Me, Dead Dad, & Alcatraz

by Chris Lynch

Book Overview

Elvin Bishop's uncle is a lot like Elvin's father. They're both dead, for instance. But Elvin's cool with that; it's the way it's been for as long as he can remember. Then one day it turns out that Uncle Alex isn't exactly dead. He is, instead, sitting on the couch, chewing a scone, and preparing to make up for lost time by fixing his sad-sack nephew before it's too late. Not long out of prison and perhaps not long for this world, Alex embarks on...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060597097
• ISBN13: 9780060597092
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 227 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Comedy and sensitive material

Elvin Bishop is a somewhat regular fourteen year old kid, although like every kid, he's a bit different. Along with his widowed mother, Elvin shares a pretty average home. He has two friends, each with their own eccentricities: one has a very parental attitude while the other is so self-absorbed he refuses to use a public restroom. Elvin is enjoying his life until it is thrown into a frenzy by the reappearence of his long believed dead uncle. It isn't a welcome reunion for Elvin. His Uncle Alex's return is a poor attempt to apologize for stealing the Bishop's money. Will Alex be able to win over Elvin to explain why he stole their money? Will Elvin be able to believe him? Chris Lynch has a very good aspect of a fourteen year old teen. The writing is comical and makes the reader feel as if the main character could be their best friend. Lynch's subtle humor softens the serious nature of the story making it more believable. Me, Dead Dad, & Alcatraz would make an excellent read aloud book for teachers. It keeps the reader involved with its believablity. I recommend this book to kids who enjoy comedy but caution there is some sensitive material. Reviewed by a student reviewer for Flamingnet Book Reviews www.flamingnet.com Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations

A humorous novel with an appealing, unassuming, and emotionally honest antihero

Fourteen-year-old Elvin Bishop, whom readers previously met in SLOT MACHINE and EXTREME ELVIN, is at peace with his life...sort of. He has two good friends and a supportive mom, he can play a mean tuba (even if he often forgets his instrument on band day), and no one can beat him at bowling. Most of the time he doesn't think (too much) about his weight problem, his lack of popularity, or his dead father. When Elvin's Uncle Alex shows up, calling his visit "unexpected" would be an understatement. Elvin had always been told that his dad's brother died in a plane crash, but it turns out that Alex had just gone missing after stealing and gambling away all of the money Elvin's dad left his family after his death. Now Alex is back in town, seeking redemption from his nephew. For Alex, redemption means turning Elvin's life around, taking him to the gym, cooking him healthy (and outrageously spicy) foods, and advising him to form a rock band. For Elvin, Alex's sudden appearance is confusing but not entirely unwelcome; after years of believing that he had no blood relatives on his father's side, Elvin sees his uncle as a link to his dad. Fans of Chris Lynch's earlier books about Elvin will recognize Elvin's sarcasm and particularly wry sense of humor, often directed at his own weaknesses. Although ME, DEAD DAD, & ALCATRAZ can stand alone, readers meeting Elvin for the first time might have difficulties getting into his head. If they persevere, though, readers will discover an appealing, unassuming antihero whose weaknesses provide not only comic relief but also emotional honesty. --- Reviewed by Norah Piehl

A novel about redemption and finding yourself.

Elvin Bishop is a creature of routines. He and his Mom have been on their own for many years and Elvin likes his family of two plus dog. Then one day his dead uncle Alex appears sitting on the couch in his living room, determined to turn Elvin's life upside down. Alex wants redemption by "fixing" Elvin's life, to make up for running off with the money left Elvin and his Mom by his Dad.Elvin doesn't want fixing - in fact, he doesn't want anything to change. What follows is a struggle of wills between Elvin and Alex, causing Elvin to question everything and everyone around him. Like all great stories of finding oneself, much of what Elvin goes through is "cringe-worthy" - most readers will be able to relate to Elvin's experiences and empathize with him. Chris Lynch has created a voice for Elvin that rings with honesty and created a great coming of age story, filled with humour and humanity.