Jack & Jack

January 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-Back in their high school days, Gilinsky and Johnson created a Vine that they dubbed "Nerd Vandals." The Vine went viral, racking up more than 10 million plays, thus paving their way to social media stardom. Since then, they've become Vine stars, YouTube celebrities, and popular musicians. This book serves as a photo album, providing images from their childhoods through recent concerts, with an extended Q&A in which the pair discuss embarrassing school moments, relationships, and their path to the spotlight. They detail their transition from Nebraska to Los Angeles, their decision to delay college in favor of their entertainment careers, and more. Some of their comments reflect their youth ("I don't want to be single my entire life. That stuff's fun, but once you're past twenty-five, you know what you want") and light misogyny ("I don't think you should ever, on principle, kiss and tell. Unless it's some badass celebrity chick like Rihanna. Then you gotta brag and tell your bros. You just gotta."). VERDICT The book's references to particular Vines, music videos, and inside jokes are more likely to alienate readers unfamiliar with the authors' brand than to entice them to become new viewers. However, fans of this duo will enjoy this inside peek into the pair's life.-Brandy Danner, Coakley Middle School, Norwood, MA

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