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Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Seventeen-year-old Ferris Bueller, his girlfriend, and his best friend take off from school and escape to downtown Chicago in order to experience a wonderful day of freedom
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
3 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Todd Strasser
221 books796 followersTodd Strasser is an American author of more than 130 novels for adults, young-adults, and middle graders.
His most recent novel is Summer of '69
Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."
Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."
His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.
All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.
After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.
Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.
His most recent novel is Summer of '69
Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."
Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."
His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.
All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.
After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.
Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 27, 2021
Since there aren't a lot of reviews for this book, I'll be as detailed as I can in mine.
I really enjoyed this book! If you are a fan of the movie, you will certainly have fun reading the novel adaptation. It kept 90% of the movie scenes while adding in little things to fill plotholes (like how Ferris got the money for his adventure). The entire plot was there plus some. It even briefly explains how Ferris got on the parade float!
Let's talk about the characters. There was something a little unsettling about Sloane's character in the novel. Cameron, Ferris, Sloane, and Jeanie were given a ton of depth. Todd Strasser gave us plenty of backstories that explains their characteristics (like how Ferris and Sloane got together, Cameron's secret wishes, and intrusive thoughts). There were some points where Ferris and Sloane were straight-up mean to Cameron. They would berate him for his thoughts even when he couldn't help what he was feeling. That could've been toned down a bit.
The book is written in the third person of several characters. It doesn't explicitly say "Ferris's POV" or "Jeanie's POV", but we do get that obvious flip between people in scenes. I found this to be an interesting but necessary choice. A big element of the movie is Ferris breaking the fourth wall. The fourth wall breaks aren't in the book. Instead, they are presented as internal thoughts. For example, "If you don't stop to look around you could miss it, thought Ferris". I didn't like that so much, but there are only a few ways to write it.
All in all, this is a fantastic adaptation of the iconic movie. Purists might not like the additional scenes or the inclusion of more Bueller siblings. I do highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the 80s youth culture because it's so much fun. If you can get your hands on it for a good price, pick it up!!!
I really enjoyed this book! If you are a fan of the movie, you will certainly have fun reading the novel adaptation. It kept 90% of the movie scenes while adding in little things to fill plotholes (like how Ferris got the money for his adventure). The entire plot was there plus some. It even briefly explains how Ferris got on the parade float!
Let's talk about the characters. There was something a little unsettling about Sloane's character in the novel. Cameron, Ferris, Sloane, and Jeanie were given a ton of depth. Todd Strasser gave us plenty of backstories that explains their characteristics (like how Ferris and Sloane got together, Cameron's secret wishes, and intrusive thoughts). There were some points where Ferris and Sloane were straight-up mean to Cameron. They would berate him for his thoughts even when he couldn't help what he was feeling. That could've been toned down a bit.
The book is written in the third person of several characters. It doesn't explicitly say "Ferris's POV" or "Jeanie's POV", but we do get that obvious flip between people in scenes. I found this to be an interesting but necessary choice. A big element of the movie is Ferris breaking the fourth wall. The fourth wall breaks aren't in the book. Instead, they are presented as internal thoughts. For example, "If you don't stop to look around you could miss it, thought Ferris". I didn't like that so much, but there are only a few ways to write it.
All in all, this is a fantastic adaptation of the iconic movie. Purists might not like the additional scenes or the inclusion of more Bueller siblings. I do highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the 80s youth culture because it's so much fun. If you can get your hands on it for a good price, pick it up!!!
February 21, 2008
Yes, there is a book. And yes, I've read it.
June 20, 2024
definitely an adaptation of the movie, i guess. this author sounds like he consulted one teenager while writing this and said teenager was a massive dork. there's no nuance or a different worldview than exactly what's intended to be found like there is in the movie. maybe john hughes liked this adaptation, and maybe it's because it fit his view of the world. the truth is: this is an experience for some rich kids from the north suburbs, not everyone. completely pretending like it's not, like this book adaptation does, is strange and offputting. i did enjoy that some details were written down from the movie that i missed, but the made-up parts were bad. not even just morally with calling a japanese kid "oriental." the quality of the writing went WAY down when the author had to come up with something on his own and not just describe something in the movie. overall: just go on archiveofourown if you really want written ferris bueller media. almost every fic there is way better than this
September 24, 2023
Right from the outset, I'll admit that I don't really get it. Let's have a think, as my British friends say.
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was a movie about late high school rebellion, teenage rebellion.
Even though this was a tale of naughtiness that went unpunished, it sure wasn't the naughtiness of a two-year-old.
When I remember Ferris's girlfriend from that movie, she made a strong impression on me of sexual precociousness. Both actors, Matthew Broderick and Mia Sara, hardly seemed like a chaste couple.
In every way, they exuded a worldly insouciance that seemed appealing... but maybe only because they were young and cute; not, say, 40 years old. By which time, continuing to live as they did in that movie, both of them might have looked pretty shoddy -- consequences having caught up with them.
For sure, in this book the three kids lie, sneak out of school, and receive zero consequences.
AND HERE WE HAVE A BOOK THAT SUMMARIZES THIS TALE...
AS IF IT'S AGE APPROPRIATE FOR SECOND GRADERS
Granted, the plot is summarized well. And the illustrations give the teenage protagonists facial expressions suitable for five year olds. So that works, sort of.
ONLY WHAT VALUES ARE BEING IMPARTED HERE?
Toward the end of the book, Ferris's friend Cameron said:
Ferris, I'm tired of feeling nervous all the time. I was so worried about getting into trouble that I didn't realize today was the best day of my life!
Heaven forbid that a day like this would count as the best day of my life. How about you and your own lives, Goodreaders?
The intended audience for this book must be parents of kids who can't wait for their kids to become teenagers. (Good luck with that.)
Seriously, aiming to raise kids who get away with whatever they like, no consequences? Kids whose moral compass points toward F, for FUN. Not toward N, for NORTH.
FIVE STARS of fun, perhaps, now. Maybe grave disappointment later?
Parents, please think twice before you show this book to your kids.
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was a movie about late high school rebellion, teenage rebellion.
Even though this was a tale of naughtiness that went unpunished, it sure wasn't the naughtiness of a two-year-old.
When I remember Ferris's girlfriend from that movie, she made a strong impression on me of sexual precociousness. Both actors, Matthew Broderick and Mia Sara, hardly seemed like a chaste couple.
In every way, they exuded a worldly insouciance that seemed appealing... but maybe only because they were young and cute; not, say, 40 years old. By which time, continuing to live as they did in that movie, both of them might have looked pretty shoddy -- consequences having caught up with them.
For sure, in this book the three kids lie, sneak out of school, and receive zero consequences.
AND HERE WE HAVE A BOOK THAT SUMMARIZES THIS TALE...
AS IF IT'S AGE APPROPRIATE FOR SECOND GRADERS
Granted, the plot is summarized well. And the illustrations give the teenage protagonists facial expressions suitable for five year olds. So that works, sort of.
ONLY WHAT VALUES ARE BEING IMPARTED HERE?
Toward the end of the book, Ferris's friend Cameron said:
Ferris, I'm tired of feeling nervous all the time. I was so worried about getting into trouble that I didn't realize today was the best day of my life!
Heaven forbid that a day like this would count as the best day of my life. How about you and your own lives, Goodreaders?
The intended audience for this book must be parents of kids who can't wait for their kids to become teenagers. (Good luck with that.)
Seriously, aiming to raise kids who get away with whatever they like, no consequences? Kids whose moral compass points toward F, for FUN. Not toward N, for NORTH.
FIVE STARS of fun, perhaps, now. Maybe grave disappointment later?
Parents, please think twice before you show this book to your kids.
August 5, 2017
É ler um clássico da sessão da tarde! A mesma história divertida, leve e lendo senti aquela nostalgia que aquece o coração.
October 22, 2024
"A vida se move muito rápido. Se você não parar
e olhar ao redor de vez em quando, pode perder."
e olhar ao redor de vez em quando, pode perder."
February 22, 2022
Não sei me entender com adaptações exatas de filmes para livros. Por que não adicionam coisas diferentes?? Personalidade?
June 14, 2013
Just as good as the movie and then some. I wish they could have added everything, but they didn't leave out much and they actually even added in a few things that were fun and exciting.
May 3, 2016
Turbl
October 13, 2016
A-do-rei! Refiz uma viagem de novo àquela época em que foi lançado o filme.
Divertidíssimo; não fica a dever nada ao filme. Aliás, é ótimo ler com detalhes o que já se assistiu. Recomendo.
Divertidíssimo; não fica a dever nada ao filme. Aliás, é ótimo ler com detalhes o que já se assistiu. Recomendo.
March 30, 2008
Hilarious Book !!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews