Barry Squires is a misfit who is direct to a fault and has his fair share of obstacles in his life, including a port wine stain birthmark on his cheek and a temper he's trying to keep in check. But he is determined to make something of himself and believes his success lies in becoming one of the local Full Tilt Dancers - even though he has never had a dance lesson in his life. A minor issue to Barry.
Barry's birthmark mars his self-confidence and with his short fuse and penchant for trouble, he finds solace with many of the secondary characters - his family, the school secretary, his new friend Saibal, homeless Even Stevens and the residents of the One Step Closer to God nursing home. So, when tragedy strikes, it is a blow not only for Barry but those around him, including the reader.
Smith includes a few heavier topics that are discussed in varying degrees. These include bullying, postpartum depression, homelessness, tragedy, prejudice and not fitting in but these issues are balanced with humorous banter, a diverse cast of characters and even a couple of celebrity cameos of famous Newfoundlanders.
This is a touching story with humour, heart, and a unique, small-town Newfoundland feel. A great pick for fans of Smith's The Agony of Bun O'Keefe.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Author: Heather Smith
Genre: Teen, Canadian, Contemporary Fiction
Type and Source: Hardcover from public library
Pages: 222
Publisher: Penguin Teen
First Published: Sept 22, 2020
Opening Lines: If this were my memoir, it'd probably begin with
It all started at the bingo hall. There'd be a picture of me
on the cover, my heels clicked together in midair, and on
the back there'd be a blurb from Pope John Paull II saying,
"The best damn book I've read since the Bible."
Book Description from GoodReads: Barry Squires, Full Tilt takes readers on a romp through the streets of St. John's and into the Squires household, a place where tragedy strikes but love prevails. Derry Girls meets Billy Elliot with an East coast twist.
It's 1995. When the Full Tilt Dancers give an inspiring performance at the opening of the new bingo hall, twelve-year-old Finbar (Barry) Squires wants desperately to join the troupe. Led by Father O'Flaherty, the Full Tilt Irish Step Dancers are the most sought-after act in St. John's, Newfoundland (closely followed by popular bagpiper, Alfie Bragg and his Agony Bag). Having watched Riverdance twice, Barry figures he'll nail the audition. And good thing too -- it'd be nice to be known for something other than the port wine stain on his cheek. With questionable talent and an unpredictable temper, Barry's journey to stardom is jeopardized by his parents' refusal to take his dreams seriously. Thankfully, Barry has the support of a lively cast of characters: his ever-present grandmother, Nanny Squires; his adorable baby brother, Gord; an old British rocker named Uneven Steven; a group of geriatrics from the One Step Closer to God nursing home; and Saibal, a friend with whom Barry gets up to no good.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments totally make my day!! I read each and every one and really try to reply to all messages posted. Thanks for stopping by my blog!