What Readers Are Saying

Andy V. Roamer's "Why Can't Life Be Like Pizza?" strikes a lifelike bullseye. It could serve as a sociological study on adolescent identity formation, while bringing smiles to stuffy academicians, as we cheer on its hero. RV's personality is pure, clean. He keeps struggling to be a decent person. This is a great gift for any confused teen. I can't wait for the next book in The Pizza Chronicles!

— Anniemaus

I swear I didn't know that this book was part of a series when I read it. Being inside RV's head throughout this story was an interesting place to be. RV is one of those "real" characters. He's awkward, but sincere, most of the time. Pizza, and more importantly, the location of said pizza, played an important role and I loved the connection. Now that I know there's more to come, I can't wait to continue The Pizza Chronicles.

— creativedeeds

RV is a 14 year old Lithuanian/American boy going to a Latin school in his first year of high school. He is discovering life, his feelings, and making friends. This is the first book in the series and sets the tone. There are many subplots — making friends, family issues, school issues, life in general. It's a pretty interesting story.

— Cat

This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it very much, especially the relationship with his teacher. RV is a great kid with all the problems of being a teenager. Can't wait to read the second book.

— Fernanda Parente

RV is a 14-year old boy going to Latin Gramma School. He's a smart, grammar-loving kid who thinks he might be gay, which wouldn't bode well with his immigrant, Catholic family. A great coming-of-age tale revolving around heredity, identity, sexuality, school, and family. Full of witty commentaries and humorous anecdotes, this book is a good read!

— Kindle Reader

RV is just trying to survive high school. He conveys his thoughts in a digital diary. He's got so much drama to deal with, as do most teenagers. He's so sweet and caring and he's just looking for a place to fit in. Overall a wonderful story dealing with the age old issue of finding your place in the world.

— Belinda Zamora

This is a book about a 14 year old boy coming to terms with his sexuality and how it is looked at in his culture as he comes from a Catholic family of immigrants. I mostly enjoyed the writing style and storyline. In the end it was a really great book and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

— Kjnrose

Arvydas "RV" is the eldest son of Lithuanian ex-pats living in Boston. He struggles to fit into his Lithuanian role, and he doesn't fit in well at school. RV's insight is a welcome call out for people to just be more human, and understand that their personal experiences does NOT invalidate the injustices experienced by others. I adore RV and will follow him on his quest for truth, justice and the American experience.

— V. Rundell of V's Reads

It was an enjoyable read, the story breezed along, the positive feeling throughout the tribulations of youth made it a book to recommend. Bravo.

— rimas m ambraziejus

Sweet, funny, coming-of-age book for young adults.

— DebZ

If you've ever wondered where you belong or what you truly value, this is a delightful way to consider your options. RV's simple questions are as profound as most people's answers. "Don't take on other people's prejudices. It's easy to do sometimes, so be careful of that." An all-around winner! Go ahead, I dare you not to smile your way through each page.

— Anniemaus

And RV's saga continues. Summer is supposed to be a time to relax, have fun, and forget about the pressure of school — it didn't take long for RV to figure out that his summer plans weren't going to happen. He's a quirky, awkward sorta teen who worries about everything and tends to overthink things. He makes mistakes, like all teens are likely to do, but he means well and has a good heart.

— creativedeeds

Andy Roamer has written a book that is both concise and complex, and he has somehow managed to blend all the layers seamlessly. In spite of its serious and sensitively handled themes, the book maintains a lightness and innocence. This book is subtle, sensitive and low key — never pedantic. It will be interesting to both young adults and adults, to both LGBTQ and straight readers.

— Ona Brown

You must read book one first that sets up the series. In this book RV is on summer break and his family has him get a part time job at a local store/garage. There is quite a lot of action in the book that holds your interest.

— Cat

It's summer and RV is working his first real job, looking to spend time with his friends and have a "normal" summer. Once again, RV relays his confusion, doubts, and fears over his identity and sexuality. Story still has that same easy, narrative feel. It's still a pretty good YA read.

— Kindle Reader

Oh, the drama of being a teenager. RV also has a lot of support from people who care — good friends, both his age and adults, and his family may not understand, but they try. A lot happens in this book. Some tragic, some frustrating, some confusing, but it also ends in hope. Things are changing, which they always do, but RV learns that some changes are for the better, even if they don't feel that way in the beginning.

— creativedeeds

In this book RV is in his junior year in high school. The pressures mount to get good grades to get into college. He also has to take on extracurricular activities, has come out, and is dealing with new and old friends and life changes. I'm hoping there are more books to see how RV does in school and romance.

— Cat

I think the reason why I love The Pizza Chronicles so much is because RV is so "real." He's far from perfect, and he knows it. His family is annoying, but he loves them regardless. He's confused about a lot of things, and that's what really makes him "human." RV has grown a lot since this series began, and I'm already impressed with the young man that he's growing into.

— creativedeeds

It's summer again and RV is dealing with relationships on a new level, with a new more stressful job and learning to drive thrown into the mix. I like that in this book, even with school out, we get a nice tour of the Freedom Trail, learning more of our history and how easily life changes.

— Cat