I've been meaning to read this book since its author was featured in the Block Party earlier this year. With this same writer now returning for another go, I figured it was about time I checked this one off my reading list.

robshapiro

"Harper's In Hell"

The protagonist in this story is a 17-year-old boy by the name of Sam, and the first thing you should know about him is, well...he's a schmuck. (His uncle will back me up on this, I swear.) He's not good at sports, nor is he a tech-savvy nerd or a gifted drama geek. He can't even keep an audience of second-graders properly entertained.

He's not exactly the type to leave his parents bursting with pride over his talents or accomplishments. He does have one redeeming factor, though: heart. Even when facing death, he stands his ground and does what needs to be done. Ok, well, actually he hides behind a rock and cries whilst his traveling companion chides him to have a little dignity.

To be honest, this guy is kind of unremarkable. Maybe a little braver than average, but that's because he's been backed into a corner, and is obviously selfless and just plain decent enough to do the right thing, rather than just turning his back on someone. Indeed, this is a trait shown throughout the book - - a "no man left behind" kind of attitude.

In truth, I think Sam's non-heroic vibe is actually a large part of what makes him such a great character; he's completely believable. He's not the quiet boy who suddenly comes to life like a terra cotta warrior. Nope; instead he's an average teenage boy, one who isn't going to get through the drama without some downright painful moments. Yep, the occasional dumb question and awkward moment are just par for the course.

It's not that Sam is dumb or completely helpless, mind you; he's just a regular guy, one who periodically suffers with what I've decided to call "foot in mouth disease." I think we all have moments like that from time to time. I certainly do. Sam isn't a virtuoso, and he isn't really the "chosen one" type. Nope, he's a fairly normal teenage boy who just has to slog his way through the madness like the rest of us putzes do.

Fear not, though: we do still get our requisite amount of butt-kicking hero - - largely provided by the one and only Hollinshead, a pragmatic and sharp-witted girl who's also a skilled fighter. Believe you me, Sam may be the protagonist, but Hollinshead is by no means the sidekick. She isn't a one-note character, though; I appreciate how, despite her toughness and expertise, she also shows fear and vulnerability at times. There's also emotional pain she has to cope with.

And of course, then there's Thorlton. Thorlton is...well...Thorlton. You'll just have to see for yourself.

Shifting focus from the characters to the larger world, one of my favorite things about this story is the author's creativity, which he makes look effortless. There are all kinds of crazy creatures populating this world, and he strikes me as one of those people who likes to spend their time sketching, and is constantly coming up with random creatures to draw.

I can easily imagine him working as a concept artist for movies and television shows, and if this book is ever made into a movie, I think he'll have a blast working with the effects teams to bring these creatures (and probably some new ones) to life.

Just as striking as the creatures is the casual way he relates their appearances and day-to-day lives. From bars, to business meetings, to cheesy tourist traps - - because who wouldn't want to go to Hell? - - these demons, monsters, and everything else have lives that are surprisingly mundane, and you get the feeling that Rob really isn't batting an eye at any of it.

I almost get the feeling he's been to Hell before. I can picture him taking a year off from school and chatting things over with a friend. "Let's see...France, Italy? Maybe spend some time there, learn the culture? Nah, too cliche. Hey, how about hiking in the mountains along the Iran-Iraq border? Nah - - sounds tempting, but it's so crowded this time of year."

"Hmm. Hey, what about Hell?"

"Hell? Huh. Yeah, why not? That sounds kinda cool. Maybe I could get some type of internship there to pay the bills?"

Of course, this isn't to say Hell isn't crazy...because it is. Lord knows it is. Don't believe me? Well, um, ask Thorlton!

And of course, there's no way I can write a recommendation for this book without mentioning my favorite thing about it: the humor! Rob has a way of taking what could be the standard, slightly cliche moments, and then turning them on their heads in a way that will have you bursting into laughter at random moments. He's a master of surprise this way, and his zany, unexpected humor has a way of ambushing you when you least expect it. His quick, witty author's notes at the end of each chapter are definitely in keeping with this.

You know, when I first heard about this book and its concept, I got a sense that there was something classic, nostalgic about it. It's hard to pin down, but even the cover art gave me this feeling - - and as it turns out, that feeling was right on the money.

The books people talk about having read when they were growing up, the books they got lost in on a lazy summer day - - "Harper's In Hell" feels like that kind of book to me. I think it could easily be one of those stories that people look back on fondly, and look forward to sharing with their own children.

(I'm thinking 12 and older for any of you who are wondering.) It definitely has violence, gore, and horror in it, so I wouldn't recommend it for young children. I think older children, teens, and even adults will get a kick out of it, though. With memorable, unpredictable characters and plenty of snappy, unexpected wit and twists, "Harper's In Hell" feels both familiar and surprising, and it's a heck (couldn't resist!) of a lot of fun.