| Jerk, California | 
 enlarge | Author: Jonathan Friesen
Publisher: Puffin
Category: Book
List Price: $9.99
Buy New: $5.60
You Save: $4.39 (44%)
New (34) Used (10) from $5.06
Avg. Customer Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 305441
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 352
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.2
ISBN: 0142412031
EAN: 9780142412039
ASIN: 0142412031
Publication Date: September 4, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new item. Over 3.5 million customers served. Order now. Selling online since 1995. Order with confidence. Code: B20081130225628T
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Product Description
Twitch, Jerk, FreakSam Carrier has been called them all. Because of his Tourettes syndrome, Sam is in near constant motion with tics and twitches and verbal outbursts. So, of course, high school is nothing but torment. Forget friends; forget even hoping that beautiful, perfect Naomi will look his way. And home isnt much better with his domineering stepfather reminding him that the only person who was more useless than Sam was his dead father, Jack. But then an unexpected turn of events unearths the truth about his father. And suddenly Sam doesnt know who he is, or even where hell go next. What he does know is that the only girl in the world who can make him happy and nervous at the same time is everywhere he turns . . . and hed give anything just to be still.
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| Customer Reviews:
A Great read!!! November 15, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A fascinating book with great characters! Well written and a very fast read! I couldn't put it down!
Engaging Characters + Intriguing Plot = Great Read September 22, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Jerk, CaliforniaJerk, California tells the fascinating story of high school senior Sam Carrier's search for the truth about his life. Rejected by his stepfather after being diagnosed with Tourette's as a child, Sam has endured plenty of bad treatment at home and school has been worse. His best, and only release from the constant betrayal of his body's constant movement is in running.
A mistake and a fortunate fall introduce the lovely Naomi into his life of chaos and the beginning of a most memorable year for Sam.
After graduation, the surprises continue as Sam discovers a job, a new home, a friend and mentor and a different identity all in the form of George, the town "coot" (who also has a connection to Naomi). The more Sam learns about his past the more he feels an undeniable desire to separate the lies he's always believed from the truth of his past.
As he and Naomi follow a mysterious map across the nation Sam literally drives into his father's history. Following a trail of windmills, small towns and unforgettable characters eventually winds them up in the seaside town of Jerk, California and a long lost family member.
My favorite part of Jerk, CA, was the beautifully written characters. They were real and honest and had you rooting for them all the time. I also loved the unexpected twists and turns of the plot as it took me from Minnesota to California. At the end of the book, I find my self reflecting on the character of Sam. His determination to live his life on his own terms unafraid to be who he really is reflected that he "may have Tourette's, but Tourette's doesn't have him".
Jerk Opened My Eyes . . . And Filled Them With Tears September 16, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Jerk is the story of a young man who is freed from a cruel prison. I'm not talking about Tourette's but everything and everyone around him who beat him down with it, including himself. I found myself cheering for Jack (Sam), balling up my fists and wanting to fight for him and alongside him. As Jack becomes free from his prison, he frees others with him. His grandma. His mom. Naomi. Lane. And in a very real sense, baby Jess.
It is the story of a beaten down boy who learns to stand tall and stright. A boy who quietly joins the ranks of men who have earned the title Hero. Not because of some glorious moment in a sporting event, but because of his choices, his character, the man he becomes. This was the most enjoyable read I've had in a long, long time.
I expect this book will be one that becomes required or recommended reading in high school classrooms all across the U.S. And it ought to be.
Excellent Read September 15, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Jerk, California is the story of Sam Carrier, the kid who can't sit still. He jerks and twitches, in near constant motion. The only time he feels in control of his limbs is when he runs. High school is a nightmare. No friends, nothing. Then he meets beautiful Naomi, the girl who makes him feel like he can't remember which way is up.
But everything changes after his embarrassing graduation. New job, new name-- well, not new. Suddenly he finds himself on a cross-country trip with only his questions and Naomi for company.
I loved this book. Seriously. I read it in about 24 hours. I even read parts out loud to my husband-- the butter scene is hilarious!!
By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked on Sam. He's funny and his struggles were so real and heartfelt. In reading the story, I felt like I could understand how it would feel to have Tourette's. It's definitely worth reading. I'm sure I'll read it again!
markyrolls September 11, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I received my copy of Jerk, California, on Sunday and finished it in three days! I couldn't put it down. Thrilling twists and turns. Gritty. Heart-wrenching. I absolutely loved the book. Each character drew me in. I felt Sam/Jack grew to be a good friend--felt myself pulling hard for him and wanting him to win! I didn't want the story to end. Great truths and life lessons all the way through. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who can relate with pain--looking for a powerful, uplifting story! This book reminded me that healing truly can be found!
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