Surf Mules [Hardcover]

G. Neri (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 11, 2009

When Logan goes searching for the Perfect Monster Wave, he doesn't expect his former best friend to be killed by it. Add to this a deadbeat dad who bankrupted his family and the possibility of college going down the drain, and Logan is suddenly in a tailspin.

So when small-time dealer Broza offers Logan and his dropout pal, Z-boy, a summer job that could make them rich, it seems his problems might be solved. But between Z-boy's constant screwups, a band of Nazi surfers out for blood, and a mysterious stranger on their tail, Logan is starting to have some serious doubts about hauling contraband across country, and hopes just to make it home alive.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Neri's novel catches readers' interest on the very first page and propels them to the end in this intense, funny, and exciting read." --School Library Journal

About the Author

G. Neri is the author of the critically acclaimed Chess Rumble and lives in Tampa, Florida, with his wife and daughter.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Hardcover: 273 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile; 1 edition (June 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399250867
• ISBN-13: 978-0399250866
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #703,468 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

G. Neri is the 2011 Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author of Yummy, and a two-time American Library Association Notable Book honoree. In 2010, he was the recipient of the Lee Bennett Hopkins/ International Reading Association Promising Poet Award for Chess Rumble. He has been a filmmaker, animator and new media producer and one of the founding members of The Truth anti-smoking campaign for teens. He lives on the Gulf coast of Florida with his wife and daughter and likes to troll for alligators.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars interesting and exciting, November 16, 2011

By 

StephanieM5632 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surf Mules (Hardcover)

Surf Mules is a book about two surfers who need money to get into college and wind up with the job of smuggling pot across the country. The three main characters are well developed and you get to know each one directly and indirectly. the story starts out focusing on surfing but then changes topics to talk about smuggling and friendship. i would recommend this book, it always has something going, whether its being chased by cops or getting jumped on a highway you wont be bored. If you like modern day adventure books then you probably like this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Way better than expected, March 26, 2011

By 

Liviania - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Surf Mules (Hardcover)

I picked this one up expecting it to be so-so, an impression enforced by the prologue that recounts one of Logan and Z-boy's dumber exploits. But SURF MULES quickly becomes an emotional novel that will appeal to boys.

Logan's smart for a surfer, but it takes more than brains to go to college. And when his former best friend dies on the wave he spent his whole life wanting to ride, Logan is thrown for a loop. So when his other pal Z-boy hooks him up with the local drug dealer for an easy job, he takes it. And of course, things go terrible wrong.

(Everything I know about drug muling I learned from this book and Maria eres llena de gracia, neither of which make it an attractive job despite explaining very well why people would do it.)

SURF MULES combines comedy, adventure, and poignancy to create a book that is far less silly than it seems on the surface. Reading about Logan's last summer before college is a good way to cap off your own summer.

Review copy
From In Bed With Books

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fast Adventure - Loved it, April 2, 2010

By 

DAC "Thehappynappybookseller" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Surf Mules (Hardcover)

Growing up Logan's two best friends and surfing partners were Fin and Z-Boy. Recenlty Logan's and Fin's friendship has been strained before they can work it out Fin's killed by a wave. Logan and Z-Boy are approached by a young drug dealer named, Broza with a chance to make some quick cash as mules. Z-Boy feels this is his only options and quickly says yes. Logan is unsure, though he eventually says yes, in hopes of relieving some of the financial pressure from his mother. Logan and Z-Boy drive cross country from California to Flordia, in a car lined with pot. I loved how well this story moved. I thought the beginning was great, the author places readers right in the middle of the action. Logan and Z-Boy are in Texas and have a run in with some Texas surfers. I was quickly intrigued by Texas surfers, a car chase and a bloody nose. Thanks to that fast start, Neri has made Surf Mules hard to put down, even for the most reluctant readers. Logan's plans to go to college after graduation are put on hold thanks to his fathers gambling debt. Logan wants to do this run once, with Z-Boy. Z-Boy believes this is a start to one day taking over for Broza. I really enjoyed Surf Mules. The characters have a very realistic feel to them. On Logan's and Z-Boy's trip, there is heart behind the well paced action. The author takes the time to develop secondary characters like Broza making it that much more interesting.