The Heroic Life of Al Capsella

Al Capsella #1

by Judith Clarke

Fourteen-year-old Al Capsella, desperately trying to be normal and blend in with the rest of the crowd, is constantly embarrassed by his highly unconventional parents

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Judith Clarke was born in Sydney and educated at the University of New South Wales and the Australian National University in Canberra. She has worked as a teacher and librarian, and in Adult Education in Victoria and New South Wales.

A major force in YA fiction both in Australia and internationally, Judith Clarke's novels include the multi-award-winning Wolf on the Fold, as well as Friend of my Heart, Night Train, Starry Nights, One Whole and Perfect Day, and the very popular and funny Al Capsella series. She is unsurpassed in her ability to convey complex emotional states with acute understanding and compassion.

Reviews

[Melinda Borie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book probably 18 years ago, maybe more, and I think all the time about the librarian who had a mental breakdown because too many people wanted to touch the books.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my word. I kept this book in my mailbox at work and read it during my lunchtime at work. I looked forward to reading it and wanted to take it home to finish, but I didn't so that I had it to look forward to.

The story is about a teenage boy who, like many teenagers, thinks that his parents were odd and wanted them to be normal like everyone else. Or so he thinks. He's very judgmental about just about everyone he meets.

He uses the word crazy, which is offensive to many people. I don't care for spreading the use of unkind words, especially to those who are not aware of them. It does show that this character is very judgmental.

The story takes place in Australia. It wasn't evident until I came upon unfamiliar terms and read about the author to try to figure out where the story took place.

Quirky people make the world go 'round.

[TheSaint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this a long time ago. I thought it was hilarious, even as an adult. Or perhaps because of it...
Al's parents are a constant embarassment to him. He encourages them to be "normal" and they take his suggestions with good humor.
but when Al and Mrs. Capsella visit his grandparents, he finds out that normalcy might not be all that.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's alright...I suppose.
It is a very interesting book...I suppose.
Not one of the finest fruit in the fruit bowl.
I wouldn't read it again.
I dislikey.

*nothing against those who like this book.