I found this book highly frustrating.

The use of multiple perspectives works to start with, but then that whole technique is abandoned. More then half the book is spent setting up characters, the kids who work at Burger Heaven and even the robber and his accomplice, and then when we finally get to the robbery (page 90 of 170 page book) we're introduced to a police officer with no back story

Sara, one of the workers, has to be one of the most annoying characters ever. She, like, says, like, like, every, like, second. And it's not even written in the way someone would use that word. She gets shot, and I was surprised she didn't say "Help me, I'm, like, dying!" but she does come close, whilst bleeding on the floor she begs to the robber. "I SO need help." And then post the robbery, she's interviewed and has absolutely nothing of importance to say.

Random characters are introduced (Keith) for no apparent reason, no relationships are tied up, no conclusions are reached, the ending is cliched and so obvious it made me laugh, but if you want a quick read that doesn't engage you, pick this one up. ( )

Holdup, an exciting and humorous novel that gives the opinions and points of view of high school students who are facing many difficult life situations and are trying to find a positive resolve. These teens face a number of choices and decisions they can take to turn their life around, one of which, Dylan, chooses the life of a delinquent. However this certain person is not just a backstreet hooligan, he is an academically talented young man, and his I.Q is that of a genius. He uses his intellect to his advantage by carefully plotting and planning his attempts at robbery. His actions will soon prove to be a major turning point for all of these young adults.

While Dylan's plans are unfolding, other high school students are going about their lives, unintentionally becoming more and more infatuated with Dylan's most important scheme. A major role in this scheme is Joe. Joe has found out that his classmates think of him as a white wall in need of a splash of color. To change the way he is looked upon, he invites a girl of interest to come see his Truck. His problem is that he does not have a truck to show. He turns to his cousin, asking him if he might lend him his new truck. After his cousin refuses, he offers a proposition out of desperation. The deal is that Joe must get front row seats to a slayer concert- his cousin’s favorite band. Joe does not have this kind of money, and resorts to holding signs at passing cars for money to obtain his cash. Out of chance, Dylan, aliased Derrick, finds Joe and fakes sympathy, by saying he was in a similar situation and understands what he's dealing with. He tells Joe that he may use his truck, if he helps him propose to his girlfriend in a fast-food restaurant. This proposal ends up being a robbery attempt, and the students who gave their stories were all coincidentally involved in the robbery as hostages. The robbery ends with a gunshot, and Dylan escaping. A year after the robbery these students now reflect on the event that occurred a year ago, and how they changed their lives for the better. Holdup is a touching yet exciting and humorous read. Although its reading ages may be for teenagers, it is an overall great story, in which lessons can be learned from. ( )

Wish they got to the crime quicker, maybe spent more time w/ it but should work for RR ( )