Notes From The Blender by Brendan Halpin

Notes From The Blender by Brendan Halpin and Trish Cook
Release Date: May 24, 2011
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 240


Summary: Declan loves death metal--particularly from Finland. And video games--violent ones. And internet porn--any kind, really. He goes to school with Neilly Foster and spends most of his classroom time wondering what it might be like to know her, to talk to her, maybe even to graze against her sweater in the hallway. Neilly is an accomplished gymnast, naturally beautiful, and a constant presence at all the best parties (to which Declan is never invited). She's the queen of cool, the princess of poker face, and her rule is uncontested-- or it was until today, when she's dumped by her boyfriend, betrayed by her former BFF Lulu, and then informed she's getting a new brother--of the freaky fellow classmate variety. Declan's dad is marrying Neilly's mom. Soon. Which means they'll be moving in together.


My Thoughts: I hadn't heard too much about this book when it first became available for pre-order on amazon. A few months later review copies started being sent out and I heard both positive and negative reviews.  I knew as soon as it was released I had to have a copy to see what I thought of it.


We are introduced to Declan and Neilly. First off, I love the name Declan. When I think of the name Declan, in my mind I see Declan from Kyle XY. I adore the name! But Declan in this story is rough around the edges, kind of gothy, kind of sweet but also perverted. Neilly is a nice girl who is popular, and all the guys think she is drop dead gorgeous. Every high school male's fantasy.


And, that is exactly what she is to Declan. Declan has a crush on her from a far. Until one day when he comes home to find his dad has a new plan for the two of them. He is getting married and having a new child. Declan's mom died when he was nine so its just been the two of them. Come to find out the women he is in love with is none other than Neilly's mother! Oh no! Is this great news or bad? He will get to live with this hot girl but she will be his step-sister!


I just want to point out a few things. I really enjoyed this book. But it is a bit perverted. To me, it really wasn't that bad. It does reference Declan loving himself a little too much (is that a nice enough way to say this?) but I read a lot of reviews of people who hated hearing about that. 


I also really loved the different perspectives. I loved hearing what was going on in both Neilly and Declan's head.  I loved how different their families were from each other. I also loved the other plots going on within the story. For example, Neilly's boyfriend and her best friend. I also liked the Griffin story.



Notes From The Blender was a wonderfully written book. It was funny. It was creative. It was really refreshing to hear things from a male perspective. 


Overall: I really liked this one. I didn't quite love it as much as I could have but I definitely did enjoy it a lot. 


Cover: Love it! I love the flats and the boots! It's the perfect cover for these two characters.

What I'd Give It: