growing payne
"So your hair won't grow in the right places, you're in love but everyone thinks you're a geek, your mother's watching TV in electric slippers and there's so much spilled oil in the Indian Ocean that it's turned into a gigantic wok? The problem with being 14, as Phil Payne sees it, is that any moment you could lose your life - almost before you've found it! "
305 pg, paperback, 0091830044
I really enjoyed this book. I think at the time it was the longest John Larkin had written, and even now is still (I think) the longest "children's" book he's written. It's also very involved... 'Ghost Byte' had a shot at being something a bit weird, a bit sci-fi perhaps, but this one stands up and says "All the way!"
I loved reading this book for three reasons, reasons that make so many of John Larkin's books as enjoyable as they are. One-- the story of a teenage boy's life, told to make you laugh out loud. Two-- a wonderful bit of romance that seems so true how love really is (:). Three-- A nice bit o' warp drive/time travel that is held up by an in-depth explanation as to how it all works. That's why I say the book is involved- because John Larkin's appeared to have taken the time to explain all the "weirdness".
reviews by other people
Someone from Brisbane Boys College said:
"Phil and Larry have invented and built the first pedal-powered flying trike. Well, the trike does fly, but it also crashes with far-reaching consequences for the unfortunate Phil. Time machines, pursuits, disguises and twists and turns of the story make sure this hilarious story holds the reader's interest until the end."
The Education Department of Tasmania (totally kicks arse!) said:
"Growing Payne by Phil (SIC!) Larkin. Looks at the problems of adolescent life, from a 14 year old's perspective. Very funny, very approachable and memorable.
