In Losers, a socially awkward and sexually insecure Russian 15 year old named Jupiter finds his way through high school and learns how you can become popular and how to be happy. He started out as an awkward loser whose thick Russian accent was almost incomprehensible, and turned into an old-bands-who-no-one's-ever-heard-of lover and a well-respected kid in high school. Jupiter goes to his first party in the beginning of the book, and figures out what connections will get you to the top of the social ladder. While reading this book, I made a text-to-self connection. Jupiter reminds me of an old friend of mine who went to the same middle school as I did last year. He used to be remarkably shy and uncomfortable around other people, but he helped me with a math concept I was having trouble with and we became friends. After that he started talking to other people and became pretty popular. I think this is very similar to what happened to Jupiter, who met the most popular girl at school (not comparing myself to the girl from the book AT ALL) at the party. She helps him make good connections and he subsequently becomes popular and respected. Both Jupiter and my old friend started at the bottom of the food chain and made their way to the top.I gave this book four stars because it was fabulously written and incredibly heartwarming and funny! Some readers that might enjoy this book are people who liked Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers because they are both written in first person with similar complaining and witty voice. The protagonist of "Losers", Jupiter, comes to America from Russia to attend school and is, naturally, an outcast at first. Being a product of his culture, he has a different take on situations and ideas than most people he comes to attend school with. This wasn't my favorite book, but it definitely got better with each page. I really liked that the text handled lots of present day issues with teens, namely assimilation, acceptance, bullying, etc. Most of these topics aren't high on the list of "most enjoyable conversations to have with teens", but I feel they are necessary, especially with high schoolers.This one won't be taught in my classroom, but if I had a student I knew was struggling with fitting in or with simply being unique in their surrounding environment, I would recommend "Losers". It's a decent read, but not on my top list.
What do You think about Losers (2008)?
The book was such a cute read, and it was good to reminisce about carefree, angsty high school days.
—nika_va
its kind of boring at first...im hoping t gets better.
—bobsburgers
Great read, funny off the wall type of tale.
—lorette97
