Book Review: The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet

by Reif Larsen

 

When I ordered this book, I couldn’t decide if it was a book meant for adults or for the teenage crowd.  It’s definitely for adults.  Don’t get me wrong, there is no sex, no horribly graphic violence, and no drug use.  I was just having difficulty figuring out what audience Larsen was writing for. 

T.S. Spivet is a 12 year-old boy living on a ranch in Montana.  Despite the fact that his father’s a true cowboy, T.S. has dedicated his life to becoming a cartographer.  His mother, whom he calls Dr. Clair, is an entomologist, driven by the relentless pursuit of the elusive tiger monk beetle.   When The Smithsonian calls to tell T.S. he’s won a prestigious award for work he’s submitted in the past, he sets out on his own for Washington D.C., traveling across the country in a Cowboy Condo RV that’s strapped on a flatbed train car. Along the journey, T.S. learns more about himself, his family, and life than he thought existed.

The book is filled with intricate drawings and notations in the sidebar, some serious topographical maps and silly observations.  My favorite side note is the drawing he did of how his father drinks whiskey and how the sips have a rhythm to them (looonng sip, short sip, short sip looong sip)  Also, the fact that there was such a thing as a Hobo Hotline just tickled me.

Although there are moments in the book that just seem too fantastical to jive with the story, it was expertly written and well thought out.  I finished the book with a smile on my face, thinking Reif Larsen must be a freaking genius to know about all of the stuff that’s in this book. 

 

I give this book:

 

 

Actually, I give it 3 1/2 strappy sandals, but I can't figure out how to make half a strappy sandal.  I need help from the Irishman.....

Comments

[modest swimsuits]

This book has some really cool things that I enjoy very much. Become more mutual to try different ways to combine text and images in the imagination, and in particular in the form of a graphic novel.

[Homeowners Association]

This book is phenomenal. T.S. Is an incredible character. It was obviously a genius, but it is clear that the child at the same time, it makes the conclusions of the amazing but after that the child has a logic can not always be consistent with the scientific mind.

[Pet Supplies]

These all are looking really very genius and amazing these can be makes very amazing and great which can be one of the scientific mind.

[Canadian Drugs]

These all are looking very genius and also very amazing to know about it. It can be performs one of the scientific mind i like it so much.

[anthony morrison]

This is a Amazing Books. I am very enjoyed for this Books. Thanks for sharing such a useful information.

[r4 nintendo]

It is a comically precocious 12-year-old boy on a secret trek to D.C. The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet is a very good book.

[London escorts]

TS Spivet is no ordinary 12 year old. T. S. Spivet has 2170 ratings and 796 reviews. T.S. Spivet is a child. A child with a scientist's eye and the drafting skills of a fully-trained diagrammatist.

[LNB]

I just finished the book. The section where TS is in Washington is very wobbly in regards to having a plausible plot. The novel itself is brilliant. Shame on you if you've not yet read it.