I sometimes like to browse the Free Fridays giveaways on the Nook blog. I’ve read a few of the offered books and was surprisingly pleased at how much I enjoyed them, so when I was looking for something to read next, I figured I would give this one a try. In the reviews, many people said it was a great plot, but others were bothered by the inappropriate sexual content and the misrepresentation of Wyoming residents. The prospect of those issues didn’t bother me and the plot intrigued me so I figured I’d give it a shot.In Skipped Parts, thirteen-year-old Sam Callahan and his mother, Lydia, have been shipped off to live in GroVont, Wyoming, by Sam’s rich, southern grandfather. Unused to the cold weather and different culture in their new state, Sam and Lydia miss their native Greensboro, North Carolina, but have no choice but to cope with their new circumstances. Lydia spends her time sleeping around, drinking and talking to the stuffed moose on the wall while getting by on her rich father’s dime, and Sam befriends local girl, Maurey Peirce. Together, Sam and Maurey explore their sexuality, often with the help of Lydia. Sam and Maurey share a special and unique relationship. They’re best friends and “friends with benefits” but Maurey is never able to love Sam the way he loves her. They’re both so anxious and curious about sex and, though it’s wildly inappropriate for thirteen year olds to be sexually active, it’s endearing that they have each other to share the experience. Rather than being uncomfortable with the graphic sexual descriptions I was prepared for, I found that the book presented sex in a unique and innocent way that was not at all offensive. Through Sam’s narration and perspective, his naiveté is best understood through his actions and questions about sex and the words he uses to describe it. The fact that Lydia coaches Sam and Maurey through the basics of having sex further establishes not only Sam and Lydia’s dysfunctional lives, but also their close and trusting relationship.Sam’s obviously not completely thrilled with the way his life is going. He’s begrudgingly taken away from his life in North Carolina and shipped to a faraway state where he knows no one and must remake a life for himself. His absentee mother brings home strange men, while he falls in love with a girl he can’t have. One of the ways Sam copes with this unhappiness is by daydreaming. Sandlin sprinkles Sam’s ambitious daydreams throughout the narration to show his true thoughts, emotions, hopes and dreams. This funny and clever use of narration not only opens Sam’s personality but also makes light of sometimes serious situations.I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this book and was pleased with the way Sandlin chose to end it. The unusual plot and unique characters have inspired me to read the next two books in the GroVont trilogy – Sorrow Floats and Social Blunders. Skipped Parts was published in 1992 by Sourcebooks Landmark.
I knew going in that, based on the reviews, this was a "love it or hate it" novel. Fortunately, I came in firmly on the side of love.And that's kind of what this book is about - love. At least, love from the point of view of a 13-year old boy being raised by a woman who can't take care of herself. First, though, the title: Skipped Parts refers to... well, it's best explained by this quote:"In books people often kissed before things were either skipped or talked about so metaphorically no one knew what was going on. It seemed to be a one, two, three ritual—kiss, skip the weird stuff, fall in love."And the education of Sam's life happens while seeking out the answer to what happens in the parts they skipped over. Sam's mother is Lydia, and while she'll never be Mother of the Year, she does love him, and he accepts her as she is. Lydia and Sam get sent to GroVont because of another of Lydia's misadventures, of which we never quite find out the details. Lydia's father, Casper Callahan, holds the purse strings and so they do as he says.It's rough for them there at first, but then life happens, in more way than one. The story is told from Sam's POV, and the reader quickly discovers that Sam is cynical (and frighteningly astute) about the things he's had experience with, and extremely innocent and naive about the things no one has yet told him about. It makes for a charming and slightly scary combination.The story is sometimes heartwarming, often heartbreaking. I like Sam, and Lydia, and Maurey, Dot, Hank and all the other characters in this book, and I plan to seek out the second book in the series ASAP.
What do You think about Skipped Parts (2000)?
A different kind of coming of age novel that probably portrays this subject in a more true to life fashion than some others. The story is set in 1963 and Sam Callahan is the child of an alcoholic mother and therefore is mature for his age. He is bookish and feels like an outsider when he and his mother are forced to move from North Carolina west. When he meets an adventurous girl in his class and they decide to explore the "skipped parts" of the books that they are reading, Sam's life becomes even more complicated, thanks in part to his mother's irresponsible reaction to the natural curiosity and sexual awakening of the youngsters. This isn't an easy book to read because of the subject matter, but the characters are very well drawn and the author is a good writer. There is some tragedy and some sorrow and a lot of comedy and it was really hard to put it down despite the themes. Adult content.
—Leslie
I have to say that this book will not be for everyone. The subject matter may disturb some readers. Having said that, I really liked it. The characters were interesting, the subject matter different, distrubing but compelling and I'd like to follow up with the next books. Because the story deals with (among other things) two young kids whose sexual experimentation is, if not encouraged then not discouraged by the boys mother,...it may take readers aback. To me, it is a "story" and the author is
—Lori
First of all...let me say you should NEVER judge a book by its hideous and ridiculous cover. I can only presume this is one of the original covers for the novel [though it is now far more sleek and becoming]. Second of all...I downloaded this on a whim as it was free for the Kindle at the time not realizing that it was technically a YA novel, though I didn't mind as I've been on a bit of a YA stint lately. I came into it with no expectations and had zero idea on what the premise would be. Had I known, I might not have picked it up to begin with. But with an open mind, I was sucked in after only a few pages. Holy "king-hell" crap. I am equal parts AMUSED and HORRIFIED by this book. Sandlin beautifully captures the crudeness, the mystery, the ridiculousness, the nerves and innocence that comes along with losing one's virginity at a young age. The characters he creates are not only lovable even at their worst, but he leaves you wanting more--which is why this book works so well as the first of a series...which I didn't even know existed until...oh...last night. Balancing between boyish storytelling daydreams and the harsh reality of accepting the consequences of your actions, at the very core of the book it's a one-way love story about kids growing up too fast told from the perspective of a 13 year old boy, who for the record, has zero filter [making the book that much for fun to read]. I found myself laughing hysterically at parts thinking...I have totally been there and have simply been too afraid to admit that this was my train of thought at some point in time. In many ways, Sandlin's writing style reminds me of Vonnegut [straight to the point, no sugar-coating, blunt...]. So if you want flowery BS writing, this book is not for you. But if you can appreciate refreshing candor, pre-teen humor, rebellion and naivety, then you would probably enjoy Skipped Parts.
—Barbara
