George Matthew Cole Author

Brett Sloan is out of school for summer vacation. The California teenager envisions spending his time surfing, babe-watching and taking it easy. Girls look sexier every day but Brett won't fall in love. Girls are too hard to figure out and probably would control his life. But, when he finds himself on the bad side of a bad dude, and falling for a shy, pretty girl, life hits him like an enormous wave. The physical and emotional thrashing will test him like never before. Watch out Brett. Summer vacation may not be what you expect.

This novel was inspired by my experiences growing up in El Porto, California. The main character is very skilled at body-surfing and surfing but is inexperienced with the opposite sex. He can attract girls but doesn't know how to deal with them.
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California in the summer, surfing, hanging out with your friends, what could be better? Well, this summer Brett is about to find out both better and worse, and an unhappy young girl will find her way after moving from inland to the coast, a coast she fears. George Matthew Cole begins this book with individual chapters for the book's characters. The reader knows right away who these people are and that they will all show up interactively in the story. A teenage summer of discovery, a story of teenage angst, a time of life that is uncharted territory and full of pitfalls.

This is a young-adult book, and does have a bit of rough language as could be expected. These are mid-teens, discovering urges, learning new lifestyles, finding their strengths, meeting bullying head on, and finding empathy. I am very happy to recommend it. The characters are diverse, but consistent at their cores, even as the book takes us through a change and new self-discoveries. Most of the characters are well-meaning, decent kids and a very few older teens are not just bullies but a part of the criminal element, juvenile delinquents. Still, it is basically a happy book with growing pains. For older readers, it will bring back some memories, whether living near the water or elsewhere in North America. The author takes us through everything as smoothly as the flat water at slack tide. I enjoyed this book and the characters within. A great coming-of-age story.

Colt O'brien doesn't think that he has to prove anything. He is the most savvy computer technician at Highline High in Burien, Washington. The short, energetic senior, with his bright, colorful attire and cocky attitude, knows that he is the best. Colt is cruising through senior year, but his life is about to be turned upside down. Two freshman nerds start a computer class that will challenge his credibility. Three women will show him the meaning of love. One will show him the meaning of hate. And, his hidden psychic powers will emerge when he least expects them to. Hang on Colt.

This, my first novel, was inspired by a high school certification program that I participated in.
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A computer wizard (what is in his computer mind is) Colt O'Brian ,Highline High School senior, is a computer genius whom no one can out do despite their training or background when it comes to computers. He thinks his is #1 in the computing world and is reveling in that fact when suddenly his senior year goes awry.
A word from the author lets the reader in on the secret that Colt O'Brian is based primarily on Mr. Cole and a certification program he took focusing on teaching computer networking. In his first novel, Cole, who lives in Burien with his wife and dog, brings the audience into the world of Colt O'Brian without a doubt that Colt is as amazing as he is! Instead of wondering why and how Colt can do what he does, the reader concentrates 110% on the storyline and Colt O'Brian.
Like many computer whiz kids, Colt doesn't think he has anything to prove to anything when it comes to his prowess as a technician. He is without a doubt the most sharp and savvy at Highline High, Burien, Washington. His talents are such that when a computer needs fixing, the phone book and a number under "Computers are us" does not happen. Instead Colt is summoned and with the snap of a finger, the computer is fixed and in Colt's mind, it is fixed by the best. Colt is very
Colt is the best and he knows it. He may be a short, full of excitement attitude is respected and admiration from his classmates and teachers. But he isn't too worried. Soon school will be over and his life will be different forever. He won't have to listen to his girlfriend and her endless ideas on what to do, schoolwork will be nixed, and without a glitch his Senior year, Colt is skating through his serious year but he'd better be careful, things are about to be changed in his life, things that will challenge his crown as Computer King when two freshman nerds open a computer class that will make Highline High famous and challenge Colt's credibility. Add to this three women opens his eyes to the meaning of love. One will show him the meaning of hate. And, much to his surprise, Colt's hidden psychic powers will emerge when he least expects them to. Much happens within this book that certainly don't happen to the average high school senior that the average reader finds himself glued to the storyline line and in one way or another makes a connection to Colt and his life that they never thought possible.
I would definitely suggest this book for those who are looking for some excitement, interesting characters such as Colt and Colt's interesting computer life.

Susan P. "honest to a fault" (Iowa)

Colt O'Brien feels he knows all he needs to know about computers. Letting his senior year breeze by so he can fix and work on them, his grades are only average. Thinking his life is perfect, he's in for a nasty shock when his mother's friend seduces him with alcohol.
Around the same time, a couple of young computer geeks start up a club at his school where their goal is to become a Microsoft Certified System Engineer. Now, his principal informs him that his grades may not be good enough to get into college unless he can pass the Microsoft test. His only hope is to join the club.
When Colt meets the girl of his dreams, Amy, who brings out the best in him, everything starts to look better. His mom's twisted friend, though, doesn't like that he's dating someone and threatens to destroy his relationship and his chances at passing the test.
Can Colt overcome the odds stacked against him?
COLT O'BRIEN SEES THE LIGHT is quick, realistic fiction with well-developed characters. The author does a good job of setting up the obstacles, and the plot is complex but easy to follow. Readers who like realistic fiction dealing with relationships, computers, and life from the perspective of a guy will enjoy reading this book.
The story, however, does have some mature themes, so it would be best suited for high school-age readers and beyond.

Reviewed by: Kira M