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The Weirdo
Chip Clewt, known simply as the weirdo, lives like a hermit in the Powhatan Swamp, a National Wildlife Refuge that is at the center of a heated controversy between local hunters and environmentalists. A hunting ban on the Powhatan is about to expire. The environmentalists want to protect the wildlife; the hunters are oiling their guns. Then someone completely unexpected comes forward to spearhead the conservation effort--the weirdo.
Includes a reader's guide.
Includes a reader's guide.
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2006
45 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Theodore Taylor
118 books108 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 16, 2010
I really enjoyed this story. In ways, it was like reading several books at once..a coming of age story about a disfigured young man, an environmental/wildlife story about the bears in the Powhatan Swamp of North Carolina and some mystery thrown in for good measure.
February 2, 2010
This is not a very popular book but it's one of my favorites. Not only did I enjoy the mystery in the storyline but I also fell in love with the bears.
October 14, 2011
Not very interesting
July 22, 2012
Eh. Didn't really like it. After about 40 pages, I just started skimming.
July 14, 2016
Pretty good YA novel about swamp area in Virginia/NC border area and preserving bears.
July 10, 2024
A short and sweet tale about the NC swamp country. Some good themes of environmentalism, friendship, identity, and one’s own morals. A quick YA read with some good mystery and suspense.
May 26, 2017
This was a really, really good read. I picked it up for sort of research purposes (the setting is a swamp, as is my own WIP) and was quite pleased at the premise. Naturally, it's a bit hard for me to distinguish exactly how much of my reverence for it is due to its similarities to my own project, and how much is due to it simply being a good book. Still, I CAN say with a good measure of assurance that this is a fine novel, and one I would have enjoyed even if I weren't writing what I'm writing.
The story is, roughly, about two teens going against the odds in order to save endangered bears in the Powhatan Refuge, a swamp in the Carolinas. Chip is a seventeen year old boy who's been living within the swamp for four years, rarely venturing out because of a serious disfigurement. Samantha is a sixteen year old girl who dreams only of leaving the swamp entirely - and the memories of the dead body she found there in her youth. The characters were wonderful - three dimensional and sympathetic. The kind you don't want to leave, even after the book is done with.
The environment was something I was paying special attention to, and I was quite pleased with how it was portrayed in the book. It really gave a feel for the place, and the odd sort of beauty it has. I wish at times there had been more of it, for my own benefit, but I think the author did well with balancing how much description there was with action.
Overall the story was well paced and well researched, and the characters were very likable. My only complaint was the quick ending - I'm glad it was wrapped up clearly (because for awhile there I was a bit worried), but it felt too fast, too sudden. And then the book was over. Sort of like those movies that have the final battle and then go straight to rolling credits. That said, it didn't leave any real questions out, so I was still able to find satisfaction with the end.
I would recommend this book quite willingly to anyone who likes character stories. The author passed away in 2006, but I will likely be seeking out one of his many other novels for future reading.
The story is, roughly, about two teens going against the odds in order to save endangered bears in the Powhatan Refuge, a swamp in the Carolinas. Chip is a seventeen year old boy who's been living within the swamp for four years, rarely venturing out because of a serious disfigurement. Samantha is a sixteen year old girl who dreams only of leaving the swamp entirely - and the memories of the dead body she found there in her youth. The characters were wonderful - three dimensional and sympathetic. The kind you don't want to leave, even after the book is done with.
The environment was something I was paying special attention to, and I was quite pleased with how it was portrayed in the book. It really gave a feel for the place, and the odd sort of beauty it has. I wish at times there had been more of it, for my own benefit, but I think the author did well with balancing how much description there was with action.
Overall the story was well paced and well researched, and the characters were very likable. My only complaint was the quick ending - I'm glad it was wrapped up clearly (because for awhile there I was a bit worried), but it felt too fast, too sudden. And then the book was over. Sort of like those movies that have the final battle and then go straight to rolling credits. That said, it didn't leave any real questions out, so I was still able to find satisfaction with the end.
I would recommend this book quite willingly to anyone who likes character stories. The author passed away in 2006, but I will likely be seeking out one of his many other novels for future reading.
February 20, 2014
This YA novel from 1991 has some beautiful nature writing in it. The plot is: two kids, one terribly disfigured from a plane crash, become friends while mounting a nature conservation action and solving a pair of murders.
August 14, 2017
Anyone remember Battle of the Books in elementary school? This was be only book I actually read for that lmao.
December 16, 2018
The Weirdo is a solid YA rural swamp murder mystery. It features believable characters with an awkward teenage romance and adults that aren’t totally incompetent. The way hunters are depicted is also pertinent in 2018, as I felt I was reading about the current political divide in the US between NRA-supporting conservatives and animal rights-supporting liberals (not that only conservatives support the NRA and only liberals support animal rights).
The book is a mix of third person narration and first person letters written by “the weirdo” Chip Clewt, an understandably-reclusive seventeen-year-old with post-accident burns and a fascination with the local bear population. Despite his moniker being on the front of the book, however, this is really Samantha Sanders’ story. Sam is sixteen years old and has the misfortune of finding a dead body at the start of the story. She eventually gets entangled in Chip’s world and learns that there’s more to the local outcast than what the rumours say.
I bought this book around twenty-five years ago when I was in elementary school, and I see now why my thirteen-year-old brain was not ready for it: it jumps around between narration styles and around the story’s timeline. It’s all very brisk now, but I quickly saw why it just didn’t click with me as a young teen. I think sixteen-year-old me would have fared better, but it still somehow took me two decades to actually take it off my bookshelf. Despite it taking this long, I’m glad to have finally read it.
There is interesting information about bears, swamps, and hunting. The story moves quickly. The rural dialogue feels authentic. And the relationship between Sam and Chip is sweet. There is a lot to like.
In terms of criticisms, the way the murder is wrapped up is somewhat anti-climactic, but it makes sense given the age of the kids doing the investigating. The decision regarding the opening or suspension of bear hunting season was also a little quick, but given the 222-page length of the book, it was necessary for the sake of moving things forward.
All in all, this is a solid book and was a nice change of pace for me after going through a couple of really long epic fantasy novels. Check it out if you want something a little different and educational in your YA fiction.
3.5/5
The book is a mix of third person narration and first person letters written by “the weirdo” Chip Clewt, an understandably-reclusive seventeen-year-old with post-accident burns and a fascination with the local bear population. Despite his moniker being on the front of the book, however, this is really Samantha Sanders’ story. Sam is sixteen years old and has the misfortune of finding a dead body at the start of the story. She eventually gets entangled in Chip’s world and learns that there’s more to the local outcast than what the rumours say.
I bought this book around twenty-five years ago when I was in elementary school, and I see now why my thirteen-year-old brain was not ready for it: it jumps around between narration styles and around the story’s timeline. It’s all very brisk now, but I quickly saw why it just didn’t click with me as a young teen. I think sixteen-year-old me would have fared better, but it still somehow took me two decades to actually take it off my bookshelf. Despite it taking this long, I’m glad to have finally read it.
There is interesting information about bears, swamps, and hunting. The story moves quickly. The rural dialogue feels authentic. And the relationship between Sam and Chip is sweet. There is a lot to like.
In terms of criticisms, the way the murder is wrapped up is somewhat anti-climactic, but it makes sense given the age of the kids doing the investigating. The decision regarding the opening or suspension of bear hunting season was also a little quick, but given the 222-page length of the book, it was necessary for the sake of moving things forward.
All in all, this is a solid book and was a nice change of pace for me after going through a couple of really long epic fantasy novels. Check it out if you want something a little different and educational in your YA fiction.
3.5/5
October 14, 2018
"The Weirdo" features two teenagers, Sam and Chip, fighting to preserve the Powhatan swamp and protect its wildlife - specifically, bears. The plot focuses on the conservation effort, a coming-of-age romance story, and two murders - though most importantly, the murder of Tom, a naturalist PhD candidate. The story starts off through Samantha's point of view and from her, we get more of the hunter's point of view. From Chip, we see the history of conservation in the area and experience the situation through the bears' eyes.
Suspension and mystery are built mostly through the use of unreliable narrators and lack of information. Though both of the kids know that Tom's murder has to do with the ban on bear hunting, they can't prove anything through the majority of the book. This leaves you constantly guessing who the murderer is and when they'll get caught. The addition of the second murder - one seven years old - adds to the mystery because you don't know what the significance of it is and are always trying to find some way to tie them together.
I liked the book, but I wouldn't add it to my personal favorites. Chip's journals throughout the book, while educational, add nothing to the plot and don't hold any significance and I found myself wanting to skip them and continue on with the book. All of the relationships - excluding the one between Sam and Chip - are very surface level and because of that, some of the depth that would have made the book that much more intense isn't there. Much of the novel is very repetitive, and while that shows some meaning, the repetition is overused. Overall, the book was fine. It was definitely different and I appreciate that, but it could have been done better.
Suspension and mystery are built mostly through the use of unreliable narrators and lack of information. Though both of the kids know that Tom's murder has to do with the ban on bear hunting, they can't prove anything through the majority of the book. This leaves you constantly guessing who the murderer is and when they'll get caught. The addition of the second murder - one seven years old - adds to the mystery because you don't know what the significance of it is and are always trying to find some way to tie them together.
I liked the book, but I wouldn't add it to my personal favorites. Chip's journals throughout the book, while educational, add nothing to the plot and don't hold any significance and I found myself wanting to skip them and continue on with the book. All of the relationships - excluding the one between Sam and Chip - are very surface level and because of that, some of the depth that would have made the book that much more intense isn't there. Much of the novel is very repetitive, and while that shows some meaning, the repetition is overused. Overall, the book was fine. It was definitely different and I appreciate that, but it could have been done better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2022
"The weirdo", written by Theodore Taylor was an enjoyable book, but overall it was somewhat dull. The main character, though well developed, was from the start portrayed as living a boring life. This made the reader feel that the book would also take on a boring tone.
The basis of this book was about a teenage girl who came across a lead to an unsolved missing person's case. She finds love in an unexpected place and learns what she really values. Her love interest, Chip, shows her his passion and from it she gains strength to stand up to her father. She even stood up to her father when he was holding a gun! She also joins Chip in the battle to keep a bear hunting ban over the Powhatan swamp. They receive lots of backlash from the hunters, but stick with their fight. The characters are decently developed, but I feel Taylor, forgot to mention some of the "important" side characters in the last half of the book and when the author killed one of the characters off, it seems as if he didn't let it sink in how much the loss would affect everyone.
Even though he could have given some of the characters more time to shine, I enjoyed the detail he went into about the setting. They underwent their adventure in the Powhatan swamp. It was interesting to learn about the animals that inhabit the area and how the seasons change in the south. I liked learning about how the characters navigated the swamp and the eeriness of how it would be easy to hide a body in that location.
Even though the author could've made the book more interesting, I appreciated the plot and would recommend it to another person. It most likely wouldn't be the first book I would recommend, but I could see my younger cousin enjoying it.
The basis of this book was about a teenage girl who came across a lead to an unsolved missing person's case. She finds love in an unexpected place and learns what she really values. Her love interest, Chip, shows her his passion and from it she gains strength to stand up to her father. She even stood up to her father when he was holding a gun! She also joins Chip in the battle to keep a bear hunting ban over the Powhatan swamp. They receive lots of backlash from the hunters, but stick with their fight. The characters are decently developed, but I feel Taylor, forgot to mention some of the "important" side characters in the last half of the book and when the author killed one of the characters off, it seems as if he didn't let it sink in how much the loss would affect everyone.
Even though he could have given some of the characters more time to shine, I enjoyed the detail he went into about the setting. They underwent their adventure in the Powhatan swamp. It was interesting to learn about the animals that inhabit the area and how the seasons change in the south. I liked learning about how the characters navigated the swamp and the eeriness of how it would be easy to hide a body in that location.
Even though the author could've made the book more interesting, I appreciated the plot and would recommend it to another person. It most likely wouldn't be the first book I would recommend, but I could see my younger cousin enjoying it.
March 30, 2023
I hate to give this book such a bad rating, but I have to due to the fact that the book, both cover and description, are completely deceiving. At least the version I bought is. Both of them heavily imply that this is a horror YA novel, which is the sole reason I read the book, but, spoiler alert, it's actually about...a teenager fighting against bear hunting in a swamp. That's it. Absolutely nothing remotely scary even happens in this book, nothing is even implied to be out of the ordinary here. Just a kid going against hunters and poachers.
Now I am a huge animal lover and advocate, so the actual story itself was heartwarming, but also quite boring. Despite being a short book it really drags, I think largely due to the fact that I was expecting a horror twist that never came.
Now I am a huge animal lover and advocate, so the actual story itself was heartwarming, but also quite boring. Despite being a short book it really drags, I think largely due to the fact that I was expecting a horror twist that never came.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2017
This book was not as boring as I thought it would be. It was a very suspenseful book filled to the brim with fright and mystery. I could relate to many of the characters and some of the teenage troubles they have, just like I do. This book was a very scary book filled with short and scary sentences, that really got to you. The thing that I really liked was how the other was also able to incorporate long detailed sentences as well as the short detailed sentences. If you're a fan of horror, mystery, or suspense the you should read this book. This book kept me up at night thinking about the characters and what they did. This book effects you very much like you were watching a horror movie.
June 25, 2023
Read this book mostly on the treadmill at the Y. I got it at a book sale outside a church last summer for $1. It sat on my shelf for a year when, lo and behold, I wanted an easy read for my walk today. I liked it! I’m giving it two stars for two reasons: one, I was disappointed in the lack of elaboration for the two main characters, and two, this book reads like a watered down version of Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. Maybe I’m biased- Hoot is a Florida Favorite of mine (as is Hiaasen) and a sentimental part of my childhood- but I felt like this story was a bit less engaging than I had hoped. I’m glad a read it and all, but I will probably forget about this book in a month or two. Onto the next!
October 31, 2017
This story is about a man named Chip Clewt, aka the weirdo, he is very scared from a fire and has burns all over him but he is very nice and very smart and knowledgeable of the swamp. He has to protect Sam when she is chased onto his house. I cannot relate to any of the characters in the book. i did like this book and it was not bad but there where things that could of been changed to make it better. I like the entire first part of the book.
July 18, 2019
This story by Thodore Taylor should be required reading in every high school. It's a story about right vs. wrong, it's a story about the selfishness of man and a story about tragedy and coming of age in a time of change. It's also about standing up for what you believe in and doing the right thing regardless of the outcome.
December 5, 2019
We have a set of these books in the media center for classroom use. The front cover intrigued me so I took a copy home to read. I liked this book a lot! Any book with a character with a deformity I like to read. The fact that it's based in NC where I too live, is a plus!
June 17, 2020
Enjoyable Read
As a reader, I mostly like non-fiction, but this book had a good enough dose of facts and reality to help me enjoy the fiction. I recommend this book especially if you enjoy science or the environment.
As a reader, I mostly like non-fiction, but this book had a good enough dose of facts and reality to help me enjoy the fiction. I recommend this book especially if you enjoy science or the environment.
January 10, 2024
The characters in this book. The two main ones at least are at like this. Really cute age and they're both so lovable and finding themselves as new people coming into their own. I didn't really know what to think about this book and it really surprised me by how good it was. Fully enjoyed this.
October 22, 2024
Okay so the 1st 85% SUCKED. It was so boring and very hard to follow and stay invested. The last 15% was okay I guess… If I could give this book a 2.5, I would. I personally wouldn’t recommend reading though, unless you’re over the age of 30.
December 5, 2025
The Weirdo by Theodore Taylor is a fun story about friendship and bravery. It is about a boy named Chip and a girl named Sam who become friends and face challenges together. The story is exciting, and it shows how kindness and courage can make a big difference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2019
It was a thrilling adventure of overcoming challenges inside of you and out, and chasing a murderer down before he strikes again.
July 3, 2023
I was enjoying the book for the first 2/3rds, where the story was building. Then the last 1/3rd seems like a race and ties loose ends a little too abruptly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
Cute Mystery book read it back in high school and still love it today (no Spice just one loney soul finding love)
June 6, 2024
I remember a teacher reading this to me when I was a kid. It was nice to take the trip down memory lane.
April 28, 2025
Much less horror than I expected. The plot is...okay? I feel like the resolution was a bit of a letdown, but I get why you'd do that in YA to make it more realistic.
November 7, 2017
This story is a young adult mystery, and a good one at that. The book follows Samantha "Sam" Sanders as she falls in love with a half-burnt teen her age named Charles "Chip" Clewt. Together, they fight for the ban on hunting bears to be extended another five years. But, the college student who was researching how many bears where in the swamp, Tom Teldford, goes missing without a trace. Sam thinks a murder she saw the aftermath of as a five-year-old of a man named Alvin Howel, is connected.
All-in-all, this story is really good. I loved the fact that there are no chapters, so you can stop at any point. I found the story line easy to follow, however the murders of Tom and Alvin really aren't mentioned despite the fact that this is a mystery, and the murders are the mystery part. The murder of Alvin makes sense because the case went cold a few years prior to the year(s) in which the story takes place, but Tom's murder drives the story. Even through readers don't see much of Tom, he played a major role as a plot device, and I wished he'd be more involved in the story. The murder of Tom becomes more prominent as the story goes on, however.
Other than the critiques I made, this story was fantastic! Anyone who likes a plot filled to the brim with interesting characters, teenage drama, murder(a little less of than I would have liked), and love, could sit and read The Weirdo for hours. Theodore Taylor did a wonderful job describing the live of country-girl Sam's family issues, love story, along side her beliefs. I feel like I accually met Sam and Chip.
All-in-all, this story is really good. I loved the fact that there are no chapters, so you can stop at any point. I found the story line easy to follow, however the murders of Tom and Alvin really aren't mentioned despite the fact that this is a mystery, and the murders are the mystery part. The murder of Alvin makes sense because the case went cold a few years prior to the year(s) in which the story takes place, but Tom's murder drives the story. Even through readers don't see much of Tom, he played a major role as a plot device, and I wished he'd be more involved in the story. The murder of Tom becomes more prominent as the story goes on, however.
Other than the critiques I made, this story was fantastic! Anyone who likes a plot filled to the brim with interesting characters, teenage drama, murder(a little less of than I would have liked), and love, could sit and read The Weirdo for hours. Theodore Taylor did a wonderful job describing the live of country-girl Sam's family issues, love story, along side her beliefs. I feel like I accually met Sam and Chip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
Read it for class. Wholesome as hell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews