By Eric Poole
Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam, Copyright 2010
263 pages, ISBN 978-0-399-15655-7
Rating: 5/5
Reading Challenge: GLBT 2010
Quote from the book: "My pursuit of a flawlessly raked floor did not strike me as odd, since perfection was not optional in the Poole family militia..."
Here's a trip down memory lane set in the shag carpeting days of the 1970's. It's a coming of age story that is full of heart and good humor. For those of us who grew up feeling different and not always popular, we have a new hero. He's Eric Poole, the self described "Endora of St. Louis."
Eric is funny. I mean really funny. There were times when I laughed so hard that my partner came running to my side. I just held up, Where's My Wand and pointed to the cover. Sometimes I felt a lump in my throat when Eric tackles not so funny issues like death, being bullied and trying to fit in.
The issue of sexuality takes a back seat for most of the book. We know Eric is gay but like most of us growing up, it takes awhile to register. Eric was warned in church that, "one never knows when the homosexual is about. They can appear normal; and it may be too late when you discover they are mentally ill." I don't know about you, but that would scare me straight.
Whenever Eric had a problem to tackle, he channeled the character of Endora on TV's Bewitched and used magic powers to create a positive outcome. As Eric gets older, however, he begins to realize that, "I didn't need magic. All I needed was me." A good message for all.
Find your wand and let Eric cast his spell on you. This book will charm and make you smile.
For More Information: Visit author Eric Poole on Facebook or his blog.
FTC Advisory: I purchased my copy from Barnes and Noble on-line.
This sounds like a lot of fun, and somehow your description reminds me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky. Maybe it's just the time period and the main character. Will definitley keep my eyes open for this one at the library.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to get my hands on this one Rob --sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteHold on Rob, I'm channeling the 70s and busting out my palazzo pants and afro wig from the back of the closet!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book and I'll keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the review.
Have a great week, Bonnie
PS - enjoyed reading your HI blogs from Sandi Yara's website.
Sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteAhh ... shag carpeting! Almost makes me miss my bell bottoms and my 8-track tapes. This sounds like a fun novel with a tremendously likable narrator.
ReplyDeleteI spotted this book at the local GLBT bookstore. The blurb suggests this is such a charmer to read, and it's confirmed by you. It will make a perfect read for my upcoming summer trip.
ReplyDeleteGreat review - have heard of this one I think - gonna look for it now and read the darn thing!
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