John Barnes

In September 1973, as the school year begins in his depressed Ohio town, high-school senior Kurt Shoemaker determines to be "normal," despite his chaotic home life with his volatile, alcoholic mother and the deep loyalty and affection he has for his friends in the therapy group dubbed the Madman Underground.

An Historical Romance 1973

Tales of the Madman Underground

In September 1973, as the school year begins, high-school senior Kurt Shoemaker determines to be "normal," despite his chaotic home life and the affection he has for his friends in the therapy group dubbed the Madman Underground.

Things I don't understand about this book:

1. Why is is set in 1973? There's next to no references to the time period, except maybe a random Watergate reference and "hey this is the 70's" from some characters when the book is almost done.

2. How is this real? Yes, I get that there are tons of broken homes in the world and kids that are damaged, but the ones shown here are a little "too" messed up. Like, someone would be wondering what the heck is going on when a kid is being locked out of his house and sleeping at McDonald's and working tons of jobs.

It was a disappointment. I mean the writing was there, but the entire plot was just hard to relate to between all of the problems and characters. The end just sort of fell together like a fairy tale or something. I really wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.

Alexandra S

Audrey Lord

Wednesday, September 5, 1973: The first day of Karl Shoemaker's senior year in stifling Lightsburg, Ohio. For years, Karl's been part of what he calls "the Madman Underground" - a group of kids forced (for no apparent reason) to attend group therapy during school hours. Karl has decided that senior year is going to be different. He is going to get out of the Madman Underground for good. He is going to act - and be - Normal. But Normal, of course, is relative. Karl has five after-school jobs, one dead father, one seriously unhinged drunk mother . . . and a huge attitude. Welcome to a gritty, uncensored rollercoaster ride, narrated by the singular Karl Shoemaker.

Stefanie  Uwah

Set over the span of six days in 1973, this book chronicles the beginning of senior year of high school for Karl Shoemaker, a troubled teen forced to take school therapy.

Tales of the Madman Underground An Historical Romance 1973

Reviews