Fiction of the Week for August 17: Jerk, California
I run for a number of reasons: fitness, health, the fresh air in High Park and beside the lake. It also helps to clear my mind, and to put focus in my life. Sam Carrier also runs for a variety of reasons: to avoid his abusive stepfather, to manage his anger, but most of all he does it to feel like he's in control of his body. Why? You'd probably do something similar if you were called Twitch, Freak, or Jerk by most of your peers.
And then one day he happens to meet his dream girl Naomi. Or is she? So, in the fine tradition of a good road trip story, after finishing high school he goes on an adventure to uncover the mystery of his absent father. And to discover more about himself, of course, that's a given. Anyways, I'm always a sucker for road trips, and although this one meanders a bit, that's half the charm.
See the book trailer @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-U6R990YiU
Brian also bicycles to work at Oakwood Village Library & Arts Centre. That hill at Davenport is a killer.
I read the book and the beginning was so sad but when I continued to read the book I got more and more interesting. I love how Sam controlled himself when the going got tough and I enjoyed his road trip adventure even more. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read it.
Posted by: Fatima A. | August 21, 2009 at 01:26 PM
lol, i have this book on my bookmark....
it sounds reaaally gooood!!!!
Posted by: Tasfia | August 21, 2009 at 01:46 PM
I'll read it. Thanks.
Posted by: Shel | August 21, 2009 at 02:20 PM
i'll try to read it
Posted by: Jenny Chau | August 21, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Im a runner too. This book sounds really interesting.
Posted by: David | August 21, 2009 at 03:25 PM
Anyone who runs, AND plays soccer, AND reads, AND is on Word Out! is OK by me. Welcome to the club, David.
Posted by: Brian the Library Guy | August 21, 2009 at 03:31 PM
this book sonds realy awsome i have to read it
Posted by: sumaya | August 21, 2009 at 05:01 PM
Yeah.Soccer,running and books are the best things in life. I like all sports though but those are the ones Im best at.
Posted by: David | August 21, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Sounds Really Cool!!!
Really WANt to read this =)
Posted by: Sakshi | August 21, 2009 at 10:04 PM
This book trailer looks exciting!
Posted by: Kiu | August 22, 2009 at 12:57 AM
I finished reading this book awhile ago. When I got it out, before I even cracked the cover it was my favorite book. Why? Because it's orange! As I read this book I became entranced by the charecters and the story. I loved this book and it was one of the best I read all summer!
Posted by: Jeanette | August 22, 2009 at 08:04 AM
I would love to read it... i read a little paragraph about it on one of the bookmarks u get from the library...it was on one of them...i am already really excited to read it because of the description....
Posted by: Gurkiran | August 22, 2009 at 10:12 AM
i've also noticed lots of featured books on the bookmarks, but there aren't many bookmarks left at the branches I've visited so I have to copy the titles down. Plus ppl put holds on the books or check them out and stuff.
Posted by: Sue | August 22, 2009 at 03:27 PM
I still got some bookmarks here at North York Central Library. Hope it's not too far for you to travel to. Here is a link with directions:
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/hou_az_nycl.jsp#directions
Cheers!
Posted by: Elsa | August 22, 2009 at 03:46 PM
i havent read this book yet. but i want to
it sounds real interesting. i mean not being able to control your body. i read my sisters keeper nd it was also about people who couldnt control their bodies. but anna, coudlnt control her body in a different way. her sister kate is sick with cancer nd anna was gentically born to save her sisteres life. she was always donating stuff to kate nd then she got tired of it. she hires a lawyer nd sues her parents for the rights of her body. the lawyer onlky agrees to help because he has a problem which means he cant control his body's actions either. it has a twisted nd ironic ending tht i loved!
totally recommend it
Posted by: Marzia. R. | August 22, 2009 at 04:23 PM
I like the Youtube link thats with the explanation of the book. I've put this book on hold i can't wait to get it.
Posted by: Edward | August 22, 2009 at 04:53 PM
cool book, I should check it out
Posted by: Anusan | August 23, 2009 at 04:04 PM
this was an awesome book. i liked how the story developed and the ending
Posted by: Linda | August 23, 2009 at 08:42 PM
THis sounds like such a good book. Aw, I hope him and Naomi fall in love, it's be sooo sweet. I'm a hopeless romantic, so....but that's not really realistic, is it? Nah, Naomi will probably turn out to be someone completely different from who he thought she was (at least that's what I'm led to belive by the following statement "Or is she?"). Either way, I am definetly reading this book!
Posted by: Lola | August 24, 2009 at 05:58 PM
I read this book....its just toooooo good.
Posted by: Devi | August 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM