This book may be on the new BOB list, and I gave it a rating of four out of five. Troy is seventeen and weighs three-hundred pounds, and he's considering taking his own life by stepping in front of a subway train. Then, Curt enters his life. Curt is a legendary high school dropout who also happens to be a local legend in the punk rock scene. Curt informs Troy that he's going to be the drummer in his new punk band, even though Troy hasn't played since seventh grade and was terrible back then. Curt comes and goes throughout the book like a dirty, skinny, drugged-up whirlwind. Troy starts to find hope in his own life, but he worries about Curt. Troy's life may be saved, but will it cost Curt his own?First off, the book has a great deal of profanity. It fits the culture of the characters, but it may offend some readers. Curt is a very interesting, complex character who manages to inspire Troy even as his own life seems a mess. Curt has a simple outlook about life and a gift for playing the guitar. However, he's irresponsible and frequently disappoints Troy. I enjoyed how Troy persevered and gained confidence, but the plot carried him through many highs and lows.
May be BOB, but I'm not buying it because of the profanity. Really, really wonder about the people who choose the books FOR 6th GRADERS to read. SIgh.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. The profanity fits the situation, but I don't know why the book was chosen for sixth and seventh graders. I'm trying to contact the organizers to have them reconsider. I doubt that most of the people who approved the book for the competition have read it.
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