The Last Mall Rat

by Erik E. Esckilsen

Mitch Grant just wanted a job, and maybe a little respect, but at fifteen, he found both just beyond his reach. Too young to be legally employed, he knew that the only cash likely to come his way would have to pass “under the table”—through some discreet, off-the-books business arrangement. And that meant talking to the Chair, a shoe salesman at the mall famous for his skill in getting customers from “just looking” to the cash register. The Chair had hired Mitch once before for a temporary assignment—too temporary for the cash-strapped Mitch. When he goes to see the Chair this time, however, it’s the super-slick salesman who desperately needs help. The Chair is finally cracking under the strain of all that service with a smile. So Mitch proposes a deal—a way for the Chair, and other beleaguered mall workers, to combat the endless humiliation they suffer at the feet of their customers, while helping Mitch with his cash shortage. The Chair agrees to the terms, and soon Mitch has recruited his friends Page, Marcus, and Jimmy to “staff” a bold—and brash—new venture. Demand for their services skyrockets and along with it, the authorities’ alarm. Words like gang, Mall Mafia, and even terrorist start to fly. Mitch soon realizes that his small business has spiraled out of control—big time!

Genres: Young Adult

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Hollowspine · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Mitch's small town the Mall dominates teen life. If you have money, that is. With summer mowing jobs over and fall leaf raking yet to come opportunities for Mitch, too young to work at the Mall or one of the near by fast food joints, are far and few between. With his parents estranged and both struggling his allowance isn't what it was either, so desperate times call for desperate measures.

Ever on the watch Mitch sees his chance when the Chair, a shoe-salesman at the mall, struggles to maintain his dignity against the wrath of customer abuse. Mitch offers "an insult for an insult" for a small fee. A tenner later and Mitch is on the prowl, yelling "Caveat Emptor" at the rude "Ginger" in the parking lot turns out to be not only profitable, but also empowering.

Soon Mitch expands business hires others and earns a reputation. His "Mall Mafia" has gained him more popularity than he's ever known, but not everyone's a fan. Soon the police are involved and Mitch faces the hardest decision of his life.

The story was pretty fast paced, and Mitch's days as a mall avenger were rather short lived. Things seemed to get bad for him pretty fast. It was a gritty story that really wasn't about pranks or teen hijinks, but rather about civics, politics and communities. It was an interesting story with strong messages.

[Kira4Inu Kira4Inu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was interesting. There are parts of the book that didn't make any logical sense but I guess it depends on where you're coming from. I guess I just find this kind of thing hard to believe actually happening. But, hey, it's fiction. That in mind, it was an interesting, if not very compelling, story. I didn't quite care about the main character but it was still a pretty good story. It was a bit of a slow read though, something that I didn't mind putting down and picking up at a later time.

[B. Reese · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caveat Emptor is indeed an appropriate phrase for this book.

It's kind of an entertaining and original premise, mall employees paying a couple bucks to mallrats to harass bad customers.

As fun as this idea is, the delivery falls somewhat flat. This would have been great if we got more into Mitch's head and felt what he felt, but it was not to be.

In the end, it's kind of a fun story, but it comes off as preachy in spots and as tension should escalate towards the end of the story, instead it drifts along to a deus ex machina ending.

Read it if you need a good time killer.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this for my Children's Lit class. The author is a professor at my school and will be speaking to our class when we finish the book.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Putting up w/rude customers becomes unacceptable so sales people at the mall hire Mitch to follow them to their cars & shoutBuyer-Beware-Daveat-Emptor. Things get out of hand. OK