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Title: Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going, Matthew Lillard ISBN: 0-8072-1694-1 Publisher: Listening Library Pub. Date: 24 June, 2003 Format: Audio Cassette Volumes: 4 List Price(USD): $26.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.47 (15 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Going ... Going ... Gone!!
Comment: "I'm ready to give him full credit and be on my way, mosey along to contemplate some new nonfunny form of suicide (FAT KID GETS HIT BY A BUS?), but the blond ferret stands up and extends a grimy hand.
"Curt MacCrae," he says. That's when I just about piss my pants.
Curt MacCrae is a legend at W.T. Watson High School. He's the only truly homeless, sometimes student, sometimes dropout, punk rock, artist god among us."
K.L. Going's Fat Kid Rules the World is an engaging, page-turning read from a new author on the Young Adult scene. Troy Billings (a.k.a. the Fat Kid) is 6' 1", weighs 300 pounds, and spends most of his waking hours trying to determine how to end what he sees as his useless life. The novel begins with Troy contemplating sucide in a Manhattan subway station, only to be interrupted by Curt MacCrae and presented with Curt's vision for Troy's future: "Big T" will become the drummer in Curt's punk rock band, Rage/Tectonic. The catch? Troy can't play the drums to save his life, but, to Curt, that's no big deal.
Over the course of 183 pages (Hardcover Edition), Going takes a deep look at the impact of life, death, obesity, family dysfunction, drug abuse, and the love of music on two high school seniors. The narrative moves along quickly, with some chapters as short as two or three paragraphs. Going's characters are multi-dimensional -- both flawed and passionate -- lending a strong, realistic tone to the story. The interactions between Troy; Curt; Troy's younger brother, Dayle; Troy's father (an ex-Marine now working as a security consultant); and Curt's mother and stepfather are eerily true to life for many young adults who have lost parents or come from broken homes.
Fat Kid is definitely a Young Adult novel, suited for readers aged 15 and above. Parents who monitor their children's reading tastes should be aware that Going's language reflects High School in the 21st Century, with somewhat liberal usage of cursing, not-so-vague descriptions of sexual situations, a quick (and needless) swipe at "born-again Christians," and a very true to life picturization of the punk rock scene. Fat Kid also deals with drug abuse (including prescription and OTC medicines), loss of a parent, and homelessness. Language and sexuality aside, Going has crafted a marvelous debut novel that should spark intense discussions among teens, their peers, and (hopefully) parents about self-image, self-acceptance, health and well-being, and family dynamics.
Highly recommended.
Rating: 5
Summary: Fat Kid Rules!
Comment: This is an impressive debut novel from author, K. L. Going. Curt and Troy (aka Fat Kid) have formed an unlikely partnership to start a new punk rock band. Curt is already a legend and inexplicably has chosen Troy to be his new drummer. Curt's decision seems odd considering the fact that Troy doesn't know how to play drums and is consumed with self loathing over his obesity. But Curt keeps the faith, even after a memorable debut performance during which Troy vomits profusely over his drum set. But Troy isn't the only one consumed with fear. Curt is homeless and barely surviving living on the street, but he refuses to allow anyone to help him for long. Curt and Troy are both on a journey to learn how to conquer their inner demons. This is a story about faith, family, and conquering the fear that paralyzes you from accomplishing your dreams.
Rating: 5
Summary: Going's Novel Rules the World
Comment: The book hooked me. Somehow, I came to care deeply about a punker drug addict and an obese(...). Even the more minor characters-- a football jock with an attitude and a gung ho marine dad-- were drawn so well that they totally grew on me. The author's great descriptions made me feel a part of their punk-rock world. I kept turning the pages to see how things would turn out for these characters I grew so fond of, and read the entire book in 2 days. A terrific debut novel. I can't wait for Going's next one.
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Title: The First Part Last by Angela Johnson ISBN: 0689849222 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Pub. Date: 01 June, 2003 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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Title: A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly ISBN: 0152167056 Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books Pub. Date: 01 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $17.00 |
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Title: The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler ISBN: 0763619582 Publisher: Candlewick Press Pub. Date: August, 2003 List Price(USD): $15.99 |
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Title: Keesha's House by Helen Frost ISBN: 0374340641 Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux Pub. Date: 02 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
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Title: Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes ISBN: 0060535431 Publisher: Greenwillow Pub. Date: 12 August, 2003 List Price(USD): $15.99 |
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