Spud: Learning to Fly

Spud #3

by John van de Ruit

As Spud Milton continues his diabolical stagger through adolescence, he learns one of life's most important when dealing with women and cretins, nothing is ever quite as it seems. 'I'm practically a man in most areas', writes Spud confidently on his sixteenth birthday. The year is 1992 and, as always in South Africa, radical change is in the air. The country may be on the bumpy road to an uncomfortable redemption, but Spud Milton is hoping for a smooth ride as he returns to boarding school as a senior. Instead, he discovers that his vindictive arch enemy is back to taunt him and that a garrulous Malawian has taken residence in his dormitory, along with the regular inmates and misfits he calls friends. Spud's world has never seemed less certain; he attempts to master Shakespeare, wrestles constantly with God and the power of negative thinking, and develops an aversion to fried fish after a shocking discovery about his grandmother, Wombat.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Humor, Comedy, Africa, Contemporary, South Africa

420 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2009

About the author

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.

He is best known for his collaboration with Ben Voss on the satirical sketch show Green Mamba which has toured extensively throughout Southern Africa since 2002. His first novel was published in 2005 by Penguin, entitled Spud. The book was a runaway success in South Africa. It won the 2006 Bookseller's Choice Award. The sequel Spud- The Madness Continues... was released in mid 2007. Ruit has also sold the film rights to the book, and shooting will begin in 2008.

Reviews

[Gauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series Spud, which is about a young white student entering a prestigious boarding school by scholarship in South Africa, around the fall of the apartheid. The school's social environment prizes Hypermasculinity and refers to the concept for establishing its standards for behavior and appearance, which creates a rather violent and chaotic setting. However, one decent thing that comes out of this is the deep sense of camaraderie, as the main character, Spud, is indoctrinated into a tight knit group comprised of his house mates dubbed the 'Crazy Eight'. They go on mischievous adventures and daring pranks, and often create trouble and get into trouble.
At first thought, I would think that this plot wouldn't particularly interest me or someone from my demographic, but the truth is, it's become my favorite series ever, to the extent that I would call it my Harry Potter. This is a coming of age series, as each book corresponds to each year of his high school education. It follows his antics and relations with his friend circle and romantic interests, and it is rip roaringly funny. The reader grows up with the boys and goes through their adventures, pranks, and dares, which are all a dime a dozen in a given period of time. The writer himself acknowledges the pitfalls and the high points of the culture that surrounds him and pokes great fun at the whole ridiculousness of growing up. What I mean to say, to just shut up and wrap it all up, is that the reader is included in the camaraderie and is one of the 'Crazy Eight'. Very excited to read the final book; I'll undoubtedly shed a few (or more) tears.

[Emi · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really loved this latest book about spud. i think this might be the second-last one and there might be a fourth book on the way, since the blurb calls "Spud-Learning to Fly" the penultimate book.

this novel is definitely different from the previous two. for one, although it remains humorous and has some great laughs in it, overall the tone is much more serious.
spud has grown up so much from the previous books, it's such a great and at the same time sad thing. his voice is a bit knackjumpy and changes from time to time. the crazy 8 seem to have slowed down on their craziness too, which is a little sad.

there was a lot of character development and you got to learn a lot more about the other members of the crazy 8, especially Boggo and Fatty. they both played much larger roles in this book, so it was easier to know them more and how they act. Rambo and Simon also got more "pagetime" so it was nice to see them and their character more. Simon, in particular, grew on me a bit more, and Rambo- well, he was being Rambo. :) it seems like he must've matured too, as the crazy 8 no longer seems his top priority. :(

SPOILERS from here on:

i was sad because i really missed Mad Dog, who was always my favourite member of the Crazy 8. i'm glad he was back for the trip to his farm, but i really feel like the Crazy 8 chemistry at Michaelhouse was really missing him.

Garlic- the new character and member of the Crazy 8. at first, i was skeptical and not so happy, because nobody really likes a newcomer who pushes into the original group. still, he did well, because he grew on me and he was great as the brunt of everyone else's jokes.

spud's love life- now non-existent! wow. i've always really liked his feelings for Mermaid, and it seems like although their relationship's broken again, he still feels the same.

Vern- i love him. i really do. :) he only gets better and better. that is all.

The Fragile Five- the new first-years. such a great bunch. :) i like Rowdy, Sidewinder and Meg Ryan's son. :)

Pike- whoa, that was quite a final scene there. shocking, but believable. Pike was definitely the boy who liked to bully the person he was attracted to. did you see it coming? i think i did.

-

all in all, spud does a lot of growing in this book, as does all the other members of his group. seeing them mature makes you feel sad, but also gives a great sense of attachment and love to each character. i think that's the strength of this book, the way you've grown with all the characters over the last books and seeing them change.

the final chapter and line of this book was amazing and ended his growth in a perfect way. yep, i think Spud will be just fine from now on.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spud returns.

This book series is starting to look like some kind of SA version of Harry Potter, with Michaelhouse instead of Hogwarts (minus the girls and wand waving of course).

The book certainly has a lot of charm and is wrought with nostalgia for the days of teenage mayhem and angst. But it does lack the unabashed zaniness of the first book, where all the characters were introduced. The first book was an absolute scream, the other two were merely funny.

The books are also getting a bit more complex and are growing up along with Spud. What I like about Spud's character is that in a very atypical fashion he is neither the hero nor the dork/looser. He is Mr Average, stuck somewhere in between. I think its refreshing and provides an interesting standpoint for observation of both the "alpha males" and the "bottom feeders".

I am still not sure if I like Spud as a person. For that matter I am not sure I like any of the characters as people, except maybe Gecko from book one, who conveniently died before he could become unlikable. But I guess that is one of the better aspects of the books, is that you really see these guys as genuine flesh and blood people and not made up characters. That's pretty rare.

[Quintin Van der Merwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only bit I'll say about this book (on top of what I've already said about the first two) is that I actually went and bought this book the day after I finished number two... Just had to read the rest.

I hope that John is going to release another book in this serious - it feels unfinished....

Very funny once again and I appreciate the say that the writer jokes around in a clever enough way that I don't feel like I'm being spoon fed the funny bits. I can imagine that some people might not catch all the 'nested' jokes though, but it keeps the book real and it makes the funny bits truly funny and not forced as was my impression of the first book during the first two chapters; not sure if he just got better at writing this as he made progress.

Overall, a very nice job!! Very entertaining.

[Ifahh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally hate diary-like entries in books, but the Spud trilogy is something different. It really really is a hilarious read. I disliked the Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging because it was all centred on the protagonist, but this book was all-rounded. It showed about friendship and Spud's daily struggles. (Though I admit I skipped parts on when he played cricket -- that part bored me to death)
But overall, I absolutely loved reading about Spud from book 1 and look forward to future books about him.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, a beautifully written story by John van de Ruit. I thoroughly ejoyed the whole series. It was interesting to read how Spud grew and matured into a fine young man. I was surprised to find myself shedding a tear or two at the end of this book. I sincerely hope that John will be giving us more of the adventures of Spud Milton!

[David Fick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished reading Spud: Learning to Fly, the most recent in the series of Spud books. This latest one is better than the second book, and almost achieves the balance of adventure, schoolboy fun and poignancy that made the first book so effective.

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the boy becomes the man...the student becomes the teacher...this story just inspires you to be alive

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing spud book.

[Mpumi Sithole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhilarating, i wish I was a boy:-)

[Travispug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love these books and thank divine intervention or some sort of miracle for letting me discover them. I love the Crazy Eight. They seem so unreal yet real altogether. The shenanigans they create and the ones they go through are unbelievable, yet something you can imagine being completely plausible if you yourself were at an all boy private boarding school. I enjoy the character that is Spud. It's rare I find a literary character I can relate and bond so easily with. I'm not speaking so much physical-wise though ;) No, but seriously, his thoughts, fears, and emotional hesitancy. He's very much in line with my own venture of understanding and acceptance of life. He's really becoming quite comfortable with his experience at school. So much until he finally realizes its about to end. His last night in a dormitory, Fatty's statement about the last breakfast the Crazy Eight will have together, Meg Ryan's son filling the spot of the pre-pubescent boy with the angelic voice. A role Spud naturally took on just two years ago. You start to feel a little shocked as well upon realizing how fast this tale is coming to an end. I'm looking forward to the last book but also sad to say goodbye to these folks and their school. I've enjoyed most of the books I've read up to this point but few stick with me afterwards. Story is great but great characters are even better. Having both is the best christmas gift ever. I'm pretty sure I'll give this series an honorable mention down the line if not more. It's well deserved.

[Nisarg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all the previous 'Spud' books, Learning to fly not only constantly remains funny but also surpasses all of them in every terms. Personally, this one might be my favourite instalment in the series. It not only remains impishly funny but the characters have developed and matured. John Van De Ruit has developed all the individual characters into something much more interesting and has brought in a twist with many a few members of 'The Crazy 8.' The author has a beautiful thought process and his wicked writing is also thought provoking. It is difficult to ever imagine John 'Spud' Milton grow but he has and that to tremendously.

The series deserve a lot more and since 'Harry Potter' Spud #4 might be the only book to leave me hanging from a cliff and give out the hollow feeling, constantly for days. John Van De Ruit as an author deserves to be recognized. Putting forth Holden Caulfield's words, "People always clap for the wrong things." I know I am totally ranting and going off topic it makes me sad when shit like the Divergent series has a greater fan base than this deserving literary gem.

And on this note I end the Review(?)(I know I totally suck at writing 'em).
I recommend this book to - EVERY DAMN TEENAGER.
(just don't talk about the series in front of me like a deranged fan(boy/girl?) and I swear to god I will BLOW OFF your GODDAMN FACE)

[Sandra Visser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this much more than the previous two installments. Whereas the first two books were very scattershot without a clear climax and narrative intent, this is much more coherent and cohesive, culminating in Spud's newfound maturity. I also found it much funnier and more insightful than the first two books. I like the fact that the Crazy Eight became more responsible and were justified in standing up to their enemies. Garlic is also a hilarious addition. There was luckily also less wish fulfillment in Spud's relationships and more realism, especially with Mermaid. His parents and Wombat were also less annoying and funnier. I also appreciated the resolution of the Pike situation, which ties into what seemed like inexplicably disturbing events in the first book. I still miss Gecko but Spud's growing friendship with Fatty filled the void somewhat. All in all Van de Ruit has matured and improved as a writer and I find myself disappointed that there's only one book left. Perhaps Spud can come back for post matric.

[Riana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The adventures of Spud and his buddies continue. His third school year at Michaelhouse brings a grand Shakespearian play, an unforgettable farm vacation, feats and failures on the sports field and awkward encounters with ex-girlfriends. As if this is not enough, his father secretly dives into a crazy business venture with a friend and Spud is often thankful for leaving his family members at home during the school term.

This installment is a bit less dramatic and fast-paced than "Spud: The Madness Continues", but the humour is still dry and pleasing with plenty of action. Travelling with Spud through a busy year gave me that sad feeling caused by realizing “time goes by so fast.” An enjoyable read!

[Fluffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues and it's still fun though momentum drops a little.

Character development is great in this book and the individuals all seem to grow in their own way. This is especially true of the protagonist who really starts to show himself as an individual in this one. You get a better sense of who he is and who he's becoming. He really starts to stand out in his sea of madness.

The diary style and language continues to work well and our protagonists style is really drawing and enjoyable.

The story does drag a little in this one and actual events seem to taper out in the middle but resurge later on. The ending is fantastic and could have been a great end to the series but I'm still happy for more and we'll see where our boy takes us next!

That's just me though.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So bittersweet. Spud is growing up. His family continue crazy, he still doesn't understand girls (not completely on him because they are very strange), he's higher up on the school totem pole but not really scotfree yet. I love that we're getting a real sense of some of the other characters - I'd love to know what is going on with Rambo becos he's really cultivating an enigmatic bad boy image, I really want someone to come out and tell us that Vern is Asperger like or something becos this really wierd boy has managed to get through 3 years of school without talking.

[Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total scream, as were the other Spud books. This series is very close to my heart, as it's the school that my dad went to that its set in - MichaelHouse. Despite the fact that this is set in the early 90s, I know that the chaos, misadventure, and shenanigans are very similar to how things were when my dad was there - but with a little less cruelty nowadays I think! Vern, Garlic, Mr Owen and the Guv.....awesome characters. I will never hear the word Malawi without remembering Garlic and Lake Malawi again. If you feel like a good laugh, read this series.

[Ame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was a bitter-sweet moment for me....bitter in that the Spud Milton diaries were coming to an end, and sweet because I LOOOOVE the wayJohn Van De Ruit portrays this Spud lad. I actually once believed that this was some sort of autobiography and the fact that it was pure fiction.....it amazes me to date.

[Kailash Maharaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been after this book for a while. I have become a fan of Spud Milton and his growing-up angst and related to the youngster. I enjoyed this book but some of the magic of its predecessors was missing. I look forward to the fourth book.

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not believe that the trials of a few very badly behaved boys could have me laughing out loud and then crying a few pages later. This is a must read and probably my favourite book in the series.

[Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un-put-downable. Charming and entertaining, I was transported through Spud's adventures with him, finding myself nostalgic after my own school days. The characters are engaging in their own unique ways, keeping the reader laughing and often incredulous at their adventures.

[Roxane Lapa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Spud saga. John Milton's third year at boarding school is not as funny as his first and second, largely owing to the authors obsession with giving a blow by blow of every boring play rehearsal, but even so, it was still pretty good. Looking forward to the fourth.

[Elzaan · Rating 3 out of 5]

the boys are to big now, not full of pranks and stuff like that anymore. but I guess everybody should grow up

[Angelika Brzozowska]

Great book. Was quite as funny as the first and second one with more twists and turns of funnyness. found it quite good :)

[Layla Rohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 of 3... Again, a brilliant read! I was very sad on finishing this book purely because there were no more books in the series. I would definitely re-read!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

hilarious as usual

[Olga Lempert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me laugh out loud many a time. Glad there's another book left in the series.

[John Sharp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive. A waste of time a the first book.

[Kyle Herbst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spud: Learning to Fly

Spud is growing up, but the story doesn’t evolve much. The same chaos, the same romantic disasters, and the same school antics start to feel predictable. There are still great moments of humor, and the nostalgia is strong, but the book lacks the depth to make it truly memorable.

Favorite Quotes:

"The more I grow up, the less I understand about anything."
"Adulthood is just childhood with more responsibilities and worse haircuts."

[Charl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the first two novels you will most probably enjoy no.3. Starts of on the same trend as book no.2 but as Spud and the rest of the characters mature/change so does the writing style. Happy ending but you do feel a bit of saddened at the lost of innocence / childhood – as also reflected by the Mad Dog farm visit. Cannot wait for ‘Spud the Final Act’……