Emil Ostrovski's smart and funny debut novel begins with a recipe for disaster for narrator Jack, and will likely to appeal to fans of Sherman Alexie and Andrew Smith.
Jack wakes up on his 18th birthday to suicidal thoughts and a call from his ex-girlfriend telling him she's about to give birth to their son. Jess has planned to give the baby up for adoption, but when Jack holds the son he once suggested Jess abort, he realizes he doesn't want to say goodbye. At least not without one adventure to his dying grandmother's house--so he kidnaps his newborn baby. Jack names his son Socrates, and has hilarious imaginary conversations with him about romanticism, mortality and the limitations of the universe.
Sure, there are FBI chases, humorously neglectful baby handling and pop-culture references galore, but the heart of this novel is Jack finding meaning in his own little corner of the universe after he considered ending his life. Baby Socrates is Jack's game changer, but the assists go to his friend Tommy, who joined the military in pursuit of excitement, and Jess, who may throw chairs at Jack but still cares for him deeply.
This novel will easily grip readers, thanks to its neurotic hero, and have them eagerly awaiting Ostrovski's follow-up. --Adam Silvera, reviewer and children's bookseller