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Spud: Exit, Pursued by a Bear (Spud #4)
After an unexpected and diabolical farewell breakfast conversation with his father, Spud Milton returns to boarding school for his 1993 Matric year, his last as a schoolboy. Armed with a prefects’ tie and a raging libido, Spud soon discovers that being a large(ish) fish in a small pond has its fair share of challenges.
He finds himself embroiled in fighting for his own roo...more
He finds himself embroiled in fighting for his own roo...more
Paperback, 416 pages
Published
August 4th 2012
by Penguin Books
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As I also matriculated in 1993, this was a wonderful trip down memory lane. A bit of a slow start, but a brilliant ending to a stunning series. I thought the author did really well maturing everyone's voices whilst keeping them in character. I look forward to reading more from him
Oh these fictional characters, they just grow up too fast *dabs eyes*
I think I may have figured out why the Spud series has been so successful. As a South African I feel like I’ve encountered most of the characters from this series in my daily life.
After I read the first book I spotted Spud, The Madness Continues at my local second hand book shop (which I visit almost every Saturday). I loved it as much as the first book and thought it was only right that I give the third book a read. I asked th...more
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The end of a series and the end of an era for me.
As a South African I feel it imperative to say upfront that I do not really support our own artists and authors. Painters, I love, we can capture feeling on canvass like few others. Writing, in my opinion, at least until a few years back, struggled. We tend to overdo things, go emo in 3 seconds. Then I read my first Spud novel.
I was shocked. Here I found a novel that kept me captive, up late at night and making past-midnight hour calls to friend...more
As a South African I feel it imperative to say upfront that I do not really support our own artists and authors. Painters, I love, we can capture feeling on canvass like few others. Writing, in my opinion, at least until a few years back, struggled. We tend to overdo things, go emo in 3 seconds. Then I read my first Spud novel.
I was shocked. Here I found a novel that kept me captive, up late at night and making past-midnight hour calls to friend...more
3 likes · like · see review
Review from my blog: The Word Fiend
Rating: 10
John van de Ruit's Spud books are a publishing phenomenon in South Africa. My theory is that a large part of their appeal is the fact that van de Ruit has managed to make the reader feel that they are part of the story. We've followed John “Spud” Milton through his last three years of boarding school – cheered at his successes, cringed at his family's madcap antics and followed his less-than-simple love life. And now with Spud – Exit, Pursued by a Bea...more
Rating: 10
John van de Ruit's Spud books are a publishing phenomenon in South Africa. My theory is that a large part of their appeal is the fact that van de Ruit has managed to make the reader feel that they are part of the story. We've followed John “Spud” Milton through his last three years of boarding school – cheered at his successes, cringed at his family's madcap antics and followed his less-than-simple love life. And now with Spud – Exit, Pursued by a Bea...more
With great sadness, I have finished the 4th and final book in John van de Ruit's "Spud" series, "Exit, Pursued By A Bear". This South African author has had huge success with this series which is based on his years at Michaelhouse, a beautiful old private boarding school in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands - the first book was made into a movie starring John Cleese as "The Guv" but I didn't really enjoy the movie much. The books are written in the form of the diary of John "Spud" Milton and really ca...more
While schoolboy antics might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the doings of John “Spud” Milton, or Spud, as he’s affectionately become known, have found a way to creep into many readers’ hearts. Mine included. Book four brings the series to a close, and rightfully so, on a high note.
John van de Ruit’s writing offered numerous quiet sniggers and sometimes even downrightnasty giggles – and I’m a notoriously tough nut to crack when it comes to humour in the written word. But the weird looks from fello...more
John van de Ruit’s writing offered numerous quiet sniggers and sometimes even downrightnasty giggles – and I’m a notoriously tough nut to crack when it comes to humour in the written word. But the weird looks from fello...more
On my personal laugh-o-meter alone, van de Ruit's last in this series of books about being a boy at an elite school in South Africa merits my four stars. At a literary level, I love how he was able to change Spud's voice over those four books, from a 13-year old's knack-jump to a 17-year old's obsession with sex and careers.
I suspect, however, that my own experience at an all-boys' school and the special challenges that it brought aligns me sympathetically with van de Ruit's accurate depiction o...more
I suspect, however, that my own experience at an all-boys' school and the special challenges that it brought aligns me sympathetically with van de Ruit's accurate depiction o...more
A brilliant, poignant tale of a boy growing into a man's shoes. Spud made me laugh, chuckle from amusement and, at times, rofl. I actually felt a little tearful and melancholic at the end of it all.
On a happier note, Spud rocked! It was a good way to end off the series 'with a bang not a whimper' and Rambo is officially my idol.
Boggo is still as devious, Fatty as fat, Vern as insane, Simon as reserved, Garlic as vivacious and Rambo as cunning as ever and I had I good laugh with all these oddball...more
On a happier note, Spud rocked! It was a good way to end off the series 'with a bang not a whimper' and Rambo is officially my idol.
Boggo is still as devious, Fatty as fat, Vern as insane, Simon as reserved, Garlic as vivacious and Rambo as cunning as ever and I had I good laugh with all these oddball...more
Spud Milton has matriculated and vanished into his future.
Matric, with its agonies: maths, strange school rituals, The Glock, Mermaid; and its ecstasies: drama, cricket, The Guv, Mermaid; has ended. The Crazy Eight have grown up. Spud has changed over the four books - in a good way.
I enjoyed reading the fourth novel as much as any of the others. Once again, I was struck by the simple fact that the series has been so successful because the books are just about a boy dealing with the difficulties...more
Matric, with its agonies: maths, strange school rituals, The Glock, Mermaid; and its ecstasies: drama, cricket, The Guv, Mermaid; has ended. The Crazy Eight have grown up. Spud has changed over the four books - in a good way.
I enjoyed reading the fourth novel as much as any of the others. Once again, I was struck by the simple fact that the series has been so successful because the books are just about a boy dealing with the difficulties...more
Not the best book in the series, that honour would go to Spud: learning to fly. It is however an awesome, gripping and fascinating read. I love how John Van de Ruit has been able to capture the spirit of growing up and maturing without changing the character. Im saddened by the thought that this is the last book in the series, however Im sure that like many other fans out there, we'd love for the author to publish The Guv's memoirs, now that would be classic!
Finally done! This book took me forever to read (not because it's boring, but because school has been keeping me too busy).
I really enjoyed this book, it was definitely on par with the rest of the series. Van de Ruit has a gift for portraying the soul of the young boy - I even got annoyed with the way they ostracised poor Garlic, considering his kindness. It's amazing how Spud grows and develops, and I got goosebumps at the end of the book. Definitely a book I recommend. Now I need to find Van d...more
I really enjoyed this book, it was definitely on par with the rest of the series. Van de Ruit has a gift for portraying the soul of the young boy - I even got annoyed with the way they ostracised poor Garlic, considering his kindness. It's amazing how Spud grows and develops, and I got goosebumps at the end of the book. Definitely a book I recommend. Now I need to find Van d...more
this book was a little disappointing in my opinion. the first two books were amazing, the third a little boring, and while this one was definitely better than the third book, i dont like the way it ended. it was quite rash and all of sudden. i truly believe that the first book was the greatest out of them all
Not since the first Spud book has there been such entertaining reading with a unique South African flavour. Well done sir. Thanks for the laughs, the reliving of my own high school days and the lumps in my throat. Great read, serves as a fitting ending to a coming of age adventure that is the complete Spud series.
It lacked the pointed humor of the first books in the series, but it did round off Spud's 4 years at school. Some very entertaining bits (for someone who went to boarding school), but the desire to read was not because the book held me, but rather that I had to see the series to a conclusion
Like all the other Spud books an easy and enjoyable read- though without the madness of the previous books in the series. More melancholy than the others. Though it certainly brought back memories of my final year at school and the high jinx mixed with the realization that "This is it".
Anyone who has been a boarder would relate to this fabulous series. The maturing of the boys is portrayed so realistically. The angst that one goes thru at that stage of your life homes across so clearly. I totally enjoyed this humorous and entertaining book. Definitely read it!
I loved reading about the adventures of the Crazy Eights again, but regret not re-reading the previous books in the series as I couldn't remember some details and characters.
Lots of laugh out loud moments, a relaxing and easy read.
Lots of laugh out loud moments, a relaxing and easy read.
A fantastic conclusion to a much loved character. I think I can safely say that I enjoyed this final installment almost as much as the debut. Sad to see it all come to an end, but what an entertaining read.
More of the same - but I say that as a good thing.
Really enjoyed the last book in the Spud series and am hoping, like Adrian Mole, the author will reconsider and give Spud another run.
Really enjoyed the last book in the Spud series and am hoping, like Adrian Mole, the author will reconsider and give Spud another run.
I looked forward to reading this book with slightly mixed feelings, Spud is one of those series that you never want to end.
Van de Ruit certainly didn't disappoint on the laughs front and it was all I could do sometimes not laugh hysterically at the absurdity. This book also does a good job of saying goodbye to a bunch of characters that feel like old friends to the reader.
The only issue I have is with the way the book ends, there are a couple of plot arcs left hanging with no resolution. Perhaps...more
Van de Ruit certainly didn't disappoint on the laughs front and it was all I could do sometimes not laugh hysterically at the absurdity. This book also does a good job of saying goodbye to a bunch of characters that feel like old friends to the reader.
The only issue I have is with the way the book ends, there are a couple of plot arcs left hanging with no resolution. Perhaps...more
i absolutely LOVED this book! it is hilarious! i definitely think it is one of the best Spud books in the series! i would recommend this book to everybody. it is THAT good!
Amazingly funny, and by far the best in the series! van de Ruit has yet again caused me to laugh in random situations, earning me many a worried look from my family. I'm sorry its the last book in the series, but he ended the series off with a bang, not a whimper, just as was expeted by all the Spud fans throughout the world.
I wish we could follow SPud in his journey through Varsity and into the "big wide world" but I know that won't happen, as funny and entertaining the journey might (will) be....more
I wish we could follow SPud in his journey through Varsity and into the "big wide world" but I know that won't happen, as funny and entertaining the journey might (will) be....more
Having seen the film of the first book in this series of four wonderful books, I cam't wait for the next three!
Aug 08, 2012
Robert
marked it as to-read
Have just ordered this book from kalahari.com
the best source of African litterature on the net.....
the best source of African litterature on the net.....
My favourite out of the four and a perfect ending to Spud's academic career. This is definitely the most funny out of them all and kept me laughing all the way through.
Not as good as the previous books- but needed to finish the set and still an enjoyable read.
Aaaaah devastated its the end. Loved the books and the Dad was just so typical. What now John?
Excellent! This book made me laugh out loud many times. It's a pity Spud is not coming back for post-matric.
I'd love to follow Spud to Varsity, but I know it wouldn't be the same...
great ending to a great series
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John Howard van de Ruit is a South African novelist, actor, playwright and producer. He has been a professional actor, playwright and producer since 1998. He was born in Durban and educated at Michaelhouse, where he stayed in Founders House and from where he matriculated in 1993. He then went on to complete a Masters degree in Drama and Performance at the then University of Natal.
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