It’s the week before my kids start school, and I’m a mess. My bookend boys are both off to new beginnings: my oldest at middle school and my youngest in kindergarten. I just haven’t felt compelled to write anything, even though I’ve read dozens books this summer. I’m hoping that after school starts, I’ll be able to concentrate on the blog again and post more regularly. Since I’ve been working with my Books editor at Common Sense to come up with my fall review slate, I’ve had “Reality Boy” by A.S. King on my mind.
“Reality Boy” by A.S. King
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2013 | Pages: 368 | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pre-order: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Indie Bound
Gerald Faust knows exactly when he started feeling angry: the day his mother invited a reality television crew into his five-year-old life. Twelve years later, he’s still haunted by his rage-filled youth—which the entire world got to watch from every imaginable angle—and his anger issues have resulted in violent outbursts, zero friends, and clueless adults dumping him in the special education room at school.
Nothing is ever going to change. No one cares that he’s tried to learn to control himself, and the girl he likes has no idea who he really is. Everyone’s just waiting for him to snap…and he’s starting to feel dangerously close to doing just that.
In this fearless portrayal of a boy on the edge, highly acclaimed Printz Honor author A.S. King explores the desperate reality of a former child “star” who finally breaks free of his anger by creating possibilities he never knew he deserved.
I’ll read anything A.S. King writes. I’ve read three of her books, and they’ve all been magnificent. King is one of those contemporary YA authors who is equally skilled with a male or female protagonist. She takes on tough issues and imbues her stories with a shot of magical realism that makes them unforgettable. I don’t know what she has in store for such a difficult main character (Gerald sounds like he’s incredibly messed up and lonely), but I know it will be good. And I’ll be reading it as soon as I can get my hands on ARC.
What are you waiting for this fall?
Thanks Breaking the Spine, for hosting Waiting On Wednesday.
I hear you! Just sent my eldest off to college–which is why I am awake at 4:45 in the AM. Youngest starts second grade next week. And I’m a big A. S. King fan as well. Looking forward to reading Reality Boy.
OMG, college? I can’t even think about that. My sister, who’s the other founder of the site, has a senior in high school, and that’s surreal too. I hope Reality Boy is as good as ASK’s other books!
Wow, this sounds really good. While I have all of King’s books on my TBR, I have yet to actually ready any of her books. Maybe it’s time to dive in.
Yeah they’re all good, very literary. Not just fluff, know what I mean?