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Marco Impossible
Best friends Stephen and Marco know a thing or two about impossible missions. It's thanks to them that cell phone thieves at school are apprehended, lost puppies are returned, and gym uniforms are lent out to the forgetful thirteen-year-old masses.
When Marco finds out that Benji - the dream exchange student on whom he has a crush - and his band are playing at the high schoolprom, he enlists Stephen's help to crash prom and get Marco onstage to profess his love. But as most veteran operatives know, not all heists run smoothly. Stephen is sick of Marco calling the shots 99.97 percent of the time, and he's especially sick of being the sidekick.
On top of it all, Marco and Stephen need to act fast - before Benji goes back to England at the end of the school year. Even though these boys are experts in espionage, it's going to take a mission impossible to pull this maneuver off.
When Marco finds out that Benji - the dream exchange student on whom he has a crush - and his band are playing at the high schoolprom, he enlists Stephen's help to crash prom and get Marco onstage to profess his love. But as most veteran operatives know, not all heists run smoothly. Stephen is sick of Marco calling the shots 99.97 percent of the time, and he's especially sick of being the sidekick.
On top of it all, Marco and Stephen need to act fast - before Benji goes back to England at the end of the school year. Even though these boys are experts in espionage, it's going to take a mission impossible to pull this maneuver off.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2013
About the author
Hannah Moskowitz
26 books1,871 followersHannah Moskowitz wrote her first story, about a kitten named Lilly on the run from cat hunters, for a contest when she was seven years old. It was disqualified for violence. Her first book, BREAK, was on the ALA's 2010 list of Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, and in 2013, GONE, GONE, GONE received a Stonewall Honor. 2015's NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED was named the YA Bisexual Book of the Year. SICK KIDS IN LOVE was a Sydney Taylor Honoree, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and one of both Kirkus and Tablet Magazine's Best Books of the year. She lives in Maryland with several cats, none of whom are violent.
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September 20, 2011I listened to a lot of Taylor Swift while I was writing this, and my main characters would kill me if they knew that. Sucks to be fictional!
January 18, 2013
You just never know what you’re going to get with a Hannah Moskowitz novel. Other than that it is something good. Really good. But is it going to be something happy? Something heart-wrenchingly sad? Both? Is she just going to straight up gut you and leave your innards lying on the floor at your feet while you hollowly ask, “Why, Hannah? WHY!?”
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“Don’t know! Seemed like fun to make you give up on humanity and despair for the world!”
Marco Impossible is one of those books that will make you laugh, laugh some more, fall in love with all the characters and float around buzzing afterwards. Marco and Stephen are so effortlessly charming and wonderfully fun. Moskowitz has captured that awkward balance between child and teenager. Marco and Stephen are just at the tipping point and the grand Heist in this novel is their last hurrah before life takes them in different directions. The novel perfectly captures that ennui of two friends close to saying goodbye to childhood and each other and their desire to also charge forth and grow older and mature. Throughout the novel there is an intense tug and pull between the two. Between wanting to play and solve mysteries, and looking for something deeper and intransient.
As always, Moskowitz’s signature ability to create characters that jump out of the page with their complexity and personality is here on display. From big loud Marco and quietly suffering wingman, Stephen. Two words to describe them and this story? Utterly charming. Words to describe how much I want to lock Hannah Moskowitz in a basement and force her to write 24/7 for my own personal satisfaction: Restraining Order.
It’s short, it’s sweet, it’s just about perfect. I’m very likely sneaking it into our local Catholic High School library, and the local council library, and every school library we can possibly get it into. If you’re a teacher, a librarian or a parent – this is a great book that I highly recommend.
It’s coming to the end of 2012 and I’ve already read all of Moskowitz’s 2013 books. I can’t express how depressing that is for me.
This review also appears on my blog, Cuddlebuggery Book Blog.
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“Don’t know! Seemed like fun to make you give up on humanity and despair for the world!”
Marco Impossible is one of those books that will make you laugh, laugh some more, fall in love with all the characters and float around buzzing afterwards. Marco and Stephen are so effortlessly charming and wonderfully fun. Moskowitz has captured that awkward balance between child and teenager. Marco and Stephen are just at the tipping point and the grand Heist in this novel is their last hurrah before life takes them in different directions. The novel perfectly captures that ennui of two friends close to saying goodbye to childhood and each other and their desire to also charge forth and grow older and mature. Throughout the novel there is an intense tug and pull between the two. Between wanting to play and solve mysteries, and looking for something deeper and intransient.
As always, Moskowitz’s signature ability to create characters that jump out of the page with their complexity and personality is here on display. From big loud Marco and quietly suffering wingman, Stephen. Two words to describe them and this story? Utterly charming. Words to describe how much I want to lock Hannah Moskowitz in a basement and force her to write 24/7 for my own personal satisfaction: Restraining Order.
It’s short, it’s sweet, it’s just about perfect. I’m very likely sneaking it into our local Catholic High School library, and the local council library, and every school library we can possibly get it into. If you’re a teacher, a librarian or a parent – this is a great book that I highly recommend.
It’s coming to the end of 2012 and I’ve already read all of Moskowitz’s 2013 books. I can’t express how depressing that is for me.
This review also appears on my blog, Cuddlebuggery Book Blog.
March 24, 2013
I read this novel and my heart didn't break. Yes, it's true. I read a Hannah Moskowitz novel and did not emerge from it a sniveling ball of snot, tears running down my face because of my broken heart. I didn't think it was possible to read a Moskowitz novel and not be heart-broken on some level, but it is. Folks, Marco Impossible is the time that Hannah Moskowitz wrote a novel with a happy ending. And we all cried anyway.
Marco Impossible is my first Middle Grade novel from Hannah Moskowitz but, despite writing for a younger audience, Moskowitz manages to retain both her depth of feeling and complexity in this tale. Stephen and Marco are best friends, gearing up for high school in just a few months. Marco, however, is moving away to a private school and will never see the love of his life, Benji, ever again. Thus, Stephen and Marco are forced to make an elaborate plan to break into senior prom where Benji will be playing with his band, all so that Marco can confess his true feelings to Benji. Granted, there isn't a bomb involved in the plan like the cover may lead you to believe, but this book is just as spectacular without it.
From the very first page, it is clear that Marco Impossible is an incredibly fun ride. Marco and Stephen are wildly different characters, but together, they can take on the world. Stephen, who narrates our story, has a large family and has grown up in the shadow of Marco, who is loud, boisterous, and witty. Unlike Stephen, Marco is an only child, tentative about having siblings despite the fact that his parents are adopting a child overseas. It is obvious that although Marco relies on Stephen just as much as Stephen relies on Marco in this friendship, there are deep secrets between the two, whether it be Stephen who is still upset at having found that his father was cheating on his mother through the detective games that him and Marco played or Marco, who has dark secrets he won't part with.
Marco Impossible chronicles the plethora of difficulties Marco and Stephen face as they plan, and later execute, the adventure that will lead to Marco confessing his love for Benji, but it is also the tale of their friendship. Moskowitz brushes upon many subjects in this novel that are all serious and prevalent today, but best of all, she deals with them in an accessible and friendly manner, all while conveying the horror of the situation. In addition to that, though, the sibling relationships prevalent throughout the novel are masterfully written. With the number of siblings that Stephen has, it would have been easy to make at least a few of them similar, but instead, each of these secondary characters is well-rounded in their own right, all suffering through their own problems.
Yet, best of all, this is a story of friendship. It is the story of two friends who think they know each other, but not fully. Both Marco and Stephen are disastrously flawed characters, but it is impossible not to fall for them and their crazy adventure. Moreover, throughout the novel are short excerpts from the detective log that Marco and Stephen keep: hilarious momentums certain to delight the reader. All in all, Moskowitz really has written a funny, meaningful, and unforgettable story - once again. With authors like her around, finding excellent novels doesn't seem quite so impossible anymore.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
Marco Impossible is my first Middle Grade novel from Hannah Moskowitz but, despite writing for a younger audience, Moskowitz manages to retain both her depth of feeling and complexity in this tale. Stephen and Marco are best friends, gearing up for high school in just a few months. Marco, however, is moving away to a private school and will never see the love of his life, Benji, ever again. Thus, Stephen and Marco are forced to make an elaborate plan to break into senior prom where Benji will be playing with his band, all so that Marco can confess his true feelings to Benji. Granted, there isn't a bomb involved in the plan like the cover may lead you to believe, but this book is just as spectacular without it.
From the very first page, it is clear that Marco Impossible is an incredibly fun ride. Marco and Stephen are wildly different characters, but together, they can take on the world. Stephen, who narrates our story, has a large family and has grown up in the shadow of Marco, who is loud, boisterous, and witty. Unlike Stephen, Marco is an only child, tentative about having siblings despite the fact that his parents are adopting a child overseas. It is obvious that although Marco relies on Stephen just as much as Stephen relies on Marco in this friendship, there are deep secrets between the two, whether it be Stephen who is still upset at having found that his father was cheating on his mother through the detective games that him and Marco played or Marco, who has dark secrets he won't part with.
Marco Impossible chronicles the plethora of difficulties Marco and Stephen face as they plan, and later execute, the adventure that will lead to Marco confessing his love for Benji, but it is also the tale of their friendship. Moskowitz brushes upon many subjects in this novel that are all serious and prevalent today, but best of all, she deals with them in an accessible and friendly manner, all while conveying the horror of the situation. In addition to that, though, the sibling relationships prevalent throughout the novel are masterfully written. With the number of siblings that Stephen has, it would have been easy to make at least a few of them similar, but instead, each of these secondary characters is well-rounded in their own right, all suffering through their own problems.
Yet, best of all, this is a story of friendship. It is the story of two friends who think they know each other, but not fully. Both Marco and Stephen are disastrously flawed characters, but it is impossible not to fall for them and their crazy adventure. Moreover, throughout the novel are short excerpts from the detective log that Marco and Stephen keep: hilarious momentums certain to delight the reader. All in all, Moskowitz really has written a funny, meaningful, and unforgettable story - once again. With authors like her around, finding excellent novels doesn't seem quite so impossible anymore.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
April 11, 2017
Overall: great ideas, pretty mediocre execution (especially a lot of telling instead of showing). I'm really surprised how many people who've read it say they connected with the characters and thought their relationship was great. What?? Did we read the same book?
I was fairly disappointed by this one, partly because I had high expectations because the plot sounded awesome and not about being gay! In general, I did think the plot and action were pretty great, although the homophobic bullying (sub)plot that became more of a part of the narrative as it went on felt pretty unnecessary. I would have much rather had the author stick with the original awesome plot of two 13-year-old besties (one straight guy, one gay guy) on a mission to get into the high school prom so that the gay guy (Marco) can confess his love for his long-time crush before the crush leaves for the entire summer. Of course, hijinks and mishaps ensue as the two boys try to figure out how to do this over the span of one day. That plot sounds funny and fun and great right?
However, this bullying subplot increasingly took over, and I realized that (I think) the author was using it as a way to explain why Marco was often a controlling, whiny, immature, narcissistic jerk to Stephen (the BFF). The book doesn't so much show you Marco is a jerk (although it kind of does) so much as Stephen (who is the narrator) complains about it constantly to the point that you wonder why he is even friends with Marco. I think Moskowitz was intending Marco to be charming and lovable despite those flaws but I just never got that feeling--in fact, I disliked him for a lot of the novel. Stephen's constant complaining made me dislike him too after a while! The problem is, is that Moskowitz doesn't reveal how bad some of the bullying has been for Marco until the very end of the book, portraying him up until that point as well-adjusted, supported, etc. It's hard to change your mind about disliking Marco at that point. (This is an interesting counterpoint to When Everything Feels Like the Movies which also features a narcissistic gay character who can be a jerk [who is although a lot funnier]. But you know the extent of that character's trauma from the beginning which gives you a context for his narcissism. Because it's a nasty stereotype about gay men, you have to be very careful how you deal with it. Raziel Reid does an amazing job. Hannah Moskowitz...does not.)
I think this all boils down to some major problems with characterization. The boys didn't feel quite authentic, or likable, and it seemed like Moskowitz was trying too hard to make them quirky and funny, when they weren't really either. Consequently, the relationship dynamic between them was just really weird and unbelievable--you didn't understand why either of the boys even liked each other, let alone were best friends. This tension between them--Marco treating Stephen badly, Stephen whining about it--is never resolved.
Also, it would just be so nice, if for once in these LGBTQ middle readers, that the plot wasn't focused on coming out / dealing with homo/transphobic bullies. I know that shit is too real, and maybe that's why just a story of a boy overcoming hilarious obstacles to confess his feelings for another boy would have been a great stand-alone story.
A few good things: I thought the inclusion of ethnic/cultural diversity was well integrated and natural here (for example: Stephen is Jewish, you find this out because he goes to Hebrew school; Marco is half Italian half Japanese which is revealed through his name and him speaking Italian). Also, using the POV of a straight sidekick to a gay hero was a pretty fun idea, as was the plot of tracking down how to get into the high school prom to confess gay love. Can someone else takes these ideas and write a better book?
I was fairly disappointed by this one, partly because I had high expectations because the plot sounded awesome and not about being gay! In general, I did think the plot and action were pretty great, although the homophobic bullying (sub)plot that became more of a part of the narrative as it went on felt pretty unnecessary. I would have much rather had the author stick with the original awesome plot of two 13-year-old besties (one straight guy, one gay guy) on a mission to get into the high school prom so that the gay guy (Marco) can confess his love for his long-time crush before the crush leaves for the entire summer. Of course, hijinks and mishaps ensue as the two boys try to figure out how to do this over the span of one day. That plot sounds funny and fun and great right?
However, this bullying subplot increasingly took over, and I realized that (I think) the author was using it as a way to explain why Marco was often a controlling, whiny, immature, narcissistic jerk to Stephen (the BFF). The book doesn't so much show you Marco is a jerk (although it kind of does) so much as Stephen (who is the narrator) complains about it constantly to the point that you wonder why he is even friends with Marco. I think Moskowitz was intending Marco to be charming and lovable despite those flaws but I just never got that feeling--in fact, I disliked him for a lot of the novel. Stephen's constant complaining made me dislike him too after a while! The problem is, is that Moskowitz doesn't reveal how bad some of the bullying has been for Marco until the very end of the book, portraying him up until that point as well-adjusted, supported, etc. It's hard to change your mind about disliking Marco at that point. (This is an interesting counterpoint to When Everything Feels Like the Movies which also features a narcissistic gay character who can be a jerk [who is although a lot funnier]. But you know the extent of that character's trauma from the beginning which gives you a context for his narcissism. Because it's a nasty stereotype about gay men, you have to be very careful how you deal with it. Raziel Reid does an amazing job. Hannah Moskowitz...does not.)
I think this all boils down to some major problems with characterization. The boys didn't feel quite authentic, or likable, and it seemed like Moskowitz was trying too hard to make them quirky and funny, when they weren't really either. Consequently, the relationship dynamic between them was just really weird and unbelievable--you didn't understand why either of the boys even liked each other, let alone were best friends. This tension between them--Marco treating Stephen badly, Stephen whining about it--is never resolved.
Also, it would just be so nice, if for once in these LGBTQ middle readers, that the plot wasn't focused on coming out / dealing with homo/transphobic bullies. I know that shit is too real, and maybe that's why just a story of a boy overcoming hilarious obstacles to confess his feelings for another boy would have been a great stand-alone story.
A few good things: I thought the inclusion of ethnic/cultural diversity was well integrated and natural here (for example: Stephen is Jewish, you find this out because he goes to Hebrew school; Marco is half Italian half Japanese which is revealed through his name and him speaking Italian). Also, using the POV of a straight sidekick to a gay hero was a pretty fun idea, as was the plot of tracking down how to get into the high school prom to confess gay love. Can someone else takes these ideas and write a better book?
April 4, 2013
Marco has a crush on a classmate, a classmate who is about to leave for the entire summer. So he plots a way to break into the high school's prom so that he can confess his undying love before his crush leaves for the summer. He drags his best friend Stephen along for the ride.
I will have to echo what others have said about this book. I'm glad for a tween book with a gay character, and I sort-of enjoyed following the boys on their adventures across the town as they tried to rent tuxes, forge permission slips, and reach the prom on time.
But Marco is annoying. And controlling. And whiney. I spent the entire book wanting to punch his face. And there's never any explanation for why he's like that; it just seems like he was born this way and he's going to stay this way. He doesn't change. At the end of the book he is just as angsty and controlling and demanding as he was at the beginning. And I was tired of his friend being treated like a doormat.
Because this is one of the few books for tweens that features a gay character, I'd keep it, but not because I enjoyed the book.
I will have to echo what others have said about this book. I'm glad for a tween book with a gay character, and I sort-of enjoyed following the boys on their adventures across the town as they tried to rent tuxes, forge permission slips, and reach the prom on time.
But Marco is annoying. And controlling. And whiney. I spent the entire book wanting to punch his face. And there's never any explanation for why he's like that; it just seems like he was born this way and he's going to stay this way. He doesn't change. At the end of the book he is just as angsty and controlling and demanding as he was at the beginning. And I was tired of his friend being treated like a doormat.
Because this is one of the few books for tweens that features a gay character, I'd keep it, but not because I enjoyed the book.
Want to read
April 29, 2012I would read anything by this flawless woman. Anything.
May 23, 2013
Since I started blogging, Hannah Moskowitz has come very strongly recommended to me by a number of bloggers I love and trust. Sadly, I haven’t had a chance yet to read one of her books, until I finally found my review copy of MARCO IMPOSSIBLE buried somewhere deep in the black hole of no return, also known as the back of my bookshelf. I dove into this little book without knowing much about it other than the basics – middle schoolers and best friends, one gay and one straight, plan to announce to the world and the boy of one’s dreams that he’s in love with him.
It’s a pretty fantastical plan, no? And I am definitely all for promoting GLBT stories, especially for middle grade fiction, a category I am quickly dipping my toes into and exploring now that young adult is souring a bit for me. What I found was a wonderful story about friendship, first love, family, adversity, diversity, and one whiny kid who needed to be smacked.
MARCO IMPOSSIBLE…TO LIKE?
I should just be blunt. I thought Marco was insufferable. He spends the majority of the book being an ungrateful little snot who whines, demands, controls, and basically uses his best friend Stephen and Stephen’s family as doormats while his parents are away in Japan adopting a baby (which isn’t feasible but I’m leaving that alone – it’s not important). By the end of the story, I kind of understood where he was coming from with his hostilities, but it was just grating to see him treat his best friend like his assistant or his servant. Poor Stephen is the narrator of our tale, but rarely does he ever get to make decisions in the story. It’s all about Marco.
Otherwise, I loved the characters. It’s a fully realized cast from various backgrounds, even if a few threads related were left unfinished to an extent, such as Marco’s issues with his bully.
ACTION, DRAMA, BOYS!
MARCO IMPOSSIBLE is about two boys who fancy themselves as detectives, not just two boys where one happens to be gay. There are mysteries to solve, events to plan, bullies to be caught! That’s all that needs to be said. Also, I’m getting very tired. Sleep is imminent.
A STORY THAT NEEDED TO BE TOLD
Above all, the feature of MARCO IMPOSSIBLE that sold me was the fact that it is a story that needed to be told. I mean, how many stories are there for middle schoolers (and for older people like me looking for this sort of story) about a 13 year old boy wanting to declare his love for his crush who just happens to be another boy? GLBT is underrepresented in kidlit, but this seems to be one of the rare stories that makes it through, a story that more people should be reading. I looked at how many reviews it has on Goodreads and was kind of stunned. It’s been out for almost 3 months and only that many people have read it?
If I knew middle schoolers (I don’t, mind you) I would be putting this book into their hands and singing its praises. MARCO IMPOSSIBLE might have an almost impossible to like boy named Marco as the main attraction, but it’s a story about growing up as someone different. Marco has faced bullying, his family wanting another child, his impending move to another school, and a whole host of other issues. But his courage is very apparent, as is his mouth.
VERDICT: Although Marco is a bit brash, MARCO IMPOSSIBLE is a story that is impossible for me to hate – maybe because it’s the story I want to see told more often in literature for children.
♥♥♥♥ - FOUR HEARTS
It’s a pretty fantastical plan, no? And I am definitely all for promoting GLBT stories, especially for middle grade fiction, a category I am quickly dipping my toes into and exploring now that young adult is souring a bit for me. What I found was a wonderful story about friendship, first love, family, adversity, diversity, and one whiny kid who needed to be smacked.
MARCO IMPOSSIBLE…TO LIKE?
I should just be blunt. I thought Marco was insufferable. He spends the majority of the book being an ungrateful little snot who whines, demands, controls, and basically uses his best friend Stephen and Stephen’s family as doormats while his parents are away in Japan adopting a baby (which isn’t feasible but I’m leaving that alone – it’s not important). By the end of the story, I kind of understood where he was coming from with his hostilities, but it was just grating to see him treat his best friend like his assistant or his servant. Poor Stephen is the narrator of our tale, but rarely does he ever get to make decisions in the story. It’s all about Marco.
Otherwise, I loved the characters. It’s a fully realized cast from various backgrounds, even if a few threads related were left unfinished to an extent, such as Marco’s issues with his bully.
ACTION, DRAMA, BOYS!
MARCO IMPOSSIBLE is about two boys who fancy themselves as detectives, not just two boys where one happens to be gay. There are mysteries to solve, events to plan, bullies to be caught! That’s all that needs to be said. Also, I’m getting very tired. Sleep is imminent.
A STORY THAT NEEDED TO BE TOLD
Above all, the feature of MARCO IMPOSSIBLE that sold me was the fact that it is a story that needed to be told. I mean, how many stories are there for middle schoolers (and for older people like me looking for this sort of story) about a 13 year old boy wanting to declare his love for his crush who just happens to be another boy? GLBT is underrepresented in kidlit, but this seems to be one of the rare stories that makes it through, a story that more people should be reading. I looked at how many reviews it has on Goodreads and was kind of stunned. It’s been out for almost 3 months and only that many people have read it?
If I knew middle schoolers (I don’t, mind you) I would be putting this book into their hands and singing its praises. MARCO IMPOSSIBLE might have an almost impossible to like boy named Marco as the main attraction, but it’s a story about growing up as someone different. Marco has faced bullying, his family wanting another child, his impending move to another school, and a whole host of other issues. But his courage is very apparent, as is his mouth.
VERDICT: Although Marco is a bit brash, MARCO IMPOSSIBLE is a story that is impossible for me to hate – maybe because it’s the story I want to see told more often in literature for children.
♥♥♥♥ - FOUR HEARTS
March 27, 2013
Hannah Moskowitz became an author I’m very excited about after I read and loved her YA novel Teeth. Her writing style was a fast favorite of mine and I really enjoy her ability to be gritty and honest while weaving a pretty fantastical tale. Marco Impossible showcased everything I love about her but in a much more innocent way. This story dealt with issues such as bullying and tackled the confusing dynamics of many types of relationships.
Stephen has grown up being Marco’s best friend and detective partner. When there is a mystery going on the two of them always pull out their trusty notebook (full of information on everyone and everything) and hop on the case. I really liked how this habit of theirs showcased them striving to remain young in the face of entering high school and attending different schools. With their final heist of getting Marco into the prom so he could profess his love to his crush of 3 years, Benji, you could feel that they were grasping at straws and trying to live inside the heist rather than face reality. While all of their hijinx is taking place you also have Stephens large family in the background which brings a whole other aspect to the story. His now single mother is tasked with taking care of six children and through that everyone really pulls their weight in the family. I really loved the family dynamic here, all of the siblings would step up to help out the mother and their fellow siblings in any way they could and you really felt a strong family bond from all the characters.
I loved that we got the story from Stephen’s perspective. The novel really revolves in most ways around Marco, but we get a much more well rounded view of what is happening from Stephen. His need to protect Marco in the face of the bullying that’s happening is definitely admirable and you could tell he thought of Marco as another sibling of his. Marco didn’t come across as the nicest, most personable guy on Earth but as the story wears on you see that he kind of always has his guard up and I started feeling bad for him. He was ignoring all of the ugly in his life, only showing the pretty and fabulous, and letting everything build up inside. He was nervous about his new baby sister and feeling down because of how people treated him. All of these feelings were building up and really taking a toll on Stephen and Marco’s relationship and the progression their friendship goes on in the novel is really what kept me reading. They drive each other crazy and are holding so much in so I was dying to see the point where everything would finally come to the surface.
For me this story was really about the great relationships between the characters and I loved how well developed everything was. This is so much more than just your average MG novel and I’m happy to have finally read one that features a gay teen on a mission to profess his love. There needs to be more books like this because there is definitely an audience that needs these types of stories and I am thankful to Moskowitz for putting this out there. Marco Impossible is a quick read that will most definitely leave an impact on any reader.
An Advanced Reader's Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
__
You can read all of my reviews at Alluring Reads.
Stephen has grown up being Marco’s best friend and detective partner. When there is a mystery going on the two of them always pull out their trusty notebook (full of information on everyone and everything) and hop on the case. I really liked how this habit of theirs showcased them striving to remain young in the face of entering high school and attending different schools. With their final heist of getting Marco into the prom so he could profess his love to his crush of 3 years, Benji, you could feel that they were grasping at straws and trying to live inside the heist rather than face reality. While all of their hijinx is taking place you also have Stephens large family in the background which brings a whole other aspect to the story. His now single mother is tasked with taking care of six children and through that everyone really pulls their weight in the family. I really loved the family dynamic here, all of the siblings would step up to help out the mother and their fellow siblings in any way they could and you really felt a strong family bond from all the characters.
I loved that we got the story from Stephen’s perspective. The novel really revolves in most ways around Marco, but we get a much more well rounded view of what is happening from Stephen. His need to protect Marco in the face of the bullying that’s happening is definitely admirable and you could tell he thought of Marco as another sibling of his. Marco didn’t come across as the nicest, most personable guy on Earth but as the story wears on you see that he kind of always has his guard up and I started feeling bad for him. He was ignoring all of the ugly in his life, only showing the pretty and fabulous, and letting everything build up inside. He was nervous about his new baby sister and feeling down because of how people treated him. All of these feelings were building up and really taking a toll on Stephen and Marco’s relationship and the progression their friendship goes on in the novel is really what kept me reading. They drive each other crazy and are holding so much in so I was dying to see the point where everything would finally come to the surface.
For me this story was really about the great relationships between the characters and I loved how well developed everything was. This is so much more than just your average MG novel and I’m happy to have finally read one that features a gay teen on a mission to profess his love. There needs to be more books like this because there is definitely an audience that needs these types of stories and I am thankful to Moskowitz for putting this out there. Marco Impossible is a quick read that will most definitely leave an impact on any reader.
An Advanced Reader's Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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You can read all of my reviews at Alluring Reads.
March 18, 2013
3.5 Stars
Marco Impossible is my second Moskowitz novel, and it could hardly be more disparate from Teeth. Sure, both have male first person POVs (interestingly, both are told from the perspective of the character you wouldn't expect to be the main character) and LGBT themes, but the mood and writing of the two pieces are so different. Marco Impossible is often frustrating, but ultimately so satisfying, sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
Why the book is titled Marco Impossible becomes apparent really quickly. Marco's a force to be reckoned with, and he'll steamroll anyone who gets in his way. He's tiny, he's loud, he's proud, and he's completely determined to declare his love to Benji, the hot British bass player he's been crushing on, before he transfers schools. In true Marco fashion, he can't tell Benji via a letter or in person at school; no, he has to make a dramatic gesture. Thus begins a complicated series of events as Marco and his best friend, Stephen, plan to break into the Prom, where Benji's band is playing, so Marco can confess.
Actually,though, the story is less about Marco's relationship with Benji than his relationship with Stephen. Benji and Stephen have been best friends for ages, partners in solving crime. Even their families are close, which is why Marco's staying with Stephen's huge family while his parents are in Japan adopting a baby girl. Lately, or maybe not just recently, Stephen's been feeling frustrated with their friendship, with being the sidekick, with being the straight man (both literally and figuratively) on the Marco Show.
Stephen supports Marco with everything and will even take hits for him (since not everyone's cool about Marco's being gay), but a lot of the time he can't really remember anymore why they're best friends. He hates that Marco never listens to him or takes his advice. For example, Marco is being a total brat about his new sister, because he likes being an only child. Stephen, who has five siblings of his own, keeps trying to convince Marco that he'll love his little sister, but Marco continues to whine endlessly.
What really has Stephen upset, though, is that Marco is leaving him behind. How can Marco go to some fancy prep school and leave Stephen alone? Stephen doesn't even know why he's going. It's one thing being just a sidekick, but now he feels like he's being abandoned by the hero. Throughout Marco Impossible, Stephen becomes more and more fed up with Marco, and the way Marco never wants the spotlight on anyone but himself and ignores Stephen's input and feelings. I was really surprised by how painful most of this book was to read, because I've had a lot of problems with friends in the past, and this just got me in the feels.
No worries, though, because the story does end in a happy place, which, normally, I might complain about, but it was just right for this middle grade story. Marco and Stephen needed to have a happy ending, or at least a happy closing to their heist. That said, I would have appreciated a little bit more closure on some of the familial plot lines, most especially Marco's issues with his family's changes.
Hannah Moskowitz tends to write darker novels, but she does an excellent job with this touching middle grade story. Marco Impossible is full of heart, focused on the difficulties of loving someone, even your very best friend.
Marco Impossible is my second Moskowitz novel, and it could hardly be more disparate from Teeth. Sure, both have male first person POVs (interestingly, both are told from the perspective of the character you wouldn't expect to be the main character) and LGBT themes, but the mood and writing of the two pieces are so different. Marco Impossible is often frustrating, but ultimately so satisfying, sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
Why the book is titled Marco Impossible becomes apparent really quickly. Marco's a force to be reckoned with, and he'll steamroll anyone who gets in his way. He's tiny, he's loud, he's proud, and he's completely determined to declare his love to Benji, the hot British bass player he's been crushing on, before he transfers schools. In true Marco fashion, he can't tell Benji via a letter or in person at school; no, he has to make a dramatic gesture. Thus begins a complicated series of events as Marco and his best friend, Stephen, plan to break into the Prom, where Benji's band is playing, so Marco can confess.
Actually,though, the story is less about Marco's relationship with Benji than his relationship with Stephen. Benji and Stephen have been best friends for ages, partners in solving crime. Even their families are close, which is why Marco's staying with Stephen's huge family while his parents are in Japan adopting a baby girl. Lately, or maybe not just recently, Stephen's been feeling frustrated with their friendship, with being the sidekick, with being the straight man (both literally and figuratively) on the Marco Show.
Stephen supports Marco with everything and will even take hits for him (since not everyone's cool about Marco's being gay), but a lot of the time he can't really remember anymore why they're best friends. He hates that Marco never listens to him or takes his advice. For example, Marco is being a total brat about his new sister, because he likes being an only child. Stephen, who has five siblings of his own, keeps trying to convince Marco that he'll love his little sister, but Marco continues to whine endlessly.
What really has Stephen upset, though, is that Marco is leaving him behind. How can Marco go to some fancy prep school and leave Stephen alone? Stephen doesn't even know why he's going. It's one thing being just a sidekick, but now he feels like he's being abandoned by the hero. Throughout Marco Impossible, Stephen becomes more and more fed up with Marco, and the way Marco never wants the spotlight on anyone but himself and ignores Stephen's input and feelings. I was really surprised by how painful most of this book was to read, because I've had a lot of problems with friends in the past, and this just got me in the feels.
No worries, though, because the story does end in a happy place, which, normally, I might complain about, but it was just right for this middle grade story. Marco and Stephen needed to have a happy ending, or at least a happy closing to their heist. That said, I would have appreciated a little bit more closure on some of the familial plot lines, most especially Marco's issues with his family's changes.
Hannah Moskowitz tends to write darker novels, but she does an excellent job with this touching middle grade story. Marco Impossible is full of heart, focused on the difficulties of loving someone, even your very best friend.
April 1, 2016
This book just made me happy. And sometimes that's what I need from a book. There are many, many things I love about this book:
1. I love that the main characters are 8th graders and that the book is clean (other than the few homophobic slurs that are thrown Marco's way) so it's a good read for any student at my school. They read a little younger than 8th graders at times, but believe me, I know some pretty immature 8th graders...
2. I love that our narrator, Steven, loves his siblings so much...and that he (in a platonic way) loves and worries so much for Marco--even when Marco is annoying. And he's funny, even if it is mostly just in his head sometimes.
3. I love that Marco is a NORMAL character--and let me explain. I feel like sometimes authors try too hard to make gay characters likable--like they feel the need to make up for all of the abuse and bullying they take because of their sexual orientation by creating perfect gay characters. I like that Marco is just...a person. He's kind of annoying and can be a real selfish jerk sometimes.
4. I like that while Marco's issues are part of the story, they aren't the whole thing. I mean...yes...he is getting bullied for being gay, and he is in love with a beautiful British boy--but this book is really about how those things are affecting his friendship with Steven and how Steven handles it. Because Steven wants Marco safe, but he also gets really sick of everything being about Marco, which then makes him feel guilty.
This was a really interesting look at a platonic friendship between two adolescent boys who are very different from one another. It's also a great look at how friendships may need to evolve sometimes in order to work.
1. I love that the main characters are 8th graders and that the book is clean (other than the few homophobic slurs that are thrown Marco's way) so it's a good read for any student at my school. They read a little younger than 8th graders at times, but believe me, I know some pretty immature 8th graders...
2. I love that our narrator, Steven, loves his siblings so much...and that he (in a platonic way) loves and worries so much for Marco--even when Marco is annoying. And he's funny, even if it is mostly just in his head sometimes.
3. I love that Marco is a NORMAL character--and let me explain. I feel like sometimes authors try too hard to make gay characters likable--like they feel the need to make up for all of the abuse and bullying they take because of their sexual orientation by creating perfect gay characters. I like that Marco is just...a person. He's kind of annoying and can be a real selfish jerk sometimes.
4. I like that while Marco's issues are part of the story, they aren't the whole thing. I mean...yes...he is getting bullied for being gay, and he is in love with a beautiful British boy--but this book is really about how those things are affecting his friendship with Steven and how Steven handles it. Because Steven wants Marco safe, but he also gets really sick of everything being about Marco, which then makes him feel guilty.
This was a really interesting look at a platonic friendship between two adolescent boys who are very different from one another. It's also a great look at how friendships may need to evolve sometimes in order to work.
February 1, 2013
Another terrific book by a terrific young writer!
February 28, 2013
Guys, I can't tell you how much fun I had with this one. While it's spunky, charming, and utterly a blast to read, it's very different in tone when compared to Moskowitz's other effort that was published earlier this year, "Teeth" - at least, on the surface. Moskowitz has done the impossible - she's written a solid MG/young YA contemporary with tough stuff issues inside without entirely couching it in suicide or bullying (though there is some of the latter in this book). She redefines the 'tough stuff' genre with her own immense charm, and the last page will leave you not wanting to leave these characters or this world. If you're looking for a relatively lighthearted read that still deals with serious issues, make it "Marco Impossible".
Even though this is more of a comedic venture compared to "Teeth", there's still a huge, heavy heart to it at its center. What exactly constitutes the idea of growing up - does that mean leaving your favorite activities from childhood behind (in this case: detective work and heists)? Or does it mean leaving your old friends behind, so that you can start anew somewhere else? Or is it something different - does it mean looking at all of the relationships in your life and starting to make choices about them? All of these questions get looked at by Markowitz with her great MCs, Stephen and Marco, throughout the book. Marco has found his identity (or at least, has a head start), and is comfortable with it - but not everyone is comfortable with him. And that's a pretty common theme up until college, I think I can safely say. I feel like I identified a lot with both Stephen and Marco throughout the book for various reasons, and generally, I feel this book is pretty important to the late MG/early YA crowd to which it's aimed.
Even throughout the Great Benji Heist (as I started calling it in my head whilst reading), there's a lot of things that become clear very quickly in terms of the tough stuff arena. There's bullying that goes on, though Marco seems (keyword - seems) oblivious to, only wanting to get his man. There's hate crimes that get involved. And finally, there's the undeniable issue of losing one's best friend because he's going to switch schools. But does that mean you're really losing your best friend should that happen? While that isn't explicitly addressed, by the end of the book, we kind of have our answer. And all of this is going on while Marco obsesses and puts his great heist plan into action.
There's also something wonderful that Markowitz touches upon that usually gets the 'abusive significant other' routine when talking about it in YA - healthy relationships. Stephen really starts questioning whether or not staying with Marco is for the best for himself, and whether or not he should continue the farce of the heist when he's getting too fed up, too angry, and too worried about Marco's welfare to continue. I'm so glad this was touched upon in terms of friends (and best friends) - because I know I had some VERY unhealthy relationships at Marco and Stephen's age, and recently, it's not like our current culture is really promoting those very well. So it was nice to see that looked at.
The technical aspects of this book were flawless, so I won't really go into them aside from a bit of commentary of the worldbuilding: Markowitz successfully worldbuilds only using school and the atmosphere and constant action of the heist (and hate crime) itself, which I've never really seen happen before. She builds her world with her characters, and that was really something to behold. An unusual technique, but it really worked.
Final verdict? Definitely one of the more important late MG/young YA books to come out this year, "Marco Impossible" is tons of fun, but also covers very important ground in terms of young tween/teenage life. Definitely one of the best of 2013 so far and highly recommended, "Marco Impossible" is out March 19, 2013 from Macmillan in North America, so be sure to check it out when you get the chance!
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, librarything, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
Even though this is more of a comedic venture compared to "Teeth", there's still a huge, heavy heart to it at its center. What exactly constitutes the idea of growing up - does that mean leaving your favorite activities from childhood behind (in this case: detective work and heists)? Or does it mean leaving your old friends behind, so that you can start anew somewhere else? Or is it something different - does it mean looking at all of the relationships in your life and starting to make choices about them? All of these questions get looked at by Markowitz with her great MCs, Stephen and Marco, throughout the book. Marco has found his identity (or at least, has a head start), and is comfortable with it - but not everyone is comfortable with him. And that's a pretty common theme up until college, I think I can safely say. I feel like I identified a lot with both Stephen and Marco throughout the book for various reasons, and generally, I feel this book is pretty important to the late MG/early YA crowd to which it's aimed.
Even throughout the Great Benji Heist (as I started calling it in my head whilst reading), there's a lot of things that become clear very quickly in terms of the tough stuff arena. There's bullying that goes on, though Marco seems (keyword - seems) oblivious to, only wanting to get his man. There's hate crimes that get involved. And finally, there's the undeniable issue of losing one's best friend because he's going to switch schools. But does that mean you're really losing your best friend should that happen? While that isn't explicitly addressed, by the end of the book, we kind of have our answer. And all of this is going on while Marco obsesses and puts his great heist plan into action.
There's also something wonderful that Markowitz touches upon that usually gets the 'abusive significant other' routine when talking about it in YA - healthy relationships. Stephen really starts questioning whether or not staying with Marco is for the best for himself, and whether or not he should continue the farce of the heist when he's getting too fed up, too angry, and too worried about Marco's welfare to continue. I'm so glad this was touched upon in terms of friends (and best friends) - because I know I had some VERY unhealthy relationships at Marco and Stephen's age, and recently, it's not like our current culture is really promoting those very well. So it was nice to see that looked at.
The technical aspects of this book were flawless, so I won't really go into them aside from a bit of commentary of the worldbuilding: Markowitz successfully worldbuilds only using school and the atmosphere and constant action of the heist (and hate crime) itself, which I've never really seen happen before. She builds her world with her characters, and that was really something to behold. An unusual technique, but it really worked.
Final verdict? Definitely one of the more important late MG/young YA books to come out this year, "Marco Impossible" is tons of fun, but also covers very important ground in terms of young tween/teenage life. Definitely one of the best of 2013 so far and highly recommended, "Marco Impossible" is out March 19, 2013 from Macmillan in North America, so be sure to check it out when you get the chance!
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, librarything, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
March 13, 2013
As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!
I just adore Hannah Moskowitz. She's perfect and I love her. Of all the books that I've read by her, Marco Impossible may be my favorite. It's real and sweet and meaningful and absolutely heartbreaking in the best of ways. I cannot stress how much love I have for this book.
Stephen and his best friend, Marco, are almost in high school. It's the end of eighth grade and many changes are hovering over them. Marco's about to get a new little sister. Stephen's older brother is going to college. And the big whammy, Marco is transferring school for high school. This not only is affecting their friendship, but also Marco's love for Benji. In order to reveal his feelings, Marco comes up with the Heist--his plan to sneak him and Stephen in to the high school prom so that he can confess to Benji, who is a member of the prom band. The road to completing the Heist is lovely, and messy and a learning experience for not only the audience, but the characters themselves.
Moskowitz easily transitions from making her readers angry at Marco, to loving him, to hating him, to crying because of him. That may be another reason I love this so much. Everything felt real. I almost felt like I could be Stephen because his thoughts, actions and emotions were palpable. There were parts where I was so captivated by the novel and so taken with the characters that I could hear my heartbeat in my ears and was covered in goosebumps. I'm a very emotional person, almost to a fault, and one thing I know this author can provide is emotion.
What I love most about Hannah's books is how realistic she makes the characters. Their thoughts, feelings and actions are ones we often think, feel and see in real life. That makes them relatable. Our connections to them are immediate and natural because we all have had times where we have felt this way. They always make the story heartwarming, and often as well, heart-wrenching--though of all of the books I've read by Hannah, this is the most tame (at least, compared to Fishboy).
My only "complaint" is that I wish this had gone a bit into the future, because I would've liked to see how Marco got on with his baby sister, and how their friendship held up with their separation …but the world may never know and I'm oddly okay with how open-ended some things were. Maybe it's just because Hannah wrote it and Hannah is the goddess of all.
Of course, I'd recommend it. To any and everyone. It's a fantastic middle grade on the cusp of being a young adult. Marco Impossible is a book that I could read over and over again and never stop loving. It's very short, very sweet and reveals its point beautifully.
I received an e-copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review from the publisher via Netgalley.
I just adore Hannah Moskowitz. She's perfect and I love her. Of all the books that I've read by her, Marco Impossible may be my favorite. It's real and sweet and meaningful and absolutely heartbreaking in the best of ways. I cannot stress how much love I have for this book.
Stephen and his best friend, Marco, are almost in high school. It's the end of eighth grade and many changes are hovering over them. Marco's about to get a new little sister. Stephen's older brother is going to college. And the big whammy, Marco is transferring school for high school. This not only is affecting their friendship, but also Marco's love for Benji. In order to reveal his feelings, Marco comes up with the Heist--his plan to sneak him and Stephen in to the high school prom so that he can confess to Benji, who is a member of the prom band. The road to completing the Heist is lovely, and messy and a learning experience for not only the audience, but the characters themselves.
Moskowitz easily transitions from making her readers angry at Marco, to loving him, to hating him, to crying because of him. That may be another reason I love this so much. Everything felt real. I almost felt like I could be Stephen because his thoughts, actions and emotions were palpable. There were parts where I was so captivated by the novel and so taken with the characters that I could hear my heartbeat in my ears and was covered in goosebumps. I'm a very emotional person, almost to a fault, and one thing I know this author can provide is emotion.
What I love most about Hannah's books is how realistic she makes the characters. Their thoughts, feelings and actions are ones we often think, feel and see in real life. That makes them relatable. Our connections to them are immediate and natural because we all have had times where we have felt this way. They always make the story heartwarming, and often as well, heart-wrenching--though of all of the books I've read by Hannah, this is the most tame (at least, compared to Fishboy).
My only "complaint" is that I wish this had gone a bit into the future, because I would've liked to see how Marco got on with his baby sister, and how their friendship held up with their separation …but the world may never know and I'm oddly okay with how open-ended some things were. Maybe it's just because Hannah wrote it and Hannah is the goddess of all.
Of course, I'd recommend it. To any and everyone. It's a fantastic middle grade on the cusp of being a young adult. Marco Impossible is a book that I could read over and over again and never stop loving. It's very short, very sweet and reveals its point beautifully.
I received an e-copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review from the publisher via Netgalley.
December 3, 2013
Stephen, who comes from a family with six children, has been best friends with only child and drama queen Marco most of his life, and doesn't care that Marco is gay. Now they're at the end of 8th grade, and Marco is determined to declare his love for Benji, another student who is returning to England after his band plays at the high school prom. Marco's plan is to sneak in to the prom; after all, he and Stephen have been detectives all their lives, so a heist should be easy, right? Not so much. Not to mention the fact that Stephen is more focused on saving Marcus from being beaten up by the school bullies than he is on getting him to the prom, and that Marco is about as unappreciative and obstreperous as humanly possible. Can this possibly end well?
I just couldn't connect with this book. There were too many characters and plotlines, too many times when the story just dragged (how many obstacles could they possibly encounter on their way to the prom? A LOT. I started skimming). Marco was just an unpleasant person. For example, he didn't confide in Stephen that he was being bullied so much he was changing schools, then got mad at Stephen first because Stephen didn't know about it, and second because Stephen found out on his own and tried to help. A lot of the book involved whining, complaining, angsting, shouting, and screaming at each other. Just overall not a fun book, unfortunately. Try 'Will Grayson, Will Grayson' for a better book about trying to be best friends/sidekick with a flamboyant drama queen who walks all over you.
I just couldn't connect with this book. There were too many characters and plotlines, too many times when the story just dragged (how many obstacles could they possibly encounter on their way to the prom? A LOT. I started skimming). Marco was just an unpleasant person. For example, he didn't confide in Stephen that he was being bullied so much he was changing schools, then got mad at Stephen first because Stephen didn't know about it, and second because Stephen found out on his own and tried to help. A lot of the book involved whining, complaining, angsting, shouting, and screaming at each other. Just overall not a fun book, unfortunately. Try 'Will Grayson, Will Grayson' for a better book about trying to be best friends/sidekick with a flamboyant drama queen who walks all over you.
January 29, 2019
So precious
This is the second book I’ve read written by Hannah Moskowitz. She does a great job bringing these kids to life. She nailed what it’s like for a kid to be aware of attacks on LGBT members. An attack on one, is a virtual attack on all. Following the mystery, suspending a bit of reality and feels all around. 4.75 for notebooks.
This is the second book I’ve read written by Hannah Moskowitz. She does a great job bringing these kids to life. She nailed what it’s like for a kid to be aware of attacks on LGBT members. An attack on one, is a virtual attack on all. Following the mystery, suspending a bit of reality and feels all around. 4.75 for notebooks.
October 18, 2015
This book seems long by its size but flies by. The two main characters, Marco and Stephen are a great pair who are going into high school, but still have a lot of fun "kid" left in them. Marco has already come out the closet, and seems very comfortable with himself. Stephen begins to notice some graffiti that is anti-gay around the school and begins to wonder if someone is going to come after Marco. The whole book takes place in just a couple of days while the two boys try to sneak their way into the high school prom so that Marco can get up on the stage and proclaim his love for his long-time crush, Benji. With Benji soon returning to his home in England, Marco figures he does not have much to lose. The book is written in a very free and fun-loving way. The titles of the chapters are as goofy as Marco's character like, "Marco's Headaches," "I am Related to a Criminal Mastermind," and "Half-Italian, Half-Soggy Jerkweasel". The whole story is very modern, including texting. Readers in middle school and early high school could easily relate to the characters in this book.
July 11, 2013
There aren't many middle grade books with a gay character and where the character being gay isn't so much an issue with the story rather than just who he is. Characters with depth and a plot that both is relatable and interesting.
November 26, 2017
one of the sweetest stories I read. I'm glad it didn't turn out how I expected to be.
What surprises me the most is the characters. Stephen and Marco's opposite personalities describe my friend and I. The platonic friendship is what made this book special to me.
What surprises me the most is the characters. Stephen and Marco's opposite personalities describe my friend and I. The platonic friendship is what made this book special to me.
Want to read
August 30, 2011I do like the name Marco (Animorphs anyone?), but I despised Kim Possible. So I'll just wait for the blurb before I say anything more.
July 25, 2013
Really enjoyed this. Hannah is an awesome writer.
Book thoughts coming soon.
Book thoughts coming soon.
August 31, 2015
5 stars for making me very uncomfortable with feels.
3.5 stars for some plot weirdness and some stuff that didn't hang together.
= 4 stars
3.5 stars for some plot weirdness and some stuff that didn't hang together.
= 4 stars
May 26, 2017
As part of the little initiative I'm taking to read all of Hannah's work, I prepared myself for the cute by reading Marco Impossible.
Marco Impossible is this very sweet Middle Grade story narrated from the point of view of Stephen who happens to be Marco's best friend. Set on the last day of middle school, Stephen and Marco get into one last shenanigan before high school. They'd probably murder me for calling their very-serious investigative work 'shenanigan' but they're just so adorable I can't help it.
Marco and Stephen have this incredible friendship that isn't devoid from its problems and reading from Stephen's point of view you get the sense that they are not on equal footing. I really felt for Stephen but Marco was also a very sympathetic character who just didn't want you to feel bad for him. I truly enjoyed the distinctive voice these boys had even at the age of thirteen. Which brings up the topic of how proud I am to read about an openly gay boy at only thirteen. Sure, it kind of stressed me out because let's admit it: kids can be ruthless, and Marco had his share of bullying. But Marco's attitude towards it was so incredibly inspiring. Stephen too had a lot of loyalty to Marco which was the main cause of how bitter he felt about Marco going to a private high school.
The theme of separation was a very subtle yet there topic that got me very emotional. I too had to separate from at-the-time best friend when I graduated middle school and reading Stephen's thoughts got me all nostalgic and honestly sad. I couldn't entirely relate to Stephen since he and Marco were friends for years and years. What I really could relate to is Stephen's big family. He comes from a Jewish family with five siblings! That's the most number of siblings I've read to this day! I personally have 8! And Oh my god, Stephen's affection for his siblings was so lovely and on page and it made me so happy to read about such strong familial relationships.
The bigger plot in the story however is Marco's heist to get into the high school prom where his crush Benji was playing (part of the band) and to confess his love. I just went heart-eyes whenever Stephen would describe how Marco was so dramatic about Benji. It felt so relatable. Crushes, for the most part, are so fun to have. Sure, they're agonizing 90% of the time, but the remaining 10 is cool I guess. I really liked the high esteem Stephen had for Marco even if he was exasperated by it at times. It was the kind of realistic relationships two young people would have.
There is also a very nice cast of minor characters like Stephen's sister Julia, his own crush on Sasha, and even his little sister Catherine was adorable. I all in all loved these people a lot.
All in all, I recommend this a lot a lot a lot. It's got cute boys in love, it's got loyal friends, shenanigans, very nicely written female characters, and a lot of feelings.
Marco Impossible is this very sweet Middle Grade story narrated from the point of view of Stephen who happens to be Marco's best friend. Set on the last day of middle school, Stephen and Marco get into one last shenanigan before high school. They'd probably murder me for calling their very-serious investigative work 'shenanigan' but they're just so adorable I can't help it.
Marco and Stephen have this incredible friendship that isn't devoid from its problems and reading from Stephen's point of view you get the sense that they are not on equal footing. I really felt for Stephen but Marco was also a very sympathetic character who just didn't want you to feel bad for him. I truly enjoyed the distinctive voice these boys had even at the age of thirteen. Which brings up the topic of how proud I am to read about an openly gay boy at only thirteen. Sure, it kind of stressed me out because let's admit it: kids can be ruthless, and Marco had his share of bullying. But Marco's attitude towards it was so incredibly inspiring. Stephen too had a lot of loyalty to Marco which was the main cause of how bitter he felt about Marco going to a private high school.
The theme of separation was a very subtle yet there topic that got me very emotional. I too had to separate from at-the-time best friend when I graduated middle school and reading Stephen's thoughts got me all nostalgic and honestly sad. I couldn't entirely relate to Stephen since he and Marco were friends for years and years. What I really could relate to is Stephen's big family. He comes from a Jewish family with five siblings! That's the most number of siblings I've read to this day! I personally have 8! And Oh my god, Stephen's affection for his siblings was so lovely and on page and it made me so happy to read about such strong familial relationships.
The bigger plot in the story however is Marco's heist to get into the high school prom where his crush Benji was playing (part of the band) and to confess his love. I just went heart-eyes whenever Stephen would describe how Marco was so dramatic about Benji. It felt so relatable. Crushes, for the most part, are so fun to have. Sure, they're agonizing 90% of the time, but the remaining 10 is cool I guess. I really liked the high esteem Stephen had for Marco even if he was exasperated by it at times. It was the kind of realistic relationships two young people would have.
There is also a very nice cast of minor characters like Stephen's sister Julia, his own crush on Sasha, and even his little sister Catherine was adorable. I all in all loved these people a lot.
All in all, I recommend this a lot a lot a lot. It's got cute boys in love, it's got loyal friends, shenanigans, very nicely written female characters, and a lot of feelings.
June 8, 2020
This book takes a while to get started sloooooooow so TRUST ME and hang in there for a while while the author introduces all the characters.
The ending was such a surprise! I could not believe it.
This last hurrah end of middle school adventure tour hits some of the expected stops and then a bunch of really unexpected stops. It plays into some of the this isn't actually a movie tropes as well as some of the totally like a movie tropes.
I really like the premise and how the main character's friendship with the title character is complicated, sometimes toxic, sometimes wonderful, etc. This story is about all the things that happen in middle school that make you hate and love your friends as you inevitably grow apart and learn not to be a dick head has all middle schoolers are. Well, except for the main character Steven I guess, who is extremely and improbably sweet.
This book is about not wanting to grow up while everyone tries to drag you along. I kind of hope there's a sequel? Or at least a related work.
The author's work is so eclectic that I don't really know what to think about it, but I hope she continues to follow this line of cathartic and self-aware storytelling.
All of a sudden Marco says, "look, I don't judge you for being Jewish or anything like that. Hebrew school is just really boring, okay?"
..."Okay, well, so is your self righteousness."
Buuuuuuuuurrrrnnnn.
The ending was such a surprise! I could not believe it.
This last hurrah end of middle school adventure tour hits some of the expected stops and then a bunch of really unexpected stops. It plays into some of the this isn't actually a movie tropes as well as some of the totally like a movie tropes.
I really like the premise and how the main character's friendship with the title character is complicated, sometimes toxic, sometimes wonderful, etc. This story is about all the things that happen in middle school that make you hate and love your friends as you inevitably grow apart and learn not to be a dick head has all middle schoolers are. Well, except for the main character Steven I guess, who is extremely and improbably sweet.
This book is about not wanting to grow up while everyone tries to drag you along. I kind of hope there's a sequel? Or at least a related work.
The author's work is so eclectic that I don't really know what to think about it, but I hope she continues to follow this line of cathartic and self-aware storytelling.
All of a sudden Marco says, "look, I don't judge you for being Jewish or anything like that. Hebrew school is just really boring, okay?"
..."Okay, well, so is your self righteousness."
Buuuuuuuuurrrrnnnn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2017
95% of the time I was reading this I was thinking "what a horrible egotistical spoiled jerk Marco is...Stephen, go find a friend who actually appreciates you!"
Then the last couple chapters happened and I forgave Marco 3% of all his 'sins' ... still have the 2% that can't believe Stephen put up with him for so long.
I liked the close relationships that Moskowitz wrote with Stephen's huge family; all his siblings played a huge part in helping Stephen and Marco throughout the book.
Also loved how quietly diverse the cast of this book was; an Italian-Japanese family, Jewish characters and even a cute guy from England...along with straight and gay characters...but nothing splashy about throwing the diversity in your face...like some YA books do...
Great story with a prom heist, cute family dynamics, a hate crime mystery (that was satisfactorily resolved), and a friendship that redefined itself in one night.
Then the last couple chapters happened and I forgave Marco 3% of all his 'sins' ... still have the 2% that can't believe Stephen put up with him for so long.
I liked the close relationships that Moskowitz wrote with Stephen's huge family; all his siblings played a huge part in helping Stephen and Marco throughout the book.
Also loved how quietly diverse the cast of this book was; an Italian-Japanese family, Jewish characters and even a cute guy from England...along with straight and gay characters...but nothing splashy about throwing the diversity in your face...like some YA books do...
Great story with a prom heist, cute family dynamics, a hate crime mystery (that was satisfactorily resolved), and a friendship that redefined itself in one night.
March 11, 2019
Stephen and Marco are best friends and fellow detectives, solving (admittedly silly) cases which they write up in their casebook. As middle school draws to an end, Marco plots one final scheme before they're all off to different high schools. A big heist. (Though no actual theft will be involved.) With Stephen's help, he'll declare his love for his longtime crush, Benji.
What a stunt. I'm still not sure how Stephen puts up with Marco's drama. Patience of a saint, that boy. While there are moments of humor, they're always overshadowed by an uneasy certainty that Marco is in danger. Addresses homophobia, hate crimes, cyber bullying, physical attacks, and the fear that comes with coming out ... and falling out with your best friend.
While I liked meeting these boys, the story carried too much drama/stress/sadness for me to really enjoy it. Needful topics. A good basis for discussion.
What a stunt. I'm still not sure how Stephen puts up with Marco's drama. Patience of a saint, that boy. While there are moments of humor, they're always overshadowed by an uneasy certainty that Marco is in danger. Addresses homophobia, hate crimes, cyber bullying, physical attacks, and the fear that comes with coming out ... and falling out with your best friend.
While I liked meeting these boys, the story carried too much drama/stress/sadness for me to really enjoy it. Needful topics. A good basis for discussion.
August 1, 2018
Oh my God, I loved this book soooo much!
I especially liked the beautiful depiction of Stephen and Marco's friendship. Sure, they have a lot of issues and pent-up anger. But there's also so much love there, more so than either of them know, really.
Even though we don't know for certain that they're going to be okay as friends by the end of the book -- because let's face it: Marco isn't really likely to become a better person overtime -- their love for each other is there, and it runs deep, and for the time being, that's all that matters.
Also, I appreciate the author for not shying away from writing Marco as an asshole. Gay characters can be regular assholes and selfish hot messes, too, and it's perfectly okay.
Also, I want Brian and Julia as my older siblings. They're so adorable.
And I always love a happy ending, so there's that.
I especially liked the beautiful depiction of Stephen and Marco's friendship. Sure, they have a lot of issues and pent-up anger. But there's also so much love there, more so than either of them know, really.
Even though we don't know for certain that they're going to be okay as friends by the end of the book -- because let's face it: Marco isn't really likely to become a better person overtime -- their love for each other is there, and it runs deep, and for the time being, that's all that matters.
Also, I appreciate the author for not shying away from writing Marco as an asshole. Gay characters can be regular assholes and selfish hot messes, too, and it's perfectly okay.
Also, I want Brian and Julia as my older siblings. They're so adorable.
And I always love a happy ending, so there's that.
August 5, 2015
This review is also written in spanish / Esta reseña también está escrita en español.
English
I would like to start this review by saying that when I received this book and I opened it the first thing that caught my attention was a small piece of paper that said "For audiences 12 to 14 y/o", as you can Imagine I was very disappointed when I read this and I realized that I was 10 years too late for read this book.
Now, when I started properly reading this book I felt no particular connection with it, besides this book was written in the present form which was something that I found rather unconventional at least for my tastes. When I started to read the first chapters of the book I felt the letdown progress more and more, due in grand part to the fact that I was a 23 year old man reading a book that was not intended for my age bracket. I can only compare the experience to dating someone whom looks rather handsome but as soon as he opens his mouth he sounds like a complete jerk for there is no connection with that person.
So I kept on reading for I've always found that reading a book and never finishing it was a complete disrespect to the author who took the time to write this novel and then slowly but surely I found myself getting invested into the plot to the point where I wanted to know more and more about the details of it. I won't get into too much detail on the how's and whys I didn't get into at the beginning for if I were to tell you guys specific cases would be considered spoilers.
Now talking about the plot of the story, Marco is the main character, which the story is told by his best friend, Stephen, who is completely different develops. Marco is in love with a British exchange student named Benji, is also a victim of bullying by another character and along with Stephen detectives school you go. Marco creates a plan, which for me is actually a well-structured plan to win the heart of Benji, to confess his love and after God knows how many complications finally manages to confess his feelings and good the rest longer have to read the book to see what happens.
Pros:
-Marco's plan to confess his feelings to Benji completely melted my heart.
-Stephen is that heterosexual kid all gay guy dreams to have by his side as best friend. Seriously the guy is quite mature for his age and gives Marco unconditional support.
Cons:
-Sometimes Marco behaved Stephen like a complete moron (sorry for the word).
-At first everything seemed a world of rainbows where Marco was openly gay and was supported around the world for being gay, away from the reality in which the school can be a very uncomfortable place for a boy of his age and openly gay. (This changes when later complications begin to appear).
Score: 3.4/5
Español
Quiero comenzar con decir que cuando recibí este libro y lo abrí lo primero que encontré fue un papel que decía "Para público entre 12 y 14 años" Ya podrán imaginarse mi cara de decepción cuando lo leí y darme cuenta que estaba alrededor de 10 años tarde para leer este libro.
Al principio me sucedió que no sentía ninguna conexión con el libro, aparte el libro está escrito completamente en presente y es algo extraño leer un libro en presente, por lo menos para mi. A medida que iba leyendo los primeros capítulos la decepción aumentaba quizás porque soy un "viejo" de 23 años leyendo un libro que no era de mi edad, de hecho me sucedió como cuando (y se que a muchos de ustedes les ha sucedido) empiezas a salir con un chico que físicamente se ve muy bien, entonces empieza a abrir la boca y todo se vuelve extraño porque no hay ninguna conexión ni gustos en común, nada.
Seguí leyendo porque siempre he encontrado que empezar a leer un libro y dejarlo así es una completa falta de respeto con el escritor, de manera que seguí leyendo y medida que lo hacía de repente me vi envuelto en la trama de la historia, quería saber que sucedería, el libro había captado mi atención. No entraré en detalles de porque al principio no había tenido conexión con el libro porque eso sería hablar de casos específicos que podrían considerarse spoilers.
Ahora bien hablando de la trama de la historia, Marco es el personaje principal, por el que se desenvuelve la historia que es narrada por su mejor amigo, Stephen, quien es completamente diferente. Marco está enamorado de un estudiante británico de intercambio llamado Benji, también es victima de bullying por parte de otro personaje y es junto con Stephen los detectives de la escuela a la que van. Marco crea un plan, que para mi en realidad es un plan bien estructurado, para ganarse el corazón de Benji, para confesarle su amor y después de Dios sabe cuantas complicaciones por fin logra confesar sus sentimientos y bueno el resto ya tendrán que leer el libro para saber que sucede.
Pros:
-El plan de Marco para confesar sus sentimientos a Benji derritió mi corazón por completo.
-Stephen es ese chico heterosexual que todo chico gay sueña tener a su lado como mejor amigo. En serio el chico es bastante maduro para su edad y le da a Marco su apoyo incondicional.
Contras:
-En ocasiones Marco se comportaba con Stephen como un completo imbécil (sorry por la palabra).
-Al principio todo parecía un mundo de arcoíris donde Marco era abiertamente gay y recibía el apoyo de todo el mundo por ser gay, separándose de la realidad en la que la escuela puede ser un lugar muy incomodo para un chico de su edad y abiertamente gay. (Esto cambia cuando más adelante empiezan a aparecer complicaciones).
Puntuación: 3.4/5
Hernando Rey
English
I would like to start this review by saying that when I received this book and I opened it the first thing that caught my attention was a small piece of paper that said "For audiences 12 to 14 y/o", as you can Imagine I was very disappointed when I read this and I realized that I was 10 years too late for read this book.
Now, when I started properly reading this book I felt no particular connection with it, besides this book was written in the present form which was something that I found rather unconventional at least for my tastes. When I started to read the first chapters of the book I felt the letdown progress more and more, due in grand part to the fact that I was a 23 year old man reading a book that was not intended for my age bracket. I can only compare the experience to dating someone whom looks rather handsome but as soon as he opens his mouth he sounds like a complete jerk for there is no connection with that person.
So I kept on reading for I've always found that reading a book and never finishing it was a complete disrespect to the author who took the time to write this novel and then slowly but surely I found myself getting invested into the plot to the point where I wanted to know more and more about the details of it. I won't get into too much detail on the how's and whys I didn't get into at the beginning for if I were to tell you guys specific cases would be considered spoilers.
Now talking about the plot of the story, Marco is the main character, which the story is told by his best friend, Stephen, who is completely different develops. Marco is in love with a British exchange student named Benji, is also a victim of bullying by another character and along with Stephen detectives school you go. Marco creates a plan, which for me is actually a well-structured plan to win the heart of Benji, to confess his love and after God knows how many complications finally manages to confess his feelings and good the rest longer have to read the book to see what happens.
Pros:
-Marco's plan to confess his feelings to Benji completely melted my heart.
-Stephen is that heterosexual kid all gay guy dreams to have by his side as best friend. Seriously the guy is quite mature for his age and gives Marco unconditional support.
Cons:
-Sometimes Marco behaved Stephen like a complete moron (sorry for the word).
-At first everything seemed a world of rainbows where Marco was openly gay and was supported around the world for being gay, away from the reality in which the school can be a very uncomfortable place for a boy of his age and openly gay. (This changes when later complications begin to appear).
Score: 3.4/5
Español
Quiero comenzar con decir que cuando recibí este libro y lo abrí lo primero que encontré fue un papel que decía "Para público entre 12 y 14 años" Ya podrán imaginarse mi cara de decepción cuando lo leí y darme cuenta que estaba alrededor de 10 años tarde para leer este libro.
Al principio me sucedió que no sentía ninguna conexión con el libro, aparte el libro está escrito completamente en presente y es algo extraño leer un libro en presente, por lo menos para mi. A medida que iba leyendo los primeros capítulos la decepción aumentaba quizás porque soy un "viejo" de 23 años leyendo un libro que no era de mi edad, de hecho me sucedió como cuando (y se que a muchos de ustedes les ha sucedido) empiezas a salir con un chico que físicamente se ve muy bien, entonces empieza a abrir la boca y todo se vuelve extraño porque no hay ninguna conexión ni gustos en común, nada.
Seguí leyendo porque siempre he encontrado que empezar a leer un libro y dejarlo así es una completa falta de respeto con el escritor, de manera que seguí leyendo y medida que lo hacía de repente me vi envuelto en la trama de la historia, quería saber que sucedería, el libro había captado mi atención. No entraré en detalles de porque al principio no había tenido conexión con el libro porque eso sería hablar de casos específicos que podrían considerarse spoilers.
Ahora bien hablando de la trama de la historia, Marco es el personaje principal, por el que se desenvuelve la historia que es narrada por su mejor amigo, Stephen, quien es completamente diferente. Marco está enamorado de un estudiante británico de intercambio llamado Benji, también es victima de bullying por parte de otro personaje y es junto con Stephen los detectives de la escuela a la que van. Marco crea un plan, que para mi en realidad es un plan bien estructurado, para ganarse el corazón de Benji, para confesarle su amor y después de Dios sabe cuantas complicaciones por fin logra confesar sus sentimientos y bueno el resto ya tendrán que leer el libro para saber que sucede.
Pros:
-El plan de Marco para confesar sus sentimientos a Benji derritió mi corazón por completo.
-Stephen es ese chico heterosexual que todo chico gay sueña tener a su lado como mejor amigo. En serio el chico es bastante maduro para su edad y le da a Marco su apoyo incondicional.
Contras:
-En ocasiones Marco se comportaba con Stephen como un completo imbécil (sorry por la palabra).
-Al principio todo parecía un mundo de arcoíris donde Marco era abiertamente gay y recibía el apoyo de todo el mundo por ser gay, separándose de la realidad en la que la escuela puede ser un lugar muy incomodo para un chico de su edad y abiertamente gay. (Esto cambia cuando más adelante empiezan a aparecer complicaciones).
Puntuación: 3.4/5
Hernando Rey
January 24, 2018
Reading Challenge 2018: book about a heist. I liked Gone, Gone, Gone more. This book seemed too simplistic, although it was enjoyable and predictable. They kept talking about a heist, but there really wasn't one, in the real sense of the word. A cute love story, with strange but funny characters, it was an easy read.
July 17, 2018
It’s a slight story. Great friendship as Stephen is always there to protect his friend, Marco. He knows Marco having a crush on Benji and he is trying his best to help him profess his love before Benji goes back to England.
May 24, 2017
1.5 stars
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