The first chapter was the hardest chapter to read. Not because it wasn't exciting, hilarious and well-written. Not at all. On the contrary, I felt kind of guilty reading it and wondering how on earth was I going to be able to recommend it to my patrons. And here's why ...
Sixteen-year-old Alex admits that looking back on the situation, what he did was exceptionally stupid, but in the moment, he actually thought his idea was brilliant. Right up there with Einstein and the Theory of Relativity. His mom is out on her first date since his dad ditched them. Alex wants revenge and decides to confront his dad, hoping to catch him with his girlfriend, Alex's third grade teacher. Needing some extra courage, Alex decides to drink A LOT of vodka before hopping into his mom's car. He winds up in a neighbor's yard. He has decapitated her garden gnome.
Now here is why I will recommend it anyway. Alex is appropriately punished. He is arrested. He must appear before a judge in court that will result in a plea bargain. Alex will have to wait a long time before he is allowed to get his license. He is on probation in the meantime. He has to pay an obscene amount of money to replace the gnome and will earn the money by serving 100 community service hours chosen by his mother and approved by the judge. And he will have to be humilated at school for his stupidity.
More reason to read ... His community service hours require him to befriend a grumpy old man, Solomon Lewis, in an assisted living facility. Alex is on the receiving end of a whole lot of Yiddish not to mention the pranks always followed by a "Gotcha!" By the end of the book, it is apparent that they were paired on purpose and for a good reason.
If you liked Drums at all for the musical talent, you won't be disappointed here. I could "hear" the music that Sonnenblick described. I could "feel" the rhythms he wanted to convey. Alex is musically inclined although not the "prodigy" of Drums' Steven. Alex plays electric guitar. He struggles, but he works hard. Eventually sharing his jazz music with the Grump only to find that the Grump can give him lessons.
There are so many great things about this book and Ilove the way it wraps up. It comes full circle and it leaves you satisfied because each character has an opportunity to grow and each has the opportunity to give wisdom and insight. It's also a book about love and forgiveness. That is why it pains me to point out the possible deal-breakers. And I've got another ...
Alex's best friend is a "spitfire," a girl, a karate expert, with her own broken home. They are so close that they have slumber parties together ... hmmmm. Even at 16, she spends the night, and his parents don't think anything of it. Alex is starting to realize that maybe he would rather her be his girlfriend. Sol, upon meeting her, calls her "Alex's wife." And Alex has learned to trust Sol's wisdom.
At the moment, this novel is only available in Young Adult. This is due to a budget freeze and not its content. Hopefully, after the start of the new fiscal year, it will be found on our "Caudill Column."
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