Jerk, California [Deckle Edge] [Mass Market Paperback]

Jonathan Friesen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2008

This Schneider Family Book Award winner changed the face of Tourette's Syndrome for modern teens. Wrought with tension, romance, and hope, Jerk, California tells the story of Sam, who sets out on a cross-country quest to learn the truth about his family and his inherited Tourette's Syndrome, along the way finding both love and acceptance.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up—Sam Carrier's bitter, abusive stepfather, Old Bill, is ashamed of the boy's Tourette's Syndrome, and makes the teen feel that shame at every turn. He also makes Sam's life a misery by constantly telling him that his father was a no-good deserter. Upon his high school graduation, Sam meets George, a friend of his long-dead father, who attempts to undo the harm that Old Bill has done over the years. Sam (whose real name turns out to be Jack) embarks on a cross-country road trip to discover his roots, his identity, and his love for Naomi, who tags along, bringing some unexpected baggage. The story is compelling, especially Sam/Jack's quest for a deeper understanding of himself through his father's legacy. Along the way, he stays in the homes of his father's old friends and puts the pieces of his parents' life together. There is an abundance of inner dialogue, so much that readers may have trouble distinguishing between what Sam thinks, tells himself, or says to others. As soon as he meets George and his period of discovery begins, the book is a quick read, and the excitement of his journey will keep most readers turning the pages to see what's around the bend.—Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School
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From Booklist

In rural Wisconsin, Sam, a high-school student with Tourette syndrome, is alienated from his peers and rejected by his stepfather, and he has trouble getting close to lovely, kind Naomi. After graduation, his stepfather kicks him out of the house, and he accepts a job and lodging from another outcast, who knew Sam’s late father and dispels some of Sam’s misconceptions about his dad. Then, after more shake-ups at home, Sam embarks on a road trip with Naomi to California, hunting windmills and answers left by Sam’s dad along the way. Sam and his story are quixotic in the best possible way: he is a good-hearted dreamer trying to do right by his dulcinea. Debut author Friesen has Tourette syndrome, and he brings complexity and nuance to Sam’s struggle for understanding and self-acceptance. The pacing is leisurely, but like any good road story, there are enough corners and bends to keep readers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead at the journey’s end. Grades 10-12. --Heather Booth

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Speak (September 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142412031
• ISBN-13: 978-0142412039
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #559,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #53 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Issues > Dysfunctional Relationships
  • #99 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Issues > Abuse

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jerk Opened My Eyes . . . And Filled Them With Tears, September 16, 2008

By 

T. Shoemaker (Rolling Meadow, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jerk, California (Mass Market Paperback)

Jerk is the story of a young man who is freed from a cruel prison. I'm not talking about Tourette's but everything and everyone around him who beat him down with it, including himself. I found myself cheering for Jack (Sam), balling up my fists and wanting to fight for him and alongside him. As Jack becomes free from his prison, he frees others with him. His grandma. His mom. Naomi. Lane. And in a very real sense, baby Jess.

It is the story of a beaten down boy who learns to stand tall and stright. A boy who quietly joins the ranks of men who have earned the title Hero. Not because of some glorious moment in a sporting event, but because of his choices, his character, the man he becomes. This was the most enjoyable read I've had in a long, long time.

I expect this book will be one that becomes required or recommended reading in high school classrooms all across the U.S. And it ought to be.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging Characters + Intriguing Plot = Great Read, September 22, 2008

By 

G P Smith "GrammyGail" (Midwest USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jerk, California (Mass Market Paperback)

Jerk, CaliforniaJerk, California tells the fascinating story of high school senior Sam Carrier's search for the truth about his life. Rejected by his stepfather after being diagnosed with Tourette's as a child, Sam has endured plenty of bad treatment at home and school has been worse. His best, and only release from the constant betrayal of his body's constant movement is in running.
A mistake and a fortunate fall introduce the lovely Naomi into his life of chaos and the beginning of a most memorable year for Sam.
After graduation, the surprises continue as Sam discovers a job, a new home, a friend and mentor and a different identity all in the form of George, the town "coot" (who also has a connection to Naomi). The more Sam learns about his past the more he feels an undeniable desire to separate the lies he's always believed from the truth of his past.
As he and Naomi follow a mysterious map across the nation Sam literally drives into his father's history. Following a trail of windmills, small towns and unforgettable characters eventually winds them up in the seaside town of Jerk, California and a long lost family member.
My favorite part of Jerk, CA, was the beautifully written characters. They were real and honest and had you rooting for them all the time. I also loved the unexpected twists and turns of the plot as it took me from Minnesota to California. At the end of the book, I find my self reflecting on the character of Sam. His determination to live his life on his own terms unafraid to be who he really is reflected that he "may have Tourette's, but Tourette's doesn't have him".

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read, September 15, 2008

By 

Kasey Heinly (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jerk, California (Mass Market Paperback)

Jerk, California is the story of Sam Carrier, the kid who can't sit still. He jerks and twitches, in near constant motion. The only time he feels in control of his limbs is when he runs. High school is a nightmare. No friends, nothing. Then he meets beautiful Naomi, the girl who makes him feel like he can't remember which way is up.

But everything changes after his embarrassing graduation. New job, new name-- well, not new. Suddenly he finds himself on a cross-country trip with only his questions and Naomi for company.

I loved this book. Seriously. I read it in about 24 hours. I even read parts out loud to my husband-- the butter scene is hilarious!!

By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked on Sam. He's funny and his struggles were so real and heartfelt. In reading the story, I felt like I could understand how it would feel to have Tourette's. It's definitely worth reading. I'm sure I'll read it again!