Wizner, J. (2007). Spanking Shakespeare. NY: Random House. ISBN: 9780375840852.
Plot Summary: High school senior Shakespeare Shapiro is a bundle of neuroses. Through his series of monthly journal entries he must complete in order to graduate, we learn how much he worries about everything: his unusual first name, getting into college, having sex and being injured or killed in a plane or car crash. He finally comes to terms with his first name and realizes that perhaps it has helped him develop his writing skills. Along the way he learns about himself and even finds a girlfriend.
Critical Evaluation: This is a funny book. Shakespeare’s life is presented without pretension and manages to be comedic yet serious in its underlying subplots that keep readers engaged. It’s a realistic look at teenage life from the perspective of a smart kid, even if he is mostly consumed by gross and perverted things. Teens of both genders will be able to relate to him, because he’s a geek who is just making the most out of whatever he’s got. It’s also very revealing how he loves his family, despite his opinion that they are insane. A good story that pushes the limits and portrays a unique, irreverent character voice. A recommended read for older teens.
Reader’s Annotation:
Entering his senior year of high school, Shakespeare has never had a girlfriend, his younger brother is cooler than he is, he hates his name and his best friend's favorite topic of conversation is his bowel movements. But Shakespeare will have the last laugh. He is chronicling every mortifying detail in his memoir and doing it brilliantly.
Information About the Author:
Jake Wizner's first novel appears to be somewhat autobiographical. He is an eighth grade teacher of English and history. He lives in NYC with his wife and two daughters. Spanking Shakespeare is being made into a movie and is scheduled to be released next year under Paramount's Nickelodeon movie label. Jake's new book has just been released and it is called Castration Celebration.
Genre:
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age, Humor
Alternative Formats: Diaries and Journals
Curriculum Ties: English class, Book clubs, Social clubs, Recommendations for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
Booktalking Ideas:
• Shakespeare’s endless fears and the ones that come true
• The use of humor to enhance the story
• Is Shakespeare a realistic character or an unusual one?
• The different styles of writing presented in the book
• His preoccupation with sex and scatological aspects
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 16 – 25
Challenge Issues/Def
enses:
Potential Challenges:
• Drug Use
• Sexual Content and Masturbation
• Adult Language
Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Refer to awards won by this book from reputable organizations:
http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780375840852
• Provide book reviews by literary journals and media publications:
http://www.jakewizner.com/links_press.html
• Provide book reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Spanking-Shakespeare/Jake-Wizner/e/9780375840852
Why This Book Was Included: Humor is a great tool to interest young adults, particularly male teens, and keep them involved with literature meant especially for them. I wanted to include a few funny or unique titles on this blog list and this book is both. At times, it’s a laugh-out-loud story that some will enjoy (even if others may think it's over the top and sophmoric).
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