The question: What do you get when you add a few hard-rocking teenagers, one annoying little brother, one mysterious quest to famous musicians' houses, and a deaf band manager? The answer: Dumb, Seattle's newest Battle of the Bands winner. Piper, the main character, went deaf around age 6 and life hasn't gotten any easier for her eleven years later.
Five Flavors of Dumb opens with an impromptu rock concert in front of her school, and soon thereafter Piper finds herself agreeing to manage Dumb. The trouble is, she can't hear them. But she can see enough and feel enough vibrations to know that they're not good. So she brings in some help, and things begin to change for Dumb. Before long, they're composing songs, visiting famous musicians' houses, and they even land a gig. But trouble and chaos are soon to ensue... from Piper's parents who just can't seem to understand her, to breaking school rules, and even to finding love, Dumb is about to get really smart about some things really fast!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was humorous, had a great theme, and presented a view that many people would never even consider. It really made me think about what my life would be like if I was deaf or if my parents didn't understand me. John brings to the literary world an exciting new character in Piper that puts a fresh spin on people's perspectives. I would recommend it for readers fourteen and older.
Five Flavors of Dumb contains a moderate level of profanity, one or two thematic elements dealing mostly with parental issues, and some romance that escalates into a few kisses Piper will not soon forget.
All in all,
Five Flavors of Dumb, is a refreshing read with well-developed, three-dimensional characters who really seem to bring Dumb and all of its flavors to life. Embedded with humor, romance, and some things to think about, John has created a wonderful book for any and all readers.
Happy readings!
On the Shelf:
The Scandal Plan by Bill Folman
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