Idiot!

by Christopher Klim

What is the value of one life? Forest ranger Thomas King is a severe dyslexic and perceived village idiot. Alone, he roams the Pine Barrens, hoping to save a failing town. Claire Wethers' children have been stolen by her ex. The former beauty queen privately drowns her fears in whiskey. Their lives appear as marginal as the bankrupt town, but when this unlikely pair merge paths, everything changes.

Genres: Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2007

About the author

Christopher Klim's books include the novels Jesus Lives in Trenton, Everything Burns, The Winners Circle, and Idiot!, as well as the short story collection True Surrealism.

His book list contains only books that he loved or are important to him for various reasons.

Reviews

[Vera mallard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure I can do this book justice. What a story. The author, Christopher Klim is talented; he set the hook from the first page and reels you into the story. The story was electric, emotional, and evoked thoughts of people I had known like Thomas King. Mr. Klim kept the emotions going from the first page to the last. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it to you.

This is the story of Tom King, severe dyslexic, living in the Pine Barren forest of New Jersey working as a part time Forest Ranger. Tom has always been the butt of the town jokes, considered an idiot, called the names because he picks up garbage, the object of pranks and rumors, ridiculed, looked down upon, picked on by the town bullies as well as the town elite, and thought to be mentally retarded. The town is dying day by day since the cranberry bogs were infested with a fungus and burned to stop the infestation. The bogs were the lifeblood of this small town. Tom patrols the forest, picking up garage, saving everything he fines, neatly piles it around and in his cabin noting each find, as well as protecting the old 1700's Forge, cabin and the forest. There is a purpose to his piles, but you will have to read the book to find out what Tom does with all this stuff. Tom is not an idiot; he is smart in ways this small time town could not perceive. He desperately wants to save the town, the old Forge and the cabin in the forest. Tom has always had a thing for Claire Wethers, the town Cranberry Queen and elite in her past life. Her life now depends on whiskey sours to get through the day since her husband stole her children and the cranberry bogs disappeared along with her job, her husband, and security. Sheriff Drew Spatt is evil, abusive and is a bully; he has a thing for Claire, his sometimes girlfriend, and thinks nothing of physically and mentally abusing her. He has plans for the bogs, the old forge and cabin, Tom, and Claire.

Claire and Tom form an alliance, and together they will solve a mystery from centuries past, fight the evil Sheriff and his cronies, align the town together to save the town and their heritage, and solve the mystery of Claire's husband.

Mr. Klim's character development was spot on, the pacing was perfect, and the emotions were nonstop. At times I just wanted to sit and cry as Tom and Claire's life were a testament of enduring all life hands you and coming out on the other side a whole person. I couldn't put the book down and read it straight thru into the night. I had to know what was going to happen next and how all this would end for Tom, Claire, and the town. This was the first book of Mr. Klims I have read; it will not be the last.

I highly recommend this book.

[Julie Brickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idiot! is riveting book by a master storyteller. Fluid, suspenseful and compelling, Idiot! touches on all that matters: love, corruption, power, injustice, and the invisible talents of ordinary people. Thomas King, deemed an idiot because of his misunderstood dyslexia, lives alone as a ranger in the beautiful Pine Barrens of New Jersey. The powers of the town, the police chief and the mayor, are out to develop the area into an amusement park, ripping out the guts of its beauty and history. King is out to save it. The rivalry between King and the police chief is also a love rivalry, the powerful, ruthless chief vying with the sensitive, brilliant, reclusive ranger for the love of the town’s beauty, Claire. She teeters between them, as she struggles with alcoholism and despair over the loss of her children, kidnapped by her former husband. Written with an unbeatable combination of clarity, love, and wit. Idiot! is a book that presages a great future for its talented author, Christopher Klim. I would predict that one day, in the not too distant future, he will publish work that will make him a household name. Watch for it!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

With “Idiot”, gifted author Christopher Klim has crafted an intriguing and epic tale of two unlikely people striving to save their way of life in a small town on the edge of civilization. Klim eloquently describes emotions and environments that are visually cinematique and bring to mind award-winning movies like “The Last Picture Show”, “Forest Gump” and “Wild”.

Set in the surreal landscape of Pine Barrens, the world of “Idiot” is captivating and filled with suspense, romance and underdog heroics. The two multi-layered main characters, forest ranger Thomas King and his high school crush Claire Wethers, struggle to save nature and their way of life. In the end, they discover so much more.

Klim is an alluring writer offering up both grandeur and grit in a truly touching way. His compelling characters have the heart and determination to overcome whatever oppressive circumstances the author throws at them. “Idiot” is a classic tale of how the human spirit can triumph in spite of great adversity. This book would make a powerful movie.

[Judie Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from the author.Thank you so much. The day it came I sat down to look at it and before I realized it I had read 3 chapters. It was so interesting that I didn't want to put it down. When I was finally able to get back to the book I read the rest all the way to the end. Christopher Klim told a great story that holds your attention. "Idiot!" is the story of a man who had been picked on his whole life because of a learning disability. Scorned by everyone in town, he now lives in the woods and cares for the forest. No one knows how intelligent he really is. He is befriended by two women who help him. Each in their own way. I don't want to give away the whole story, so I'll recommend that you read it. It's a great story. Sorry I didn't get to this review sooner-have had some medical problems.

[R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing shorter works of compelling fiction is a taxing piece of business. Klim gets right down to business from the opening page and keeps the hammer down till the very last page. In between, Klim lays bare a trio of love stories, not the least of which is one man's passion for the outdoors. Klim is a competent storyteller, who seems to thrive in setting the tone for the interaction between his characters. "Idiot!" is full of promise, and hints at Klim's potential.

This review is based on a complimentary review copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair an unbiased review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book via Goodreads Giveaway. Sped through this book, wanting to know what was coming next for each of the main characters. Drawn to each other due to circumstances and helping each other without much expectation. This was a fun read and I would be interested in reading more from this author.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about Thomas King a dyslexic man who tries to save a failing town.

[Jae Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Thomas King is more than the story of one man. It is also the story of a small town of Cranfield Lakes, as well as the story of Claire Wethers.
Tom is a warden in the Pine Barrens, and is viewed as the village idiot due to his dyslexia. He is very smart and likable, if anyone took the time to get to know him. He loves the Pine Barrens and is upset when the mayor and police chief make plans to build an amusement park over an old forge and house that has historical significance.
Claire Wethers has known Tom her whole life, and sees him as a nice man. Her children have been kidnapped by her ex-husband and she is so depressed about the situation she turns to drink. She and Tom join forces to find her children by going through her ex-mother-in-law's garbage. They find phone numbers she has been calling and believe it is a clue.
Cranfield Lake citizens are going through a rough time as well, since their cranberry crop had to be destroyed due to a disease. Many people lost their jobs when this happened, and there is a lack of employment and money in the town.
Tom finds a diary at the old forge that may help the town recover. He and Claire also start a relationship, but he disappears when there is a fire, set by the crooked police chief, at the forge. Tom is blamed at first, but Claire fights to clear his name. Tom finds allies, including the governor, to help the town build a tourist attraction based on the "Bachelor of the Barrens" legend. The diary he had found corroborates the legend and the governor writes a letter of intent to help the town.
My impression of this book is that it is one of those books that pulls you into a world you know little about, yet you end up caring a lot for it. The author's descriptions of people and places is amazing. I also loved the happy ending for almost everyone (except the villainous police chief) and the way Tom comes out to the town as the hero he always has been. I'd recommend this book to anyone who just loves a great story.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways, and it was signed by the author. It now has a place of pride on my bookshelf, reserved for those books I will remember reading for a long time to come. Thank you Mr. Klim for sending me a signed copy and letter. I truly enjoyed your book.

[Victoria Siczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exploitation of those conceived as inferior, is prevalent in all societies and all cultures. In Christopher Klim's novel "Idiot," Tom King is dyslexic and unfairly labeled as the village idiot. He flees from the unjust bullying of the town's people, especially the Chief of Police, Drew Spatt, who along with others has harassed Tom since childhood, forcing him to become a recluse. Tom doesn't mind...he likes being a forest ranger in the barrens of New Jersey where he can wander among the bogs of cranberries, collecting discarded objects thrown away by less environment conscientious people. Unfortunately, this makes him seem more strange, and the Chief and developers seeking to take over the barrens for personal gain try to run him out of town.
A woman he had a crush on in high school seems to be his only ally even though she is battling depression, anxiety, and alcoholism after her children were abducted by her ex-husband two years prior. This is an intriguing tale of greed, deceitfulness, and the human condition...first beaten down, then rising to fight against the destruction of a town and the obliteration of the surrounding wilderness. Because in that wilderness, there might be something that Tom and Claire can use to put an end to Spatt's plans! Suspense, drama, and raw emotions, blended with true-to-life characters make this a great read. I recommend this to all who want to escape into a world where the strength of the human spirit prevails!

[Paul Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idiot! is a very well-written, compelling novel about a man who is misunderstood by most of the community he lives in. Set in a forest in New Jersey, it tells the story of a hermit named Tom who has endured a life of badgering by the townsfolk. Although he has always had trouble reading and speaking, he is actually very intelligent and listens to books on tape. He is also a garbologist. As a part time forest ranger, he frequently hunts down those who litter based on the trash they left behind. His enemy, the town sheriff, wants to drive him out so that he and the mayor can tear down their one historic landmark to put up a mall. With the help of librarian Alicia and former beauty queen Claire, Tom takes on everyone in a fight to save the forest. The book has a compelling plot, bold characters, and excellent pacing. In fact, it moves extremely quickly and is always interesting right to the end.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read that is hard to put down. Readers are going to love Thomas King, a special man, with a few problems. Tom takes care of a forest in New Jersey. He loves the land a lot more than he loves most of the people in the area. Although he has good reason for this and not just because they make fun of him because of his learning disability. Tom is not an idiot, in fact more like just the opposite and readers are in for a story filled with more than just mystery, although that is certainly included. The author does an amazing job with character development along with a compelling story of love and loss, not only of persons but of the land which is Thomas King's true love. I recommend this book to all who love a great story because that is what you can find in the pages of this novel.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

XXX I was very excited to receive this author-signed book on September 9 as a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you so much for sharing your work with me!

This is an excellent book! Both poignant and briskly paced, the dialog is spot-on, the protagonists sympathetic and the setting perfectly pictured for you. Thomas King and Claire Wethers are, as are we all, damaged human beings. Their flaws are obvious - he is severely dyslectic, she has used alcohol as a crutch for so long she has lost herself in the haze. Together, they complete one another. Now they just have to get through the local community labyrinth of pain and corruption conveniently laid at their door by a dirty cop and vicious ex-mother-in-law.

There is not a thing in this novel I would have altered, with the exception of the title. It is one I will keep, to read again when I need a positivity reinforcement.

[Peggy Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do not be deceived by the title of this book. The story itself is slightly unusual, yet so worthwhile to read. It will keep you flipping the pages. Mr. Klim did a good job of adding additional twists to the story, just when you thought you could sit back and relax. I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I'm sure glad that I read the story. You will find out who the idiot is, and I'd love to tell you more, but then I'd be a spoiler, and that would make me an idiot, too!! Just don't be an idiot, too, and pass this book up!! Mr. Klim put a lot of work into this book, and it shows. This story took a lot of thinking to put together, and to make it all fit into a nice little package.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a very likable story of a small town 'idiot' who lives in the woods. It seemed like he was that slow kid in class and still in that role as an adult. The local town has fallen on hard times economically and Tom is an easy scapegoat. Fortunately, the story has a lot more depth and is quite interesting. There are small town stereotypes (lots of them) but used quite effectively. Tom finds something interesting at the Old Forge in the woods he watches, and his pursuit of what it means becomes the story. Although I have used the dreaded term stereotype in describing many of the characters, things are not always as they seem. This story is nicely done, and I greatly enjoyed it.

[Jk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a signed paperback copy of this book for free through the Goodreads Giveaways program and would like to thank the author especially and anyone else who made that possible.

This book is very unique and different from anything else I have read. It took me awhile to really get into it but by the second half I couldn't stop turning pages, wanting to know what happened next. The characters felt authentic and I could really root for them to overcome their problems.

Overall this was an uplifting story with a great message and some good lessons embedded within - I really enjoyed this book and am grateful that I got the opportunity to read it!

[Ann Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Klim is a master of character development and plot intrigue. His protagonist , the town's "village idiot", Forest Ranger Tom, however is not as labeled. His dyslexia and social anxiety make it difficult to defend himself verbally against the despicable former jock and relentless bully, Drew. This hulk is the Chief of Police in a town on the decline due to contamination of the cranberry bogs.

Fascinating interactions with various town folk and evidence collected by Tom in the form of trash help unravel some mysteries, and there are more than one. Absolutely engrossing. I couldn't put the book down!

[Jennifer Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing to you because I love your characters! Idiot is a great read! Tom King is such a twist and the fact that he is attacked by the social norm and accepted by those that can't see passed their nose is so powerful. Claire makes my heart cry! I am truly in love with Stan Zytko because he is so insightful. I can Image myself wanting the stab Drew and Geneva . Thank you for the twists and the turns Christopher! Awesome! Idiot made me hopeful! It made me see small town stupidity and greater focus.

[Katrina Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading the books about one man, with the odds stacked against them, who tries to save the day, save the town, and get the girl; just as long as it isn't too formulaic. This book does not disappoint, it has a likeable main character, a troubled woman, a mystery with historical connotations, some environmental problems, and a town facing economic ruin. The main character has a learning disability (hence the title), but in most ways is a lot more competent than any of the other male characters.

[Jana Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from goodreads-firstreads. I loved this book. The characters, Claire and Tom are just totally great together. I loved the storyline, both are fighting for their own respect and dignity. He has been known all his life as the town idiot, and Claire fighting to find her children has become the town drunk. The town officials are corrupt and ruining the town and forest reserves but when Tom and Claire Begin to fight for their lives back,they do great things for the town and themselves. It's a great book that I would recommend to everyone! Thanks for a wonderful read. Jana Morgan

[Ted Prokash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an immediately engaging tale. Klim has a keen eye for character and setting. In Idiot!, one is instantly transported to the New Jersey backwater of Cranfield Lakes. Throughout the novel, the tension builds nicely, as the reader is carried along with characters who quickly inspire our empathy and interest.

Klim maintains a high standard of literacy in his prose without sacrificing pace or plot. He has the sense to stay out of the way of his story. The end result is an engrossing tale without any insults to the reader's intelligence. Bravo!

[R.D. Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Like this book very much, about a young man with dyslexia and what it takes to cope with the people of a small town. Well Written and very interesting, I find it awesome reading. The young man Thomas was supposed to be the idiot in this small town, but he is not the idiot and he has many talents. Every character is very interesting and the author lays everything out perfectly making you apart of the story. Well done Mr. Klim.

[Savannah Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very gripping, intense story. This was such an enjoyable read, I found my heart clenched in knots for Tom and his struggles. I particularly loved the romance aspect of the story. The ending had me in absolute tears. This author delivered a hard-hitting emotional punch with this story, I got chills so many times. The characters had so much depth and felt so real to me. I can't wait to see what Christopher Klim will release next.

[Eileen E Cartwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I was very touched by this book. I raised two dyslexic children plus tutored many more. In the reading I did to gain more understanding of the condition I learned about deviance and the way people treat someone who is deviant or different from the norm. That certainly was illustrated in this story. It is not pretty. I thought the story moved a bit slowly in places but in others got quite exciting.

[Tammie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about the underdogs. One lives in the woods and is a part time forester. He was called a Idiot his whole life. He can't read very well because he is Dyslexic. The other one's husband took her children and she isn't making it very well.
I didn't know really what to expect from this book. It is not a light fluffy book but, it does have a good ending. I enjoyed reading it.

I won this on goodreads.

[C. Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klim makes his characters seem all too real. As I was reading the book, I couldn't help but draw comparisons between Thomas and Sylvester Stallone's character in the film Copland. As Klim weaves his story in and around the train-wrecks that are Claire and Thomas, he makes you want to root for both of them and hope for the best possible end of their tragedies.

[Burma Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads Firstreads. Thank you!

This book is so good. It takes a little while to really get into it, but once you do you cannot stop reading. It is very well-written, you feel like you really know these characters. Would highly recommend!

[K.C. Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an astounding book.
Not something I normally read, but the story line and characters had me sucked right in... I couldn't put it down.
A true mix of emotions ran through me as I read. Author Christopher Klim, you have a new fan and follower

[Dianne Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a town in south New Jersey, and the conflict between certain townspeople. I particularly liked the character development, and felt that I knew these folks. It gave a poignant insight into dyslexia, so I would recommend for anyone who has that issue in their family.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly enjoyable book! If you like a page turner that grabs you from the start please read this. Perfect writing with an easy to follow plot will make you fall in love with the hero just as I did.

[billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

A great storyline with lifelike characters that most people can relate to. Story moves along smoothly and has a happy ending.