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May 8, 2009
VOSS by David Ives
Borat of Kazakhstan move over and meet Vospop Vsklzwczdztwczky of Slobovia in David Ives' VOSS: HOW I COME TO AMERICA AND AM HERO, MOSTLY. Voss, 15, writes very funny letters to his friend, Meero back in Slobovia, about his trip to and life in America.
It all begins when Voss, his father, Bogdown, and his uncle, Shpoot, smuggle themselves onto a cargo ship bound for the good old USA in a crate of imitation Cheez Puffs. The crate is owned by Slobovia's most notorious gangster who is not happy to have crate load of crumbs and wants compensation.
In America Voss discovers the Slobovian section of the city (The author doesn't specify which city.) is poor, rundown and filled with unhappy Slobovians. Not discouraged by his surroundings Voss goes in search of job to find the American dream, and his job is to babysit a rich man's daughter and brunch.
Voss finds living in America doesn't go smoothly.When his father becomes ill, he must be taken to hospital. He learns that not all hospitals care for their patients and must find a way to rescue Bogdown. This part is the AM HERO, MOSTLY.
The letters, or as Voss writes "ladders", chronicles his misadventures and are very funny. I really enjoyed the story and found it was a very fast read. Sometimes I found myself reading the dialogue out loud, because Voss pronounciation of the English language is as funny to hear as it is to read.
But just like Borat I feel this might not be appropriate for tweens and younger teens, so I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS. YOU, TOO, WILL LAUGH OUT LOUD.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at May 8, 2009 8:21 PM