I have a special place in my heart for “gadget boys” I have two of my own and I love when an author includes this trait in a character. When I saw that the main character for the book Slob by Ellen Potter (Philomel, 2009) was an inventor I took a break from my usual diet of picture books to check it out, and I was not disappointed.
Here is the description of the book:
Twelve-year-old Owen Birnbaum is the fattest kid in school. But he’s also a genius who invents cool contraptions— like a TV that shows the past. Something happened two years ago that he needs to see. But genius or not, there is much Owen can’t outthink. Like his gym coach, who’s on a mission to humiliate him. Or the way his Oreos keep disappearing from his lunch. He’s sure that if he can only get the TV to work, things will start to make sense. But it will take a revelation for Owen, not science, to see the answer’s not in the past, but the present. That no matter how large he is on the outside, he doesn’t have to feel small on the inside.
With her trademark humor, Ellen Potter has created a larger-than-life character and story whose weight is immense when measured in heart.
This book combines humor and heart is a very realistic way. I alternated between laughing out loud and hurting for Owen as his life careens out of control. I loved the references to old television shows and any book that pays tribute to “The Fonz” is a winner in my book. The ending kept me guessing and was a thoughtful resolution for a truly touching story.
Just as an aside, my husband found the book on the kitchen table one morning after breakfast and began reading, we then had to take turns reading the book until I was able to finish it and hand it off to him. Now son#2 is reading the book and thoroughly enjoying it. We do love “Gadget Boys” around here, maybe because we are surrounded by them.
Suzanne Santillan
Writing on the Sidewalk
I’m so glad that you and your “gadget boys” enjoyed SLOB!
Thanks Ellen, it’s a great book and we have enjoyed reading it.
Funny, my daughter and I had to take turns reading Olivia Kidney by Ellen, too. We made a show of handing it off, but we were also hiding the book from each other so we could read it faster. Ellen’s books tend to do that… Great review. I love SLOB, too.
We were very civilized about taking turns, but I did avoid telling son#2 about it until I was done because I knew that it could be a scheduling mess. My theory was proven correct when he sat down to read it and finished it in a day.
[...] Ellen is a truly talented author and I have enjoyed reading many of her other books including SLOB and Spilling Ink which I have quoted on this site more than once. I was fortunate to receive an ARC [...]
Hey thanks for writing this great book! I’m 13 year old boy and I just now finished the book and I was looking for somewhere I could leave a comment. Loved the ending, weird twist. Great book overall, any idea what the theme would be?
Hello, my name is Victoria I’m a 14 year old girl I was made to read this book by my reading teacher.She thinks this is one of the most amazing books ever made, but as for I didn’t enjoy this book. I thought it’ was one of the most boring books you could ever read. I read the entire thing and all I got out of it was, there was a fat kid and someone stole his cookies an he wanted them back, so he goes through a ton of trouble to get them back and figure out who is steeling them when he can just go and get more.
I’m sorry if you find me very pessimistic I just didn’t like this book. I’ve read much better
Hi Victoria –
I just wanted to jump in and say that’s okay! Not every book is for everyone. I loved Slob because it kept surprising me all the way through! It was funny and sad at the same time.
For me, it seemed as though one reason Owen wanted to solve the mystery as to who took his cookies was because he couldn’t figure out who had hurt his parents, which was what really mattered to him.
Also, I like rooting for someone who is standing up to bullies.
But thanks for sharing your opinion – I hope you’ll let us know what books you do love!
-Sarah
Hi Ellen Potter,
I’m Elisa and 12 years old….(just like Owen Birnbaum)
I just wanted to say you are officially my favorite author.
I’v read your book Olivia Kidney, which is the first book I have read by you, and it was AMAZING!!
So I read this other book by you and called because it was in my book fair, and I loved it sooooo much it was very funny but sad at some other parts, like when I read the story about when Owens parents died…: (
Anyways, basically I wanted to say that I really love your books and I hope you could make some others like slob.. maybe a slob 2.
P.S: If you write another it should be teen romance with an funny back up story for the love.
Sincerely, one of your biggest fans Elisa Walker
Hi Elisa,
We love Ellen Potter too. I really enjoyed SLOB and I was also sad when I read about Owen’s parents. If you haven’t had a chance be sure to check out her books The Kneebone Boy and Spilling Ink.
I am going to forward your message to Ellen.
Happy Reading,
Suzanne Santillan
It was so sad that Owen’s parents were killed.
Yes it was very sad.
I love the book slob so much it was such a good book but it was so sad at times!!!:(
Whats the resolution to this book?
hey ellen wat is the theme and symbolism of this book
[...] Here is a sampling of some of the comments we have received in regards to the book Slob by Ellen Potter: [...]
Does the name “Slob” stand for anything?