Well, the highly anticipated title of The Big Rothesay Read 2011 has been announced and the response so far has been remarkable.
Jerk California is the story of Sam Carrier, a young man who has dealt with many challenges in his short eighteen-year life. Raised by his mother and stepfather, Old Bill, Sam endures abuse and endless lies about his biological father. Saddled with Tourette’s syndrome, Sam runs long distance to help deal with his tics. It is on one of his runs that he encounters Naomi. Although the two are not in the same social circle, there is an odd chemistry between them.
Upon graduating from high school, Sam feels it is time to move out his childhood home. It is then through a series of events that he meets George, the town “coot”. George teaches Sam more about life than he could ever imagine. He also encourages Sam to travel across the country to gain insight into his deceased father. Throughout the journey, he meets many of his father’s friends who provide him with truths about the man he never knew. Naomi, a fellow high school student, on whom he has a huge crush, joins Sam on the cross-country trek. Their friendship blossoms over the two-week trip and he discovers that Naomi is hiding a life-changing secret. Based on his own life experiences, Sam attempts to help her make the right decision.
Although this book is certainly not an autobiography, Sam’s struggle with Tourette’s is based on the author’s personal life. Readers will finish this book and undoubtedly have empathy and compassion for those with afflictions over which they have no control. This is a perfect story for young adults and adults alike especially if they are looking for quality conversations around the dinner table.
