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More copies of this ISBN:Hugeby James W. Fuerst
Staff Pick
This is a true gem of a comic novel. Pick it up, read the first few pages, and you’ll be pleasantly hooked into the hilarious world of "Huge" Smalls, a tough-talking 12-year-old who, in great Sam Spade speak, describes himself as "meaner than a short order cook and more tarnished than all the girls in Catholic school." His coming-of-age story is funny, tender, and highly entertaining. Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Life hasn't been easy for 12-year-old Eugene "Huge" Smalls, amateur sleuth, devotee of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, and the smallest, meanest, angriest kid in the whole sixth grade. Sure, Huge's IQ is off the charts, but that doesn't help much when you're growing up in the 1980s in a dreary New Jersey town where your bad reputation precedes you, the public school system's written you off as a lost cause, your only friend isn't allowed to talk to you anymore, and even your own family seems out to get you. And in two short weeks, when the long, baking Jersey summer comes to an end, the hell of junior high awaits. But it's not all bad. Huge has just been hired to work his first real case, and his quest to solve it will change everything for him. Because before he's through, he'll confront the town bullies, have a close brush with a femme fatale, learn a thing or two about guilt and revenge, and perhaps figure out that he's not as alone as he thinks. Most important, he'll realize that his fantasy life will only take him so far-and that maybe the world isn't always like a Raymond Chandler novel. Review:"In his mind's eye, precocious 12-year-old Eugene 'Huge' Smalls, the narrator of Fuerst's quirky debut, is the lineal descendant of Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade and other pulp detectives he admires. When the nursing home where his beloved grandmother stays is vandalized, Huge sees a chance to follow in their footsteps by solving the crime. What follows is a picaresque romp around suburban New Jersey as Huge misreads clues, misinterprets motives and mistakes mundane incidents for diabolical schemes as only an inexperienced adolescent with a restless imagination can. Largely plotless, this coming-of-age story is full of awkward digressions. Still, Fuerst demonstrates a sensitive ear for contemporary teen talk, delicacy at handling the amusingly contentious relationship between Huge and his older sister and mom, and skill at conveying a child's-eye view of the world that is full of nostalgia, humor, candor and emotions that all readers can relate to. (July)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Review:"Eugene — "call me 'Huge,' not 'Genie" — Smalls is the hardboiled narrator of this funny, delightfully quirky novel. Fuerst's style is priceless, and he hits all the noir notes perfectly." Author Magazine Review:"A coming-of-age tour de force...Huge will occupy a, yes, huge place in readers' affections and memories." Booklist (starred review) About the AuthorJames W. Fuerst spent his teenage years in New Jersey and now lives in Brooklyn. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University and holds an M.F.A from The New School. Huge is his first novel. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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