King+of+the+Screwups

Discussion page for //King of the Screwups// by K.L. Going

This book was ok. It started off well, with interesting characters, but it was dragging for me by the middle and I found it hard to finish. The narrator is unusual in YA books in that he's good-looking and popular, but also sweet and likable. After he moves to a small town in upstate NY, he tries to please his father by being nerdy instead, but his natural popularity always wins out, which makes for some very funny moments. Overall, though, I wouldn't recommend it for the list. --Joan, Derry PL

Just finished reading //King of the Screwups// by Going and enjoyed it very much. It was the story of a boy who is always messing up, whether intentionally or not and cannot seem to win the admiration of his business-like Father, who he so very much wants to impress. In the end, with the love of his uncle and his uncle’s friends, he finds that he’ll be much happier once he stops trying to impress others (especially his Dad). The main character has a charming, likeable personality and an eye for fashion that will win him many true friends and much happiness. This one should appeal to boys. I would recommend this book. – Judi Shea, Nashua High South

I agree with the previous reviewers. The book was okay. It did start off well and did drag mid way. It is a cute story about a guy living with his gay glam rocker uncle because his Dad is cold and uninterested in him. It was funny in parts, just not compelling enough to make the list. gadams

The "King of the Screwups" has a name: Liam, who describes his dysfunctional life in detail. Liam is popular, stylish, articulate, and these attributes are not typical of tragic characters. We get to observe an adolescent male make almost every mistake possible in his efforts to please, appease, or displease his father and the other people around him. I found this to be a quick and interesting read, filled with high school material that confronts the reader with moral challenges and ethical dilemmas in every chapter. Great book, that provides some useful insight, especially for readers who might be processing personal issues of their own. Wally Keniston - Oyster River H.S. Library

Good story, but one dimensional characters. Especially the father. OK I get it! He's egocentric, preoccupied with work and mean. The hook is the main character's flair for fashion. Nice touch, but not worthy of being on the list. Maybeth Anderson Dover High School