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The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B - Teresa Toten


02/08/18
Pages 1 - 93

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B is a really interesting story, straight from the beginning. A common theme I have seen in this story so far is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The main character Adam has OCD and is a part of a support group of teens who all struggle with OCD as well. There is a new girl named Robyn who Adam is obsessed with. He "falls instantly in love" with her and declares on many occasions (through narration) that he would do anything or be anything for her. Out of context of the story, this seems really concerning. But readers must remember that Adam has OCD. This makes the concern from the reader shift from concern for Robyn, to concern for Adam. There is another subplot of Adam trying to figure out what kind of letters his mother has been receiving in the mail. She tears them up and tells Adam that they are nothing to worry about. This sets Adam off into a counting episode, one of his compulsions. I personally am very interested to find out what is in those letters. Personally, I think it could be an eviction notice or something else legal.

For the most part, I really like the book. Actually, I really like the book, period. If I really stop and think about it, I do have some observations. I think that stating in the story that Adam wasn't good with girls faces could be slightly stereotypical. It plays to the stereotype that guys are really oblivious when it comes to anything about girls. But I personally think that is mostly true, based on my experience with males (my brother, my dad, other guys...) I think the story could be interesting if it included both Robyn and Adam's point of view (like in Elanor and Park), but I don't think that it is necessary. I like the story how it is.

This story positions adolescents as their own selves. They are independent. Parents take a backseat role (popular in YA Lit) and the teens' actions drive the story. Adam's mom is only mentioned a lot because of the mysterious letters. Brenda is only mentioned because Sweetie needs Adam's support a lot. Chuck leads discussions, but the teens in the support group tend to do most of the talking, from what I've read. Adam as the main character drives the story. His actions and thoughts matter most.
  • In my opinion, this book fits the requirements of a successful YA novel.
  • Parents are absent or scarce
  • Adolescents are making the choices and doing the actions
  • There is a focus on a struggle of some kind (OCD)
Grade (so far): A

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