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CHAPTER 1: NOW

This could be a dark tale!

It’s not.

I don’t think so.

Maybe.

I can’t sleep. It’s 1:03 a.m. Almost September. The weather is warm, even though it’s football season. There’s this huge moon in the sky, but I can’t see it from the basement, where my bedroom is. I saw it plenty.

Tonight.

Dark tale? My dad did commit suicide.

Not so dark? I’m me. I hop up and down.

Where to start?

Not in the ’70s, when Jerri was a little girl. Not ten years ago, when I was five and found Dad dead in the garage. How about last November?

I should really be exhausted. But I’m not.

I, Felton Reinstein, stand on my bed because I can’t sleep.

Go.

“This is what I call a “smart guy-book". When you guys are ready to move away from fantasy into realistic fiction about teenage guy issues, Stupid Fast is one of the books you will have to turn to.” - Beyond The Middle

“In the end Fenton’s sarcasm, anxiety, self-doubt, thoughtfulness, and compassion carry the day and perfectly capture the voice of his generation.” - School Library Journal

“Reading Felton’s thoughts, feelings, fears, and frustrations are sometimes funny as well as touching, revealing his gentle and sensitive side amidst the stupid. This title provides a great read for all teen and adult readers. I loved this! It almost moved me to tears as it provides insight into the mind of an adolescent.” - Library Media Connection (starred review)

“This story has a little bit of everything: the challenges of growing up, the issues surrounding interracial romance, navigating tough class issues, and a narrator who is one of the most real, honest, and still funny male voices to come around in a while.” - Yalsa

“I fully admit that I devoured this book in one complete sitting. The mixture of serious emotions, life changing discoveries, and all out humor, made Stupid Fast a book that I simply couldn't set down.” - Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile

“Geoff Herbach does a nice job of getting into Felton’s mind and presenting his thoughts in a realistic tone.” - Reading Vacation

“Felton Reinstein is one of my favorite male protagonists of the year.” - Happy Nappy Bookseller

“STUPID FAST is a great addition to a genre that is lacking in stories based around a main male teenage character.” - An Avid Reader’s Musings

“Stupid Fast is Geoff's debut novel and I can say this is the most pleasant surprise so far this year!” - Cari’s Book Blog

“ Herback is at this peak limning the confusion and frustration of a young man who no longer recognizes his own body, and Felton’s self-deprecation take on his newly awarded A-list status is funny and compelling.” - The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Delving straight into the teenage boy mind and hitting on topics both funny and hefty, Stupid Fast hits right into the struggles of a teenage guy from first love to finding himself to dealing with a quirky family in a great way. With a main character that truly is "average," a jerk at times and a total sweetheart at others, confused and awkward but then confidant and sure, this one is engaging and real. Through rambling in voice at times, and most definitely very boy in a way that could be a turn off to some female readers, the story is well written and well developed, providing a solid debut.” - A Good Addiction

“ In this struggling and often clueless teen, Herback has created an endearing character coming to terms with his past and present in a small, well-defined Wisconsin town.” - Booklist

“...one of my freshmen boys asked to read my ARC. I had to say yes because he’s one of my reluctant readers. He isn’t reluctant anymore! He tore through this book and was so proud when he gave it back to me; he finished the book and wanted to read another. As a teacher or librarian, does it get any better than that?!

If you want to read something fantastically funny, pick up Stupid Fast. If you want to read something honest and refreshing, pick up Stupid Fast. I can’t recommend this debut novel enough. Geoff Herbach has really impressed me and I CAN’T WAIT to read more of his work!” - YA Love

“Geoff Herbach's STUPID FAST was not at all what I expected. I anticipated a humorous romp about a school jock. Instead STUPID FAST (great title) is a gritty, often harrowing tale of an appealing high-school student trying to find his way. As if school and its cliques don't offer enough challenge, Felton (aka Rein Stone) copes with his highly dysfunctional family. Readers will quickly sympathize with this kid who is simply trying to find his way. Who doesn't love a story of the underdog's redemption?” - Andover Bookstore

“The story, the style and voice in which it was written was great... It's a good story of a family in crisis that learns to take the necessary steps to help it heal itself.” - Octavia Books

“Told from the perspective of a 15-year-old boy, this will find a crossover audience. Felton will appeal to everyone... Hopefully, as Felton learned the hard way, readers will see that they aren’t alone and don’t have to be.” - Changing Hands bookstore