GreenGuy and I recently read the YA book Dunk, by David Lubar. We both loved it!
Here's his review:
The YA book, Dunk, by David Lubar, is entertaining throughout the story. Chad, a tenth grader, lives with his mother on the Jersey shore. His father left when he was young. Chad's mother has to rent out the top of their house to make money. His mom works very hard as a waitress because they don't have much money; so since it is summer vacation, Chad is alone at home. Most of the time he hangs out with his best friend Jason, a huge athlete and health fanatic, and friends Corey, Ellie, and Mike on the boardwalk.
The boardwalk has many stores and attractions. Chad loves the dunk tank. He wants to be a Bozo. He loves how the Bozos insult people to get them to try to dunk him. There is one really amazing Bozo who Chad wants to be just like. One day, when that Bozo walks by him, Chad realizes something. It is the man who his mom just rented part of their house to. You see, the two did not exactly get off to a great start. You'll have to read this book to see why, and what happens between Chad, the Bozo, and everyone else.
Trust me, this book gets better and better with every turn of the page. I read it all in one day, and I could not put it down. I would only recommend this book to people twelve and older, because some material would not suit younger children.
Here are some of my thoughts:
GreenGuy selected this book on his own. I was skeptical about the whole "Bozo" and dunk tank theme at first. Since he's on the young side for YA books, and the subject matter seemed a little bit "iffy," I read it (on my own) as well. Well, I was hooked after I read the first page.
There is something fascinating and mysterious about clowns, and Malcolm (the Bozo in the dunk tank) draws a crowd with his insults. No one who passes the dunk tank is safe from potential embarrassment, but you soon learn that there is a line that the Bozo won't cross.
Chad becomes fascinated with learning the art of acting like a Bozo; but it isn't until his best friend is hospitalized (Jason is diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder) that he discovers, through Malcolm, that there is great healing power in laughter.
There are some other serious issues going on throughout this powerful book. You should know that there are some references to drug use; but the main characters clearly look down on it, and steer clear of those who may be involved with it. In addition, there are family problems that come up throughout the book. For example, Chad's single mom works so hard that she has little time to spend with him. You also learn that Malcolm lost his family in a tragic accident. However, the author finds a unique way to draw your attention to the positive side of any given situation.
Here are just a few of the positive messages that I came away with after reading this book:
- Everyone faces challenges in life, and times when they want to just give up. No matter what happens, it's important to pick yourself up and keep going.
- Even people who seem to "have it all" experience hard times. Life can change in an instant for any one of us. It's how we learn from and react to that change that matters.
- Quitting can become a habit if you let it. It's up to you not to let that happen.
- Never underestimate the power of friendship and laughter.
GreenGuy and I really enjoyed reading Dunk. It is a book of hope and inspiration, and one that teenagers and adults can enjoy and learn from together. Books like this one remind me that parents can never be too old to share books with their children.
Have you read any YA books along with your child lately?
