SLOB, by Ellen Potter
A YA Fiction Book Review
Jul 24, 2009 Maria Luisa Antonaya
SLOB opens with a pressing mystery for the protagonist. Owen Birnbaum, an almost-Genius (he’s one point off, and won’t reveal his IQ to anyone), is trying to figure out who keeps stealing the Oreos from his hard-to-open lunch container. His first suspect is Mason Ragg, a new transfer student with a scarred face and a terrible reputation.
The Great Oreo Mystery
But things are not what they seem, and they will remain that way for the rest of the book. Owen’s obesity, which at first seems to be just a comic element in the story, has an unexpected origin. It is also related to a machine Owen is building, called Nemesis, and the reason the success of this invention is so important to him. Likewise, his family situation seems obvious at first, but halfway through readers learn that Mom is not who they though she was.
However, the string of surprises never becomes tiresome. Instead, the explanations point out the pitfalls of jumping to what seem like the obvious conclusions. By the end of the book the reader, like Owen’s Tibetan Buddhist (albeit chain-smoking) friend Nima, might be looking at the characters and their circumstances with an open, non-judgmental mind.
A Not-So-Evil Genius... and His Sister
Ellen Potter has done a wonderful job creating a very smart character who is not overbearing. Owen talks about his intelligence in a very matter-of-fact way, without bragging. He’s also quick to acknowledge his faults and make amends with friends and rivals, which makes him even more endearing to the reader. His heartfelt desire to make Nemesis work, and the guilt he carries with him, give him great depth. The author chose Owen as the first-person narrator of his story, and his voice is funny without becoming absurd, and serious in all the right places.
The secondary characters in SLOB are also well-developed. Owen’s sister, Jeremy/Caitlin, will surprise readers with her actions; once again, any preconceptions are shattered by the end of the novel. Mason Ragg is likewise more than the stereotypical “bad boy,” and even the sadistic gym teacher, Mr. Wooly, rises above being just a caricature. Zelda (“Mom”) is a calm presence in the background, and Izzy shows that the few friends Owen does have are fiercely loyal.
Final Thoughts
It’s difficult to discuss this book without giving too much away; even the title is impossible to explain without ruining the story for first-time readers. SLOB will appeal to readers who appreciate a different kind of “misfit’s life at school” story. Owen is neither the typical nerd nor the typical hero, and though some of the situations might seem unreal, it’s easy to slip into his world and see things through his eyes.
The best reason for younger readers to enjoy this book is a cast of characters that, though unique in their circumstances, share common goals and anxieties with their audience. Also, it’s a very, very funny book at times. For older readers, there is a slew of 80’s TV nostalgia that enters the story in a most unexpected way, plus a group of adult characters that are neither caricatures nor “too good to be true.” A great read at any age.
Book Details
Ellen Potter. SLOB. New York: Philomel Books, 2009. Ellen Potter’s website.
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