Struck by Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal by Chris Colfer - Paul's Review

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Title: Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal
Author: Chris Colfer
Year Published: 2012

Synopsis: Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal follows the story of outcast high school senior Carson Phillips, who blackmails the most popular students in his school into contributing to his literary journal to bolster his college application; his goal in life is to get into Northwestern and eventually become the editor of The New Yorker. At once laugh-out-loud funny, deliciously dark, and remarkably smart, Struck By Lightning unearths the dirt that lies just below the surface of high school. At a time when bullying torments so many young people today, this unique and important novel sheds light with humor and wit on an issue that deeply resonates with countless teens and readers.

Review: This book felt like it was a written adaptation of a film. And, it was. I still haven't seen the film, but after reading this I still want to. The character played by Rebel Wilson was written just like she usually delivers dialogue. She's one of the funniest young actresses out there, but reading it just isn't the same as watching it. The book itself even included pictures from the film. The descriptions of the characters weren't very detailed within the book. 

I am unsure in exactly what order this book and the film were created. The book was sold as if it was written before the movie, but it seems like it was an afterthought. 

I should get to the actual story, though. Carson Phillips is kind of an unlikable character. He doesn't treat his fellow students well, even though he sees himself as an outcast. The rest of the characters appear to be stock high school cliches, but by the end they each develop in interesting ways. 

I like how Carson Phillips blackmails all these nonwriters and forces them to write things for him. Towards the end of the book, you even get to see some of their writing. 

I don't understand why the title of this book was chosen. I see how it fits, but unless the big even is done differently in the movie, it seems like a sloppy reveal. 

I give this book a 3/5. It is a typical high school outcast story with some interesting characters and a witty voice. If you are a fan of Chris Colfer, you should definitely pick this one up. 

-PAUL