Book Review: Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley

Bookshelf Blurb: After a panic attack lands Soloman in the outdoor school fountain scantily clad, he turns into an acrophobia who won't leave his house. Three years later, Lisa, a former classmate decides she is going to cure Soloman's mental illness because her life (or at least her future) depends on it! Lisa, her boyfriend, Clark, and Soloman learn how friendship can evolve when one, or all, of them demonstrate highly illogical behavior.

America's Review:

Mental illness can be diagnosed and pills can be given to help cure the ailments of many people, but in some cases, like that of Soloman's, no form of pill or therapy can cure the panic attacks, the self-inflicted injuries or the depression. Soloman needed solitude because he suffered from Highly Illogical Behavior and no matter what therapy and pills are prescribed, he will no longer attend school, he will not leave his house, he does not need friends and lastly he does not need the outside world. He is content living within his house, going to school online and playing video games for the rest of eternity. His parents, at a loss for Soloman's self inflected illness, but having no other options, concede he can stay home fearing they will never be alone again as their one and only child will never leave the house; he suffers from acrophobia.

Lisa, a highly motivated Junior, is looking for her escape from Upland, CA. When the perfect opportunity comes along she seizes it regardless of who she has to hurt in order to achieve her goal. Her opportunity is Soloman, a boy who went crazy three years ago in Middle School, and as she soon discovers, has never left his house since that day. Through her own Highly Illogical Behavior decides she is going to find Soloman, correct him of his ailments and use these discoveries for her college entrance exam essay. Thanks to his Highly Illogical Behavior her essay will shine above all others and she will win the full ride scholarship to college.

The reader cannot help but laugh at the ridiculous behavior of the two protagonists in the new book by John Corey Whaley. The depth to both characters in their longing to accept themselves beyond what they are is typical of most upper classman in high school. They cannot wait to grow up and get out of the town where they have grown up, but the prospect of change, the unknown and being forced to grow up is also overwhelming. A Rite of Passage book for the normal, the mental and the parents who also struggle with their child leaving.

In the Classroom:

 The dreaded college application---it is the time of year for every Junior when they have to start thinking about where they want to go, what they want to be when they grow up--and the worst question: how can we afford either of these? Have your students write practice college exam essays and share them with one another then have them edit each other's papers giving appropriate feedback.