What do you think?
Rate this book
The Incredible Adam Spark
A dazzling performance (think Forrest Gump , think Curious Incident , think Anne Donovan's Buddha Da ) from one of Scotland's brightest new talents.
Adam Spark. Eighteen going on eight-and-a-half. Fast-food worker. Queen fan. Last in the queue for luck. On waking from an accident in which he saves a child, he has the distinct impression that all is far from right. What are these curious lights that seem to surround people? Why are animals and machines trying to speak to him? And can he really control time? Is it just his imagination, or has Adam Spark been chosen to become Scotland's first, and only, superhero? This, however, is the least of his problems. The local gang is luring him into deeper and darker peril. His sister and lone carer, Jude, is giving all her love to another woman. And if Jude abandons Adam - or Adam drives her away - all the superpowers in the world won't be able to save him.
Adam Spark. Eighteen going on eight-and-a-half. Fast-food worker. Queen fan. Last in the queue for luck. On waking from an accident in which he saves a child, he has the distinct impression that all is far from right. What are these curious lights that seem to surround people? Why are animals and machines trying to speak to him? And can he really control time? Is it just his imagination, or has Adam Spark been chosen to become Scotland's first, and only, superhero? This, however, is the least of his problems. The local gang is luring him into deeper and darker peril. His sister and lone carer, Jude, is giving all her love to another woman. And if Jude abandons Adam - or Adam drives her away - all the superpowers in the world won't be able to save him.
- GenresFictionYoung Adult
310 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2005
3 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 15, 2016
This was a random recommendation generated on a website that I took a chance on. I'd never heard of the author or title before.
The premise I felt was a little different to the actual plot, but I did still enjoy it.
It was a surprise though, from the first page, to have to read this quite slowly, as it is written in both Scottish dialect, and reflecting the learning difficulties of the narrator, Adam. This made it hard to read, with little punctuation and words spelled in 'interesting' ways. I'm a fast reader, so to read so carefully was quite annoying at first, but I did get used to it. I can see that some reviewers haven't enjoyed this aspect at all. For me, I eventually did come to terms with it and liked the insight into Adam's mind.
Adam Spark has always been different. It seems he's always been bullied, taken advantage of at school, and never really had many friends. Now 18, he lives with his sister who is clearly exhausted trying to live her student life while paying the bills and taking care of her brother while their parents are 'in Oz' (clearly no longer living). Adam spends a lot of time listening to Queen music and working in a fast food chain, doing his best to become Employee of the Month but more of a hindrance to everyone in his workplace than a help.
The story takes us through a few months of his life, as he tries to fit in with a local gang, meets and feels an attraction for a new co-worker with her own health issues, and tries to be a superhero (possibly even gaining superpowers!) helping others. All the while, his sister is yearning for her freedom and a new love that Adam is doing his best not to notice and then not to accept.
The reader is aware of the wider world Adam lives in, what is going on around him that he either isn't capable of seeing or chooses not to. It makes for a fascinating narration, and Adam can be both frustrating and endearing.
Jude, the socialist student sister, is a strong feminine influence in his life, with her own backstory that Adam seems oblivious to, and I really enjoyed Adam's burgeoning romance with a fellow Queen fan.
It would work well on film/television, with some wonderful parts and lines.
Humorous and at times moving, this is a memorable read about an unusual young man that ends nicely for him and those around him, with just enough hint at what is to come for a feel-good close.
One that older teens might like (if they have the patience to wade through the writing style) and adults who enjoy stories with unique narrators.
The premise I felt was a little different to the actual plot, but I did still enjoy it.
It was a surprise though, from the first page, to have to read this quite slowly, as it is written in both Scottish dialect, and reflecting the learning difficulties of the narrator, Adam. This made it hard to read, with little punctuation and words spelled in 'interesting' ways. I'm a fast reader, so to read so carefully was quite annoying at first, but I did get used to it. I can see that some reviewers haven't enjoyed this aspect at all. For me, I eventually did come to terms with it and liked the insight into Adam's mind.
Adam Spark has always been different. It seems he's always been bullied, taken advantage of at school, and never really had many friends. Now 18, he lives with his sister who is clearly exhausted trying to live her student life while paying the bills and taking care of her brother while their parents are 'in Oz' (clearly no longer living). Adam spends a lot of time listening to Queen music and working in a fast food chain, doing his best to become Employee of the Month but more of a hindrance to everyone in his workplace than a help.
The story takes us through a few months of his life, as he tries to fit in with a local gang, meets and feels an attraction for a new co-worker with her own health issues, and tries to be a superhero (possibly even gaining superpowers!) helping others. All the while, his sister is yearning for her freedom and a new love that Adam is doing his best not to notice and then not to accept.
The reader is aware of the wider world Adam lives in, what is going on around him that he either isn't capable of seeing or chooses not to. It makes for a fascinating narration, and Adam can be both frustrating and endearing.
Jude, the socialist student sister, is a strong feminine influence in his life, with her own backstory that Adam seems oblivious to, and I really enjoyed Adam's burgeoning romance with a fellow Queen fan.
It would work well on film/television, with some wonderful parts and lines.
Humorous and at times moving, this is a memorable read about an unusual young man that ends nicely for him and those around him, with just enough hint at what is to come for a feel-good close.
One that older teens might like (if they have the patience to wade through the writing style) and adults who enjoy stories with unique narrators.
April 22, 2009
Twas good, you ken? Twas like, ow-ri-dji-nal and touching. Notwhatiexpected, but hey, lifes like this.
October 27, 2024
Glenn Brae, Tammy Hill, Morven Court, GKR Foodstores, Slamannan - oh what fond memories! This review is slightly biased due to the fact I grew up in Hallglen, in a house in Nevis Place, the same street as our protagonist, Sparky. It is a rather sad tale with some up-lifting moments.
The locations are very accurate and the dialect is spot-on (yese ken whit amean). For me this captures a time and place, and sadly much of the cruelest behaviour of teenagers growing up in a grey, relatively isolated housing estate on the outskirts of a post-industrial town. With many decently paid jobs going at the time (e.g. British Aluminium, Wranglers) there wasn't much for dads to do at the weekend except go to the pub and bookies!
Although his "pals" are cruel, the incidents described that they lead Sparky into (because of his learning disability), do make one laugh without feeling too guilty as he usually manages to escape unscathed due to his superhero abilities. And many of the incidents were commen place (unfortunately).
So, I give it 5 stars! I've been telling my kids for years about schoolkids getting their "hied flushed doon the bogs" at my "alma mater" but they wouldn't believe me - thank you for setting the record straight Alan Bisset - they do worse things at Eton and Harrow and you pay a lot of money for it...
The locations are very accurate and the dialect is spot-on (yese ken whit amean). For me this captures a time and place, and sadly much of the cruelest behaviour of teenagers growing up in a grey, relatively isolated housing estate on the outskirts of a post-industrial town. With many decently paid jobs going at the time (e.g. British Aluminium, Wranglers) there wasn't much for dads to do at the weekend except go to the pub and bookies!
Although his "pals" are cruel, the incidents described that they lead Sparky into (because of his learning disability), do make one laugh without feeling too guilty as he usually manages to escape unscathed due to his superhero abilities. And many of the incidents were commen place (unfortunately).
So, I give it 5 stars! I've been telling my kids for years about schoolkids getting their "hied flushed doon the bogs" at my "alma mater" but they wouldn't believe me - thank you for setting the record straight Alan Bisset - they do worse things at Eton and Harrow and you pay a lot of money for it...
April 7, 2021
I am in two minds about this book. I started it a while ago and put it down as I couldn't force my brain into the head space for it (the prose takes a moment and I am Scottish but I sometimes had to read a sentence a few times before I understood it.) Picked it up again this week and finished it.
I agree with other reviews that point out its not a comedic book. The story is laced with sadness and difficulty. Adam Spark sees the world differently and your sympathies switch throughout the story between him and his sister, Judy, who he relies on since their parents aren't around. In some ways it is a relatable coming of age story - realising that you have to be your own super hero and figuring out how you do that?
I think I'd read this again. Its back on my shelves for now.
I agree with other reviews that point out its not a comedic book. The story is laced with sadness and difficulty. Adam Spark sees the world differently and your sympathies switch throughout the story between him and his sister, Judy, who he relies on since their parents aren't around. In some ways it is a relatable coming of age story - realising that you have to be your own super hero and figuring out how you do that?
I think I'd read this again. Its back on my shelves for now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2022
I thought this book was very funny. It gave an insight into the mind of Adam Spark, he is a young man who has developmental issues, so he doesn't understand many conversations, or any hidden meanings that are not fully explained to him.
Adam lives in Hallglen in Falkirk, and his life takes place in the town centre, Cally Park (Calendar Park) and the McDonald's restaurant where he works.
This book is written as a stream of consciousness. This was a very interesting technique and I think the author did this very well.
Adam lives in Hallglen in Falkirk, and his life takes place in the town centre, Cally Park (Calendar Park) and the McDonald's restaurant where he works.
This book is written as a stream of consciousness. This was a very interesting technique and I think the author did this very well.
December 16, 2017
Not even worth 1 star. The less said about this book the better
May 1, 2019
Clever, amazing, laugh out loud, sad and emotive!
What a different read this book is.
Reading a stream of consciousness in phonetic Scottish!
Loved this book.
What a different read this book is.
Reading a stream of consciousness in phonetic Scottish!
Loved this book.
February 9, 2013
So I'm on week 3 on my 52AZ reading challenge and this one I finished within two days. Not because it was short, but because I was so desperate for it to be over I went into super Kel speedread mode.
I give you The Incredible Adam Spark by Alan Bissett. The comic-book-red-and-yellow cover jumps off the shelf at you and once I'd read the blurb I thought I'd actually found a book I might like to read.
Alas, it was precisely the sort of book I don't enjoy. It just tries too hard to be 'different'. Adam Spark, special needs, works in McDonalds. Has a lesbian sister, his parents have topped themselves from the sounds of it (although the story is told by Adam so sometimes the details are a bit hard to grasp because he sees the world differently due to his learning difficulties - or so we're led to believe) and if that wasn't edgy enough for you, his girlfriend has cystic fibrosis.
It's written from a first person point of view and as a result it can get very jumbled up at times. Not to mention the fact that it's also told with a Scottish accent. As a result, if you read it for long enough, when you put the book down, you may find yourself 'thinking' in a Scottish accent. I know I certainly did.
I suppose it's supposed to be gritty and downbeat when it's set around rundown Scottish council estates but the fact is I don't like depressing stories like this. I read to escape bad days or the grim normality of every day life and I can't understand people who want to read depressing tales. There isn't even any humour in the book. The Big Issue in Scotland called it a comedy in their review; well I'm sorry, but any attempt at jokery was a complete miss. It does seem to get a bit better towards the end but maybe that was just me looking forward to getting it over and done with. Very disappointing. And a very misleading blurb too. 2/5
I give you The Incredible Adam Spark by Alan Bissett. The comic-book-red-and-yellow cover jumps off the shelf at you and once I'd read the blurb I thought I'd actually found a book I might like to read.
Alas, it was precisely the sort of book I don't enjoy. It just tries too hard to be 'different'. Adam Spark, special needs, works in McDonalds. Has a lesbian sister, his parents have topped themselves from the sounds of it (although the story is told by Adam so sometimes the details are a bit hard to grasp because he sees the world differently due to his learning difficulties - or so we're led to believe) and if that wasn't edgy enough for you, his girlfriend has cystic fibrosis.
It's written from a first person point of view and as a result it can get very jumbled up at times. Not to mention the fact that it's also told with a Scottish accent. As a result, if you read it for long enough, when you put the book down, you may find yourself 'thinking' in a Scottish accent. I know I certainly did.
I suppose it's supposed to be gritty and downbeat when it's set around rundown Scottish council estates but the fact is I don't like depressing stories like this. I read to escape bad days or the grim normality of every day life and I can't understand people who want to read depressing tales. There isn't even any humour in the book. The Big Issue in Scotland called it a comedy in their review; well I'm sorry, but any attempt at jokery was a complete miss. It does seem to get a bit better towards the end but maybe that was just me looking forward to getting it over and done with. Very disappointing. And a very misleading blurb too. 2/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2007
this review first appeared on [http://intraspace.blogspot.com]
it's amazing what you come across when you're not looking for anything in particular at the library. our library has a new book stand that i always have a look at. take a punt, and sometimes it pays off.
this is a story (in first-person) about a scottish down-syndrome teenager with superhero abilities. as the tagline reads: 'at last, scotland has a hero'.
adam spark, or 'sparky' as he's known, has all kinds of adventures and rides the waves of people's prejudice and the realities of a disfunctional family. it is brilliantly written in sparky's own voice complete with scottish dialect (a la irving walsh) and unique punctuation and spelling. everything is seen through his eyes. at times the harshness of life seems to wash over the hero, but the truth comes out in subtle ways.
and now, for some unforgivably lazy reviewing. i shall quote wholesale from the publishers blurb about the book:
Adam Spark. Eighteen going on eight-and-a-half. Fast-food worker. Queen fan. Last in the queue for luck. On waking from an accident in which he saves a child, he has the distinct impression that all is far from right. What are these curious lights that seem to surround people? Why are animals and machines trying to speak to him? And can he really control time? Is it just his imagination, or has Adam Spark been chosen to become Scotland'’s first, and only, superhero?
This, however, is the least of his problems. The local gang is luring him into deeper and darker peril. His sister and lone carer, Jude, is giving all her love to another woman. And if Jude abandons Adam -– or Adam drives her away -– all the superpowers in the world won'’t be able to save him.
ah- so there you have it. recommended.
it's amazing what you come across when you're not looking for anything in particular at the library. our library has a new book stand that i always have a look at. take a punt, and sometimes it pays off.
this is a story (in first-person) about a scottish down-syndrome teenager with superhero abilities. as the tagline reads: 'at last, scotland has a hero'.
adam spark, or 'sparky' as he's known, has all kinds of adventures and rides the waves of people's prejudice and the realities of a disfunctional family. it is brilliantly written in sparky's own voice complete with scottish dialect (a la irving walsh) and unique punctuation and spelling. everything is seen through his eyes. at times the harshness of life seems to wash over the hero, but the truth comes out in subtle ways.
and now, for some unforgivably lazy reviewing. i shall quote wholesale from the publishers blurb about the book:
Adam Spark. Eighteen going on eight-and-a-half. Fast-food worker. Queen fan. Last in the queue for luck. On waking from an accident in which he saves a child, he has the distinct impression that all is far from right. What are these curious lights that seem to surround people? Why are animals and machines trying to speak to him? And can he really control time? Is it just his imagination, or has Adam Spark been chosen to become Scotland'’s first, and only, superhero?
This, however, is the least of his problems. The local gang is luring him into deeper and darker peril. His sister and lone carer, Jude, is giving all her love to another woman. And if Jude abandons Adam -– or Adam drives her away -– all the superpowers in the world won'’t be able to save him.
ah- so there you have it. recommended.
Read
August 11, 2011A great example of first person storytelling from a slightly skewed perspective. Alan Bissett puts you in the head of mentally challenged Adam Spark,who seems to gain superpowers after a football accident. By turns funny and tragic. It tales a while to get into it,as the narrator has a very distinctive 'voice',but once you do,you're hooked. If you enjoyed the first person storytelling element in this ,you'd probably enjoy the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon,Flower's for Algernon,by Daniel Keyes and Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks. Jonathan Lethem's Motherless Brooklyn also has an unusual narrator,a Tourretic detective.David Lodge has a similar way with humor and tragedy in his Henry Pratt novels ,especially the first one,Second from Last in the Sack Race..Anthony Burghess's A Clockwork Orange also is told from a skewed first person perspective,but with a much for violent dystopian bent.You might also like Alan Bisset's previous novel ,Boy Racers.For a sci fi take on the first person narrative,you can try John Sladek's satirical novel, Roderick ,told from the perpective of a robot trying to learn about human society.
December 29, 2015
More like 3 1/2.
The Incredible Adam Spark is a coming of age novel but with some twists.
First of all it is told in a stream of conscious style and in Scottish dialect. Bissett's use of dialect is not too heavy going and after a while you do get what is happening.
Secondly Adam is special and we get to see the novel through his point of view, which makes him a very unreliable narrator as he has trouble understanding people's motives.
Other than that the novel is about coping with loss and changes. As this is told by Adam it has got some funny moments and tender ones.
There's quite a bit of charm in the novel but sometimes the writing style can distract and in a way the plot itself has been done before. I didn't mind the book, I did feel unsatisfied when I finished it.
The Incredible Adam Spark is a coming of age novel but with some twists.
First of all it is told in a stream of conscious style and in Scottish dialect. Bissett's use of dialect is not too heavy going and after a while you do get what is happening.
Secondly Adam is special and we get to see the novel through his point of view, which makes him a very unreliable narrator as he has trouble understanding people's motives.
Other than that the novel is about coping with loss and changes. As this is told by Adam it has got some funny moments and tender ones.
There's quite a bit of charm in the novel but sometimes the writing style can distract and in a way the plot itself has been done before. I didn't mind the book, I did feel unsatisfied when I finished it.
January 21, 2009
this was a very sweet little book that was comepletely different from what i was expecting...i had been expecting a silly scottish tale about superheroes but it turned out to be more like the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime...it was both heartwarming and hilarious at the same time...well recommended
January 1, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. The writing style is very fragmented and littered with slang but after a few pages this only goes to enhance the story and make me identify with Adam more and understand how his mind works. A gripping story that's consistently funny throughout while also being terrifically sad.
March 16, 2025
/took me a while to get into it as a rather misleading blurb on the back, but once I'd worked out what book I was reading I really enjoyed this. The family at the centre of it are very familiar and rung true. Quite tense as you don't know what way things are heading... which I guess is how Adam feels.
August 28, 2008
Are you kidding me?! The ENTIRE book is comprised of sentence fragments, spelling errors, pretend words, and an utter lack of capitalization and proper punctuation. I am sure this is written of as "art", however, I found it extremely distracting. This "art" made the book completely unbearable.
June 7, 2012
Amazing book. You need to read it a while to get into the Falkirk lilt, but fab story. You really get to know Adam, and his daft pals. I found it funny, interesting and h=thought the ending was fab. Good luck wie yer life Adam. xx
March 4, 2008
Totally liked this book. Read this in Vietnam in a car ride from Saigon to Tay Ninh.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews