A good continuation to the previous book.

It was so nice to spend some more time with Ryan Dean West and meet the Abernathy, from Plano! Andrew Smith's word-smithery continues to surprise and humor me! While I don't think you necessarily need to have read Winger to "get" what's going on in Stand Off, I think it would help the reader empathize with Ryan Dean's anxiety as he begins his senior year at Pine Mountain. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

It's senior year for Ryan Dean, but he is still dealing with what happened last Spring. First of all, you know that I loved Winger, which is why when I saw a colleague had this book I scooped it up to read. You also know that I am not a big reader of series, but there is just something about Smith's writing that makes me want to read Everything that he writes - including his blog! Ryan Dean is such a lovable kid, and I find his inner dialogue authentic and hilarious. I think that I would continue to read about his life if Smith is willing to write more. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt out of place as a teenager - which is probably about 99.9% of the population!

Love, love, love it. Perfect ending to the story of Ryan Dean West.

A little less WOW than Winger, but Andrew Smith does it again for me. First Ryan Dean West. Now The Abernathy. Love them both to pieces.

My takeaway? Friends are important you guys. For the bazillion reasons evidenced in this book.

If you enjoyed Winger, then you'll definitely enjoy Stand-Off. Very different story, but in same setting with some characters from the first book. I really enjoy Andrew Smith's characters. He describes youth/coming of age brilliantly and realistically.

A satisfying follow-up to Winger. I loved Winger, but I was left wanting by the surprise ending. The Stand-Off really served to provided the catharsis needed. I love the new character, Sam Abernathy, and Ryan Dean's love hate relationship with him. Another awesome novel by the tremendous Andrew Smith!

This book was so necessary as a follow up from Winger, definitely enjoyed this one a lot more!

Wow. So much better than the first one is the starting thing that I have to say about this book.
Secondly, Ryan Dean grew so much as a character. I actually felt that he had some personality in this book. I'm really proud of the progress that he made and will continue to make as he deals with the grief of his best friend. Unfortunately Annie still stayed the flat perfect girl character that she was in the first one.
Thirdly, the side characters from the first one were also better than the first one. They felt more real (probably because they had some form of personality too) in this one than in the first one. Except for Seanie. He was still weird and I think it's okay for me to say that I wouldn't ever willingly be his friend. He's too weird although maybe as time goes on he will be more accepting of himself and change more as a human. And him and Spotted John as a couple was kind of weird to find out because they were both being weird throughout the entire book so I guess it's a match made in heaven.
Fourthly, the whole relationship between the Abernathy and Ryan Dean. That was actually cool to see them eventually become friends. And to see Nico open up to someone about his dead brother.
I would have liked to see more of Doc Mom and Dad though in this book. They were cool.
Overall, a solid finish to an overall okay series. Also, I want to go see a rugby match now. It seems like a good time.

A humorous and thoughtful exploration of mourning and male friendship.