Masterfully read by the author himself. Alternately (ocassionally simultaneously) hilarous and deeply touching. ( )

Set in a small town in Alaska, and follows Norman as he comes of age, from 13 to 16. HIs father is a primary character in most of the storeis (each chapter is an anecdote), as he tries to help his son become a man. This is a cute/heartwarming and at times heart-rending story of the difficulty and confusion boys experience during puberty. Many boys can relate the Norman's problems and actions. Girls could be persuaded to invest in Laura (Norman's first crush), ( )

This would be a great book to read for young male teens, especially those who like Gary Paulsen books or tales of the North Country. It also would appeal to reluctant readers because it is a series of separate stories that are related. The stories tell about Norman a small town Alaskan teenager when he is 13-15 years old. The author is adept at giving Norman all the roller coaster emotions and growing pains (both physical and emotional) that a young teenage boy goes through. Throughout the stories, Norman has to contend with a somewhat macho but loving father who wants to be involved with his son and the opposite pull of his teenage infatuation with Laura, who ultimately turns out to be nothing like he imagined. The stories are infused with heartfelt humor that resonates with truths felt by teenagers and any one who lived through those years. ( )

Norman Tuttle is the teenage character who comes of age in a number of stories in Bodett's earlier books about the town, The End of the Road. The stories are collected here with some minor tweaking and packaged for young adult readers. Many stories are funny, some are touching, others will make you cringe when you remember what you were like at that age. ( )