King Dork by "Dr Frank" Portman
Clever Young Adult Fiction by the Lead Singer of The MrT Experience
Aug 16, 2009
Frontman and songwriter for East Bay punk band the Mr T Experience, "Dr" Frank Portman has been writing clever, smart lyrics for years. His songs are ironic, amusing and meaningful, so it is no wonder that King Dork, his first novel, is all of these things as well.
The Story
Tom "Mo" Henderson is14 yrs old. His time is spent making up bandnames ("Green Sabbath", The Sentient Beard", "Easter Monday") with his best (and only) friend Sam Hellerman, getting beat up by the "normal-psychotic" jocks at school and lusting after every girl he sees.
When Mo finds a stack of books that belonged to his father, who passed away under somewhat questionable circumstances years earlier, he discovers some notes that give him a glimpse at who his father may have been and begin an adventure involving "at least half a dozen mysteries, plus dead people, naked people, fake people, teen sex, weird sex, drugs, ESP, books, blood, Bubblegum, guitars, monks, faith, love, witchcraft, the Bible, a war, a secret code, a head injury, the Crusades, some crimes, mispronunciation skills, a mystery woman, a devil-head, a blow job, and rock and roll". ("King Dork", Introduction)
The Catcher Cult
A theme throughout – one many teenagers and adults can identify with – is the somewhat ridiculous importance often bestowed upon "The Catcher in The Rye".
Mo has read "Catcher" so many times he has it memorized. He knows which teachers are in the "Catcher Cult" and can be manipulated by a choice phrase, or a glimpse of the well-worn paperback in his back pocket. He knows all the right answers, can explain the symbolism and he thinks its all major B.S.
It is ironic then that the catalyst for the life changing events and adventures Mo endures begin with this very book – yet another incarnation of Frank Portman's clever wit.
"King Dork" is indeed, a kind of "Anti-Catcher", yet somehow almost a reincarnation of it as well. It is the "Catcher" of the 2000's perhaps, but more sexy and exciting and wildly funny.
I'm King Dork and I Want You to Be My Queen
Solving the mysteries of his father's life and death aside – Mo's mind is perpetually occupied by girls. The girls at school, girls at parties, girl's drawn on suicide pamphlets, girl's who don't even exist – they rule him. So of course, when he finally meets the girl that seems to like him, she promptly disappears without a trace, providing yet another mystery that eventually becomes intertwined with the first. Suffice to say that "King Dork" will keep you guessing all the way to the last page.
King Dork is hilarious, heartfelt, sad, joyful, surprising, intriguing and completely engrossing. Whether you are a fan of Dr. Frank and MTX, or just looking for a great book, Frank Portman's beautiful prose, spoken in the voice of a remarkable 14 year old boy will captivate and delight you as this completely unpredictable teenage mystery adventure unfolds.
Recent Developments
King Dork is currently optioned for a film version with Sony Pictures to be released in 2010.
Portman's second novel Andromeda Klein is due to be released in August of 2009. Dr Frank has also recorded a soundtrack for the book, featuring the song "Andromeda Klein".
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