around girls. It doesn't help that he's in love with his best friend, Annie, who also happens to be 2 years older than he is and not very interested in dating a little kid. But worry not, Ryan Dean is very determined and not easily deterred! 
 The character development is exceptional. What we have here is a very eclectic bunch of unique, realistically drawn characters that really grow on you and become people you care about. And not just care about briefly for the duration of the book, but care about enough to sometimes think about even long after you put the book down. Like I said, Andrew Smith gets it. These are not some molded to perfection, embellished characters, these are real teenage kids - hormonal, sex-obsessed, awkward and rebellious. And they're freaking awesome. 
 Winger is a book that touches on many sensitive issues, such as bullying, tolerance, homosexuality and first love. Through anecdotes, jokes, hilarious situations and choke-on-your-drink, eye-popping punch lines and observations, it teaches you about life, death, love, friendship and surviving high school (and a boarding school at that!). While its overall tone is rather light, the story is a multi-layered one; and the ending is bitter-sweet. This is a book full of meaning and important lessons. One of the few books that even the most reluctant readers will love, breeze-through, and then keep coming back to.