★★★★☆ Unexpectedly charming

Sir Fartsalot Hunts the Booger

Kevin Bolger

If you are thinking, "I have never heard of Sir Fartsalot Hunts the Booger," well, I confess that, until recently, I too was unaware of the existence of this classic of modern literature. I learned of it in a news article about the struggles of a small Idaho library to remain open despite a new book-banning law passed by the Idaho legislature. The writer of the news article mentioned this obvious clickbait title, and it worked on me. I got it immediately, and a few days ago I read it. It was not a big time investment -- it's just a novella.

The title serves a purpose. Sir Fartsalot is a "reluctant reader" book -- that is, it is intended to entice children (BOYS...) who think they don't like to read to read books, with the intention, of course, of showing them that reading can be fun.

So, is it fun? It *IS*. It's funny, and the story is unexpectedly charming. It's a story about a boy who plays a joke on someone, and the joke gets out of hand. The humor is not entirely as childish as the title might lead you to expect. I mean, Kevin Bolger is not Jane Austen or even Terry Pratchett, but there are definitely jokes in here that only a reader who understands the personalities of the characters will get. Let's just say that an intelligent ten-year-old will find it funnier than a less intelligent kid.

I recommend it, even for older readers. It is one of the most enjoyable books I have read recently. And it's short.

Sir Fartsalot Hunts the Booger on Amazon

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