Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance 1973 (by John Barnes)
common sense media says
Raw, raunchy tale of survival most teens aren't ready for.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is very gritty, raw, uncensored, and disturbing. It is leavened with humor, but the terror of being a child or teen who is locked out by your own abusive or neglectful parents without knowing when you might eat again is searing. The "Madmen" are kids who have been "sentenced" to group therapy at school; some of them because they have been abused and/or have emotional problems, some of them because they are mentally ill. It is rough to read, but many teens may find it compelling. The cursing is nonstop. Still, Karl's explosive rage and his history of torturing small animals, the psychotic sexual acting out of Darla, and Paul's cruising may be as disturbing for sophisticated teens as it is for adult readers. Although this won a Printz Honor, it's not for everyone. The point is frequently made that these very troubled teens are sitting next to very normal, more fortunate classmates who do not realize the horrors their friends and peers are living. That's a valid point, and teens should be aware, but parents may want to think about whether this book is the right tool for their family.
Educational value:
A small amount of historical data about the Vietnam War and life in the 1970s; some information about Alcoholics Anonymous.
Positive role models:
Karl is the child of an alcoholic and is also an enabler. He is a study in contradictions: good intentions, abusive behavior, explosive rage, alcoholism, loyalty to his friends, excellent work ethic, incidents of both poor and better judgment. Very few positive adult role models; two adults step up at the end to help Karl and his mother. Karl is a little too conflicted to be a good role model; this story is more about survival and perhaps, hope.
Violence:
A gay teen is beaten as he cruises to pick up tricks; animals are killed and mutilated, including pet rabbits and cats; teens and children are sexually, physically and verbally abused; although most of these incidents are not graphically related, their aftereffects are. There are also many graphic depictions of teens beating other teens.
Sex:
Unsafe sex by gay teen who prostitutes himself; sexual abuse; a disturbed teen girl seduces Karl, offers to have sex with him if he will kill a cat and let her watch; Karl has a very graphically described test for venereal disease including swabbing of his penis and injections into it; his drunken mother has loud and frequent sex at home with various strangers.
Language:
Constant swearing by all characters including "asshole," "bastard," "bitch," "damn," "hell," "piss," "slut," "c--ksucker," "c--t," "f----r," "motherf-----r," the "N" word, "p---y," "s--t," "t-ts."
Consumerism:
Characters work at and frequent McDonald's and Pietro's. Some car makes from the 1970s and older are mentioned. Mentions of Sprite and Coke.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
At 17, Karl is in AA, but drank for three years. His mother is an alcoholic and uses drugs, as do most of the men she brings home from bars. Karl's friends drink and do drugs. Karl's mother and her friends smoke pot; Karl's friends smoke pot and cigarettes.
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Most useful reviews by all members
elreader46
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Very bad language but a good coming of age story.
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boomboomboommu ...
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Great for anyone 15+
Although at some points disturbing, this books is just fantastic. It's laugh-out-loud funny, brutally honest, and heart-warming all at the same time.
The book does contain graphic language and some sexual references and scenes. I'd say a very mature 13 or 14 year-old should be able to handle all of it, and anyone 15 or over should have no problem with the mature nature of this book.
This work of art describes six days of the life of a "madman" trying to distance himself from his therapy group to lead a more normal life. This novel is superbly written, and I reccomend that you read it ASAP.
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Tomato-Face
adult
adult
I don't know about Romance, but this is a good book
I find that this book, despite the colorful use of vocabulary, to be a good book.
While this book deals with matters that most people would actually leave behind closed doors such as Karl's parents relationship, how loose his mother is, and the not-so-glamorous issues that some writes avoid. While there is humor in order to lighten the load, you can still fill the frustration that Karl feels as his mother's destructive behavior and his need to try and fit in.
But in the end, there is a light in the tunnel, and a small metamorphosis happens for the good.
John Barne's style is very fluid and rather believable as well as how in depth his characters are.
Though I wouldn't suggest 11 yr olds reading this, this book has a good discussion points a diamond in the rough.
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