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Loading... Slot Machineby Chris Lynch
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When overweight thirteen-year-old Elvin Bishop is sent to camp at St. Paul's Seminary Retreat Center, he and his two best friends are forced to try out various sports in order to find out where they belong. No library descriptions found. |
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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! ( )