Chris Lynch (1) (1962–)

In Chris Lynch’s Slot Machine, portly, uncoordinated Elvin does not fit into any of the typical athletic slots. He has great difficulty discovering where he best fits—bouncing from one slot to another—from football (knocked out), to sick bay, to baseball (kicked out), to sick bay, to wrestling (thrown out), to sick bay, to golf (drinks out), to sick bay, to the Religion Sector (out, out, out). In the end, all that’s left for him, is to become an artist—a poet, in fact. Elvin show more discovers that traditional sports slots are not the only places where a young man is able to develop his potential and find a place in this world.

Elvin’s narration, being hilarious, poignant, and real, makes it easy to identify with him. His letters to his mother are laugh-out-loud funny and show Elvin’s indomitable spirit–he is not about to let his lack of a well-fitting slot (or his lack of more sick bay cards) get him down. A few noteworthy letter moments (which will be funnier in context, so just go ahead and just pick up the book) include:

* Elvin explaining that he’s at what has been labeled a retreat not a camp (but he’s not sure which dictionary definition of “retreat” applies): “It’s not a camp, it’s a retreat…They may mean definition 3, ‘a place of seclusion or privacy,’ or definition 4, ‘a period of retirement for mediation,’ But since they’ve left it open, I’m going with definition 7, ‘to slope backward’.”

* Elvin explaining why he wishes his mom were at “retreat” undergoing football scrimmages with him: “I wish you were here with me today, shoulder to shoulder, holding that line. Together, we could have done it. As it was, my success was a little spotty.”

* Elvin explaining why he’s writing with his left hand after a football trouncing: “Because that’s the hand that still has two fingers that can curl…There you go, another hidden skill that camp experience has drawn out of me. I was really dogging it back home, wasn’t I? Tomorrow they’re going to have me snag a salmon out of the river with my teeth.”

* Elvin explaining why his mother must come see him on Parents Weekend: “If your family does not show up, you’re put into a group informally known as “The Unloved,” who legend has it, roam around like a pack of wild dingoes all weekend doing unspeakable things to themselves and others.”

In the end, Elvin concludes, “I’m not an athlete,” and he’s okay with that. Readers who find themselves wanting to hear more about Elvin can follow his further adventures in Extreme Elvin and Me, Dead Dad, and Alcatraz. And may everyone have a wonderful summer, whether you’re able to attend a “retreat” or not. Feel free to leave a comment if you have thoughts on any of the books about Elvin or if you have other summer camp favorites! show less

This book is courageous! Though this novel is geared towards middle and high school teens, Chris Lynch does not level or tone down the seriousness of his subject matter. Don't let the cover or subtitle mislead you - you'll find no chest-thumping pro-war propaganda here, but an unabashedly honest, frank and harrowing fictional portrait of one young man's experience of war. It's a perfect recommendation for teens who don't usually like to read. I was riveted from page one, and have already show more dived into the second book of the series. Hopefully it's just as daring as its forerunner. show less

Pros:
* Unreliable narrator
* Interesting use of contemporary action and backstory
* Great development/pacing

Cons:
* Unfulfilling ending
* True first person narrative

So, everything that made me not like this book is why I love this book. This is such a fantastic example of not only an unreliable narrator, but a true first person narrative.

Not only do we only know what the main character knows, we only see it through the prism of his perceptions. By the end you understand how badly broken not show more only the narrator is, but his entire family -- and how wrong his "truth" is.

The end is unfulfilling only in that the main character does not get the comeuppance that one expects from an award-winning YA novel. He doesn't learn his lesson, or go to jail. However, this character faces a much harsher punishment, which is the destruction of his carefully constructed reality. show less

Morris, Beck, Ivan, and Rudi grew up together, and made a pact: one gets drafted, they all enlist. While they all serve in different branches, Morris feels the responsibility to watch over his friends and make sure that all four of them come home alive.

A quick, engrossing read that shows some of the horrors of war while not being graphic about it. I'm curious to read the rest of the series, even though I generally hate war books, because I'm already invested in the friendship.