A novel of youth, love, and a breaking family… told through a series of emails to and from 15-year-old Jason Van Otterloo. It is 2003 in Seattle, Washington, and Jason needs to figure what to do with his summer. A series of jobs, from landscaper to caddy to dog walker, gets some dough in Jason’s pockets. Part is stolen by his alcoholic father, and some is used to take girls on dates. He is a young man navigating a certain period of his life. One where a little guidance would be needed, but unfortunately, his parents are too wrapped up in their own fighting to notice that he may need help.
Jason uses the computer to vent to his friends, and to stay in contact with his love interests. Set in a time when not everyone has a cell phone and an email can be used as a more personal and covert way of communicating. No one wants to have to go through parents when calling the landline.
A slice of life story that contains some real curial moments in a young person’s life. Told with humor and honesty, The First World Problems of Jason Van Otterloo is a genuine look into the mind of a frustrated teen.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to the author for a copy for review.
Paul's Picks 
What did you find most interesting about the story? Did the parents play a big part in the story too?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked the storytelling through emails. It was a different way of telling the story.
And the parents are involved in their own lives… he basically has to look out for himself.
LikeLiked by 1 person