The Revival

by Max Yoho

Holy war in Epic, Kansas? You'd better believe it! It's Revival Week, and every man, woman, child, and cocker spaniel - if it looks Methodist - is expected to be there. There really is an Epic, Kansas but you won't find it on a map. Perhaps it's the very town where you grew up. Perhaps you, like Edwin J. Stamford, at age 11, lived there while coming to grips with one of the basic truths of "Always blame the boy!" Growing up is never easy and Edwin may not have been the first, nor the last boy to cut his toe while trying to learn the manly art of shaving. If you were ever a boy, you probably lived many weeks like Edwin's. If you were a sister, you were probably "Irene the Rat" - and you should be ashamed of yourself.

Audible Audio

First published February 1, 2001

About the author

Max Yoho has established himself as a witty writer from the nation's Heartland. A growing list of fans enjoy his off-beat sense of humor and mind boggling leaps of logic--often leaving readers laughing out loud. Max is a lifelong Kansan. He was born in Colony, Kansas, in 1934, and became a writer after 38 years as a machinist. Yoho's writing is humanly honest in the tradition of Mark Twain, and echoes the nostalgic coming-of-age humor of Jean Shepherd.

Reviews

[Hank Pharis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some great dialogue and characters but ultimately disappointing story.

(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book or a B. 3 = Very good or a B+; 4 = Outstanding or an A {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites or an A+ {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hilarious book. I think it can be given to middle schoolers who love "Harris and Me" by Gary Paulsen, as long as they aren't offended by an occasional cuss word. Edwin lives in small Epic, KS, and he grapples with the usual things like big sisters, bullies, and mothers who insist on haircuts and good manners. Edwin happens to fall in love with an "older woman" right after one of the funniest and grossest scenes ever set at a church revival. And his musings on how to best win his love (shave, buy her something, write poetry) had me in stitches. A very funny book.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was from a boy's point of view. He talks about the week when a revival comes to this small Kansas town. Max Yoho is from Topeka. It was very funny. Every line was funny. I loved it.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy War, Kansas humor, and the ethical dilemma of pissing through a screen door. Max Yoho's The Revival highlights many of the things I love about Kansas and much more.