What We’re Reading

King Dork | Frank Portman

Rating:

Tom Henderson’s life is full of unusual trials, chief among them, perhaps, being the unfortunate nickname thrust upon him in seventh grade. As if it weren’t bad enough that he’s a geek, and has only one real friend, and that’s only really because of the alphabet.

His father died when he was young, his mother is in a constant self-induced state of unawareness, his step-father tried too hard, and his sister seems to have alternate personalities. School is even worse.

After the accidental pummeling of one of his chief tormentors, he gets a small boost in reputation, but it doesn’t last. Girls? Well, after his one incredible experience at a party, all he’s left with is someone who seems not to exist. His life becomes all about mysteries and riddles.

While searching for a book in his basement, he stumbles upon what he comes to call the CEH library–books owned and read by his father throughout the sixties. Mystery number 1: What really happened to him?

But this isn’t enough to hold Tom over…he can’t stop obsessing over his mystery girl either. Mystery number 2: Who was she and where is she now?

Amidst all the questions is the constant renaming of his band with his alphabetical friend, Sam Hellerman. Both having received instruments as early Christmas presents, they even get to start trying to play as a band…though it proves much more difficult than either was expecting. They get incredible points for creativity, however.

Lost in a whirlwind of questions, and seemingly alone in a world of Catcher Cult members, just where will our King Dork end up?

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