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A review by debi_g
Deacon Locke Went to Prom by Brian Katcher
5.0
Quintessential Katcher:
Quippy protagonist
Quirky characters and conflicts
Quality ideas
Quick, optimistic read
Quibbling reviewers
Deacon, the main character, is remarkably blasé about all sorts of social pitfalls, yet ridiculously insecure about other interactions. This level-headed attitude and anxiety-prone behavior combine to make Deacon a believable guy. I am also fond of the side characters. Each member of the supporting cast is distinct from the others, shaping and supporting the main character's trajectory in an individual and often subtle manner.
As with any story unconfined by the boundaries of convention and formula, there are elements of this novel that demand suspension of disbelief. That's a fair exchange for a book that is unlike any other. This novel's structure poses a surprising number of conflicts that unfold at varying paces and with multiple highs and lows. Such elements prove that Katcher's writing talent gains complexity with each new project.
Although I don't feel the epilogue was necessary--the final chapter ends on a pitch-perfect note-- I like it because it unfolds in a highly visual way. When this is made into a movie, the epilogue will fit well after the credits have rolled.
As far as negatives, I was alarmed by two editing misfires early in the book. On page 11, the main character reflects that "There's been a couple of close calls" (have, not has) and on page 16, Deacon asks, "Do us poor guys even stand a chance?" (It's we. Do WE stand a chance?) Since the second gaffe is part of the dialogue, I forgave and moved on. Fortunately, the story soon held me in its grip and if there were more errors, I neglected to notice.
I'll be recommending this novel to many students.
Quippy protagonist
Quirky characters and conflicts
Quality ideas
Quick, optimistic read
Quibbling reviewers
Deacon, the main character, is remarkably blasé about all sorts of social pitfalls, yet ridiculously insecure about other interactions. This level-headed attitude and anxiety-prone behavior combine to make Deacon a believable guy. I am also fond of the side characters. Each member of the supporting cast is distinct from the others, shaping and supporting the main character's trajectory in an individual and often subtle manner.
As with any story unconfined by the boundaries of convention and formula, there are elements of this novel that demand suspension of disbelief. That's a fair exchange for a book that is unlike any other. This novel's structure poses a surprising number of conflicts that unfold at varying paces and with multiple highs and lows. Such elements prove that Katcher's writing talent gains complexity with each new project.
Although I don't feel the epilogue was necessary--the final chapter ends on a pitch-perfect note-- I like it because it unfolds in a highly visual way. When this is made into a movie, the epilogue will fit well after the credits have rolled.
As far as negatives, I was alarmed by two editing misfires early in the book. On page 11, the main character reflects that "There's been a couple of close calls" (have, not has) and on page 16, Deacon asks, "Do us poor guys even stand a chance?" (It's we. Do WE stand a chance?) Since the second gaffe is part of the dialogue, I forgave and moved on. Fortunately, the story soon held me in its grip and if there were more errors, I neglected to notice.
I'll be recommending this novel to many students.