I read this book based on the rave reviews its getting (many "top books of 2010" lists). I didn't NOT like it, but I also didn't find it was a "best"... but I can't stop thinking about the characters. Obviously, attachment is there -- the writing is really really interesting.

There are many points that the author seems to make with this story: Hypocrisy runs rampant among positions of supposed "caring" (school teacher, principal, priest); It's painful to be a teen; It's painful to be an adult; Adults in pain hurt teens in pain...on and on. The book is definitely thought provoking. And I love the banter between the teenage boys -- so funny. This author has a knack for making the reader feel for each character, for making the reader feel the feelings of the character even when said character doesn't understand his own feelings.

It's hard to put this book in a tidy nutshell of a review because it's just too broad of a story. It's a story about people, situations, life, progress, sacrifices, sin, science, lighting farts on fire, talking to the dead, and so on and so on....

Interesting to say the very least.

Share/Like this Review?

This book is marvelous! The author is clearly one who understands people. He tells the tragic story with warmth, compassion and humor. My description above does not do this book justice. Read it. There's much to learn.

Share/Like this Review?

SKIPPY DIES was a mixed bag for me. Pros: The author does a great job of authentically voicing so many characters, from teenaged boys to frustrated adults. There are funny sections, like the mayhem at the Halloween Hop, any interchange with acting principal Greg Costigan, and the Christmas concert. Cons: The novel is too ambitious. There are too many minor characters that distract from, rather than add to, the story. And each main character, like teacher Howard, has too many story lines--his past at the school, his infatuation with another teacher, his current girlfriend, his attempt to teach the students about world War I, etc. At more than 650 pages, SKIPPY DIES felt like a chore to get through. A more streamlined story would have been more effective.

Share/Like this Review?