Jonathan Friesen delivers a nuanced, critically acclaimed debut with this affecting tale of fathers and sons. High schooler Sam's struggle with Tourette's syndrome is made more difficult by Old Bill, his abusive stepfather who kicks Sam out of the home following graduation. When Sam meets a friend of his dead father, however, he begins a journey toward understanding that might also help him accept who he is. "The story is compelling . and the excitement of [Sam's] journey [keeps] readers turning the pages to see what's around the bend."-School Library Journal
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"I did like this novel, but it was different from how I thought it would be. I found this (excuse the pun) to be a jerky read. All the characters and emotions were fleeting and the way it was written was difficult to read. I liked the concept, but it could have been done better." — Morgan (4 out of 5 stars)
"I did like this novel, but it was different from how I thought it would be. I found this (excuse the pun) to be a jerky read. All the characters and emotions were fleeting and the way it was written was difficult to read. I liked the concept, but it could have been done better."
" I love this book it keeps you on the edge of your seat all of the time "
" Excellent way to see the world from the perspective of someone with Tourette syndrome. Quite a funny book with an involving storyline. The author has first-hand experience with the syndrome. "
" First person fiction narrative about a teen boy and his struggle with growing up with turrettes. Excellent characters, great plot development, some parts felt rushed, I guess I just wish it were longer. "
" Interesting story about a teen with tourettes syndrome. I thought the first half was interesting and engrossing. The second half showed a lot of promise but seemed to peter out. Still, worth reading. "
" More, much more, than just a "boy becomes a man" story - Sam/Jack's journey towards accepting his Tourette's and who he really is (NOT a retard, NOT a loser) is just wonderful. "
" This is by far one of my favorite books. It was amazing! "
" Great book. Loved the dialogue and getting into the head of a boy with Tourette's. I wish I could have liked Naomi more. She was hard to get to know. "
" What a good book! "
" Different perspectives are some of my favorite things to explore in others' work, and this book definitely fed that. Not to mention the beautiful heartlines. "
" Thank you Lizzie P for recommending this book. It was awesome. I loved the main character. The author used the voice of Sam to help the reader experience Tourette's syndrome. For me the book is a cross of "Marcel in the Real World" and "Walk Two Moons." "
" ilearned that it dosent matter who you are or how you act all it matter is that u reach for the star reach for your goal and dreams "
" I couldn't put it down. Loved that it wasd set in Minnesota and the characters had to work/struggle to figure things out. Great read. "
" Someone please make an indie film adaptation to this book yesterday. "
" I loved this book. The pain of a teen with Tourettes was amazingly real. I almost stopped reading it for this reason. But I'm so glad I didn't. "
" Ahh a personal favorite of mine! "
" This is my favorite book so far on the wanna be list. The way Sam's life (and name) changes after high school really makes you think. I love the "hidden garden" in the book too. "
" I did really enjoy this especially since the author has Tourettes and obviously can share his personal thoughts and experiences. I felt I wanted to know more sooner and then be able to get more depth into his experiences. "
" Love love love love lovvvveedd it! "
" Loved this book too! Super good meaning "
" Loved this book! It was written by someone with Tourette's and is based on his life. He came and talked to students at DGN. "
" So far this book has been slow. I really don't get what it's supposed to be about. I guess I just have to keep reading "
" I absolutely loved this book! It had a mix of personal struggle, love, and soul searching in it. "
Jonathan Friesen is an author, speaker, and youth writing coach from Mora, Minnesota. His first young adult novel, Jerk, California, received the ALA Schneider Award. When he’s not writing, speaking at schools, or teaching, Jonathan loves to travel and hang out with his wife and kids.
Andy Paris is an actor and writer. His audio narration have earned him the prestigious Audie Award, as well as AudioFile Earphones Awards. A member of the Tectonic Theater Project, he and others wrote The Laramie Project, which was nominated for an Emmy in 2002 and in which he played Stephen Belber. He has also appeared in Law & Order.
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