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Bucking the Sarge Audiobook
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(3.03) - 794 listener ratings
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Luther T. Farrell has got to get out of Flint, Michigan. As his best friend Sparky says, “Flint’s nothing but the Titanic.” And his mother, a.k.a. the Sarge, says, “Take my advice and stay off the sucker path.” The Sarge milked the system to build an empire of slum housing and group homes. Luther’s just one of the many people trapped in the Sarge’s Evil Empire—but he’s about to bust out. If Luther wins the science fair this year, he’ll be on track for college and a future as America’s best-known and best-loved philosopher. All he’s got to do is beat his arch rival Shayla Patrick, the beautiful daughter of Flint’s finest undertaker—and the love of Luther’s life. Sparky’s escape plans involve a pit bull named Poofy and the world’s scariest rat. Oh, and Luther. Add to the mix Chester X., Luther’s mysterious roommate; Dontay Gaddy, a lawyer whose phone number is 1-800-SUE’M ALL; and Darnell Dixon, the Sarge’s go-to guy who knows how to break all the rules. Bucking the Sarge is a story that only Christopher Paul Curtis could tell. Once again the Newbery Award–winning author of Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 gives us a whole new angle on life and a world full of unforgettable and hilarious characters. Readers will root for Luther and Sparky every step of the way. Praise for The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963: “An exceptional first novel.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred “Ribald humor . . . and a totally believable child’s view of the world will make this book an instant hit.”—School Library Journal, Starred Praise for Bud, Not Buddy: “Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud.” —School Library Journal, Starred
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"Luther, a motivated student who works for his slumlord mother, attempts to help those under her rule while breaking free of it himself. Although this is a book for teens, Curtis does more to expose the corruption in Flint that Michael Moore has in any of his films."
— Stacy (5 out of 5 stars)
Bucking the Sarge Listener Reviews
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Delani Murray, 3/9/2023
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" I gave this 4 stars for making me lol - the protagonist has the sense of humor of a survivor! "
— Rhonda, 2/3/2014 -
" Funny, funny, funny. This book really made me laugh. "
— AnnaBnana, 2/2/2014 -
" Social justice in a hilarious, unexpected way. This is a great book by a great author. "
— Whitney, 1/31/2014 -
" More modern than Bud, Not Buddy. Sometimes a child will see a parent as a person apart from being "Mom" or "Dad" and be disappointed. In this novel a son has to decide if what he knows is right is more important than his loyalty to his mother. Christopher Paul Curtis is great at writing realistic characters. I left this book wanting to send the boy money for college! "
— Dana, 1/25/2014 -
" I pretty much love anything that Christoher Paul Curtis does! Funny! "
— Trish, 1/21/2014 -
" Super light-hearted and laugh out loud funny at time but not shallow. "
— Miriam, 1/20/2014 -
" I usually love Christopher Paul Curtis' work; however, I didnt' enjoy this book. Didn't like the Sarge and didn't care for her child's actions. I look forward to more impressive work. "
— Shaundell, 1/16/2014 -
" I didn't like the title until I learned that the Sarge is the kid's mother. this is a really original story line and it is so satisfying to see how it turns out. A very good story and it's not about white guys like so many others. "
— Tim, 12/25/2013 -
" After learning that his mother, the Sarge, has made money from shady transactions, Luther has to decide by which philosophy he will live his life. "
— Elyse83, 12/5/2013 -
" Although I own the print edition of this book, I got the audio version from the library and really enjoyed it. The narrator has a perfectly understated voice for the main character. Highly recommended. "
— LauraW, 12/5/2013 -
" Funny and very real. Loved it! "
— Marian, 3/2/2013 -
" I was excited to read it as the story sounded interesting but in general it was a very slow read. The only 2 parts about it I can remember to this day are when he breaks a block of somehting to sue taco bell and when he screws over his mom "
— Emile, 9/4/2012 -
" I love this author! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - very humorous and I loved the characters. "
— Kristina, 2/18/2012 -
" wickedly funny!! the offbeat humor and shenanigans of Luther T. Farrell and his best friend Sparky will probably make you laugh out loud. the story focuses on Luther's plans to escape Flint, MI and his mom who he calls the Sarge. "
— Nicole, 11/16/2011 -
" So full of life. I love how this reads. "
— Jessicat, 10/17/2011 -
" An interesting story about the life of a black, inner-city youth living in Flint, Michigan. The first-person narration is brilliant and the characters intriguing. "
— Becky, 9/28/2011 -
" enjoying the YA audio book...the reader is awesome and really brings this story to life. Probably not always appropriate when the 'under teen' set is around...main character is a 15 year old 'philosopher' guy in Flint, MI...mom is essentially a slum lord. "
— Debbie, 9/4/2011 -
" Funny, but not my favorite Curtis title. His first YA novel, and I hope he writes more. "
— elissa, 8/15/2011 -
" My second time reading this one. very funny. "
— Kelly, 4/20/2011 -
" This went from being a "just ok" book to making me cheer and imagine Luther doing the mark of Zorro. Awesome. "
— Heather, 3/13/2011 -
" Luther is 15. Hhe works for his mother "the Sarge" as a group home leader. This story takes place in Flint, MI, Luther is controlled by his mother and her business of schemes & ripoff's. Until he is pushed to the edge and "Buck the Sarge" "
— Vicki, 2/14/2011 -
" I love Christopher Paul Curtis anyway and it was great to "hear" (I listened to it) a Teen offering. "
— Kimmie, 1/24/2011 -
" Bucking The Sarge was a book that I found hard to fully understand. The plot was good, the themes were cool but I just didn't click with the book as much as I could. "
— Imani, 1/19/2011 -
" I love Christopher Paul Curtis. Also, this audiobook is read by one of my favorite characters from Spin City. "
— Laura, 8/2/2010 -
" Well written, but drags sometimes... I would be curious to see how my students enjoy it. I know Janet Allen loves to use it a novel to teach in class. "
— Mrs., 6/18/2010 -
" enjoying the YA audio book...the reader is awesome and really brings this story to life. Probably not always appropriate when the 'under teen' set is around...main character is a 15 year old 'philosopher' guy in Flint, MI...mom is essentially a slum lord. "
— Debbie, 5/12/2010
About Christopher Paul Curtis
Christopher Paul Curtis made an outstanding debut in children’s literature with The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963. His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award.
About Michael Boatman
Michael Boatman is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and twice winner of the prestigious Audie Award for narration. He is a versatile television, film, and stage actor whose work on the hit TV show Spin City garnered him a GLAAD Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and nominations for two NAACP Image Awards. For his work playing Stanley Babson on the long-running HBO series ARLI$$, he was nominated five times for the Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.