King Dork

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Gregorio Roth, July 26, 2010 (view all comments by Gregorio Roth)
A teenage angster deals with high school: parental units, cliques, drugs, dorkometers, sex (the good and the ugly) and Rock and Roll. The teenager's dad has died of mysterious circumstances. He finds his dad's old books. The books offer clues. The clues are kind of a Hamlet like Ghost thing; helping him deal with high society in a strange teenage wasteland. The book offers insights on how music can be a powerful force in a youth's life. It shows how writing fan zines help a kid have a voice where his voice is powerless in a world not quite ready for his opinions.

I loved the relationships described in the book. One relationship that was developed very well was the main character and his step dad. The step dad is so out of touch, but he wants to be liked by his stepson. He ends up playing a role not suited for him the "adult teenager". Older guys looks so fake when they try to be hip.

The book is definitely from a different culture than the one down here in the bible belt. Psychology is the parent's religion. The parents often want to discuss feelings. And violence is frowned upon. Down here in 863 Christianity is the religion. The parents want to discuss the bible. And violence and hunting are things dad and sons do on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday Nights. (This is a generalization it does not imply that all are like this.)(Writer Resides in Lakeland Florida)

The book is a great examination of the idea of validation. We all want to be recognized, have some sort of power, and some control of our lives.



I am glad I picked up this book and gladly give it a big clucks up!

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Beezus, January 4, 2010 (view all comments by Beezus)
Don't be fooled by the "Young Adult" category. This was an EXCELLENT book for all ages. Exceptionally well-written, intelligent, funny, poignant, and one of those books you are loathe to finish, but the second you do you pass along to someone else. (In fact, I bought 6 copies as gifts it was that good!) This book will stand the test of time to become a classic. One of the BEST!

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marissa1118, January 1, 2010 (view all comments by marissa1118)
What an amazing book! It was funny and suspenseful and I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend this to all readers.

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Product Details

ISBN:

9780385734509

Author:

Portman, Frank

Publisher:

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers

Subject:

Boys / Men

Subject:

Social Issues - General

Subject:

Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories

Subject:

Mystery and detective stories

Subject:

High schools

Subject:

Identity

Subject:

Identity (psychology)

Subject:

Mysteries & Detective Stories

Subject:

Children s Young Adult-Social Issue Fiction-General

Subject:

Children s Young Adult-Social Issue Fiction

Copyright:

2008

Edition Description:

Trade paper

Publication Date:

20080231

Binding:

TRADE PAPER

Grade Level:

Young adult

Language:

English

Pages:

344

Dimensions:

7.89x5.48x.79 in. .59 lbs.

Age Level:

14-17