Bulk Goon

by Martin Chambers

When schoool leavers arrive at Rottnest Island to party at the end of year, they find overzealous police and no beer. Then an enterprising business student hits upon a simple idea. What could possibly go wrong?

247 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Martin has worked as a biologist, a tour leader, a white water rafting guide, a lab assistant, a publican, a boat captain and in mineral exploration. He once had a job with the attractive title of 'Quality Control' at the Swan Brewery. Contrary to expectation he never got to sample product, the job was to check labels and packaging. Isn't that the way of the modern world, to be obsessed by style not content.
When not working on the content of a novel he might be found trekking, kayaking, sailing or cycling.

Reviews

[Sharon J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of Bulk Goon by Martin Chambers from Goodreads Giveaways as a First Read and appreciated the opportunity to read this novel and write an honest review.

This story takes place on Rottnest Island during "Schoolies" week and centres around the interaction between the island police and the invading teenagers. This is almost a short story (only 100 pages) and thus there is little opportunity for character or plot development. I would have loved to see the story expanded so we could learn more about the romance between Sergeant Mackenzie and Nina and also young lovers Simon and Bree. There were numerous character cameos - the giggly Patty, intrepid booze smugglers Tollie and Josh, young constables Lenny and Mike and the endearing Nurse Wilkes with the reader is left wanting to know mores out each of them. And what of the teen suicide? Instead of making this a poignant subplot it serves merely as a distraction. Targeting the YA audience, the author still hits the mark with this superficial offering that should appeal most teens.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book capitulates the typical aussie experience of summer holidays as a teenager, and is very relatable to my own summers growing up in Australia. It is an enjoyable read for teenagers, or for those who ever were a teenager themselves. One of the most enjoyable new books I have read in a long while, I would highly recommend this book to others!

Thanks to GoodReads first reads for the chance to read this awesome book.

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short read. I particularly loved the location and local characters, it kept bringing me back to holidays I had taken as a teenager and the mischief we got up to.

Received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.