Almost Kings

by Max Doty

With their father lost in anger and self-loathing, James "Truck" Wheeler has raised his younger brother Ted as best as he could, considering he's just a teenager himself. In return, Ted idolizes his brother.

Now, during their one year of high school together, Ted will realize there are troubling aspects to Truck and his friends, The Kings. When the boys assign numbers to each girl at school and begin a dark contest, Ted will be caught playing a game that targets his best friends, including the girl he loves: Kallea Whitney.

The original novel that inspired the award-winning film, Almost Kings is a gritty, powerful story of the choices that bring two brothers together and tear them apart.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Coming Of Age, Ebooks

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2012

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Kings is a dark, engaging novella about the death of a boy's admiration for his dangerous older brother. The story is narrated by Ted Wheeler, who is believable as a smart but emotionally stupid 14-year-old boy. Throughout the book, you see him make plenty of terrible decisions, all for the approval and love of his brother Truck. Truck is a well-drawn character, whose hard back story forces you to understand and feel for him even as he grows despicable. Doty does a good job of showing the conflict between Truck's love for Ted and his deep-seated wish that his gifted little brother would outgrow his need of Truck.

The drama of the novel revolves around a sinister end-of-high-school sex bet, complete with point values for attractiveness and virginity. Rape of unconscious women is explicitly encouraged, and though the word is never used, the wickedness is clear. Though this plot-line is only a few steps removed from that of a coming-of-age sex comedy, there's little fun in its execution - it ends up looking and feeling utterly hideous. This, I imagine, is part of the point.

Doty's writing is strong, and while I know this novel was released with the movie, I think it stands on its own. I do wish the novel were a little longer, as some elements (particularly the family background and the epilogue) deserved more space. Still, it was a good read, and I will be buying the movie.

[Dava Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I want to give a between-stars rating - like a 3.5 or maybe 3.75. There are just a few niggling things keeping me from feeling a full four stars is the correct rating. Then again, if those niggling things didn't exist, it would likely be a five star story.

It's funny how different readers leave a story with entirely different impressions. The vast majority of the time, I only read reviews before and after reading a book - and there's generally such a time lapse between those two I completely forget what the "before" reviews said.

After I finished Almost Kings, I read through a few reviews. One person stated it was set in a small town in Texas. The word "Texas" doesn't appear at all in the book. Someone else mentioned that the school administration saw the Kings as thugs and troublemakers, but again, there is nothing in the book to support that (there is one scene in the principal's office, but it's because there was a fight, and there's nothing to indicate she saw the Kings as thugs).

In both cases, I see exactly why the readers had those impressions. There were also several 1 and 2 star ratings because the story depicts the objectification of women. I could see where it would be a problem for someone particularly sensitive, however, the word "objectification" is wrong - it's rape. There isn't a "rape scene" but characters discuss rape very casually.

None of the reviews I read mention what a complex character Truck is - he was beaten by his father, yet cares for him, he works and makes good grades and plays football and cares for his pregnant girlfriend but also smokes pot, drinks way too much, and sleeps around. He loves Bug to the point of giving up his own childhood and making sure he is the target of all their father's punches but he also hates Bug (probably for the same reasons).

Neither did any of the reviews allude to the fact that all three Wheeler characters are super intelligent and super damaged. The story never explicitly says that Bug's father is a math whiz, but it is implicit in how he keeps notes on baseball stats, and follows sports in general. Truck is a leader; people are drawn to him. That is a kind of intelligence. And of course, Bug is smart enough to get a full ride to Stanford.

At the same time, they have big problems: alcoholism, and addiction in general, anger, violence...As a society we tend to want to see people with those kinds of problems as not too smart. This story is a better depiction of reality than most people are comfortable with.

Finally, not a single review touched on the complex relationship between the brothers. Of course Bug idolized his older brother - the person who protected him, fed him, made sure he got to school, etc. Truck, rather than being just deceitful, was protecting Bug by hiding some things from him - in the only way he knew how to protect him.

As you can see by the much-longer-than-usual review, this story touched on some themes that made me think. But there were things that bugged me, too. For instance, after the fight, Bug's father is so upset by the beating that he doesn't want anything else to do with Truck. That just doesn't ring true to me. A man who beat his son to the point of a broken arm might have a little more sympathy/empathy/forgiveness regarding a violent outburst. But maybe not.

The other thing that just didn't quite feel right to me was the fact that pretty much everything in the brothers' relationship turned on Bug's refusal to rape girls. That's a big thing (or maybe it only is to me as a female person) but it isn't given a whole lot of attention in the story. It is addressed obliquely in the Epilogue, but just not to the extent I think it deserves.

There were a couple of other moments that made me stop for a second while reading (in such a small town, Lizzie would have been told by some "friend" about Truck's participation in the game, for instance), but for the most part I think that this story is a good depiction of what life is like in lots of places. I think that is one reason that rape culture exists - because people like the Kings exist. Sad, troubled, violent people.

I would issue a strong trigger warning along with any recommendation I gave to read this book (what is the statistic? 1 in 3 women endure some form of rape? I can't remember, but it's a disturbing number). However, if you don't have such triggers, and you like stories that reflect sad reality, this one is well told. The writing is clear, the dialog is true, and you want the characters to succeed in life - or at least make it through high school without doing too much harm.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first became aware of Almost Kings because it was featured on the blog "Pixel of Ink" as a free book for Amazon Kindle. I picked it up and immediately realized that there was zero in the book that I could relate to. That said I, "liked it" (the text that accompanies a three star review) for what it was: A memoir of coming of age for a young man living in small-town Texas. This young man comes from very working class stock, including a father who is an abusive alcoholic and on disability, so it comes as no surprise that "Bug" (aka Ted) and his older brother "Truck" (aka James) are in their own way drawn to alcohol abuse and tend to objectify women to a level that I found distasteful.

In this town, it appears that you marry your high school sweetheart and playing high school football is the highlight of your social experience. After high school, zero of the possible career options mentioned included college. Instead, the military and blue-collar jobs were mentioned. The town's main social scene seems to be watching their local high school compete in football.

This story includes a lot of heartbreak for young Bug who has always looked up to his older brother, Truck. Truck, in turn, protected young Bug both from their father's abuses as well as from Truck's own undesirable activities and attitudes, trying to keep young Bug on the straight and narrow. Truck's friends, however, were not aware of this plan and they tantalized Bug with ideas of alcohol consumption, skipping school, objectifying women, and engaging in sexual activity with unconscious young ladies. Truck, trying to remain a role model, is the worst offender at perpetuating these ideas.

Young Bug struggles with his own moral compass and his naive love and trust of his brother, and in the end comes to some very mature, realistic, adult conclusions.

This novel, while short, is not light. It would make a fantastic discussion piece with any young men in my life who are coming of age, as I'd use it to broach some topics such as the proper treatment and attitudes toward women, and toward illegal (because if you are under the purchasing age, then it is illegal, isn't it?) substances.

Doty's writing is strong and clear with just the perfect amount of description to convey the mood of the piece. I was riveted by the second chapter and sad by the end, but also proud of little Bug.

[Catie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d classify this YA novella as a coming-of-age story. It has been made into a movie, which I’ve not seen.

Almost Kings is the story of Bug’s (aka Ted Wheeler’s) fall semester as a high school freshman. Bug is the younger brother of Truck (aka James Wheeler). Truck and a few of his football buddies make up a loose clique called “The Kings.”

As seen through Bug’s naive eyes, The Kings are hulking, tough demi-gods of their rural high school. Being heroes of the football field affords them golden ticket passage through high school. The girls desire them. The other boys fear them. They are untouchable. They are Bug’s heroes.

But Bug’s perception of the world around him is limited. Reading between the lines in this short novel, the truth emerges. High school administration sees The Kings as bad kids, troublemakers, brawlers. The Kings are sexual predators. They drink too much. Even Truck, the leader of The Kings, comments none of The Kings have much of a future ahead of them.

Over the course of a few months, Bug discovers the truth about his brother and the other Kings. The explosive lesson he learns will mark him for life.

The author’s presentation of these kids could be interpreted as stereotyping of an entire high school or town, but I don’t think it is. Kids like the ones in this novella are part of every high school social structure. Reading this reminded me of people I knew and things I saw growing up. This peek into that almost forgotten world–through Bug’s eyes–is intimate, poignant…and harrowing. I’ll remember the way this story made me feel for a long time.

[Gary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t remember if I found Almost Kings the movie or the book first. The interesting thing was that I was able to read and watch the movie at basically the same time, yes I did have to stop the movie a few times for me to catch up in the book.

For the most part the movie plays exactly like the book. It could definitely be used as a cheat. It really doesn’t make a difference, an extra forty minutes give or take and you could have read the book. Plus the movie doesn’t have the epilogue that the book does.

Max Doty tells this coming of age drama set in the Midwest plays better as a book. Not that I’m knocking the acting but there are motives to the characters that aren’t explained in the movie. Where the movie ends with the final numbered chapter the epilogue explains the fates of the character and it definitely puts this into perspective.


NOTE: After seeing a few reviews I might have to reread this novel. I read this novel after reading the numbingly heartbreaking Room. So my review may be skewed because of that book but I don’t think so.

[Jessica Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. Not terrible, but definitely not great. "Almost Kings" is about a 14-year-old boy, Ted, who idolizes his older brother, Truck. He starts coming out to parties and acting like a stupid teenage boy in an attempt to fit in. When his brother's friends, called the Kings, create a game where points are earned by sleeping with as many girls as they can, Ted decides to join in, even though he has a crush on his friend Kallea. This leads to turmoil in his life, including: almost raping a girl, ruining his friendship with Kallea, and letting his brother's pregnant girlfriend find out that Truck is cheating on her.

While the book itself was dark and disturbing, it left a lot to be desired. I hated the ending. It was one of those tidy wrap-up endings where all of a sudden everything is fine and dandy. Kallea has moved on. Ted finally lost his virginity. Truck is dead in the war. But it seemed like the author gave up at the end of the book and just quickly finished it up. It lacked emotional appeal.

One of the other big problems that I had with this book was what I feel is lack of true character development. I hated Truck; at first he seemed so high and mighty and then it turned out he was cheating on his pregnant girlfriend. That's a jackass move. His friends just seemed rude and annoying. Kallea was the only one who I kind of liked, and right at the end of the book, when Ted stands up to Truck and saves Kallea from being raped, instead of learning what happens after that, the book skips 8 years.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, maybe 2.5 stars.

"Almost Kings" is the story of a 14 year old boy who idolizes his older brother. As a freshman, he (the author) finally gains some of the acceptance from his brother and his brother's friends that he's looking for - but there is a price. The novel tells the story of the price that has to be paid.

I found this book to be a very fast read. It wasn't very deep, and it wasn't very subtle. The story is told in a very straight forward manner and the writing is very blunt. As a high school teacher, it bothered me that groups like this exist, but I also realize that they are probably more common than I think.

Definitely not a book for younger readers. I would only recommend this book to limited people.

[Kelly Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read and held my attention. A coming of age story of a teenage boy being raised by his slightly older teenage brother. I really liked the characters and felt for them but there were many tough situations that these boys had to face. The characters were endearing but naive and cringe worthy at times.
The reasons I could NOT give this book more stars: the ways the girls were treated in the book (the point system was disturbing and girls were treated as a game instead of human beings with feelings) and just as disturbing, the many, many typos and mis-spellings (who proofed this book?!?). It was unreal.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much to say here. All in all I liked it, but I doubt I will be spending much time telling my friends about it or even thinking about a year later. Still, I suppose this is true about most books. The story is simple and to the point, concerning the relationship between two teenage brothers and the idea of "fitting in" to moral obligations. I did like that fact that no one was black and white and the trouble our "hero" gets into is of his own doing. If you have a good afternoon to waste, this book would fill the gap just nicely, but no need to go out of your way to get it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of coming of age story packed into this 102 page novella. The perfect read for a quiet and overcast day. Easy to immerse yourself into. I haven't seen the movie but I don't think I need to after reading the book. Read in the amount of time it would have taken to watch a movie, and in my opinion far more satisfying. Great read...a little pervish material for a while and as a female, kinda painful to 'listen' to, but there was a purpose and in the end it was a lesson learned. Appropriate for much older teens, maybe 17+.

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanting to emulate your brother has its limits...or does it. This book is already a movie and was short, and cinematic, so I will be looking forward to seeing it soon. It moves along quickly and may seem like we have seen it before, and we have, but I always say if it works who cares?

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this, but I felt it ended too soon. Maybe that's just the sign of having read a good story. I was hoping for a "happy ending" but it never came. Ended up feeling sad for just about all the characters.

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, moves along fast. Great example of deceit and how what might be super important to a young person becomes (to me, the older reader) not so much. Believable characters, good story line.

[Verlean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coming of age story that show how a younger brother's idolization of his older brother turns to something else when he becomes old enough to realize his brother is not as perfect as he previously thought.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of Truck Wheeler who helps raise his younger brother Ted due to his disabled father. Ted enters high school and find his brother and his group of friends, The Kings, have a bet that will end up defining them and tearing them apart.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

The contest? How many girls can you bang and have other sex acts with in a certain time frame. Ya well, I couldn't finish this one. But go ahead if you're desperate.

[Trish Bodine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. I can see why it says it is a movie or tv series or something. (I don't watch much tv.) It is more of a 'boy' book than a girl book, but is all about mistakes made while growing up.

[Teresa Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a dark coming of age book about a 14 year old boy, who idolizes his older brother, only to realize too late, that he and his friends aren't all that they are cracked up to be.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark and engaging but the ending left a lot to be desired. It was like the author ran out of steam.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful and disturbing - kinda glad it's a novella and not a full-length novel as it may have been too much to deal with then.

[Nicki805 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty dark and sad story...

[Alyson Dayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story of coming of age and brotherhood(s).

[Niki · Rating 2 out of 5]

the book felt disjointed and half hearted. as if the author looked away during the other moments and the development just didnt occur.

[Alexina · Rating 3 out of 5]

So dark. Twisted. Very sad at the end.

[Stef Smulders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classical story, well told, enjoyable read.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow.