By: John van de Ruit Publisher: Razorbill Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Razorbill Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 352 Publication Date: October 04, 2007 Reading Level: Young Adult
Product Description: It’s 1990. Apartheid is crumbling. Nelson Mandela has just been released from prison. And Spud Milton—thirteen-year-old, prepubescent choirboy extraordinaire—is about to start his first year at an elite boys-only boarding school in South Africa. Cursed with embarrassingly dysfunctional parents, a senile granny named Wombat, and a wild obsession for Julia Roberts, Spud has his hands full trying to adapt to his new home.
Armed with only his wits and his diary, Spud takes readers of all ages on a rowdy boarding school romp full of illegal midnight swims, raging hormones, and catastrophic holidays that will leave the entire family in total hysterics and thirsty for more.
Winner of South Africa’s Booksellers’ Choice Award 2006
Spud by John van de Ruit did indeed prove to be a "wickedly funny" novel. This book, written in journal format, focuses on the experiences of the thirteen-year-old John "Spud" Milton and his first year in a "male-only" boarding school. . He has to live in a dorm and put up with seven other boys. Robert (Rambo), Charlie (Mad Dog), Simon, Vern (Rain Man), Henry (Gecko), Sidney (Fatty) and Al (Boggo). They all become the best of friends and are known as the "Crazy Eight" due to their insane schemes. In addition to the strain of keeping up with the "Crazy Eight", Spud must deal with the undeniably cruel pressures of middle school; and tolerate his psychotic parents and grandmother during his holiday vacations, as well as to mention dealing with the over abundance of females that seem to be attracted to him. I often found myself laughing aloud to the stupidity and realistic characters of the "Crazy Eight". Although it is written in a male's point of view, I would definitely suggest this book to any middle-schooler, male or female. It was a tad bit "mature" in some areas, so I wouldn't suggest that anyone under the seventh grade read this book. I absolutely loved this book and am anticipating the hilarious sequel.
Spud Daring and memorably comedic, Spud by John van de Ruit proves to be an enjoyable read. A realistic fiction novel written in diary format, the book is about "Spud" Milton, a 13-year old boy attending a boarding school in South Africa. Crazy friends, mortifying relatives. nasty pranks, and first loves are only some of the events and people Spud encounters. The characters are bizarre and entertaining, yet still realistic. An example is Vern, a roommate of Spud who suffers severe anxiety and has the odd tendency to tear out chunks of his own hair whenever he feels the slightest bit of pressure. "Gecko" is another dorm mate of Spud with an optimistic personality, despite that his numerous unfortunate health conditions. The plot even takes a tragic turn at the end, keeping me interested and connected to the story. I would recommend Spud to any teen who would enjoy a humorous story with events that they could relate to. It is not the most serious book, and the beginning can go by a little slowly as there is not too much rising action at first. But overall, Spud delivers an interesting and funny plot that will keep many readers hooked.
best book i have to say this i sone of the best books i have read in a long time and i am a big reader so that is saying something a must red for all teens that want something good to read
base humor although this book may be an accurate portrayl of boys school in SA it is very base in its humor. I would not recommend this book. The better story was missed to maintain boys being rude.
Spud Spud is a thoroughly enjoyable book about a boy trying to figure out who he is personally and politically, when the ANC is becoming more powerful in South Africa. My kids and I loved it. However, as a word of caution, it is not the best book for someone under the age of 15 or so, because there is quite a bit of sexual content.
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