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(3.04) - 159 listener ratings
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Beautiful but troubled Colleen Minou is the only girl who ever looked at Ben Bancroft as more than just a spaz—more than that kid with cerebral palsy. But the more time Ben spends with Colleen, the more glaring their differences appear, which makes him wonder if what he feels for her is actual affection or if it’s just gratitude.
And then there’s A.J. She’s everything that Colleen isn’t, and everything that Ben’s grandma wants for him: clean cut and upper class, academically driven, and just as obsessed with movies as Ben is. But what does she see when she looks at Ben? C.P.? Or the person behind the twisted body?
In this sharp, darkly humorous follow-up to the acclaimed Stoner & Spaz, Ben tries to come to terms with his relationship with Colleen, who is sometimes out of it, sometimes into him, and always exhilarating.
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"I teetered between three and four stars because while I enjoyed the story, it seemed to run out of gas toward the end. The relationship between Colleen and Ben continues to have ups and downs, with Colleen trying to stay away from drugs and Ben steadfastly believing in her despite many disappointments. Koertge has the chemistry between the two protangonists down perfectly, in my opinion. I'd have liked to have sees something come of Ben's movie-making with the new camera but perhaps there will be another book? Overall, a very satisfying read."
— Heidi (4 out of 5 stars)
Now Playing: Stoner & Spaz II Listener Reviews
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" Unexpectedly (maybe) better than the first one. And that's saying something. Only complaint (And it's not really a complaint) is that I keep feeling slapped in the face when the book ends. It's a fine ending...just one of those 'huh?' type moments. I really could just keep reading about these two forever. It feels like there is just a ton of story left to tell. :) "
— Charlotte, 2/15/2014 -
" Hard to believe it's been 8 years since I read the first Stoner & Spaz. This one picks up pretty much where the first left off and I don't think it was quite as compelling. I always prefer the initial getting-to-know-you stuff over the what-comes-next. That said, this one saw a lot of resolution to both Ben's and Colleen's efforts to "grow up". Often moving, realistic- a few steps forward a few steps back in relationships and attitude toward life. I began to really appreciate Ben's grandmother. Not quite as much about movies (tho still quite a bit) - even the poor Rialto seems like its days are numbered...damn you Netflix and streaming video! There could even be room for still another book. I actually wouldn't mind a little more of 'what's next'. "
— Phair, 2/13/2014 -
" The follow up to Stoner and Spaz. This is one of those sequels that you don't really need to read the first book, this one can stand alone. And possible go back to the first one. An okay read. "
— Jess, 2/8/2014 -
" Funny story about the unlikely romance between a boy with cerebal palsy (the narrator) who lives with his wealthy grandmother and a sassy girl trying to kick a drug habit who comes from a rough home environment. Good readalike for the John Greene type of books. Some sex (not graphic) and language (high school more than middle school read). "
— Erin, 2/7/2014 -
" "Now Playing" is a serviceable novel of the young adult realistic fiction variety. In it, star-crossed high-schoolers Colleen (Stoner) and Ben (Spaz) navigate the challenges of stripper moms, missing moms, drugs and fake friends. Along the way valuable lessons are learned. "
— Jeff, 1/26/2014 -
" This sequel is written 10 years after the first book, and it's been about 7 or so since I read it. The story was a bit boring, and nothing happened. Unless you adore the plot of the first, skip. "
— Jennifer, 1/14/2014 -
" So glad to see these two memorable characters return! "
— Joan, 1/1/2014 -
" I didn't finish it. Found it surprisingly contrived and I felt my interest slipping away until I finally let myself abandon it. Feels like a lifetime ago, but I really did like the first Stoner and Spaz book, but this one didn't do it for me. "
— Amy, 12/31/2013 -
" yes i love everything by ron koertge but this was kinda unremarkable for how awesome the first one was. not very memorable even though i only read it 3 months ago. I love hearing what happens to the characters next- but i prefer stories with more arc, more definiate beginning and ending. "
— Caitlinleah, 12/30/2013 -
" I love this series beyond words. I hope he publishes more and more and more of 'em. "
— Ariel, 12/5/2013 -
" Quick and easy read, but I felt the character of A.J. fell flat. No real competition for Colleen, and I thought that was kind of the point of the book (based on the cover flap). I will have to read the first one, now. "
— Elaine, 11/21/2013 -
" Ehhhh. I really didn't like this at all, but I kept reading it to the end to see if anything redeeming would happen. Nope. It's really racist, the girlfriend totally belittles and mistreats our main character who is self-hating, and then somehow it's love. Ick. "
— Colin, 10/11/2013 -
" I wish I could give this a 3.5 I did enjoy it, I like the two main characters. I thought the fact that A.J. turned so conveniently "not nice" was a little unrealistic and sudden. "
— Molly, 10/3/2013 -
" Is it weird to say that I liked this better than the original?! "
— Jennifer, 6/9/2013 -
" Koertge writes to where you just fall right back into the story of Ben and Colleen. Love these two characters and I love the direction their lives head into. Grandma is pretty cool too. Quick, easy read. "
— Cheney, 5/7/2013 -
" I just read the first one last week, and I'm glad I didn't have to wait ten years for the sequel. I enjoyed this one as we get to see Colleen's character develop more fully; however I feel that Koertge left us hanging at the end. "
— Lorie, 4/16/2013 -
" The first book had such a witty, strong narrative voice. The second book did not share this same spark. "
— Joy, 1/30/2013 -
" The neding felt like a cut off, but overall a good book. Loved the first one. "
— Alina, 1/2/2013 -
" I wish the author would have given a more clear ending to this book. It was good, nonetheless. "
— Khirman, 12/1/2012 -
" Um...? There were a couple arcs that fizzled out...? Cute story, but it didn't really go anywhere. "
— Savannah, 11/5/2011 -
" This sequel is written 10 years after the first book, and it's been about 7 or so since I read it. The story was a bit boring, and nothing happened. Unless you adore the plot of the first, skip. "
— Jennifer, 9/21/2011 -
" Totally stand-alone. I had not read the first one and had no trouble jumping into the story. <br/> <br/>Drugs. "
— Erin, 9/13/2011
About Ron Koertge
Ron Koertge is the author of many award-winning novels, including Shakespeare Bats Cleanup; Strays; Deadville; Margaux with an X; The Brimstone Journals; and The Arizona Kid. A two-time winner of the PEN Literary Award for Children’s Literature, he lives in South Pasadena, California.
About Josh Hamilton
Josh Hamilton was born in New York City, New York. His Broadway credits include Proof, The Cider House Rules, and The Coast of Utopia, and his films include Kicking and Screaming, The House of Yes, Alive, Online, and Outsourced. Josh has narrated several audiobooks, including Lando by Louis L’Amour and Stoner & Spaz by Ron Koertge. He and his wife Lily have one child.