The Last Book in the Universe

by Rodman Philbrick Narrated by Jeremy Davies

Overview

This fast-paced action novel is set in a future where the world has been almost destroyed. Like the award-winning novel Freak the Mighty, this is Philbrick at his very best.

It's the story of an epileptic teenager nicknamed Spaz, who begins the heroic fight to bring human intelligence back to the planet. In a world where most people are plugged into brain-drain entertainment systems, Spaz is the rare human being who can see life as it really is. When he meets an old man called Ryter, he begins to learn about Earth and its past. With Ryter as his companion, Spaz sets off an unlikely quest to save his dying sister-and in the process, perhaps the world

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

"Philbrick's latest misfit protagonist embarks on an adventure in a fantastic and often frightening alternative world," said PW. "The creation of a futuristic dialect, combined with striking descriptions of a postmodern civilization, will convincingly transport readers." Ages 10-14. (Mar.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Spaz, a boy who lives on the fringes of his surreal future world, partly because epilepsy prevents him from using the mind probes most people use to blot out reality, sets out on a classic quest to save his ill foster sister. To do so, he must cross forbidden territory and face frightening gangs and their leaders. He picks up companions as he travels: Ryter, a philosophic old man whose treasure is the book he is writing despite knowing that books and reading are of the past; Littleface, a young almost speechless child; and Linnea, a "prove" (genetically improved person). In saving his sister, Spaz learns about himself and his parentage. This action-packed story has some strong and provocative messages. It should prove popular among middle school listeners. Jeremy Davies' reading of Rodman Philbrick's text (Blue Sky Press, 2001) is very good. His soft, almost whispery voice usually suits the story well, but in the action scenes it is a little too subdued. This is a minor quibble. This is a good story to use with middle schoolers along with such titles as Lois Lowry's The Giver (HM, 1993) and Monica Hughes' Introduction to the Game (S&S, 1990). Public libraries will find it popular among science fiction fans as well as those wanting a good adventure story.-Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

From the Publisher

Praise for The Last Book in the Universe:"[T]here is much to admire in Philbrick's tale of a postapocalyptic future... Despite the dark turn of events, however, there's stubborn hope and strength of conviction in the book's moving conclusion." — Booklist"Philbrick...has again created a compelling set of characters that engage the reader with their courage and kindness in a painful world that offers hope." — Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Rodman Philbrick:* "Outstanding suspense." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review for Wildfire* "A rip-roaring adventure"—Publishers Weekly, starred review for Newbery Honor book The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg* "This excellent maritime bildungsroman has all the makings of a juvenile classic." — School Library Journal, starred review for The Young Man and the Sea

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177329499
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	01/07/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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