NORMAN TUTTLE IS, in a word, awkward. He falls off his father’s fishing boat into icy Alaskan waters. He quietly sweats on gorgeous Laura Mag...
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reviews
Dec 30, 2011
Rita
rated it: 
This was a lovely book to read. Although I doubt there would be many young teen boys who would agree with me on this (the ones I am acquainted with usually want to see themselves as far more edgy than the title character is), I think this book, written almost as a series of short stories about Norman's transition from shy, timid, put-upon adolescent to a more discerning, compassionate young adult, is a pretty accurate depiction of a typical, functional American teenage boy's experiences.
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Jun 07, 2009
Jake
rated it:
I briefly interacted with Mr. Bodett when I was a listener contestant on NPR's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell me!" So I decided to try out one of his books and settled on this one.
It has been awhile since I read a novel aimed at adolescent readers. It was a delight! Tom's style is light and optimistic, definitely 'feel good' prose even when it's covering serious topics. It was a chance to remember things I had forgotten about being an early teen. Part of the joy was becoming reacquainte More...
It has been awhile since I read a novel aimed at adolescent readers. It was a delight! Tom's style is light and optimistic, definitely 'feel good' prose even when it's covering serious topics. It was a chance to remember things I had forgotten about being an early teen. Part of the joy was becoming reacquainte More...
Feb 01, 2012
Pam
rated it: 
Reminiscent of the Nick Adams stories, Tom Bodett's stories of a boy growing up in Alaska. I found myself really liking the stories, but not sure how it would play with a teen. Although excellent at evoking memories and emotions, it still seemed that the story was being written with the voice of a mature adult. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for more Hemingway style writing (though not as sparse prose).
Aug 24, 2009
Colleen
rated it:
We listened to this book on our drive out to Indiana - and no one spoke!. Everyone loved this story!! As a family of 3 boys, ranging from 8 to 13, this story could not have been more perfect. Norman Tuttle fumbling through his teens brought back nostalgic memories for us parents and conjered up great adventures ahead for the boys. It's an ideal family read!!
Oct 26, 2008
Chrissy
rated it: 
I'm pretty sure this is a great book. I can't be sure though, because I listened to Tom Bodett read it, and if he read me the phone book, I'd think it was great. Still, it's a wonderful depiction of the painful adolescence of an average boy with an average family. His father is wonderfully understanding (almost too nice to be believed) and Norman's struggles with the craziness inside his head are very honest. I liked this book, but I'm looking at being 13 from the opposite side, and it all makes
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Jul 25, 2009
Gary
rated it: 
Some books appear to be "forced", trying to re-capture lost glory. This book is their King
Dec 17, 2009
Rachel
rated it: 
Bodett has a good handle on the way teenagers think about their friends, girlfriends, and parents. However, there is just not enough of a story in this book. I kept wanting more to happen to Norman but it never did.
Dec 27, 2011
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