Barry Squires, Full Tilt

Bookseller recommendation

“Barry Squires is a funny, foul-mouthed 12 year old who dreams of being a full-tilt dancer (think Riverdance but on a much smaller scale—as in a step dance group headed up by a priest in St. John’s Newfoundland in 1995). The challenge is, Barry may be an enthusiastic dancer but he’s an angry kid, in part, because he’s bullied. Does Barry have the anger management skills to make it through even one Full-Tilt rehearsal when he can barely make it through a day of school without a visit to the principal? You have to read this book to find out—or listen to it on Libro.fm. The narration on this audio book is excellent and adds a lot to the story. Bonus: This book is set in Newfoundland in the mid 90s—I've got to say, this has to be the first book I've read that is set in Newfoundland so it was a treat to read a story that takes place in a community so different from my own.”

— Myrna • Content

Bookseller recommendation

“ Barry Squires, Full Tilt is the perfect combination of laugh-out-loud funny and tearful sad. Barry dreams of being a Full Tilt dancer, famous and held in high esteem. He sees it as a way to escape being bullied and almost constantly angry. Barry is witty and irreverent, and his antics fluctuate between hilarious and destructive. The person he loves most is his baby brother Gord, whom he takes everywhere. He pushes his stroller around the neighborhood, all around town, and to the harbor. His moments with Gord are his favorite moments of every day. Barry has a loving family, but it is a real family, with sibling rivalry, postpartum depression, and other imperfections and troubles. And it becomes a family of great tragedy. Now angrier than ever, Barry must learn how to navigate his emotions and make his way toward peace. An excellent listen”

— Nancy • Raven Book Store