Changing Michael

By: Jeff Schilling

Narrated by: William Coon

Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Matthew knows how things work. He's pretty much an expert.

For example: friends. Friendship requires both give and take, and Matthew strongly prefers taking. The solution is close acquaintances - people who think you're their friend because you nod and act interested in whatever the hell they're talking about.

School? Perfectly pleasant as long as you don't pay attention.

Mom? Award yourself a point for each hands on hips or "young man." Wear her down until you can get what you want.

The general rule: The less anyone knows about you, the better.

But even someone as clever as Matthew needs practice.

That's where Michael comes in.

See, Michael doesn't get it. He's the kind of kid who comes up with the answer before the teacher. He's the kind of kid who asks questions. He's the kind of kid who still has the ratty, old backpack he should have thrown in someone's dumpster years ago.

Consequently he's the kind of kid who gets the crap beaten out of him on a regular basis.

So one day Matthew, seemingly out of the kindness of his heart, decides to help Michael out. Turn his life around. Teach him how to make his life as great as Matthew's.

Before long Matthew is helping Michael mess with his NASCAR-loving stepfather. He's spreading rumors to convince the population of Alexander High School that Michael is a serious badass. He weaves his way into the lives of Michael's estranged dad, and even Chrissy, the half sister Michael never even knew he had.

But what if Michael isn't grateful for all of Matthew's hard work? What if he actually likes who he is? Why the hell would he? And for that matter, why should Matthew even care?

Changing Michael is an absorbing exploration into the head of one of the most fascinating high school characters since Holden Caulfield.

©2014 Jeff Schilling (P)2015 Bancroft Press

Not your Average YA Book

Would you listen to Changing Michael again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to this book again. I enjoyed the characters and I think there are things I might catch reading it again that I missed the first time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Changing Michael?

Something that happened near the end of the book, I don't want to spoil it.

Have you listened to any of William Coon’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to his other performances, but I would listen to other books he reads happily.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, there were several. The part at the end made me tear up quite a bit. Also, when Matthew says that he thinks he is gay, but he won't tell anyone because he isn't stupid. That made me so sad.

Any additional comments?

Changing Michael was a very enjoyable book. The main character Matthew could have been extremely annoying, but Jeff Shilling made me care about him. The only real complaint I have is that it was not long enough. The story ended, but i wanted to see just a little more. William Coon really brought Matthew to life and did a nice job with the other characters as well, particularly Michael and Chrissy. The book was funny, although it left me teary eyed at the end. Yet another reason I wanted a little more of the story. It was very different from most of the contemporary young adult books I’ve read lately and that was a very refreshing change of pace.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

Dec

I'm very torn as to how to rate this book. I think I would've liked it more as a 13-year-old; which is good- because I think that's the likely audience.

Unfortunately, by the time I really got into the book and started to actually like the primary character, it ended...so I went from not particularly liking it to finally getting invested in the characters to it ending on me!

The narrator did a great job. I don't know how they would do with a character that isn't a nasally young male, but he did a great job in this book.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.

Such a Smart, Witty Book!

Narration - William Coon - Really Good
He really nails the character of Matthew - who is one of the main characters and whose POV we are getting through the whole book. A snarky high school student (nailed it) as well as his characterizations for our geek Michael, his sister Chrissy, Flap, Gut and Michael's dad! Oh and we can't forget Wanda! Really great job and an enjoyable listen.

This is a really smart, witty, well written, light and (at the same time) deep story.

The main character Matthew is a pretty bright and snarky high school student who takes it upon himself to "help" Michael. Michael is a geek. His nose is always in a book and he's a perpetual target for bullies, but he's no fool.

Michael is a really bright kid and while he begins to accept and even somewhat welcome Matthew's invasion into his life, he quickly figures out Matthew's motives.

It ended in a weird place, but I think that leaves us to our own interpretation. I feel like Matthew and Michael are both ending up in a better place (emotionally and socially).

I received this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review

Fun, sad, fun fun AND GOOD!

Wow this book made me look weird. I have never laugh out loud so many times during a book! It is maybe the most fun book i read! That is HIGH in the sky talking from me! Because this book is so extreme funny i almost don't want to say something else then; GET THIS! But i will. Dear Jeff Schilling; You are a funny, funny man! This is 5 hrs and 53 mins i never, EVER will forget. THANK YOU! I almost want to kiss you!

Without William Coon this book would be worse! He had a strong presence that made me laugh, out loud, on many occasions. So he is funny to! The pacing of the book was just PERFECT! There is nothing else to say, you are just that good! A dream narrator for a funny book, is how you read it out loud! Thank you for people staring at me in the streets!

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com

Thoughtful and surprising

My wife and I listened to Changing Michael over the course of a long drive this summer made shorter by this funny and very original novel. Matthew, the central character and narrator of the story, is a smart, snide high school student who annoys every adult he encounters with secret games of his own devising. Michael, another student, becomes the subject of one of these games which, over the course of the story shifts gradually away from comic, evolving into something thoughtful and revealing. Michael and Matthew are well-constructed characters – a memorable odd couple
The narration is very good – there’s never any trouble identifying who is speaking and the reader perfectly captures to tone and pace of adolescent speech.