Youth in Revolt

Bibliographic Information: Payne, C.D. (1993). Youth in revolt: The journals of Nick Twisp. New York: Broadway. ISBN: 9780385481960

Plot Summary: 14-year-old Nick Twisp possesses a last name that even “John Wayne on a horse would look effeminate pronouncing,” but that is the least of his worries. His divorced parents drive him crazy, his acne-ridden face resembles a pepperoni pizza, and his shower floor and comb show signs of early-male-pattern baldness. When his mom’s boyfriend gets into some trouble with sailors, the family goes on a vacation (if you can call it that) at the Restless Axles Trailer Park, where Nick meets Sheeni, the only one of two intellectual persons in Ukiah, California. He becomes instantaneously infatuated with her, while she hopes that he doesn’t posses the same “carnal pleasures” as every other boy she meets (of course he does).           

            From here on out, Nick has only two goals: make Sheeni his girlfriend, and lose his virginity. But the geographic distance between him and Sheeni, and the added obstacle of her intelligently cool boyfriend Trent, complicate things a bit. Foolishly, Nick is willing to commit ridiculous crimes, ditch his family and school, and even cross-dress to win her over and of course, everything backfires in a comical fashion.

Critical Evaluation: Youth in Revolt is written as an epistolary novel, a format that possibly gives readers a little bit too much insight into the mind of a sex-crazed teenage boy—but that’s the point and that’s what makes the book so comical and Nick’s character so loveable. Even adults will need to reference a dictionary, as Nick’s highly developed vocabulary oozes from every diary entry. Perhaps the most intriguing part of this narrative voice is the juxtaposition of a highly intelligent adult mind trapped in the hormonal body of a rash and adventurous teenage boy. The combination makes for a very charged and witty monologue that carries the action packed plot along, even in dull moments. Nick’s transparency makes readers love him and root for him, even when he becomes a fugitive of the law. His adoption of multiple personalities (even cross dressing) show the lengths he would go to for love, making for a very untraditional, albeit touching coming-of-age love story.

Reader’s Annotation: Nick Twisp hates his name, his face, and his body. But when he falls for Sheeni, the beautiful intellectual who stimulates both his mind (and what’s inside his pants), he is willing to prove himself to her by any means necessary.

Author Information: Wikipedia states, “C. D. Payne (born C. Douglas Payne; July 5, 1949) is an American writer of absurdist fiction who is best known for his series of novels about fictional teenager Nick Twisp. They are called the Youth in Revolt series or The Journals of Nick Twisp.

Along with the Youth series he is the author of several other novels including Frisco Pigeon Mambo and Civic Beauties, a parody of politics in the United States, which follows the lives of two teenage twin girls whose father is campaigning to be Vice President. He has also published a play titled, Queen of America: A Royal Comedy in Three Acts. Frisco Pigeon Mambo was bought by Fox Animation, but was never made into a film. Youth in Revolt (film) was developed and distributed by Dimension Films in January 2010.

Payne was born in Akron, Ohio in 1949 (July 5). He graduated from Harvard College in 1971. He then moved to California, and has worked as a newspaper editor, cartoonist, typesetter, graphic artist, proofreader, photographer, advertising copywriter, trailer park handyman, and carpenter. He is married and lives in Sonoma County.”

Genre: Fiction, Humor

Subjects: dysfunctional families, young love, friendship, identity

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Show a clip from the movie and discuss the pitfalls of young love.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 16+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due to profanity and sexual themes, this book may be challenged. If so, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies, Reading Lists, and Resources for Recommended Literature: Pre-K-12.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed book reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly.

5.     Book selection rationale.

6.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: Simply put, this is the funniest YA novel I have ever read—no, make that the funniest novel I have ever read, period. Teens will love the playful absurdity of this story and be touched by Nick’s desperation to win the girl of his dreams. A film was made starring the popular Michael Cera.