⁂ and his companion, a pessimist named Kiljoy ⁂ A talking "scapegoat," named Mayor Culpa ("Mae Culpa") The supporting cast are all extremely memorable, with unique voices, which is a feat most first-time authors struggle to accomplish. Of course the corresponding characters met within those locations serve as teaching moments for young readers while exploring a fun new world. ⁂ and a mountain range referred to as "Way Above Average" The land itself becomes the teaching tool, with areas and locations like: The Realm of Possibility, the land James is transported to, is a really cute, albeit heavy-handed, vehicle by which to teach children about simple psychological concepts such as state of mind, and attitude. I really want to highlight all the things I did enjoy first and foremost though. There was a lot I really liked about this story, but a few things that ultimately brought the score down a little in the end. Regardless, the world here is filled with memorable locations and characters that feel varied and distinct. The narrative voice in particular reminded me of the Narnia series. In a lot of ways this felt nostalgic, and very reminiscent of classic children's books I read during my childhood. I tip my hat to Gary Schwartz for taking what is a relatively tired trope (portal fantasy) and breathing new life into it in a debut novel.
#Gary schwartz demoman full
When his choice is made, James is magically transported to a new world, full of new friends who want him to become the King of Average and James begins a new journey that may forever change the boy he sees himself as. How could he forget his shortcomings with a mother who makes a hobby out of pointing them out? James has a choice: wallow in self-pity and frustration, or embrace that which he is and become the most average 11 year old boy to have ever lived. He's not especially bright, nor clever, or particularly talented at anything. The King of Average is a funny jaunt through a quirky and cleverly crafted world that reaches a fairly satisfying conclusion.Įleven year old James - the protagonist of this tale - is perfectly average at everything he does. Frank Baum with the advent of creatures like the Ninnies who throw worry warts or the sycophantic residents of the Flatterlands. James was struck by her loveliness it was the first time a girl had ever struck him as pretty.Īlso prevalent are elements reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz by L.
Her lank blonde hair hung to her shoulders and her long bangs came down to just above her pale gray eyes. She wore a tattered blue tunic over a soiled white dress. Here was this strong, kind man, a victim of circumstances with a cruel wife and children he loved, confessing his failures as a man to an eleven-year-old boy.Ī young girl made her way through the anxious throng. He didn't mean to make her so miserable, but what could he do? "Oh, how I wish you were never born!" she'd moan. However, this book also mirrors Piers Anthony's moderately offensive Xanth novels in that women generally fall into one of two categories: evil and conniving or utterly beautiful.Īccording to his mother, James had caused all her troubles. "In other words," said the first," we formulate the Law of Average." "Making sure things are fair-to-middling," affirmed the sixth.
"Regulating the regular things," stated the fifth. "Moderating the usual things," the fourth judge added. "Balancing the budget," added the third woman with the thin lips. "Keeping things on par," avowed the second judge. "We are charged with maintaining the status quo." "He has to be there," Alistair predicted. "Do you know for sure he's there?" asked James. "Follow the road south to an old resort called Disappointment Bay." In the same vein as The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, The King of Average is packed with puns and clever wordplay.
#Gary schwartz demoman professional
Teaming up with Mayor Culpa, as well as Roget, a professional Optimist, and Kiljoy, a professional Pessimist, James embarks on a journey of self discovery. But the Law of Averages state that James must first complete a task. Culpa escorts James to the Kingdom of Average, located within the Realm of Possibility where James is offered the chance to be the King of Average. Shortly thereafter he meets Mayor Culpa, a talking goat who wears spectacles and a vest. Eleven-year-old James knows he’s just average, but he's decided to be the most average person.
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