Following Fake Man

by Barbara Ware Holmes

Homer Aldrich Winthrop was a neurologist who died of a neurological illness. That’s all Homer Jr.’s mother will say about his father, who died when he was 2, and any prodding for details results in silence,
evasion, or sudden migraine headaches. So by age 12, Homer’s given up asking.

But on an unexpected trip to Maine, Homer finds himself in a place where his father had lived. In this one coastal village there must be millions of facts about his father. Now Homer must face his biggest fear–maybe there’s a reason his father is such a secret. Maybe there are things he really doesn’t want to know.

Still, Maine gives him courage. There’s something about the people he meets and the breadth of the sky that convince Homer to search for the truth–to solve the mystery of his own life.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Mystery, Young Adult, Middle Grade

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Barabara Ware Holmes is the author of several novels for young people, including Charlotte Shakespeare and Annie the Great. She lives in Madison, NY and Port Clyde, ME.

Reviews

[Shelby B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, there was good emotion and it kept us thinking and wondering who the person was. Not necessarily a mystery but it had some of that aspect in it, which I enjoyed. It was a good pace and kept me interested and I would recommend it.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly fun. Also somewhat thought-provoking, though in the broadest sense the main theme has been done better many times. Lots of details improved it: I liked that the character is an artist, and I felt enlightened about art by seeing into his thoughts. I liked that some of the story was told through the viewpoints of the other significant characters; they're interesting people, too. However, I did not like the implication that migraines are psychosomatic or something, that women hide inside them or use them as an excuse to get out of responsibilities... that poor mom, having the challenges of the main plot + migraines! So, 3.5 rounded down.

[Jimmy Pillittere · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like mystery/action kind of books you will enjoy Following Fake Man. Following Fake Man is a story all about Homer (a young boy) trying to find out more and more about his father sense he died when Homer was two. I enjoyed the book it was a very good book and it made me want to read more of it every single page. The beginning is a little slow but if you keep reading it will start to spice up.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Following Fake Man" is a contemporary realistic fiction novel by Barbara Ware Holmes that is intended for children ages 10-13 or intermediate readers (I). This book tells the story of Homer and his quest to find the answers about his life. It's a coming of age tale about a boy trying to find the secrets of his father.
I gave this book 4 stars because after reading "Following Fake Man," I felt warm inside. It makes you realize that family is important and knowing about who you are and where you came from is key in finding yourself. The plot was interesting and kept you guessing. Homer was supported in a very rich way by the other characters in the book. The use of language and the interesting way in which Homer's friend Roger expressed himself was appealing. "Following Fake Man" explores a few themes that children go through in their lives. Making friends. Finding themselves. Truth and compassion. These are great things to theme a book around for young adults. I feel like young readers may have a hard time with this book. I feel the format may be a bit confusing for some younger readers but I think they will take away the morals, values and themes of the story.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the writing was poor to begin with but I couldn't put it down. The story line was very interesting to a creative and artsy person like me. Not many can identify with parts of the book like being a rich, single parent household, going to boarding school, having a housekeeper, or having the irony of a father who worked in neuroscience dying of a like illness but universals like disliking parents and wanting friends go throughout the book. It is a coming of age book. The predictability ended at the end of the book with two surprises.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book chosen for me for a book report when I was younger. At first I was not interested in it at all. I put off reading it for several weeks until the last week before the report was due. I stayed up all night reading it. It to this day is a book I remember fondly and was glad I was pushed to read it when I was younger.

[Mat Nelson Who is an Eagle Scout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that got me into reading. The story line is absolutely amazing and some odd twists at the end really recommend this book

[M]

Searching for truth in Maine! I learned so much.

[Mason Bridgeford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "Following Fake Man" by Barbara Ware Holmes was a truly breathtaking novel. I firmly believe this because the way Holmes paints a vivid image in your mind makes the read so much more interesting. My favorite thing about her writing style is the way she sneakily weaves clues into the text to lead you in to the next major event. I read one chapter of the book each night and each chapter ends in an even more interesting way than the last. Leaving you on edge about what is to come next. Holmes also does a splendid job of creating the look of her characters, the way she describes them matched precisely how they acted. My favorite character in the novel was hands-down Roger. I thought he was a very funny kid and a great addition to the storyline. One last reason why I love Holmes' writing style is because she tosses in lots of mint comedy one of my favorite examples is the way she describes Roger's room by saying "Roger's room was so messy, it was definitely room you could lose an Uncle or a Brother in." End all, I can honestly say that this novel was better than many of the books considered to be "great".

[Bryce · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book I read was called Following Fake Man made by Barbara Ware Holmes. The book was pretty interesting, but at the same time it would get boring. The book is about a boy named Homer who moved to a house in a town that they lived in before his father died. His mother wouldn’t talk about his father even when he asked her. Homer’s father died when he was just 2 years old. Homer had been trying to figure out the secret about his father and what actually happened. They also had a housekeeper living with them named Madeleine.
Homer makes friends with another boy his age who was named Roger. Roger tells Homer about Fake Man, who walks around in disguise carrying a cardboard carton for some reason. Homer begins to follow Fake Man because he suspects he is hiding something and then he gets caught. Fake Man confronts Homer and knew that he was being followed. There is a bunch of more problems and things that happen and that is for you to find out.

[Emma O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interesting and keeps you wanting more. 10/10 would recommend reading. It is one of those books that are really easy to follow. Following Fake Man is also one of those books that is so descriptive that it keeps pulling you in for more. You can picture everything clearly like you were the main character and witness what happened. I can't explain how fascinating this book is anymore you just have to read it for yourself.

[Lexi Patrusevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was good and interesting. This books takes place in Maine. Homer, the main character, tells his friend about this fake man. He goes looking with his friend for the fake man and finds out that he was a 40 year old man and was his fathers best friend. Homer doesn’t like talking about his father a lot though. Homers father became sick and couldn’t deal with it anymore so he took his own life.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the mystery in this book. It's a story about a boy who never knew his father and suddenly he has the chance to learn something about him, as his mother refuses to say anything. So when the boy stumbles across a mystery he gets involved and tries to learn as much as he can. The book also is about art, artists and having the bravery to chase your dreams.

I read this book in 2018.

[Angel Reichart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending of the book is not what I expected. So sad!!

[Adrianne Rosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like a great mystery? Well this one sure was. Really enjoyed.

[Emilia Grunden]

realistic fic- boys, artist, friendship, mystery, neglectful mum, suic!de (mentioned but a pivotal part of story), redeeming end

[Lucas]

(review written from the perspective of an 8th grader in 2013)
I bought this book in third grade, but wasn't really interested in it. 5 years later, finding this book dusted up at the back of my bookshelf, I read it again. But this time with excitement in every chapter. I also really enjoy the personalities of each characters. Holmer was always obeying to his weak, pathetic mother, but during the book, as he stays in Maine, he decided to become the "New Holmer" and break out of his shell, which Madeleine roots for and supports. And with his interesting and fearless friend, he follows a mysterious "fake man," wanting to find the identity of him, and in the end, wanting to find who his father is. The awesome parts of this book was how the plots were placed to get a juicy ending, and the characters, like I said before. Now, I won't tell the ending, but the hints in the book really do help. Also my favorite character was Holmer himself, but also I find it very upstanding, when he lies and shouts at his mother for the first time. It's like he's done with his mother and the secrets she's been keeping. I rate this book a 4, not a 5, because although it was a really nice book, it was missing some things.

[Brooks Mulligan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Critique of Following Fake Man
Following Fake Man by Barbara Ware Holmes is about. Homer’s dad died when he was two, and his mom was refusing to talk to him about his dad. His dad last none area of his dad was a little coastal town in maine. Homer’s family was going to maine for a month of summer, So Homer went with them from Boston. Homers dad was a neurologist who died of a neurological disease. Then Homer figured out about his dad.
Barbara Holmes wrote an eventful book called Following Fake Man. This book Homer the main character and is trying to find out stuff about his dad. Homer Had to go though avengers to find out about his dad. He meat some new friends to find his dad.
Homer is in maine with his family for the summer. There is a mystery in the small coastal town about the fake man. Homer meet some new friends to help to find about his dad which is the Fake Man. The story would be different if it was his home that died, or if his deid never died.
This book is really good and interesting, but also boring at some points. Following Fake Man is about a boy that goes to maine to find out his dad.

[Peyton Mowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I read is called Following Fake Man by: Barbara Ware Holmes.I enjoyed this book a lot because it was very unpredictable, I thought one thing and it was the complete opposite. The main setting was in Maine. The main characters were Homer (the main character), Homer's nanny Madeline, Homer's mother Catherine, Roger, Fake man or Owen Castle and Homer's father also named Homer. The main conflict was Homer's father had died and his mother wouldn't tell him about his father. They went to were his father used to live and Homer made a friend. His friend Roger, told him about "Fake Man" and the went on this adventure to solve the mystery about Homer's father. I would recommend this book. I would recommend this book to children 10 and older, also to people who like a good mystery. I would recommend this to them because it has some parts that seem hard to understand, and also the mother uses big and interesting words. Also this book has a huge mystery that people who love a mystery would enjoy.

[Kenneth]

Picture this, you know nothing about your father who died when you were a baby, your mom doesn't tell you anything about him and at age 13 your going to Boston where he used to live. This is Homer Winthrop's situation where his mom takes him to their old city to sell it. He meets a little boy named Roger Sweeney who tells about an old man that isn't old (disguise). The boys try to solve a mystery about who is Fake Man. When Homer follows Fake Man to a cabin he and Roger decide to go there the next day. At this cabin they find a statue with the name Homer Winthrop Sr. on it. Everyday Fake Man goes to Owl Island so Homer decides to follow him there. This book is for anyone who likes a mystery and has a mind that can follow a complicated story. It should have an award for this great mystery. As long as was reading this book I was happy I have to thank this book for its wonderful company.

[Matthew Crespo · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is basically about this kid named Homer. homer is a kind of person that is trying to figure his life out. he lved with his mom. his dad past away when he was two years old. one day Homer moves in to this neighborhood where he mostly spent most of his life when he was little. he later discovers a man called Fake Man. everybody assumes that Fake Man is a dangerous person, and that he is always carrying something illegal. so homer follows him home and later on the book he finds out so many things about Fake Mans life and his own life. this book is an excellent example for someone who likes suspence. one thing i learned from this book that is that to discover yourself, sometimes you have to connect things on to another persons life on how its similar to his and yours.

[David Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is about this kid named Homer. he is the trying to figure what his life is. he lived wit his mom. his father died when three years old . Homer moves in to a new are where he spent his younger life. finds a person called Fake Man. everyone assumes that Fake Man is harmful, and has something illegal. Homer follows the person to his house and later on he finds a lot of things about Fake Man and his life and his own life. This is a very gripping book, it will keep you reading until you are done with it. THe book shows that when trying to find yourself you may have to view others P.O.V life.

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What i thought of the book,i thought it was amazing. like it shocked me at the part when this kid Homer's dad killed himself in a cabin because he was ill and dying. Another part that shocked me was that Owen Castle and Homer's dad was a artist.This book is a really good book because i didn't know it was that good to be awesome. The part i think that's brave is the kid Homer , he went on a island by his self and he was just trying to figure out clues to see what happen to his dad because his mother didn't really said much about him. This book is awesome , you should read it sometime.

[Zachary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following Fake Man is a fairly simple book that follows a young boy who visits a small town in Maine. This particular town is the hometown of his father who was a neurological doctor and died from a neurological disease. He does not know much about him and as the story progresses he finds some things that even he wouldn't have liked to know. Although the book is a bit of a lower level I found the story interesting and capturing of this young boys life. I would only really suggest this book to a younger student. Overall it was a good book and just made for younger kids.

[Aarushi Maity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its language is simple yet connects the reader with both the protagonist's thoughts as well as his inner pain and the suspense is so gripping you just cant stop reading until the end.The accounts of the other main characters are also depicted according to their characters so that the reader is acquainted with the different aspects of their personalities which they do not show outside.I think it is a must read for everyone.

[Forrest Filetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It is about a kid named Homer who has no clue of who father is. Then he meets this kid named Roger who helps him find out who his father is it turns out that his father was an artist like him. And he finds out a man they were following is Owen Castle a famous painter who knew his father.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for upper elementary or lower-level middle school students. The students can easily relate to the character. The plot provided suspense and twists to keep the student reading and engaged. It also introduced a topic rarely discussed in children's literature: art. Decent read. I would recommend this to students.

[Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I WANT MY OWN COPY OF THIS BOOK SO BADLY. A very lovely middle-grade mystery book with a touch of artsy. Didn't expect much out of it but it left me with a smile on my face, and I am pretty sure this story will be on my mind for a couple of days. Someone be a sweetie and get me a copy of this??? I shall love you forever. Haha!
*Gonna go try and film a book review for this now*

[Janis Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Loved it. Loved the way it was put together. Loved how infrequently the "other voices" came in. Loved the descriptions of art, and artists.
It reminded me a lot of My Name Is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok, even though they're nothing at all alike. But if you enjoyed "Asher", I think you'll enjoy this.

[Kenya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I htought this book was okay. This book is about a boy named Homer Win throp and experienced the deatth of his father. His mother does not have a good relationship with him and he found a new friend that was able to help him through all his troubles and to stat a better life.