For teens grappling with feelings of isolation or navigating challenging circumstances, this book explores an unlikely friendship that offers acceptance and hope.
A parent might reach for this book when their thoughtful, perhaps cynical, teen is feeling profoundly isolated or defined by a single aspect of their identity. Stoner and Spaz follows Ben, a high schooler with cerebral palsy and a biting wit, who believes he's destined to be an outsider. His world is upended when he meets Colleen, a charismatic but deeply troubled girl battling drug addiction. Their raw, unlikely friendship forces Ben to confront his self-perception and navigate loyalty, love, and the messy realities of life. Written for older teens, this novel tackles mature themes with unflinching honesty and dark humor, making it a powerful choice for readers who appreciate complex characters and stories that don't offer easy answers.
Contains sexual situations and frank discussions appropriate for older teens.
LanguageModerate
Contains profanity and realistic teen dialogue.
Sad ThemesModerate
Explores themes of isolation, addiction, and the challenges of disability.
Sensitive Topics
The book's approach is direct and secular. Disability (cerebral palsy) is explored from a raw, first-person perspective, with the protagonist using dark humor as a coping mechanism. It avoids inspirational tropes in favor of realism. Substance abuse (drug addiction) is a central, non-glamorized plot point, portrayed as a destructive and complicated illness. Sexual content and language are present and handled with a frankness appropriate for the older teen audience. The resolution is realistic rather than idealized; problems are not magically solved, but the characters experience significant growth, ending on a hopeful but grounded note.
Ideal Reader
A mature teen, 15-18, who appreciates realistic fiction with a sharp, humorous, and authentic voice. It is perfect for a teen who feels like an outsider, whether due to a disability, social anxiety, or a general sense of not fitting in. It will especially resonate with readers who are wary of sentimental stories and prefer characters who are flawed, complicated, and relatable.
Parent Prep
Parents should absolutely preview this book or be aware of its mature content. There is profanity, frank discussions about sex and sexual activity, and a direct, unvarnished depiction of teen drug use and its consequences. It does not require external context to be understood, but parents should be prepared for conversations about these heavy topics. A parent notices their teen expressing feelings of deep alienation or defining themselves by a perceived flaw. The teen might be making self-deprecating jokes as a defense mechanism or insisting that no one could possibly understand what they are going through.
Age Experience
A younger reader (14-15) might focus on the romantic plot and the drama of the relationship. They may find the content intense. An older, more mature reader (16-18) will likely have a greater appreciation for the psychological depth of the characters, the nuance of the ending, and the skill with which the author uses dark humor to explore serious themes like addiction and identity.
What Makes It Special
The book's primary differentiator is its authentic, unflinching first-person voice. Ben is not a saintly or inspirational disabled character; he is sarcastic, angry, and profoundly human. The novel's refusal to offer easy solutions or a fairytale ending sets it apart from many other teen romances and 'issue' novels. The pairing of physical disability with addiction as parallel struggles is also a unique and powerful dynamic.
Read plot summary
Ben, a cynical high schooler with cerebral palsy, spends his time watching classic films and keeping the world at arm's length. At a school film screening, he meets Colleen, a beautiful and popular girl who is secretly struggling with a serious drug addiction. They form an intense, unlikely bond, built on their shared status as outsiders and their love for movies. Their relationship is a chaotic journey of discovery, forcing Ben to venture out of his sheltered life and confront the complexities of love, dependency, and self-acceptance.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ben calls himself 'Spaz' and Colleen 'Stoner.' Why do you think they use these labels for themselves and each other? How do these names affect how they see themselves and how others see them?
2
Ben's relationship with his grandmother is a key part of the story. How does she support him, and in what ways does their relationship challenge or limit him?
3
Colleen's addiction is a major force in the story. Do you think Ben's reaction to her struggles was helpful or harmful? What would you have done differently in his situation?
4
The ending is not a simple 'happily ever after.' Were you satisfied with the resolution for Ben and Colleen? What do you think the author is trying to say about love and recovery?
