Customer Reviews

Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier: A Novel in Stories (Tom Bodett Adventure Series)

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

 

 

The first story in NORMAN TUTTLE ON THE LAST FRONTIER has Norman falling out of a fishing boat into icy Alaskan waters. "There is probably no good time to be in a situation like this," author Tom Bodett writes, "but being in this situation at age thirteen has got to be the worst of them. You're too old to cry and too young to swear, and you don't even have much of a life to go flashing past." This sets the tone for the collection of short stories about the life and adventures of Norman Tuttle, eldest son of an Alaskan fisherman, as he faces the challenges of growing up.

NORMAN TUTTLE ON THE LAST FRONTIER is a hilarious account of a boy growing up on the last frontiers of civilization and adolescence. Some tales are unique to the setting, like those about Norman helping on his father's fishing boat. Others are common to young people anywhere in North America, such as the stories about bullies, friendship, or first loves.

Tom Bodett makes an unusual choice in placing Norman in a loving, two-parent home. His close relationship with his father is especially noteworthy. Most young people in literature come from families that are missing a parent or experiencing some sort of trauma, such as a recent death or alcoholism. NORMAN TUTTLE ON THE LAST FRONTIER proves that there is plenty of drama available in a young person's life without resorting to trauma. The strongest stories in this collection are pitch-perfect renderings of perfectly mundane moments in a young person's life.

There are two standout stories in this collection of humorous tales. "Thanksgiving Cheer" is about the first Thanksgiving when Norman is allowed to sit at the grown-up table. Sent to the basement to look after his younger siblings and cousins, Norman ends up pounding a screwdriver into his father's workbench. His father, unaware that Norman has disobeyed one of the cardinal rules of the house --- to stay out of the tools --- invites Norman to join the adults. Norman knows he should enjoy being included as an adult member of the family, but all he can think about is how to repair the damage in the basement before his parents find out.

Another great story is "A Bump in the Road." Norman, who is recently grounded and seething against the unfairness of the world, reacts to his father's annoying tendency to say, "Bumpity-bump-bump-bump!" whenever they hit a rough spot on the road. The simple set-up and Bodett's direct use of language make the story an ideal way to explore the dynamics and feelings behind adolescent outbursts.

Never condescending, NORMAN TUTTLE ON THE LAST FRONTIER can be enjoyed both by people experiencing these things for the first time and those who remember going through them. In a world full of teen trauma novels, this book is a refreshing breath of positive realism. I look forward to what Tom Bodett will offer next.

--- Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood

As 'coming of age' stories go, I consider Stephen King's "The Body"/"Stand By Me" the gold standard. Norman Tuttle is short of that standard. Still, it is a very worthwhile read. As a 57-year-old adult, I identified with most of the anecdotes that Mr. Bodett included in this fast-paced read. I am certain, without a doubt, that young readers will enjoy this book as well. Young or old, you will enjoy this book. Like "The Body," Norman Tuttle would make an excellent film that would draw a wide range of viewers.

"Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier" is the third chapter of Tom Bodett's "American Odyssey." As such, it is very incomplete, and little more than a long short story.

On the otherhand the complete "American Odyssey" is extraordinary. The printed novel and the CD version titled "The Free Fall of Webster Cummings" are in fact the entire "American Odyssey"---VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Free Fall of Webster Cummings, The - the American Odyssey Collection (Odyssey Series)

Caution: the audio-cassette book titled "The Free Fall of Webster Cummings" is only the first chapter. Don't buy cassettes audiobooks in the "American Odyssey seriies, regardless of how cheap they are---they are just individual chapters of the "American Odyssey". Don't buy "Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier" (on cassette or CD) it is only the fourth chapter of the "American Odyssey". Instead, buy the entire complelation on CD titled "The Free Fall of Webster Cummings".

Why 2 stars? Not a reflection on the quality of "Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier", but rather a warning to buy "The Free Fall of Webster Cummings" instead---even though my copy of "Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier" is one of those for sale.

The book arrived in excellent condition.. Have read it and as
always, I was not surprised with the great humor Tom Bodett shares
with the world in his writings..

We listened to this book on CD while on a long driving trip.
I really didn't think I could get interested in the tale of a pre-adolescent and finally adolescing boy, but the story was interesting and well-read. It takes place in Alaska, and so well describes the type of life one might imagine of a middle-class, fishing family kid.
My grandsons live in Vienna and are closing in on being in the same age bracket. The story really captures the life of Norman Tuttle, his experiences and feelings of a boy, the sheltered life of a remote Alaskan town, the experiences of a kid transplanted for a summer to an Oregon farm, and his near-disastrous experience at the hands of hoodlums in Seattle. While my husband and I, both senior citizens, were captivated by this book, I can't wait to have my Viennese grandsons experience aurally what Norman Tuttle experienced in Alaska. This is a true American book that has universal appeal.
Tom Bodett's writing style is ultimately readable, but having him read it aloud is a special treat.

We really enjoy Tom Bodett and these tapes did not disappoint us. They are both funny and poignant.

I'm a 34 year old male who hasn't picked up a book for young readers in awhile (excepting Golden Books when I visit my niece and nephew). After visiting briefly with Mr. Bodett when I was a listener contestant on NPR's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" I wanted to sample his writing. I picked this book and was very pleased. This is definitely `feel good' literature, but not naive or phoney. I found myself remembering clearly the ups and downs of my own early teens. The plot is entertaining and thoughtful, and Mr. Bodett writes with empathy for both the adult and adolescent characters. I'd describe this as a book for parents and children to share.

Tom Bodett has a wonderful story telling ability that is comparable with
Garrison Keillor. He capture the problems and growing oains of the
adolescent boy in this coming of age book.

"Tom Bodett combines rugged Alaskan adventure with a warm and funny story of a boy who may not be as lonely as he thinks."

I was not impressed with the book. It really could have easily taken place in California- it really didn't show what it is like to live in Alaska (this is coming from a teen living in a small town in Alaska, mind you). The "wilderness adventure" was never shown except for some fishing and hunting that was briefly touched upon.

Tom Bodett has written some awesome books, but this is a flop of his. It was not that humorous, and was rather dry.