Ironman
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Health, Fitness & Dieting, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Health, Fitness & Dieting, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Paperback
Karen U. (editorgrrl) reviewed on + 255 more book reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Though the message embedded in this novel about a teenaged would-be triathlon champ "sometimes overwhelms the cast and the story line," said PW, "at its best, the narrative crackles along in the author's inimitable style." Ages 12-up.
From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up
Although slow to accept his placement in an anger-management class, triathlete Bo Brewster learns to control and develop his emotional strength. Powerful, perceptive, and wickedly funny.
From Booklist
Gr. 8-12
"Ironman" Beauregard Brewster yearns to excel in the upcoming Yukon Jack swimming-biking-running triathlon--"not your run of the mill rapid-stroll-through-hell event either." Seventeen-year-old Beau carries around quite a bit of attitude, however, and has just been suspended for a major run-in with his football coach and English teacher, Keith Redmond. In a series of unsent letters to TV and radio personality Larry King, the novel's main narrative device, Beau pours out his rage, his dreams, and his life story. We meet Beau's father, whose difficult relationship with his son bears strong resemblance to that between Redmond and Beau. Then there are the anger management group sessions at school that Beau has been ordered to attend. The wonderfully offbeat group members and their adult leader ultimately nurture Beau in believable fashion. Stotan! readers will recognize Lionel Serbousck, now a young--and, incidentally, gay--journalism teacher and important mentor. With its highly charged intensity channeled into riveting prose, an array of eccentric and strong characterizations, and dramatic plot climax (messagey conclusion notwithstanding), Ironman is a combination of the psychological and the sports novel at their best.
Though the message embedded in this novel about a teenaged would-be triathlon champ "sometimes overwhelms the cast and the story line," said PW, "at its best, the narrative crackles along in the author's inimitable style." Ages 12-up.
From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up
Although slow to accept his placement in an anger-management class, triathlete Bo Brewster learns to control and develop his emotional strength. Powerful, perceptive, and wickedly funny.
From Booklist
Gr. 8-12
"Ironman" Beauregard Brewster yearns to excel in the upcoming Yukon Jack swimming-biking-running triathlon--"not your run of the mill rapid-stroll-through-hell event either." Seventeen-year-old Beau carries around quite a bit of attitude, however, and has just been suspended for a major run-in with his football coach and English teacher, Keith Redmond. In a series of unsent letters to TV and radio personality Larry King, the novel's main narrative device, Beau pours out his rage, his dreams, and his life story. We meet Beau's father, whose difficult relationship with his son bears strong resemblance to that between Redmond and Beau. Then there are the anger management group sessions at school that Beau has been ordered to attend. The wonderfully offbeat group members and their adult leader ultimately nurture Beau in believable fashion. Stotan! readers will recognize Lionel Serbousck, now a young--and, incidentally, gay--journalism teacher and important mentor. With its highly charged intensity channeled into riveting prose, an array of eccentric and strong characterizations, and dramatic plot climax (messagey conclusion notwithstanding), Ironman is a combination of the psychological and the sports novel at their best.
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