Lockie Leonard Human Torpedo

This is a fantastic read--it's not for the prudish, because it's quite frank in its sexual talk, which makes it really refreshing. I don't think an American parent or teacher would want any kid younger than 13 or 14 to read it. You can find cheaper copies on Alibris--check it out. To be on the safe side get an Australian or UK edition of the book because book 2 (Lockie Leonard, Scumbuster) was severely edited to change the Australian slang for the American reader. Big mistake. Not sure about this one because I only have the Australian edition. The Aussie slang isn't that hard to figure out and it's a lot of the fun of reading the book. Highly recommended. If you're a fan of Tim Winton's books for adults, don't dismiss this one--it's every bit as good as his writing for adults.

There's a cesspool of fiction for teenagers out there, most of it seeking to establish that the world is unerringly traumatic, loveless and painful. The guts of Lockie Leonard is that the story concludes on a note of hope and self-belief. Lockie does not need to be perfect, nor does he need the approval of others in order to like himself. I have taught this book in many classes and it hasn't missed yet. True, Winton takes cheap shots at the usual suspects; cops, teachers, doctors and lawyers who are decent people are also aberrations. That's a convenient and populist trick which is a little weary. Even so, I will read this again for the umpteenth time and encourage youngsters to do so. I also had a good laugh at the editorial review that "warned" of the Australian vernacular. Horray for homogeneity!!

Lockie and his family had just moved to a new house when school started for Lockie. His first day of school was the worst it could possibly have been. Although he got off to a rough start, he soon met a girl, and falls in love with her. From this point on his life in the small new town changed greatly. Some exciting things happened to him, but were these new things what he really wanted? This book is quite an easy read and is appropriate for middle school students. The book's main themes are sex (in a mild non straight forward way), love, and popularity. The author, Tim Winton is a superb writer. He makes it seem that this story can happen to anyone because it is so believable. The main character, Lockie Leonard, seems like someone you could at school. Lockie seems just like a nice guy with problems that everyone else has, an embarrassing family, annoying teachers, and difficulty fitting in. When Winton writes, it seems like you are listening to an Australian thirteen-year-old think. The book gives you a lot of insight into what actual teenage boys think and feel. The things that happen to Lockie are things that could happen in real life. His reactions to these things are quite human and realistic, unlike some books where the main character makes a dumb decision just for the sake of the plot. This book makes you feel like you are experiencing love for the first time and gives you the feeling of being new in town. Tim Winton is one of the best writers I have ever read. This is definitely a great read even if it may be a bit easy for you.

See Abov

Lockie Leonard is a teenage boy into teenage boy things. Apart from dealing with a new school and a crazy family, Lockie has to deal with adolescent changes that are reaking havoc on his life. Trying to stay cool, popular and in love make this Australian book a hilariously realistic look at teenage life.