King Dork by Frank Portman
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Adult Services
Genre: Mystery
Suggested Age: Teens
What is the book about?: Tom Henderson’s ordinary teenage life becomes more interesting when he finds his deceased father’s copy of The Catcher in the Rye. The book contains a mysterious code that may hold the key to a potential murder, conspiracy, and cover-up. While investigating, Tom realizes that the code may solve the puzzle surrounding his father’s death and open up the possibility to hook up with a few hot girls.
My Review: I have to say that I was disappointed with this novel. While I did have quite a bit of empathy for the narrator’s plight as a bullied outcast, I didn’t really like him. When I picked up the book I read the synopsis and was set up for a murder mystery. I feel that the author didn’t really deliver in this respect. I was somewhat engaged in the novel at the very beginning and thought the plot was going somewhere, but then it seemed like the narrative derailed in the middle of the book. The ending was disappointing and seemed tagged on at the last minute. What I did like about King Dork was some of its humor about high school stereotypes and the author’s allusions to The Catcher in the Rye. Having read Catcher myself, the many references to the plot and Holden Caulfield were enjoyable to me. Tom’s opinions about Holden were witty and would speak to many teens today who have read The Catcher in the Rye as required reading. This book would also appeal to teens who aspire to be rock musicians as the author is also in the band, The Mr. T Experience. Throughout the novel are references to classic rock and garage band nostalgia.
Rating: 2/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!