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Spud | 
| Author: John Van De Ruit
Publisher: Penguin
Category: EBooks
List Price: $16.99
Buy New: $8.99
You Save: $8.00 (47%)
Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 7673
Format: Kindle Book
Media: Kindle Edition
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Number Of Items: 1
ASIN: B000W914HC
Publication Date: October 4, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
"It's 1990. Apartheid is crumbling. Nelson Mandela has just been released from prison. And Spud Milton--a thirteen-year-old, prepubescent choirboy extraordinaire--is about to start his first year at an elite boys-only boarding school in South Africa. Cursed with embarrassingly dysfunctional parents, a senile granny named Wombat, and a wild obsession for Julia Roberts, Spud has his hands full trying to adapt to his new home. Armed with only his wits and his diary, Spud takes readers of all ages on a rowdy boarding school romp full of illegal midnight swims, raging hormones, and catastrophic holidays that will leave the entire family in total hysterics and thirsty for more."
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 Spud September 1, 2008
M. Saric
Spud, by John van de Ruit, although 352 pages, is a quick read. The book tells the tale of an average boy trying to find his way with girls, make it through tough classes, and earn a part in the school play. But that is where average ends. For example, Spud goes to his uncle's house for a vacation and he sees his dad get into a fist fight with his uncle over nothing, just as two little children would. Spud's adventures kept me hooked for hours, and I could not stop reading it. Even though it takes place in a different country and culture, I could connect to many of Spud's experiences. Here in New York I too, know what it feels to enter a school with only new people. It is these things that kept me hooked to the last word on the last page.
This piece of realistic-fiction is about as real as life itself. I recommend this book to anyone who has entered middle school. Spud finds itself at the top of my favorite books.
A.Villalobos' Spud Review August 15, 2008
Spud by John van de Ruit did indeed prove to be a "wickedly funny" novel. This book, written in journal format, focuses on the experiences of the thirteen-year-old John "Spud" Milton and his first year in a "male-only" boarding school. . He has to live in a dorm and put up with seven other boys. Robert (Rambo), Charlie (Mad Dog), Simon, Vern (Rain Man), Henry (Gecko), Sidney (Fatty) and Al (Boggo). They all become the best of friends and are known as the "Crazy Eight" due to their insane schemes. In addition to the strain of keeping up with the "Crazy Eight", Spud must deal with the undeniably cruel pressures of middle school; and tolerate his psychotic parents and grandmother during his holiday vacations, as well as to mention dealing with the over abundance of females that seem to be attracted to him.
I often found myself laughing aloud to the stupidity and realistic characters of the "Crazy Eight". Although it is written in a male's point of view, I would definitely suggest this book to any middle-schooler, male or female. It was a tad bit "mature" in some areas, so I wouldn't suggest that anyone under the seventh grade read this book. I absolutely loved this book and am anticipating the hilarious sequel.
Spud August 10, 2008
G. Giangola (New York, New York United States)
Daring and memorably comedic, Spud by John van de Ruit proves to be an enjoyable read. A realistic fiction novel written in diary format, the book is about "Spud" Milton, a 13-year old boy attending a boarding school in South Africa. Crazy friends, mortifying relatives. nasty pranks, and first loves are only some of the events and people Spud encounters. The characters are bizarre and entertaining, yet still realistic. An example is Vern, a roommate of Spud who suffers severe anxiety and has the odd tendency to tear out chunks of his own hair whenever he feels the slightest bit of pressure. "Gecko" is another dorm mate of Spud with an optimistic personality, despite that his numerous unfortunate health conditions. The plot even takes a tragic turn at the end, keeping me interested and connected to the story. I would recommend Spud to any teen who would enjoy a humorous story with events that they could relate to. It is not the most serious book, and the beginning can go by a little slowly as there is not too much rising action at first. But overall, Spud delivers an interesting and funny plot that will keep many readers hooked.
best book July 2, 2008
Peyton Leveillee (MA)
i have to say this i sone of the best books i have read in a long time and i am a big reader so that is saying something a must red for all teens that want something good to read
 base humor March 24, 2008
reader in pacific
0 out of 9 found this review helpful
although this book may be an accurate portrayl of boys school in SA it is very base in its humor. I would not recommend this book. The better story was missed to maintain boys being rude.
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