Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier

by Tom Bodett

NORMAN TUTTLE IS, in a word, awkward. He falls off his father’s fishing boat into icy Alaskan waters. He quietly sweats on gorgeous Laura Magruder at the school dance. He gets himself on the bad side of Leonard Kopinski, an overgrown eighth-grader who shaves. As Norman contemplates a long and lonely adolescence on the Last Frontier, he’s sure there’s more to life than being the klutziest kid in Alaska. In 15 closely linked stories that follow Norman from age 13 to going-on 16, Tom Bodett combines rugged Alaskan adventure with a warm and funny story of a boy who may not be as lonely as he thinks.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Humor, Coming Of Age, Middle Grade

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Tom Bodett is an American author, voice actor and radio host. He is also the current spokesman for the hotel chain Motel 6 and is famous for popularizing the phrase, "We'll leave the light on for you".
A native of Sturgis, Michigan, Bodett had previously provided commentary for National Public Radio's All Things Considered, and was a regular columnist for the webzine Mr. Showbiz. He also did the voiceover for "Mime Time" and the "Good Idea/Bad Idea" segments on Animaniacs.
As a broadcaster, Bodett hosted two radio programs. The End of the Road from 1988 to 1990 and Bodett & Company in 1993. He also hosted the public television program, Travels on America’s Historic Trails.
He is currently a regular contributor to The Bob Edwards Show on XMPR and a member of the stable of panelists on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, a National Public Radio news quiz show.
A former resident of Seattle, Washington and Homer, Alaska, he now lives in Vermont.

Reviews

[JZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My tractor didn't react like that, but you gotta give him cred for understanding the teen-aged boy, since he still acts like a big brother all the time.

His voice is so reassuring. I wish I'd had someone like him in my life. Listen to this book.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure this is a great book. I can't be sure though, because I listened to Tom Bodett read it, and if he read me the phone book, I'd think it was great. Still, it's a wonderful depiction of the painful adolescence of an average boy with an average family. His father is wonderfully understanding (almost too nice to be believed) and Norman's struggles with the craziness inside his head are very honest. I liked this book, but I'm looking at being 13 from the opposite side, and it all makes sense to me. I'm not so sure how a real 13 year old kid would see this book. They are not known for self-reflection. This is probably one of those books that all the grown-ups will like, but the kids....not so much.

[Jennifer Sommer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This coming-of-age story follows Norman Tuttle from age 13 to 16 in 15 stories. Written by the same author who wrote Williwaw!, another story set in Alaska, the reader is introduced to Norman and his family and the beautiful setting of the Alaskan frontier, where Norman has probably the best view outside his bedroom window without even realizing it. Norman ends up grounded on numerous occasions. He has the best intentions, but bad luck seems to follow Norman everywhere he goes. He disappoints his father regularly, but finally, as he begins to finally outgrow his awkwardness and insecurities, he and his father can laugh about Norman's latest bad luck. The relationships throughout are real and heartwarming. The reader is always rooting for Norman despite his bad judgement, and laughter is never far away. Told in a simple style, similar to the lifestyle of the people in Alaska, this book will not disappoint. Good especially for boys in grades 6-9, and for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.

[Chris Meads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a coming of age book about a 13 year old boy living in Alaska. As ost boys growing up, there wasn't much to do, and Norman Tuttle knew that was true. He wasn't popular and was a gangly youth--all legs and arms, and quite accident prone. His father berated him constantly until the day Norman fell off his father's fishing boat, fund a pole and sat until his father rescued him. Things got better or did they?

Hormones started raging and Norman fell hard for Laura Magruder. He could not think of anything else. She became his life and his problems--his school work suffered, he got in trouble with her folks and then to top it off, got in trouble with his own parents--he let them down in such a way--all because of a girl. And what did his parents do? That you will have to read to find out.

[Brad Fawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Bodett strikes gold in Alaska with his novel in stories – Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier. Norman Tuttle is an everyman 13-year-old who, through a series of wonderful interconnected short stories, is challenged by the things many boys face as they transition to manhood. Changing relationships with mom and dad, growth spurts that suddenly makes you an awkward gangly klutz, a first love that overwhelms everything you are, epic screwups, and finding your place in the world. The stories have a big and generous heart. Whether you are an adult looking back a half century or a kid with the rest of your life ahead, you will enjoy the warm embrace of Tom Bodett’s storytelling. And, the very nuanced but delightful surprise at the end. But, I’m not telling - you’re just gonna have to read it for yourself to find out.

[Jim Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coming-of-age story about a young boy who lives in Alaska, winds up in Oregon for a summer and gets home by way of a stopover in Seattle. Lots of stuff happens to Norman. He's a little (make that a lot) klutzy and has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Of course, as I read the story, I think I felt like the life Norman was living -- not quite sure how my good intentions got me into this mess! I'd have given it five stars but the father in me sort of felt like the punishment might have been worse than the crime in this one!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of school age and teen reading. Norman is a teenage boy on the cusp of adulthood in Alaska. He thinks his dad hates him because he keeps messing up on his fishing boat, he's in love and he's sick of his small, small isolated town. (audio)

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that feels like nothing really happens even though there are events in the book. I guess it's supposed to be a look into the mind of a younger male teenager. It was ok, but easily forgettable.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the style of writing. Interesting story each chapter could be it's only short story but you can also read it straight through as one novel.

[Robert Litwack]

Fun and funny.

[Steve S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous coming of age book with an Alaskan backdrop

[rainycityreflections · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book to read. Although I doubt there would be many young teen boys who would agree with me on this (the ones I am acquainted with usually want to see themselves as far more edgy than the title character is), I think this book, written almost as a series of short stories about Norman's transition from shy, timid, put-upon adolescent to a more discerning, compassionate young adult, is a pretty accurate depiction of a typical, functional American teenage boy's experiences.

Writing with great warmth and understanding, Bodett lets the reader see right into Norman's soul as he fumbles and stumbles through his early teen years. Very subtly, Bodett shows how a typically self-absorbed boy becomes a caring and confident young man through the exasperated, tough-love nurturing of his dad. When you read the final page of this book, you know that Norman is on his way to becoming a strong and caring man.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norman Tuttle is having a rough life. To start with, he's in love and that makes everything else just that much harder. All sorts of things he intends to do right just don't work out. For example, the summer before 8th grade he was learning to work on his dad's fishing boat in Alaska but one dark night he falls off into the ocean. In trying to avoid a fight...well, he fights. His body is growing faster than he can keep up with, his mind in on his girlfriend, and his family just gets in the way.

This is a bit different from many middle school books in that Norman comes from a fully functional, loving, intact family. Norman's problems are the problems of many 8th and 9th grade boys, magnified in his mind to enormous proportions, and a few others of his own making (but not intentionally). It's very hard to grow up.

Nonetheless, all ends well. One mystery remains--the story of Uncle Oliver--but each reader may have to make up his/her own ending to that one.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who has been, has raised, will raise, or has ever known a teenage boy. It is a collection of short stories about Tom Bodett's "Norman Tuttle," a character with whom all of us who were awkward teenagers can relate. Several of the stories are taken from some of Bodett's other books, but I believe they are altered somewhat to make the overall story in this book flow. If you can get your hands on a copy of the audio version read by Tom Bodett, it is well worth it. I introduced my family to this one while driving across Alaska on vacation. It was rewarding to hear my 11 year old (soon to be Norman Tuttle) continuously giggling from the back seat. At the end of the book, he was disappointed that there wasn't an entire Norman Tuttle series. Another generation hooked on Tom Bodett stories!

Re-read: Feb 2010; 22 May 11; 15 Jan 14; and 17 Dec 14

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio is read by the author, Tom Bodett, and that in itself would make it worth listening to. But to the author’s literary credit, this book is worth reading on its own merits. Norman Tuttle has led a rather interesting life for a young teenager. He has fallen off a boat, fallen into love and fallen among thieves. Norman is basically a good kid that some not-so-good things have happened to. One of the better coming-of-age stories that I have come across, Norman finally becomes wise beyond his years, and has an epiphany moment that some people never discover. Maybe you can get along with others just by letting them know where you are going and what you want. At the very least, it will mean a lot to the family who loves you.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I briefly interacted with Mr. Bodett when I was a listener contestant on NPR's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell me!" So I decided to try out one of his books and settled on this one.
It has been awhile since I read a novel aimed at adolescent readers. It was a delight! Tom's style is light and optimistic, definitely 'feel good' prose even when it's covering serious topics. It was a chance to remember things I had forgotten about being an early teen. Part of the joy was becoming reacquainted with the ups and downs of my own childhood. As such, I recommend this book for adults as much as teens.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of the Nick Adams stories, Tom Bodett's stories of a boy growing up in Alaska. I found myself really liking the stories, but not sure how it would play with a teen. Although excellent at evoking memories and emotions, it still seemed that the story was being written with the voice of a mature adult. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for more Hemingway style writing (though not as sparse prose).

[Mark Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this title was written for younger folk, I quite enjoyed it. Norman Tuttle lives in Alaska and is a teenager. This book chronicles his days of fishing, of falling in love, in getting dragged into stupid situations that aren't his fault but also because he does not think. I can empathize a lot with poor Norman. It was humorous and sad and a very good slice of life. The author did a wonderful job with this

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A set of joined stories about a teen growing up in Alaska. Norm Tuttle is a klutz like so many of us at that age. His mind wanders and, on a fishing boat in Alaskan water, that is not a good thing. The relationship between Norm and his father is a wonderful thing to experience is this day. From family life to new loves, this is about growing up and all its mistakes. And the best thing is that at the end of the book he is still evolving.

[Colleen Mulrooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

We listened to this book on our drive out to Indiana - and no one spoke!. Everyone loved this story!! As a family of 3 boys, ranging from 8 to 13, this story could not have been more perfect. Norman Tuttle fumbling through his teens brought back nostalgic memories for us parents and conjered up great adventures ahead for the boys. It's an ideal family read!!

[Rachel Wagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bodett has a good handle on the way teenagers think about their friends, girlfriends, and parents. However, there is just not enough of a story in this book. I kept wanting more to happen to Norman but it never did.

[Gary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some books appear to be "forced", trying to re-capture lost glory. This book is their King

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good, sweet story. Try to find the audio version.

[Royce Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read. Great perspective.

[Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and very relatable story about growing up. It could have used a bit stronger of an ending though.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious stories about a young boy trying to become a man with the help of his loving family. Written and narrated by Tom Bodett. A real treat!

[Laurie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very amusing and entertaining work from author. Vivid mental pictures created.

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute. Entertaining.