Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Xlibris
Release Date:
ISBN: 1-4134-4493-8
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Paperback
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Genre: Fiction / Young adult
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Sarah Lomas
Reviewer Notes:  Strong expletives used. References to drug use, gang activities, and prostitution.
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On the Balls of My Feet 
By Joseph J. Del Casino


      Del Casino crafts an engaging and vivid portrait of a young man attending a competitive high school in the 1960s. Told through first person narration, the always observant narrator might remind some readers of Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye.

      The narrator is preparing to take the AP calculus final exam of his senior year of high school. As he waits to start the exam, he reminisces about freshman year. Characters are fresh, and descriptions of their clothing and the language they use make it easy to get caught up in the story. Intending to take my time and read the book over a couple of evenings, I found that I had to finish it in one sitting.

       The 1960s setting will appeal to young adults who are interested in those tumultuous years as well as young adults just looking for a good read. Situations described in the book are still relevant to today’s youth. The narrator deals with trying to fit in at school, avoid bullying from the rough crowd of students at a neighboring high school, and solve a hometown crime committed by a gang member.

       The book is well suited to its target audience; however, strong language and some plot elements might be objectionable to some parents. However, the prevailing themes are rejecting violence, being fair, and finding ones own place in the world. I would recommend this well written book to teenagers as well as adults.