Overboard Books

You would think that having everything a girl could possibly want (and that money could buy) would make life positively wonderful 24/7 and render her absolutely without care. Well, when Syrah Cheng becomes a "girl overboard," her entire worldview takes a tumble, along with her, and the slippery slopes she skis on becomes the slippery slope of her whole life. She will rehab everything, from bones to her expectations, and cross the threshold into a brand new way of life.

Justina Chen Headley's GIRL OVERBOARD is a rich, compelling and sometimes unexpected story about a girl who takes life seriously. Her enthusiastic snowboarding already has caused one very serious accident and subsequent surgery, and her favorite sport is also leading her into emotional ruin. Her boyfriend, a fop who is trying hard to impress her dad more than her, breaks her heart; a series of half-siblings finds her utterly distasteful; and her best friend's boyfriend is getting in between her and the person who she most needs to talk to during these trying times. Family obligations pull her farther and farther away from her professional aspirations, as do the repercussions of the accident for which she thinks she can buy special crutches (but she can't).

None of these problems can go away unless Syrah exercises all of her muscles --- leg, heart and brain. For a 16-year-old whose life is running in the opposite direction from what she had thought, Syrah discovers that plans are not to be put in place but rather thrown over the edge of the mountain of one's imagined life with abandon.

There are so many subplots making up the adventures of Syrah Cheng in this book that they are far too numerous to list. And besides, who wants all the fun spoiled? Suffice it to say that Syrah's journey makes stops at all the regular signposts of teen angst: social life, relationships, family situations, work, sports, the impending future. But Headley's deep-reaching prose and emotional resonance make what could have been a general young adult novel into a really special literary service to three-dimensional teen girls everywhere --- by creating a world that looks like theirs and a heroine who, although her circumstances may be more financially rewarding than most high school girls, has a heart similar to theirs beating in her chest.

Does Syrah get what she wants? Headley puts so many obstacles in her way, there is seemingly no justice to it all. Yet, in the end, the lessons learned are many, and the "Ethan Cheng Way," her father's business model, holds more truths for her than she could have realized in the beginning. It is a wondrously complicated mix of family, friends and personal desires that drives GIRL OVERBOARD and makes it a book that not only excites but also educates.

--- Reviewed by Jana Siciliano

Poised at the Edge Book Review

GIRL OVERBOARD

Justina Chen Headley


The worst part of having it all is having to deal with it all--the good, the bad, and the just plain weird. So begins the story of Syrah Cheng. Everybody assumes that life is breeze for Syrah. Her father, Ethan Cheng is famous billionaire; she lives in a veritable palace, anything she wants is at her fingertips, right? But what people don't know is she hardly ever gets to see her globe-trotting parents, her half-siblings refuse to treat her like she's part of the family, her best friend's girlfriend is sabotaging their friendship, and she just got used and humiliated by an egotistical (quasi)-pro snowboarder, who referred to her (bank account) as his "free-pass to paradise."

Life is anything but rosy for Syrah. After a serious (and seriously foolish) accident leaves Syrah with a severe knee injury, she is no longer able to escape to the mountains and snowboard. Even worse, she has to forget her dream of going pro. But down-time, and a series of astonishing events, leads Syrah down a path of self-evaluation and personal growth.

I don't want to say much more about the plot, because I want everyone to read GIRL OVERBOARD, a story so rich in plot, theme, and content, that it left my head spinning. Justina Chen Headley gracefully weaves issues of race, socio-economic class, gender, feminism, body image, complex extended family, deep-dark secrets, jealousy, and enlightenment. How did she do it? This is a smart book to be treasured by girls, and women of all ages!

Review by Melissa Jauregui

Reviewed by Emily Robbins (age 13) for Reader Views (3/08)

"Girl Overboard," by Justina Chen Headley, is about Syrah Cheng, the daughter of a billionaire, the famous Ethan Cheng. Decked out private jets, expensive designer snowboards, all of the latest hot fashions, it's all hers. She is definitely living large. The only problem is that she hates it. Instead of parties, Syrah would rather be up on the tall, snowy mountains doing what she knows best, skateboarding.

Syrah's life is just going downhill. Her best friend's girlfriend is ruining their relationship. Her knee was supposed to have healed by now, after a horrible snowboarding accident she had a while back, but it is still giving her troubles. She's also struggling with trying to figure out who her real friends are, and who she herself is.

My favorite character is definitely Lillian, one of Syrah's friends. She is energetic, kind, and seems like the best type of friend a person could have. Unlike the rest of Lillian's popular friends, she is more concerned about the sick and deathly-ill kids in the hospital than the juicy gossip her friends enjoy so greatly.

Wayne, Syrah's unkind brother, completely does not understand Syrah. He is just after his very large share in his father's very large inheritance, and making loads of cash. So, instead of trying to understand her, he is just a cruel sibling, trying to ruin her snowboarding dream. Wayne is unquestionably, my least favorite character of them all.

"Girl Overboard" was an inspiring book. I really liked how it really went into her lifestyle, trying to show you just how much she loathed it. The author did a really good job with all the diverse characters, and showing their different personalities. Some parts in the book I admit were a little dull and monotonous; in those sections I just skimmed over those paragraphs, but all in all it was an all-around great book! Two thumbs up, and I would definitely recommend "Girl Overboard," by Justina Chen Headley.

I know I am not the prime audience for which this book was written. I am many generations removed from the current youth this book was written for and about. Growing up before Title 9, I did not have the sport opportunities available to girls since that milestone legislation. Despite the lack of organized sports, I was a young female athlete, one who had set her sights on representing her country in the Olympics one day.

At that time, I chose the Olympics because it was one of the only avenues available for women athletes to perform on a high level, at least those were my dreams until I tore my ACL at age 13 and had my world tossed upside down. And so, when I meet Syrah Cheng, up and coming snowboarder, who is trying to come back from the same potentially career threatening injury, my heart is with her all the way.

I know the battles female athletes have fought and continue to fight even today and so does Justina Headley Chen, the author. Ms Headley, who says she conceived the novel as she was being trundled down a mountain by the ski patrol after having a similar accident may never have been an up and coming boarder but she knows well the struggles young girls face in our society. That is why she and several other talented YA authors have established "Readergirlz.com" a web community for "gutsy girls" wherever they may be and whatever their passions.

"Girl Overboards' Syrah Cheng has many battles to fight as she struggles to find her niche in the world. Issues of sexism, classism, and cultural identity are all handled with delicacy and power. There are no simple solutions here. Syrah may have been born into a family with many privileges but living in the spotlight of media and community scrutiny only magnifies the struggle to live up to the image of the "perfect daughter". This image includes the struggle of meeting the unhealthy demands our societiy places on the perfect, female body as well As a young female athlete trying to build a body that can meet the demands of the sport she loves, Syrah must also deal with the expectations of both her mother and potential snowboarding sponsors, an image that Syrah has subconsciously accepted until she recognizes it herself.

Which brings us to another wonderful element of the book, Syrah is also a budding illustrator and writer of Manga. In her Manga journal, Syrahs' alter ego Shiraz is able to fly high above the rest in her snowboarding exploits but also ends up teaching Syrah even more about herself.

Which brings me to my only regret about the book. It would be fantastic if future editions of the book could contain some panels representing the journal. Manga is a very hot ticket and would attract a whole other segment of readers. Perhaps there could even be a graphic novel/Manga spinoff or series based on the characters?

This is a compelling read which will speak to many girls and young women. If you have a "gutsy girl" in your life get the book for her today! She won't be sorry!

If you are looking for a rags-to-riches story, don't pick up GIRL OVERBOARD. On the other hand, if you are looking for a story about a rich girl struggling to be a normal, well-adjusted girl, than this one is for you.

Syrah Cheng is the daughter of privilege. Her father, Ethan Cheng, made the cell phone what it is today. Her mother, Betty Cheng, is the queen of charity fundraising, and demands only the best. Unfortunately, all the splendor and wealth surrounding Syrah leave her feeling uncomfortable and unloved.

Syrah's dream is to become a sponsored pro-snowboarder; however, a recent life-threatening accident has sidelined her with a bum knee. Her doctor says she is ready to resume normal activities and even some cautious snowboarding, but her globe-trotting parents have forbidden her participation in the only activity that makes her life worthwhile. She fills her days with school and manga drawings of a superheroine snowboarder named Shiraz.

Not being able to snowboard is only the beginning of trouble for Syrah. Her best friend, Age, has a new girlfriend who doesn't believe there is room in their relationship for Syrah. Bao-mu, Syrah's dedicated nanny, has announced that she is leaving to go help her granddaughter with her new baby. And to top it all off, Ethan Cheng has announced his retirement and his intention to move the family to Hong Kong.

There is never a dull moment in GIRL OVERBOARD. Syrah may seem about to give up on her dream, but she finds a way to combine her love of snowboarding with what she discovers are her many other assets, to help a new friend in need, and make her family proud of her. Author Justina Chen Headley shows her readers what truly lies beneath the glittery surface of a girl who has it all, but learns that family, friendship, and love can surprise us all.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

Ric Klass, with humor and a clear, purposeful writing style, took me into his math classroom in an inner city high school in New York. I found myself empathizing with his desire to do someone some good; to make the world a better place. It was easy to understand his frustrations with all the barriers he had to get around to try to fulfill his dream, and just as easy to rejoyce in some small hint of success.
As well as being a good read, this book has an important message for us. We must make some changes in the way our children are being taught, especially those students who need to escape from a seemingly hopeless environment. I recommend this book to anyone who cares about children and our future as a nation. I'm telling all of my friends about it. JL in SD

Ric Klass' tale of teaching in an inner city school in the Bronx is an open, honest account of his experience. It's humorous and sad at the same time. It's engaging and fun to read. Educators will recognize its truths; others should read it to find out just what goes on in public schools and not only in New York.

This author speaks for all of us teachers who are struggling every day in dealing with hoardes of unruly students. After only reading a few pages, I felt like I could have written the same book. The fact that it is in diary form makes it all the more real and frightening. Reading it is definitely helping me get through the end of this horrific school year. I have highly recommended it to my colleagues.

We all must show respect for those who survive in schools of this kind. Education workers like Mr. Klass are to be commended for enduring an environment of their own choosing if not of their own making. Still, after all the hugs and congratulations, someone has to call out these "teach for America" volunteers and ask why they put up with all the crap instead of joining forces and refusing to proceed. Even the eighteen-year-old grunts in Iraq had the courage to protest being sent into battle without proper gear and protection. Year after year we read the same stories by earnest do-gooders who find happiness among the ruins. What is needed now is fewer acts of goodness and just one brave act of defiance. Let the education workers walk out and leave the asylums to the bureaucrats who thrive in them. If the parents so earnestly wish to be involved, let them take over the schools. They'll soon be using the soiled textbooks as toilet paper, but so be it. They can always apply for a grant from Bill Gates for free lap top computers.

Man Overboard is a very witty and poignant autobiography about the experiences of a new second-career math teacher (actually ninth-career in his case) spending his first year teaching high school in the Bronx. On one level, it explores in an absorbing and meaningful way the various problems in the world of Bronx high school culture. On another level, Mr. Klass is also writing about his career aspirations, and how it feels to have frustrations meeting his goals of helping some people who need it. The book connects with the reader very well on both levels. I particularly liked how the drumbeat of daily problems is punctuated periodically with reflective essays, cast in italics, which are full of common sense and practical, logical analysis and suggestions. It is a very well written and enjoyable book, and I would highly recommend it to all.

Easily the funniest and most warped strip I've seen in several years.
It reminds me of what Wizard of Id and B.C.(with a bit of Crock thrown in) used to be like in their prime.
FYI - there are only the 2 trades paperback collections available.
What I'd love to know is why the 2 trade paperbacks are so expensive. I bought Overboard years ago and have been searching for Abandon Ship but can only find it at $50 or more on Amazon and Ebay.
I'll keep searching!

More adventures of the Duffy brothers, Nate (the big, fat pirate), Boof (the idiot), the nameless crow's nest guys, and, of course, the bonehead captain. Two words: Very funny.

I first saw this comic strip in 1993 and couldn't get enough of it. The characters are unique, the humor wry, and the situations delightful albeit strange. I was thrilled to find the first book, Overboard, and am hoping Mr. Dunham will produce more. What a kick it was when earlier this year when I discovered his daily and Sunday strip in a paper in San Jose, California. Maybe a book is not far behind. Lets hope so.

I like this book very much, but the humor is, well, strange! (MASH meets Bevus and Butt Head at sea?) However, I liked his first(?) book, Overborad, a little better. In Abandon Ship some of the running jokes are getting just a little stale. Warning Warning Warning, the humor in this book is weird! If you like it, you will want more, if you do not like it you will want to throw the book as far as possible. Note that the reasion I am filling this out, is that I was hopeing that Amazon had more of Chip's work

A collection of cartoons featuring the pirates with modern technology. Consistently high quality humour with good artwork make this a book that will appeal to 'Far Side' fans. A tragically underrated work.

This is the first (and so far only) book that my daughter loves. She is now almost 8 months old. I've been reading this book to her for about two months, and it is the only one she actually sits still for and listens to the whole thing. She examines each page so carefully, it almost looks like she is reading along. I have read it so many times that I have it memorized and when I start to recite it when she is cranky in the car, I always get a smile.

The quintessential read-aloud book, OVERBOARD chronicles the adventures of "one little bunny who likes to fling things." He tosses peaches overboard. Favorite jammies? Overboard! Bunny wipers and bunny diapers? You guessed it! And, of course, youngsters (and even oldsters) will want to join the chorus, chanting "overboard!," as each item is flung to the ground. The text has strong rhythm and rhyme, helps children ages 2-3 start developing phonological awareness, so this book is more than just a fun read; it's a good choice for encouraging early literacy skills. The illustrations are as fun as the book, with bright colors within strong black lines. Sure to be a hit in storytime and for one-on-one reading.

Both my kids, age 4 and 2, love this book. Something about seeing the little bunny making a mess just cracks them up. I find the book fun to read as well; the author and illustrator have really captured the spirit of a toddler and it makes me smile to see so much of my kids in the character.

All babies seem toEnjoy throwing things down to seeif us adults will pick them up. The bunny in this picture book is no exception. He throws all sorts of stuff overboard. From his food to his toys he love the "drop game"!



It seems to be just the right length for the picture book crowd.



Babies and toddlers will both enjoy this being read aloud.

Baby Bunny likes to throw things. Peaches? Overboard off the highchair! Favorite pajamas? Overboard out of the crib! Rubber Ducky? Overboard from the tub!

If it isn't tied down, Baby Bunny throws it overboard. Nothing is safe...not even himself when he decides to go up high.

OVERBOARD is the cutest little picture story book for ages 2 to 5. When I read the write-up on Amazon, I thought I sounded too adorable for words...and it is. My three-year-old wants to hear the story over and over. OVERBOARD is her new favorite book.

My one-year-old is equally transfixed by the tale, studying the colorful pictures with complete fascination. OVERBOARD is sure to be a hit in other homes with small children. Pick up OVERBOARD today for your favorite toddler or preschooler. You won't be disappointed.

Armchair Interviews says: Written in a quirky engaging manner, this book is a winner..

1982: Oregon businessman Phil Champagne, age 52, dies in a tragic boating accident off Lopez Island. He is survived by one ex-wife, four adult children, an octogenarian mother, and two despondent brothers. Phil didn't know he was dead until he read it in the paper. All things considered, he took it rather well. So did Phil's brother, Mitch, the beneficiary of a 1.5 million dollar policy on Phil's life.

1992: Wastington restauranteur Harold Stegeman, famous for his thick, juicy steaks, is arrested by the Secret Service for printing counterfeit United States currency in an Idaho shed. In addition to the bogus bills, Stegeman also has a fraudulently obtained passport, a fabricated Cayman Island drivers license, and Phil Champagne's fingerprints.

When the uproarious reality of Harold Stegeman's secret identity hit the headlines, the counterfeit resurrection of Phil Champagne became one of the most celebrated and hysterically funny true-crime stories of the twentieth century. And while every supermarket tabloid and television talk show hounded after the untold story, only Edgar Award winner Burl Barer captured Champagne's confidence and received permission to detail Phil's post-mortem career of fraud, deception, trickery, lies, and fine prime rib, bringing to life the exploits of a man his family thought dead over a decade ago.
--- excerpt from book's dustjacket

This true-crime story is told with humor, pacing and drama to rival the best fictional works. The writing is great, the "characters" are SUCH characters you cannot believe they are real, and the plot twists keep you turning pages all night long. This book is a blast!

Man Overboard: The Counterfeit Ressurection of Phil Champagne is one of the best written true crime books out there. I would recommend it to anyone who is craving a good story with lots of twists and turns. From the first page Burl Barer has you hooked. A must read for any true crime fan. RECOMMENDED!

I thought that this chapter in WISHBONE's adventures was fantastic, as always. As I said to "The Mutt in the Iron Muzzle" I love how they connect it to classic books and make them easy to understand.

This book is great. Aside from the fact that there's a cute little dog in every page, the book teaches a very important moral. If you sit down just for five minutes with this book, you'll never put it down until you're finished with it! Wishbone is great!

Jamal and Bibi have a dream, to lead Australia into the next soccer world cup.Jamal and Bibi live in Afghanistan, their mother is the teacher of an illegal school and their dad is a taxi driver.The government in Afghanistan is evil and tried to blow up their house, and kill their mother, for running a school.Jamal and Bibi are in danger, so their parents decide they will travel illegally to Australia, as asylum-seekers, seeking asylum.This is the hilarious and down trodding story of a young boy and his sister fighting for their freedom and rights, rights any perople deserve to have.I highly reccomend this book.

This is an enchanting romantic comedy. A wonderfully written story of love, warmth and humor. You'll laugh out loud and be sad when it's over!

Fulcrum is tightly woven, fastpaced and immensely entertaining. Zschokke's world of sailing and waterfront living is palpable as always and her understanding of despair and betrayal is profound which makes the protagonist's final redemption all the more satisfying.
Altogether a page-turner which kept me up long past my bedtime and I would recommend it without hesitation.

Definitely up there with some of the greats. An honest, insightful, hilarious account of one woman's struggle with the male dominated culture of Louisiana gulf coast oil rigs and their support boats. It makes Gregory Jaynes' book, Come Hell on High Water, look like a Readers Digest summary.

Lucy Gwin is a rare author, who's talents have been unaccountably overlooked.