The First Ten Focus Group Feedback for Masterminders: Playground Conversations

briellejee

Based on the cover and title, I think I wouldn't have sampled the book. In one glance, I could mistake it as a horror genre, a genre I don't like, thus the reason for not sampling it based on both aspects; they're good and appealing though for fans of such genre. As for the first few pages, I think I am not used to this kind of humor (if there is one as pointed out by the reviewer). Bobby announcing to hunt a nun to prove his experiment on global warming was not hilarious for me. Maybe I'm not just the right audience for this book. I find the whole thing nonsensical, especially about feeding the gerbil. Well, I think this book has layers that I have to peel them one by one rather than taking them too literally, but I guess I'm not interested in doing so. With that said, I will not be buying the book. I found no noticeable errors and the official OBC review was downright persuasive.

First Ten review added on September 1, 2019, at 3:53 am by briellejee.

Emy Katherine

I would not have chosen to read the book without The First Ten program; I am not fond of satirical novels. The cover did not appeal to me, and I found the Amazon blurb too long. As this is not my genre, I did not change my mind after reading both the sample and the OBC review. The story follows the adventures and misadventures of two boys, Bobby and Terry, who will do anything to find solutions to the various problems that afflict the world. In the sample, they attempt to solve global warming and women's problems. I must admit, I laughed out loud while reading certain scenes. I particularly appreciated the humorous dialogues between the characters; also, the author's writing style was descriptive and easy to read. I only encountered one punctuation error throughout the sample; therefore, the book seemed to be professionally edited. For example, there should be a comma after the word "contestant" in the following sentence: "That’s why you’re the contestant and I’m the judge." (location 505 of 592 •85%) Considering it has received two positive OBC reviews and great Amazon ratings, this satirical novel sounds like a must-read for fans of the genre.

First Ten review added on September 1, 2019, at 2:54 am by Emy Katherine.

Fu Zaila

The book cover is cool. But the blurb was confusing and the reviews very few and not very captivating. I thought the book was well-written, but it needs some more proofreading, as I found a missing comma after 'weather' in the sentence "...for a number of reasons: the lack of an airport, a limited ferry service that had a reputation for capsizing, our special kind of weather and a general disinterest by rich Americans..." The sample itself failed to interest me. I liked the humorous writing style and I thought Terry's switching schools were described well, though I'm not sure why the most prominent Catholic school has just 5 students in the class. Describing Bobby as an exclamation mark would have sounded offensive if it was not written funnily. But I still did not like the bizarre physical descriptions of the characters. I was not invested in the story nor the characters some I won't be reading this book.

First Ten review added on September 1, 2019, at 2:38 am by Fu Zaila.

AA1495

Had I not sampled the book, I would not have read it. I usually read pure romance books.However, the color combination of the cover (black, white and red) caught my attention. Having read the sample, I was disappointed by the lack of a proper introduction. The cover was followed by an index, after which the actual content began. I would have liked a prologue and some reviews of the book. In terms of editing, I found the formatting to be inconsistent. In the first chapter for example, while some paragraphs had spacing between them, other paragraphs had no spacing. Further, while the first sentences of a few paragraphs were indented, the first sentences of certain paragraphs were not indented. In terms of language, the book was easy to read and follow. However, I do not read the genre usually and I do not think this book would be an exception. Hence, I will not be buying the book today.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 11:28 pm by AA1495.

OliviaLouise

I love the cover of this book and the review made the storyline sound interesting. After reading the sample, I felt the writing was good but was concerned that the author used the pejorative “gypsy” to refer to a Romani pupil at loc 61. I did not find any editing errors, but I would not read the rest of this book because I believe in cultural sensitivity.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 10:20 pm by OliviaLouise.

Nuel Ukah

The cover page doesn't look so enticing, but the title sounds interesting. However, I know Tara Basi to be a creative author. Things don't seem to be working out well for the main character. I'd like read this book to know how the main character deals with the issues facing him. Bobby got me laughing when he said, “There’s a disease in Africa that colours your farts red, green, blue, yellow, even black.” I can't even imagine that. I can't say what I like most now.

The book seems to be professionally edited as I found no error. There is an Official OBC review for this book.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 10:10 pm by Nuel Ukah.

maggi3

Just based on the author alone, I would have considered reading this book. I previously read Seven at Two Past Five, another book by her, and loved it. The OBC review only furthered my interest. I really like the cover of this book as well.

Based on the sample, I will be reading this book. It seems very well written, as I noticed no errors. It’s funny to see the two children trying to act mature and scholarly while not making much sense with their “experiment.” The way Terry looks up to his friend Bobby and takes his word as the ultimate truth shows his innocence, though I wonder how much trouble it will get him into. I can offer no suggestions for improvement. I’m excited to see what these two do next.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 9:48 pm by maggi3.

Kelyn

Even if I had not been a member of this program, the cover and title would have enticed me to pick up this book. Together, they very much have the look of a Harry Potter type book combined with sci-fi in some way. The author would also have been a major selling point as I am familiar with her writing and have very much enjoyed other books by her. Reading the sample revealed that the book was neither fantasy nor sci-fi. Still, I found the antics of Bobby, Terry and, for the short time he was with us, Doug, hilarious. It was interesting how, even in the sample, the author had begun to interweave today's problems without taking away the humor of the story. In short, yes, I do intend to read the book. I've actually already started. The book seemed well-edited. I found no errors.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 8:38 pm by Kelyn.

evraealtana

I was excited when I saw this as book of the day because I adore Tara Basi's work; likely, I would have picked it up on my own. I adored the first ten pages and am excited to read the rest. I particularly liked the easy acceptance of Bobby's wild ideas which seem brilliant to other children but absurd to adults. It gave the work a dry edge which I appreciated greatly. I wanted to hear more about Terry and Bobby's backstories, which the official OBC review claims are rich and deep. I noted no errors in the first ten pages.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 8:29 pm by evraealtana.

Ekta Kumari

I wouldn't have read the book as I'm not interested in the genre of satirical humour. Though, the book seems well-written and does complete justice to the genre. I really like the witty sense of humour with which the characters and their dialogues are drawn. This book would please those who like reading light adventures and satires. I didn't find any error in the portion I read, so the book looks professionally edited. I wouldn't be reading the whole book due to my disinterest in satirical humour, but those interested should check out the official review.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 2:59 pm by Ekta Kumari.

Jsovermyer

I like the graphic novel feel of the book cover. Masterminders is a great title. Bothe cover and title attracted me to the book. Masterminders is the story of two comical schoolboys who set out to solve some of the problems they see in the world. Tara Basi's books are always witty and satirical. I like Bobby's idea to increase the gerbils' flatulence and turn them loose on their cold island home. This will create carbon emissions and increase global warming. My favorite character is their friend, Doug, described as "a round, fat blob of eagerness". He only says "Wow!" To everybody and everything. The official review rated this book highly, and I agree since I am a fan of Tara Basi's books. I didn't find any spelling or grammatical errors and believe it has been professionally edited. I won a copy of the book from Amazon and will be finishing it this year.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 2:38 pm by Jsovermyer.

Verna Coy

Had I not sampled this book through the First Ten program, I likely would have picked it up because I liked the cover and description of the book. I intend to buy and later read the whole book because I enjoy a story with a bit of humor. Reading the first ten pages confirmed that I would like this book because there was humor in even in the first paragraph! Based on what I read, the book seems professionally edited and formatted although I did spot a missed comma on the first page, location 1% of the sample. “The mayor’s vision of generating a bonanza of tourism for Small Island, based on modern fish art, floundered for a number of reasons: the lack of an airport, a limited ferry service that had a reputation for capsizing, our special kind of weather[,] and a general disinterest by rich Americans in big, metal piscine sculptures.” What I liked the most about what I read was the humor included. I also liked the descriptions of the way the young friends interacted. It reminded me of the movie “A Christmas Story” a little bit in scenes on the playground. I know that readers who enjoy dry humor will enjoy this book. As far as improvement, I saw no need for any in what I read, aside from some proofreading for missed commas, etc. I did read the Official Online Book Club review and found it informative.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 5:36 am by Verna Coy.

Lorraine De Vos

I would have chosen to sample this book based on the author. Tara Basi always delivers interesting work and I was not disappointed. The schoolyard antics of boys trying to come up with unique solutions to their problems was hysterical. Basi’s imagination is something to behold: exploding gerbils, waste creation and national baked bean day (weekly) are but a few of their hair brained plans. The book does appear to be professionally edited, as I did not notice any errors. The official OnlineBookClub review was very well written and confirmed that I will definitely be adding this book to my reading list.

First Ten review added on August 31, 2019, at 2:29 am by Lorraine De Vos.

LV2R

The cover and title were OK, but the black, white, and red colors were a bit strange looking. The Amazon Blurb described Bobby and Terry attending a small Catholic primary school on Small Island. They attempt to solve some world problems: global warming, women’s troubles, politics, revolution, war, etc. Terry’s dad is missing and Bobby’s dad is sick. I was not sure if I wanted to read the book or not. The sample began with Terry describing his friends Bobby and Doug. I best liked his description of Bobby being like a “very thin upside-down exclamation mark.” I can see some humor in the author’s writing. The book may or may not be edited well, as I saw a semicolon error in location 88: “… nose that constantly dripped in the colder months; so not for two weeks in August.” (… in the colder months; his nose didn’t drip for two weeks in August.) The OBC review described the book as using satirical and dry humor with some sexual innuendos. I do not want to read this book because I do not like to read about young boys’ humor about farting, and I do not particularly care for dry humor on politics and world problems.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 11:58 pm by LV2R.

Nisha Ward

I will admit, I picked this one up solely because of who the author is. It was an alright decision. While I enjoyed the book and all the little anecdotes (the gerbil probably died because of the baking soda, not the four times table) it was pretty hard to get through. The characters need to be made more likeable. Still, it was well edited and fun, so I'll finish this one.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 11:34 pm by Nisha Ward.

Juliana_Isabella

I wouldn't have chosen this book because it seems to be aimed at older children, not adults, but I wanted to try it after reading the review. I didn't find any grammatical errors in the first ten pages, and I was pleasantly surprised by the author's inventive writing style, which struck me most in his physical description of Bobby, especially the ears. Because of the unique writing, I want to finish the book.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 11:17 pm by Juliana_Isabella.

HRichards

I normally wouldn't have picked this book up because the summary didn't really interest me. Having read the sample I won't be continuing on with the book as I didn't really enjoy it. The sample deals with a young boy headed off to a boarding school who has befriended some other misfits and they discuss whatever peculiar disease they all think involves farting in color. The writing is fine and I didn't notice any grammar errors. Those who like satire might like this book. I didn't really like the content. I have not read any other reviews of this book.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 8:36 pm by HRichards.

Brenda Creech

When I saw this cover and the title of the book I immediately thought it would not be for me. However, when I read the review I had to read the first ten pages just to see for sure I was wrong! After reading both it changed my mind and I definitely want to read this book. What I like best about what I read was how the boys wanted to end winter by forcing global warming; and, the homemade perfume they created for women! I can't wait to read about the rest of their antics, so of course, I have to get this book! I didn't detect any errors in what I read so I found the book well-edited. As for improvements, I personally would change the cover. It did not intrigue me at all and if I had not read the review I would have passed over a wonderful book. I also was not immediately drawn in by the title. However, now that I know who the Masterminds are I think it fits.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 8:13 pm by Brenda Creech.

unamilagra

Before sampling this book, I might not have picked it up because the title makes me think the author is trying to copy Harry Potter. After reading the first ten pages, I found the book to be humorous but not really with the kind of humor I enjoy, with the snot and fart talk. I think this would be a good book for a teenage boy who enjoys bathroom humor. I don't plan to continue to read this book. I didn't notice any errors in the section I read.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 6:46 pm by unamilagra.

Kajori Sheryl Paul

'Masterminders' is a book written by Tara Basi. The title, blurb, and cover did a good job at convincing me to give this book a try.

The first ten pages leads me to believe that it is the story of the narrator and his friend, Bobby. Doug also tags along. The narrator joined a new Catholic school after his school shut down when the mayor left. He meets Bobby there. The story is set in an island. I like the writing style. I did not find any error. I think that it is professionally edited. I will give this book a skip as I am not in the mind-frame to read a book of this genre as of now.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 5:07 pm by Kajori Sheryl Paul.

sarahmarlowe randomeducator

The cover is interesting. It has a graphic novel look to it and would probably be intriguing to young people. However, I wouldn't have picked it up. I am excited that the sample is so well written! The narration is clear and the dialogue is natural. I enjoyed the snarkiness of the narrator, especially. I also found no errors. This plot sounds like it's going to be a doozy! Bobby is quite the intrepid young man, and I see him creating more stir than just offering up land for a missle silo. The narrator, Terry, will surely have to be the head of reason. I haven't read an OBC review of this book, and I won't be picking it up, simply because it's not something I think I would enjoy.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 2:27 pm by sarahmarlowe randomeducator.

Erin Dydek

At first glance, I thought this might be a scary book and I was ready to pass. The OBC review revealed, however, that it was a humorous book about the escapades of two boys in Catholic school and various situations they faced in their home lives. Within the first chapter, I found myself enjoying the the funny descriptions of what the boys looked like as well as their funny, albeit immature discussion of a disease that makes your farts turn different colors. The book seems well edited and since ten pages was not far enough to get into the character development described in the review, I would like to read further. I’m curious about how things turn out for the boys and if their shenanigans get them into trouble. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to buy the book, but the official OBC review was fun to read and gave many details about the book that appealed to me and convinced me to give it a shot.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 1:30 pm by Erin Dydek.

gen_g

I have come across a very positive review of this book, and it has piqued my curiosity. Based on the sample, I would suggest that line breaks be consistently inserted in between paragraphs for ease of reading - as it is now, it is inconsistent. For the most part, it is also well edited. However, there are still a few minor errors: at 8% of the sample, the semi-colon in "...colder months; so not for two weeks..." is wrongly used – the sentences before and after the semi-colon should be grammatical and complete, which is not the case here. I appreciate that the author has taken the time to describe the physical features of the narrator and his friends – the narrator being a "muscle-bound dwarf", Bobby being like an "upside-down exclamation mark", and Doug a "fat, round blob of eagerness". However, I will not be purchasing the book today, as I'm currently not looking for coming-of-age stories.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 1:01 pm by gen_g.

Mai Tran

A novel about two boys trying to solve world problems in their school playground sounds intriguing, though I’m not a big fan of dry humor. Since I’m familiar with the Blocks series that is also written by Tara Basi, I’m willing to give this novel a try. I find it hilarious, especially the part about Bobby hitching up his pants only when he comes up with some phenomenal remarks. I have to say I didn’t quite expect him to try and fight the cold weather with global warming induced by gerbils’ farts. This witty book is well-written and flawlessly edited. I intend to finish it today with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 11:41 am by Mai Tran.

Theresa Moffitt

I really like the cover of this book and the title. It’s an interesting cover and caught my attention. I would have picked this book up based on the cover alone. I haven’t read a review of this book yet. The first ten pages tell the story of a young boy living on an island whose school has just closed and he has to transfer to a catholic school. The first ten pages describe the boy and his friends who seem smart and curious. They are investigating global warming and the African disease. The African disease is said to color your farts different colors. They believe the nuns at their school have the disease and start to investigate. The story is well written and interesting. It is told in a humorous way. It seems a little silly which leads me to believe it is intended for a younger audience. I didn’t see any errors in the first ten pages so I believe it was professionally edited based solely on the first ten pages. I would like to read a review to see how the story progresses and to confirm whether it is for a younger audience or not. I may change my mind based on the review, but based solely on the first ten pages I will not finish reading this book.

First Ten review added on August 30, 2019, at 9:03 am by Theresa Moffitt.

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