The Challenge: Piper has one month to get the rock band Dumb a paying gig.
The Deal: If she does it, Piper will become the band’s manager and get her share of the profits.
The Catch: How can Piper possibly manage one egomaniacal pretty boy, one talentless piece of eye candy, one crush, one silent rocker, and one angry girl? And how can she do it when she’s deaf?

Piper can’t hear Dumb’s music, but with growing self-confidence, a budding romance, and a new understanding of the decision her family made to buy a cochlear implant for her deaf baby sister, she discovers her own inner rock star and what it truly means to be a flavor of Dumb. (from Goodreads)


As soon as I read Nic’s of Irresistable Reads wonderful review of Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John, I knew it was a book I needed. Much as I love demon’s and werewolves and dystopian futures, contemporary YA remains my one true love, because when it’s done well, it rocks! Five Flavors of Dumb is done very, very well.


Although this is the tale of how and if Piper will get Dumb their gig, at it’s heart it’s a story about family, and Piper’s family were amazingly well portrayed. Especially her brother Finn whose a popular, guitar playing, almost bad boy ~ his scenes with Piper were my favourites in the book.


Then there is Piper herself and she is a fabulous character; funny, honest, strong, confused and at times endearingly clueless. I loved how she didn’t give up and kept battling and trying to find solutions to her problems. I also liked how her deafness was part of her and referenced throughout the novel, but it certainly wasn’t her stand out trait or the point of this story.


The five member of Dumb provide a lot of comedy and some heartfelt moments. I loved their growth, especially the girls, and I found myself truly invested in whether they would become a band and get a gig.


On top of all this there is an adorable romance, with a sweetheart of a guy (who can make perfect cups of coffee!), and who shows over and over how much he cares about and likes Piper. Plus a truly swoony kiss.


Meaning Five Flavors of Dumb is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year. Plus it has an awesome cover!

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