Reviews

Gr 6-9-Tim Winton's coming-of-age novel (Little, Brown, 1991) is relevant, funny, and touching. Lockie Leonard's family has moved from Perth to the East Coast of Australia. He has just turned 13 and must start a new school. Although he's a good surfer, he doesn't think he has much else going for him. His father is a pacifist cop, his brother wets the bed, and he lives in a less desirable section of town. Lockie hits the jackpot when cute, smart, popular, and well-off Vicki takes a liking to him. They quickly become an item, and Lockie is suddenly popular. When things start moving too fast, Lockie's need to slow it down causes Vicki to become bored with the relationship. With the help of time and his empathetic parents, he comes to terms with loosing both Vicki and his popularity. Winton has tapped into the angst of young teen boys, and listeners will identify with Lockie. Librarians should be aware that use of the Australian vernacular is pervasive, and there is sexual content (make-out sessions and wet dreams). Stig Wemyss, an actor in both Australia and the U. S., narrates with great energy and enthusiasm, capturing the voices of all of the characters. Catchy musical interludes between chapters add a nice touch. Those who enjoy surfing and coming-of-ages stories or are Tim Winton fans might enjoy this audiobook.-Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Moving to Australia's East Coast from Perth makes 14-year-old Lockie an outsider and a city boy--an identity worsened by the fact that his father is a cop and the family lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Still, between smart-mouthing in school, thrashing the waves on his surfboard and having the popular Vicki Streeton as a girlfriend, Lockie soon establishes his place in town. It's a difficult time: sexual stirrings begin perplexing Lockie, and Vicki seems to be confusing love with precocious sex. The boy is also faced with other, more universal concerns, such as the depletion of the ozone, nuclear weapons and world peace. While trendy brand names, pop artists and television programs will date this first novel, Lockie's successes with the business of life have the solid ring of truth. Winton's dry, typically Down Under wit and his use of alien, sometimes challenging Australian slang should charm young readers on this side of the equator. Ages 10-up. (Jan.)