Hey, guys!
Maybe some of you have been playing a musical instrument since before you could even walk (overachievers), but the only instrument that I've been able to somewhat master is the recorder. And I hate the recorder.
Well, tell you what. Troy from Fat Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going is just as musically inept as I was in high school, and yet he ends up playing the drums. Quite a change, huh? Maybe I should explain what happens in between.
So, Troy is an obese high school student. Sometimes he feels like he should eat less and exercise more, but it's something he's been doing since his mom died. You can't help but feel bad for Troy.
And having a military father with high standards, a snotty little brother who used to idolize the big brother whom he now looks down on, and being constantly picked on by peers about his weight doesn't exactly increase his self-esteem.
And there is poor Troy, waiting at the station and totally committed to leaping in front and ending his life. He is contemplating his gruesome end when a homeless drug addict and former classmate sits next to Troy and totally saves his life.
Now, I don't mean that he rushes towards Troy (in slow motion, no less) and pushes him out of the path of the train in a dramatic and heroic fashion. No. I mean that Curt (the homeless guy) talks him out of it. Does Curt do so in a heartfelt and compassionate manner. No, no, no. That is not how Curt rolls.
Even though Curt could have been less of a douche about it and demanded that Troy buy him lunch afterwards, he still saved Troy's life. And that most definitely counts for something.
So where do they go from there? Well, Troy buys Curt lunch, Curt eats like it's his last meal (because who knows - he's homeless and poor), and Curt convinces Troy to take up an instrument. Because Curt is no ordinary homeless guy; he's a legend at his former high school.
The legend? He's the amazing lead guitarist in Troy's favorite band. And guess what? They need a drummer.
And there you have it. And don't get me wrong, it's not like sitting behind the drum set and holding those drumsticks unlocked something inside of Troy that made him play as though he were born to play the drums. He sucks. He really sucks on his first go, but who doesn't?
So he practices every chance he gets, despite his dad's disapproval and his brother's mockery. And he's almost given up a few times. But eventually, Troy focuses more on his drumming and a little less on eating and feeling sorry for himself.
Awesome book overall. I recommend it for high school students as well as above and beyond the high school crowd. And it's not just for musicians, druggies, homeless people, and those suffering from obesity or low self-esteem. I am none of the above, and I really enjoyed it.
When it comes right down to it, this is a book for people who do fit into those categories and for people who want to see the world from someone else's perspective. This book is perfect for learning tolerance and acceptance of others. Just saying.
Anyway, definitely give the book a try and check back for more reviews and writing exercises. Until next time, guys.
Happy reading!!
Maybe some of you have been playing a musical instrument since before you could even walk (overachievers), but the only instrument that I've been able to somewhat master is the recorder. And I hate the recorder.
Well, tell you what. Troy from Fat Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going is just as musically inept as I was in high school, and yet he ends up playing the drums. Quite a change, huh? Maybe I should explain what happens in between.
So, Troy is an obese high school student. Sometimes he feels like he should eat less and exercise more, but it's something he's been doing since his mom died. You can't help but feel bad for Troy.
And having a military father with high standards, a snotty little brother who used to idolize the big brother whom he now looks down on, and being constantly picked on by peers about his weight doesn't exactly increase his self-esteem.
And there is poor Troy, waiting at the station and totally committed to leaping in front and ending his life. He is contemplating his gruesome end when a homeless drug addict and former classmate sits next to Troy and totally saves his life.
Now, I don't mean that he rushes towards Troy (in slow motion, no less) and pushes him out of the path of the train in a dramatic and heroic fashion. No. I mean that Curt (the homeless guy) talks him out of it. Does Curt do so in a heartfelt and compassionate manner. No, no, no. That is not how Curt rolls.
Even though Curt could have been less of a douche about it and demanded that Troy buy him lunch afterwards, he still saved Troy's life. And that most definitely counts for something.
So where do they go from there? Well, Troy buys Curt lunch, Curt eats like it's his last meal (because who knows - he's homeless and poor), and Curt convinces Troy to take up an instrument. Because Curt is no ordinary homeless guy; he's a legend at his former high school.
The legend? He's the amazing lead guitarist in Troy's favorite band. And guess what? They need a drummer.
And there you have it. And don't get me wrong, it's not like sitting behind the drum set and holding those drumsticks unlocked something inside of Troy that made him play as though he were born to play the drums. He sucks. He really sucks on his first go, but who doesn't?
So he practices every chance he gets, despite his dad's disapproval and his brother's mockery. And he's almost given up a few times. But eventually, Troy focuses more on his drumming and a little less on eating and feeling sorry for himself.
Awesome book overall. I recommend it for high school students as well as above and beyond the high school crowd. And it's not just for musicians, druggies, homeless people, and those suffering from obesity or low self-esteem. I am none of the above, and I really enjoyed it.
When it comes right down to it, this is a book for people who do fit into those categories and for people who want to see the world from someone else's perspective. This book is perfect for learning tolerance and acceptance of others. Just saying.
Anyway, definitely give the book a try and check back for more reviews and writing exercises. Until next time, guys.
Happy reading!!
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