Scan barcode
A review by hidinginstacks
All the Answers by Michael Kupperman
4.0
I've never heard of The Quiz Kid before this graphic memoir.
I'm sure Joel Kupperman wouldn't mind, but I found myself wondering why I didn't. Thanks to my parents, I have the television habits of a senior citizen. I can recount episodes of Leave It to Beaver by heart, and get really excited when I hear Gunsmoke coming on. I can recount most classic TV programs and some radio programs...but The Quiz Kid?
I liked this. It seemed very much as personal as it was something to be shared. It's difficult to read about people who've had childhoods far from perfect. Michael seems to want to uncover the most traumatizing past of his father, which sorta reveals why he is the way he is. I appreciated this book from a historical perspective, but it also seemed like I was "invading" in a life of a man who clearly did not want to relive his days of being a child prodigy.
It's a quick read, but one that is worth the time given. If anything, you'll learn more about what happened to the once very famous Quiz Kid. At times I felt I could relate to Joel. No one wants to be the obnoxious know-it-all that all the other kids hate. While I never rebelled outwardly (like Joel, I am adverse to conflict)--but did so in other ways. Purposely losing the spelling bee. Not trying at all in school like I should. Is being gifted worth the trouble if you suffer from bullying from your peers? From people always expecting the most of you? You can no longer be normal, and Joel lost his childhood trying to please his parents, his peers, and show business.
I'm sure Joel Kupperman wouldn't mind, but I found myself wondering why I didn't. Thanks to my parents, I have the television habits of a senior citizen. I can recount episodes of Leave It to Beaver by heart, and get really excited when I hear Gunsmoke coming on. I can recount most classic TV programs and some radio programs...but The Quiz Kid?
I liked this. It seemed very much as personal as it was something to be shared. It's difficult to read about people who've had childhoods far from perfect. Michael seems to want to uncover the most traumatizing past of his father, which sorta reveals why he is the way he is. I appreciated this book from a historical perspective, but it also seemed like I was "invading" in a life of a man who clearly did not want to relive his days of being a child prodigy.
It's a quick read, but one that is worth the time given. If anything, you'll learn more about what happened to the once very famous Quiz Kid. At times I felt I could relate to Joel. No one wants to be the obnoxious know-it-all that all the other kids hate. While I never rebelled outwardly (like Joel, I am adverse to conflict)--but did so in other ways. Purposely losing the spelling bee. Not trying at all in school like I should. Is being gifted worth the trouble if you suffer from bullying from your peers? From people always expecting the most of you? You can no longer be normal, and Joel lost his childhood trying to please his parents, his peers, and show business.