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Series: Antsy Bonano Novels
Book Order: The Schwa Was Here* (1), Antsy Does Time* (2)
* indicates a book I have read
Every once in a while a book is so good that I don't want to read it's sequel. Something in me insists that the book shouldn't even have a sequel because the first one was so enjoyable that I can't fathom another book following it. But every once in a while, I end up very glad that certain books do have sequels, because every once in a while book two is undoubtedly good enough to share a shelf with its predecessor. Such was the case with Neal Shusterman's novel Antsy Does Time, the sequel to The Schwa Was Here.
Anthony "Antsy" Bonano is a witty, wisecracking, sarcastic, street smart, New York neighborhood kid. As narrator of The Schwa Was Here, Antsy introduced readers to the functionally invisible Calvin Schwa in a story that was as sweetly endearing as it was hilarious. In the sequel, Antsy is back and makes a new friend, Gunnar Umlaut. When Gunnar reveals that he only has six months to live, Antsy responds with a heartfelt gesture and donates one month of his life to Gunnar - complete with a signed contract. The small act of goodwill turns out to have huge repercussions, though, and soon Antsy (the newly appointed "Master of Time") is in way over his head.
I can't really pick which of these two Shusterman novels I like better, but for those that enjoyed The Schwa Was Here, don't hesitate to dive into Antsy Does Time. Shusterman does a terrific job capturing the voice of a teenage narrator. Where the first book introduced Antsy, this book has him growing up a bit and it was great to watch his character develop further and see the seriousness behind his sarcasm.
Do you ever put off reading books based on your expectations of them? Has a book ever really surprised you by being way better (or way worse) than you predicted?
September 11, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Hi, this is my first comment on any blog, haven't had the courage yet to post a comment on a blog but your comment on putting off sequels because you loved the first book so much struck a cord in me. I often feel like that. I go into the book store pick up the sequel and wonder if I should read it. I feel like that about World without End, the sequel to Pillars of the Earth. Have you read it? is it worth reading?
Happy Birthday by the way (mine is in four days). Eva
September 13, 2010 at 3:33 PM
Hi Eva! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I try to be as welcoming and inviting as possible, but I understand that commenting can be intimidating too. I'm glad I'm not the only one who hesitates with sequels to really good books. I haven't read World Without End or Pillars of the Earth, although I have heard good things about the Pillars of the Earth miniseries that was on cable earlier this year. I guess the lesson I learned though was that despite my doubts, sequels are sometimes very much worth it.
Thanks for the birthday wishes too! Mine was quite splendid and I hope you have a wonderful day as well!