The boomerang effect is a social psychology concept describing how attempts to persuade others often result in them adopting the opposite stance—and Lawrence Barry is about to learn all about it. On the brink of expulsion, he decides to stop smoking weed and imbibing alcohol and start trying to be a better person (mostly to avoid exile at a military academy). This starts with helping out his clueless buddy, Spencer, acclimate to high-school life—how to be popular, how to look cool, and most of all, how to “be normal.” Unfortunately, the efforts only lead Lawrence to become the prime suspect in the vandalism of the school’s homecoming floats. It’s up to the two to figure out who is framing him and why. Jack’s impeccable comedic timing and ear for dialogue make this an irresistible, absurdist romp with a lovable Ferris Bueller–type raconteur at its center. Even so, Jack manages to explore serious topics like drug abuse, sex, racism, sexism, and ableism through an honest and multidimensional lens that teen readers will appreciate.— Suarez, Reinhardt. "The Boomerang Effect-book review." Booklist Online. 13 October 2016.
This is a newer YA voice who may appeal to teen guys and girls, but esp those readers who appreciate the sly satire of Gordon Jack, delivered in hilarious episodes of high school life that stretch the bounds of believabilty, but fun nonetheless because Lawrence is the perennial optimist that he can somehow clear his name, be the noble mentor to the newly arrived Norwegian Spencer, and resolve both his friend Eddie's and his romance issues. An Evergreen Book Award nominee. ( )

While it moved quickly, I wasn't really invested overmuch in Lawrence's life. Told from his pov, we get a LOT of his opinions, but the writing isn't strong - nearly all of the characters aside from Lawrence (and Spencer, somewhat) are two-dimensional. There were some fun descriptions, but could benefit from more realized characters aside from the main. ( )