In many regards, The House of Tomorrow isn't a spectacular book. It follows a formula that has become trite in fiction. The story largely rolls out as most readers would expect from a coming-of-age story. Every time a new character pops up, you can guess the role they'll play. Stylistically, The House of Tomorrow doesn't stand out.

 

Despite its lack of surprises, Peter Bognanni's debut novel is still an interesting and entertaining read. Though it sticks with the formula and is peopled with predictable characters, the plot itself and the characters themselves are a joy to watch. This is a story about punk rock, geodesic domes, hero worship, education, and friendship. There's nothing formulaic about the individual aspects of the story, just the way they interact with one another.

 

Bognanni does a wonderful job crafting main characters who are believably human despite their strange circumstances. On the flip side, many of the secondary characters are used for irony and laughs. They cross lines, particularly in regards to religion, that make them overdrawn stereotypes. I get it, religion—especially youth groups—can be hypocritical and comical, but the lack of a character who countered this stereotype forced a lopsided story in this regard.

 

The House of Tomorrow is not one of the more memorable stories I've read of late, but it does stand out. Bognanni nails many of the aspects of adolescence that other authors miss. No, there aren't many surprises or unforgettable scenes, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the ride. I loved these characters and I really enjoyed watching their lives unfold. Despite the heaviness of the plot at times, The House of Tomorrow was a fun read.

 

Overall, it was a wonderful book. But I wish it had ended stronger, along with more explanation of Sebastian's parents and better character development. It felt as if somethings were not fully covered and some holes in the story. But the transformation of Sebastian and his new understanding of the town was clear.

I half-n-halfed this book. I had started reading it, but then had to give it back and never got around to picking it up again so ordered the audiobook because I figured that would be a faster way to get through it.
I don't have any strong feelings for or against this story. It's a little Nick Hornby-ish in that it stars a maladjusted teenage boy who is trying to merge with mainstream society. I thought his grandmother was an overbearing, selfish, cold woman and I know several women her age who are just like her so there was a sense of familiarity with that character.
Most of the things I expected to happen happened. I followed a fairly set plotline. The characters were standard teen characters, though I couldn't really get into any of them.
There's nothing wrong with the story but I don't think it will stick with me, either.

Once again, I was reeled into this book by the excellent cover design. I like this edition, but the one that pulled me in was the second one -- the cover that sort of looks like a shitty poster. What can I say.

Anyway, I couldn't put this down. This was just such an entrancing book, with such a funny and (dare I say it) sweet oddball friendship at its root. I loved how Jared and Sebastian had grown to depend on each other despite coming from such foreign lives. I loved how Sebastian became enmeshed in the Whitcombs' lives, and how his devotion to Nana and the things she taught him gave him such an interesting outlook on the things happening in his life. I loved the simplicity of Sebastian's love for Meredith and the way she reacted to his honesty.

Some people might compare this book to The Perks of Being a Wallflower, because both books are coming-of-age stories about young boys widening their horizons and falling in love. I think The House of Tomorrow far surpasses it, though, in prose style and in not annoying me with stupid main characters.

Also, that record shop owner? Dark horse favorite character, right there.

I am still confused about this book, when I first picked it up I hated it, but about halfway through it, I fell head over heels into it! It went from a whiny boy, to a bunch of different characters that were so real they could have been my next door neighbors!This book was nothing like I expected, each new chapter forced me deeper into the complex lives of all the characters, not just Sebastian. While the plot was kind of slow in the beginning it quickly took form into a wonderful book that left me longing for more.Overall this was a book that enchanted me, but left me searching for what rating to give it. Basically it left me thinking, which is a really cool thing about books. I cannot wait to read more by this author!