Customer Reviews

All Shook Up

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In this book, Pearsall takes on the bane of all teens: a parent who embarrasses you! Hey, it doesn't get any worse than a semi-normal dad changing careers to become an Elvis impersonator. You can't help cracking up (and being glad it's not you) as Josh--the main character--has to deal with everything from his dad's new sideburns to his "gigs" around town while Josh is trying to fit in at a new school. Other interesting characters abound in this book from bizarro chic Ivory (possible girlfriend?) to dog collar-wearing Digger to old lady neighbor Gladys--all who want to befriend Josh as he desperately tries not to draw attention to himself! The book is a fast and good read--I think of Deliver Us from Normal by Kate Klise or Al Capone Does My Shirts by Choldenko as comparable books. It's funny, sometimes painful to read as Josh tries to cope, and ultimately rewarding in the end (I won't tell--you'll have to read it yourself!)

[...]

You have probably heard the superstition before that 13 is an unlucky number. Most people, like me, think this is crazy, but for 13-year-old Josh in All Shook Up it isn't. When Josh turns 13 his Grandma, who lives in Florida, breaks her hip by falling down the stairs and he has to move to his dad's house in Chicago for four whole months. Why? Because his mom decides to go live with his grandma in Florida until her ribs are healed. Josh isn't allowed to go with his mom because the schools near his grandma aren't all that great. When he arrives at his dad's house he finds out that his dad had turned into Elvis, side burns and all. This isn't even the worst part, Josh's dad has a girlfriend who has a daughter named Ivory and they both dress like they are living in the 60's! As if all of this isn't enough, Josh's dad wants to perform at his new school for the 50's concert. This causes a major problem for Josh because he is finally starting to become popular at school and, if anyone knows that Josh's dad is an Elvis impersonator, then no one will want to be his friend and he will have to sit at the garbage can seats at lunch. The garbage can seats are for losers who have no friends. Will Josh come up with a way to scheme his dad into not going or will he be embarrassed in front of the whole school?

All Shook Up was the funniest book I have ever read. The author added so much detail that at times you felt like you were in the book and actually knew Josh. At some points in the book I wanted to yell at Josh and tell him what to do. After reading this book, it made me realize that what my parents do to me in public that is sometimes embarrassing is nothing. It could be a lot worse. After reading All Shook Up you are sure to feel the same way. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading suspenseful books with a pinch of humor. This book definitely deserves a five out of five!

Josh is an idiot. He complains, and complains about a problem but whenever he has a chance to fix it, he dosn't. His he planing on the problem just magicly fixing itself, because it is not.

The books plot is so flawed, I don't even know where to begain. The book is about Josh, who has to go live with is father, who goes of to be Elvis everynight. I get that part, but this is what I don't understand. If he just told his mother what was going on then she would rescue him, and he would get to leave his some-what neglectful father. Does this make sence to anybody, because I just don't see the logic. Josh can be a bigger nincompoop then some of the other people who he is acussing of being idiots.

The book was in perfect condition when it arrived. It arrived in ample time and my students have really enjoyed it.

A great book with a ton of humor and heart. I recommend it highly!

The book "All Shook Up" was not what I expected it to be. I am considering returning it although the postage to do so would probably be as much as what I paid for the book!