Go Ask Mom - Stories From The Upper Bunk (GP)
Go Ask Mom is a piece of writing that speaks to my inner fourth grader. I like the characters you've drawn (verbally) and the family dynamics, friendships and odd other characters fit well into the tales. Everywhere I lived growing up there was a "Mrs. Rickles" and the era of families working out their own problems is not the same as today, and that came across well with the kids with troubled dads. The subtle mix of horror and compassion and the almost neutral presentation of those details lets the actions speak for themselves without need of preaching. The focus of the narration has an elastic quality that to me is more interesting, and real, than the fixed focus in so many 'formula' books that get put out there on the market. As a person who thinks about writing it appears well-crafted and as a book seller, I would hand sell this, even if I did not already know how much enjoyment kids get from your other works. The drama is presented in the mix of the character 'did' and 'did not' see-it-coming, kind of like real life. The unexpected turns (to the main character) in situations gives another wonderful level of believability. Your theme of using a gift to overcome a weakness is there and well stated, but without beating me over the head. I love it, that I as the reader find out about Peters' life at the same time he does, which keeps it engaging. My inner fourth grader is looking forward to more. --Manager Mark at The Tattered Cover Bookstore --amazon.com review (original edition)A book the length that would normally take me about 2 weeks to read only took me less than 3 days! Just how things were worded and unexpected made my imagination think about it and kept me laughing! And I don't think I'll be very afraid of scary stories or anything anymore since I've never really paid attention to the patterns named in Go Ask Mom! I did not want to put this book down when I got it and I didn't really have to. But it wasn't one of those harder to read books. I would recommend this book to other people. --amazon.com review (original edition)I've been a long-time fan of Justin Matott's books, having read his children's fun-filled poetry books, his zany fractured Fairy Tales, and his thought-provoking adult novels. "Go Ask Mom" was a terrific read for me, as it took me back to fun and crazy things I did when I was growing up with my own buddies. Some of the stories of Gabriel Peters were so reminiscent that I found myself putting down the book just to reflect and remember what I had done growing up under similar circumstances. This book had me ride through a wide range of emotions - from feeling incredibly sorry and heart-broken for Gabriel as he was picked on by just about everyone you can imagine, to laughing out loud at the crazy pranks he's involved in, to cheering at the story's end for his ability to overcome problems and adversity. As you read this book, I'm sure you'll be able to relate to your own "Mean Mrs. Rickles," to brothers that could put you down while standing up for you when others picked on you, Dads that covered up for the stupid things you did, and how it felt as you tried to help a best friend that was seeing his family fall apart while all you wanted to do was keep the friendship you valued so much. This is a great read for young and old. It will take you back to the treasures of boyhood, while giving kids today inspiration that will carry them through the struggles of friendships, brotherhood, shortcomnings and coming of age. --amazon.com review (original edition)A book the length that would normally take me about 2 weeks to read only took me less than 3 days! Just how things were worded and unexpected made my imagination think about it and kept me laughing! And I don't think I'll be very afraid of scary stories or anything anymore since I've never really paid attention to the patterns named in Go Ask Mom! I did not want to put this book down when I got it and I didn't really have to. But it wasn't one of those harder to read books. I would recommend this book to other people. --amazon.com review (original edition)I've been a long-time fan of Justin Matott's books, having read his children's fun-filled poetry books, his zany fractured Fairy Tales, and his thought-provoking adult novels. "Go Ask Mom" was a terrific read for me, as it took me back to fun and crazy things I did when I was growing up with my own buddies. Some of the stories of Gabriel Peters were so reminiscent that I found myself putting down the book just to reflect and remember what I had done growing up under similar circumstances. This book had me ride through a wide range of emotions - from feeling incredibly sorry and heart-broken for Gabriel as he was picked on by just about everyone you can imagine, to laughing out loud at the crazy pranks he's involved in, to cheering at the story's end for his ability to overcome problems and adversity. As you read this book, I'm sure you'll be able to relate to your own "Mean Mrs. Rickles," to brothers that could put you down while standing up for you when others picked on you, Dads that covered up for the stupid things you did, and how it felt as you tried to help a best friend that was seeing his family fall apart while all you wanted to do was keep the friendship you valued so much. This is a great read for young and old. It will take you back to the treasures of boyhood, while giving kids today inspiration that will carry them through the struggles of friendships, brotherhood, shortcomnings and coming of age. --amazon.com review (original edition)