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Fun & Games
The 1980’s: it’s the time of Dungeons & Dragons, banana clips, and Atari. Jonathan Schwartz is growing up in a family like no other. His sisters, Nadia, the dark genius, and Olivia, the gorgeous tease and temptress, manipulate Jon and his friends for their own entertainment. And his Holocaust survivor grandparents? Their coping techniques are beyond embarrassing. A disastrous visit to Jon’s class by his grandmother unhinges his famous father, setting off a chain of events that threatens to send the dysfunctional Schwartz clan up in flames once and for all. Fun & Games is a heartbreaking and hilarious story of faith, family secrets, betrayal, and loss—but it’s also a tale of friendship, love, and side-splitting shenanigans.
- GenresHumor
180 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2013
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
David Michael Slater
68 books97 followersDavid Michael Slater is an acclaimed author of over 40 books of fiction and nonfiction for children, teens, and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 31, 2016
The newest book of David Michael Slater tells us the story about a Jewish family named Schwartz from Pittsburgh and is placed in the early 80s.
Jonathan Schwartz, the main character, is 14 and the youngest of three children of Deane and Michael. Besides being part of the weirdest family tree I have ever heard of, Jonathan has quite difficult relationships with his two sisters Olivia and Nadia. Therefore he spends most of the time competing with his three friends Jake, Cory and Milo in their self-created “Purity Test”.
Michael is a writer and has always ignored his heritage until the Bar Mitzvah of Jonathan is becoming a topic and after a heated meeting with the Rabbi he heads off to Israel, officially to research for his new book.
After the departure of their father, Michael, lots of things run out of hand and 911 is dialled quite frequently in the Schwartzens’ household. Jonathan finds himself in the middle of mayhem where the rest of his family is more and more breaking apart, and in addition to that he has to struggle with all the ups and downs of growing up.
In the beginning I some difficulties with the unfamiliar writing style. I then found myself deeply impressed and touched by the story of Jonathan and his family.
David Michael Slater has written a book about a Jewish family who are still dealling with the impact of the Holocaust but he has made it somehow made a serious topic easy to understand and read about. The plot is really entertaining and contains lots of unexpected twists make this book one I am not going to forget anytime soon.
I can`t really describe my feelings while reading it – it is funny, it is weird, it is sad, it is surprising, and of course there is always the thing with the family members struggling with their heritage and future perspectives.
What I can do though is highly recommending it!
Reviewed by Kerstin at www.whisperingstories.com
Jonathan Schwartz, the main character, is 14 and the youngest of three children of Deane and Michael. Besides being part of the weirdest family tree I have ever heard of, Jonathan has quite difficult relationships with his two sisters Olivia and Nadia. Therefore he spends most of the time competing with his three friends Jake, Cory and Milo in their self-created “Purity Test”.
Michael is a writer and has always ignored his heritage until the Bar Mitzvah of Jonathan is becoming a topic and after a heated meeting with the Rabbi he heads off to Israel, officially to research for his new book.
After the departure of their father, Michael, lots of things run out of hand and 911 is dialled quite frequently in the Schwartzens’ household. Jonathan finds himself in the middle of mayhem where the rest of his family is more and more breaking apart, and in addition to that he has to struggle with all the ups and downs of growing up.
In the beginning I some difficulties with the unfamiliar writing style. I then found myself deeply impressed and touched by the story of Jonathan and his family.
David Michael Slater has written a book about a Jewish family who are still dealling with the impact of the Holocaust but he has made it somehow made a serious topic easy to understand and read about. The plot is really entertaining and contains lots of unexpected twists make this book one I am not going to forget anytime soon.
I can`t really describe my feelings while reading it – it is funny, it is weird, it is sad, it is surprising, and of course there is always the thing with the family members struggling with their heritage and future perspectives.
What I can do though is highly recommending it!
Reviewed by Kerstin at www.whisperingstories.com
December 1, 2017
I received an ecopy of Fun & Games from author David Michael Slater.
Fun & Games starts out as a slice of one man's family, or in this case, one boy's. We have an evil genius sister, a hot sister who knows how to put her looks to use, a writer father trying to not be Jewish, a mother trying to preserve Jewish tradition, holocaust survivor grandparents, and of course our hero Jon, trying and often failing, to keep up with it all.
His group of friends are the usual mix of teenage boys fixated on girls and marathon games of D&D. Jon is forever being bullied, coerced and manipulated by one or both of his sisters. He is one of those people who try to go with the flow, a very difficult task in this particular family.
Mixed in with typical adolescent male hormone fueled goofiness are sometimes heartbreaking and life altering events. Family secrets abound and as Jon matures (at least chronologically), he is forced to deal with them. For the most part Fun & Games is a comedy, and a hilarious one at that. But the end leans more to the serious end of the spectrum.
It does evoke a bit of a nostalgic feeling: the stupid teenage tricks, the determination to lose that pesky virginity ( I didn't lose mine, I know right where I left it) and the rocky transition from adolescent to adult.
Fun & Games can be viewed as a coming of age tale but it's more the antics of the family that puts the "fun" in dysfunctional. David Michael Slater has written a fun and funny story that fans of American Graffiti style entertainment should like. Enjoy!
Mike
Fun & Games starts out as a slice of one man's family, or in this case, one boy's. We have an evil genius sister, a hot sister who knows how to put her looks to use, a writer father trying to not be Jewish, a mother trying to preserve Jewish tradition, holocaust survivor grandparents, and of course our hero Jon, trying and often failing, to keep up with it all.
His group of friends are the usual mix of teenage boys fixated on girls and marathon games of D&D. Jon is forever being bullied, coerced and manipulated by one or both of his sisters. He is one of those people who try to go with the flow, a very difficult task in this particular family.
Mixed in with typical adolescent male hormone fueled goofiness are sometimes heartbreaking and life altering events. Family secrets abound and as Jon matures (at least chronologically), he is forced to deal with them. For the most part Fun & Games is a comedy, and a hilarious one at that. But the end leans more to the serious end of the spectrum.
It does evoke a bit of a nostalgic feeling: the stupid teenage tricks, the determination to lose that pesky virginity ( I didn't lose mine, I know right where I left it) and the rocky transition from adolescent to adult.
Fun & Games can be viewed as a coming of age tale but it's more the antics of the family that puts the "fun" in dysfunctional. David Michael Slater has written a fun and funny story that fans of American Graffiti style entertainment should like. Enjoy!
Mike
August 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this story of a teenager growing up in Pittsburgh in the '80s. I found it to be really hilarious at times, but then all of a sudden it would catch me by surprise with plot twists that were quite poignant and sad. It also prompted me to think a lot about identity and what it means to really know and understand others. I'm a big fan of David Sedaris, and this book definitely reminded me of Sedaris's work.
January 23, 2016
Book Info
Product Details
Paperback: 226 pages
Publisher: Library Tales Publishing, Incorporated (May 6, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615774156
ISBN-13: 978-0615774152
Source:Ebook ARC copy from author in exchange for honest review
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N
The 1980’s: it’s the time of Dungeons & Dragons, banana clips, and Atari. Jonathan Schwartz is growing up in a family like no other. His sisters, Nadia, the dark genius, and Olivia, the gorgeous tease and temptress, manipulate Jon and his friends for their own entertainment. And his Holocaust survivor grandparents? Their coping techniques are beyond embarrassing. A disastrous visit to Jon’s class by his grandmother unhinges his famous father, setting off a chain of events that threatens to send the dysfunctional Schwartz clan up in flames once and for all. Fun & Games is a heartbreaking and hilarious story of faith, family secrets, betrayal, and loss—but it’s also a tale of friendship, love, and side-splitting shenanigans.
Never let it be said that a title does not capture the essence of a book, there is quite a bit of "fun" in this story and a whole lot of "games" but in both cases the meaning of the words are different than their actual use by the author.
We start out with Jon and his 9th grade friends, Cory, Jake and Milo at the Schwartz home having a normal get together for their group. Dungeons and Dragons may be the game of choice but the boys real motivation this particular night seems to be centered upon a chart that they have created called "The Purity Test", a list of 100 questions that determined ones "Purity Rating".
The further we get into the story however it's simple beginnings start to delve into darker areas that provide a tone far different than simple "Fun & Games".
The day to day accounting of the characters lives takes us through harrowing familial drama, devastating personal loss of loved ones, the teens hijinks during their 4 years of High School followed by the pitfalls the boys are faced with when they go away to college all the while allowing the reader ample time to adjust to the changes occurring as Jon and his friends learn that growing up is not exactly what they imagined it would be.
The trauma at the end is offset by a final revelation that finally allows Jon to start to come to terms with the past and look forward to a brighter future. This story will make you sad in places, make you smile and laugh in others and probably at inappropriate places too, it will tug at your heartstrings as you empathize with the characters when remembering similar times in your own life and most of all it will remind us that no matter what you think there is always someone whose family is just a little wackier than your own!
Growing up in the 80's never played D&D but do remember some of my peers doing so, luckily also did not have quite such a kooky family nor were my eclectic friends as zany as Jon's but this book did bring back goofy memories just like some of the ones portrayed in the story.
Product Details
Paperback: 226 pages
Publisher: Library Tales Publishing, Incorporated (May 6, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615774156
ISBN-13: 978-0615774152
Source:Ebook ARC copy from author in exchange for honest review
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
The 1980’s: it’s the time of Dungeons & Dragons, banana clips, and Atari. Jonathan Schwartz is growing up in a family like no other. His sisters, Nadia, the dark genius, and Olivia, the gorgeous tease and temptress, manipulate Jon and his friends for their own entertainment. And his Holocaust survivor grandparents? Their coping techniques are beyond embarrassing. A disastrous visit to Jon’s class by his grandmother unhinges his famous father, setting off a chain of events that threatens to send the dysfunctional Schwartz clan up in flames once and for all. Fun & Games is a heartbreaking and hilarious story of faith, family secrets, betrayal, and loss—but it’s also a tale of friendship, love, and side-splitting shenanigans.
My Thoughts
Never let it be said that a title does not capture the essence of a book, there is quite a bit of "fun" in this story and a whole lot of "games" but in both cases the meaning of the words are different than their actual use by the author.
We start out with Jon and his 9th grade friends, Cory, Jake and Milo at the Schwartz home having a normal get together for their group. Dungeons and Dragons may be the game of choice but the boys real motivation this particular night seems to be centered upon a chart that they have created called "The Purity Test", a list of 100 questions that determined ones "Purity Rating".
The further we get into the story however it's simple beginnings start to delve into darker areas that provide a tone far different than simple "Fun & Games".
The day to day accounting of the characters lives takes us through harrowing familial drama, devastating personal loss of loved ones, the teens hijinks during their 4 years of High School followed by the pitfalls the boys are faced with when they go away to college all the while allowing the reader ample time to adjust to the changes occurring as Jon and his friends learn that growing up is not exactly what they imagined it would be.
The trauma at the end is offset by a final revelation that finally allows Jon to start to come to terms with the past and look forward to a brighter future. This story will make you sad in places, make you smile and laugh in others and probably at inappropriate places too, it will tug at your heartstrings as you empathize with the characters when remembering similar times in your own life and most of all it will remind us that no matter what you think there is always someone whose family is just a little wackier than your own!
Growing up in the 80's never played D&D but do remember some of my peers doing so, luckily also did not have quite such a kooky family nor were my eclectic friends as zany as Jon's but this book did bring back goofy memories just like some of the ones portrayed in the story.
[EARC copy from author in exchange for honest review]
July 8, 2013
There is a subtle intelligence behind Fun & Games. The undertones of meaning don’t smack a reader in the face instead whispering between the lines in scenes. Religion is a prevailing theme. Jonathan’s father is very much anti-religion and his influence is strong in the family. He respects those who believe but he does not share their beliefs. The story could easily come off as a sermon against organized religion but instead urges a reader to think for himself or herself and come to their own conclusions while maintaining a light entertainment that is sometimes fun and sometimes challenging.
The plot-line is sequential. We are with Jonathan as he lives his day to day. I found his grandparents especially appealing. Jonathan’s mother’s father lost his wife in France after surviving the Nazi Occupation. He brought his baby daughter to the US and then met Jonathan’s father’s mother when the pair supervise the first date of their children. They married, as did their children. Of course, the youngsters in Jonathan’s class when his grandmother speaks to them can’t fathom that the marriage came long after their children were born. At one point in the story, Jonathan’s grandmother leads him to question if believing in fate is the same as believing in God. There is another point in the story where the family is traveling and while the scene is supposed to be and is funny, my heart broke for the grandmother, which I have to think, was also the intent.
The author has written a teen series that is in development for the big screen. Fun & Games would make a fabulously funny movie for a teen crowd with the kind of heart that appeals to adults. Those of us who came of age in the 80s will find nostalgia galore in this humorous take on a boy and his friends in the 80’s. I highly recommend this novel for those fans of nostalgic fiction. If you like Neil Simon’s work, you will like this novel.
The plot-line is sequential. We are with Jonathan as he lives his day to day. I found his grandparents especially appealing. Jonathan’s mother’s father lost his wife in France after surviving the Nazi Occupation. He brought his baby daughter to the US and then met Jonathan’s father’s mother when the pair supervise the first date of their children. They married, as did their children. Of course, the youngsters in Jonathan’s class when his grandmother speaks to them can’t fathom that the marriage came long after their children were born. At one point in the story, Jonathan’s grandmother leads him to question if believing in fate is the same as believing in God. There is another point in the story where the family is traveling and while the scene is supposed to be and is funny, my heart broke for the grandmother, which I have to think, was also the intent.
The author has written a teen series that is in development for the big screen. Fun & Games would make a fabulously funny movie for a teen crowd with the kind of heart that appeals to adults. Those of us who came of age in the 80s will find nostalgia galore in this humorous take on a boy and his friends in the 80’s. I highly recommend this novel for those fans of nostalgic fiction. If you like Neil Simon’s work, you will like this novel.
November 9, 2013
Fun and Games by David Michael Slater - Realistic Fiction - Adult - Really, this is an adult book. I'm enjoying the humor and various disasters that Jon deals with from one crisis to another. There were many scenes that made me laugh aloud and then additionally many scenes and incidences that just broke my heart. There's no break for Jon in this book, even when he's going through days of his life a little clueless, his actions are impacting others in ways that are unknown until too late. I was relieved to finish this story since I started feeling like part of Jon's terrible family during the read and I just couldn't handle all the tumultuous situations they were living through. I do recommend this book and know that many will love this realistic fiction book filled with heart, family and friendship, and a good dose of religion as well.Fun and Games by David Michael Slater - Realistic Fiction - Adult - Really, this is an adult book. I'm enjoying the humor and various disasters that Jon deals with from one crisis to another. There were many scenes that made me laugh aloud and then additionally many scenes and incidences that just broke my heart. There's no break for Jon in this book, even when he's going through days of his life a little clueless, his actions are impacting others in ways that are unknown until too late. I was relieved to finish this story since I started feeling like part of Jon's terrible family during the read and I just couldn't handle all the tumultuous situations they were living through. I do recommend this book and know that many will love this realistic fiction book filled with heart, family and friendship, and a good dose of religion as well.
April 29, 2016
On the surface, this is a story about Jonathan Schwartz and growing up in the 80’s. We start with him playing Dungeons & Dragons with his friends while working on a Purity Test. We follow along as Jon deals with daily issues of growing up, getting into trouble with his friends, and going through High School. He is also part of an interesting family. His grandparents survived the Nazi Occupation and have their own way of coping. His father doesn’t believe in Good. And simply family outings have so much more meaning and heartbreak than what is seen on the surface. When Jon goes to college there is a tragedy that changes everything and lets him reflect on his past.
This was an interesting story. I grew up in the 80’s and although I didn’t really participate in much Dungeons & Dragons I definitely remember it. I laughed at some of the stuff Jon and his friends get into. But at the same time I felt for him and his family and the things they were going through. Not everything is what it looks like on the surface and Jon’s family is the best example. Even when they go on an adventure I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the grandmother.
But the way the book was put together seemed a little disjointed. I understand in different settings, at different times, and with different events things change. Unfortunately this made the book feel choppy moving from on this to another. I think it would have been better if the book would have been broken up.
Having said that, Fun & Games is a pretty good book. I did enjoy it and sure remembered growing up and the stuff I got into as a kid.
I received Fun & Games for free in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting story. I grew up in the 80’s and although I didn’t really participate in much Dungeons & Dragons I definitely remember it. I laughed at some of the stuff Jon and his friends get into. But at the same time I felt for him and his family and the things they were going through. Not everything is what it looks like on the surface and Jon’s family is the best example. Even when they go on an adventure I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the grandmother.
But the way the book was put together seemed a little disjointed. I understand in different settings, at different times, and with different events things change. Unfortunately this made the book feel choppy moving from on this to another. I think it would have been better if the book would have been broken up.
Having said that, Fun & Games is a pretty good book. I did enjoy it and sure remembered growing up and the stuff I got into as a kid.
I received Fun & Games for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2015
I have very mixed feeling about this book. I love, love, love David Michael Slater and especially his young adult fiction, but this book was confusing. I really enjoyed the first half as he wrote about teenage boys with humor and accuracy. Then when the boys got older it got complicated and confusing. I kind of wish that this book was a series: The younger years, the college years and life after. I think it would have been fantastic that way and would have gladly read the sequels.
All that being said, what I like about David's writing is that he writes very good characters and thoughtful plots lines. There is nothing boring about stories written by this author. I'm still pondering this book which says a lot. Also, he writes across genre. He has wonderful children's picture books, young adult fantasy and this adult book. So, maybe the first book for adults is a bit rocky. Perhaps it was trying to do too much in a short space.
But, keep at it David. You rock!
All that being said, what I like about David's writing is that he writes very good characters and thoughtful plots lines. There is nothing boring about stories written by this author. I'm still pondering this book which says a lot. Also, he writes across genre. He has wonderful children's picture books, young adult fantasy and this adult book. So, maybe the first book for adults is a bit rocky. Perhaps it was trying to do too much in a short space.
But, keep at it David. You rock!
Read
June 23, 2015Still thinking about my rating. I kind of agree with Jacci's review below. Although there were certainly underlying themes that went through the book, this felt like something I wanted to read in multiple volumes with maybe as much time spent on other segments as in the one school year. Some arcs felt rushed.
This book had a very "This is Where I Leave You" vibe of darkly funny family dysfunction. I think fans of that book will enjoy this. I think I'm just troubled by the (telegraphed but still jarring) plot turn right at the very end. This suddenly becomes a different kind of book in the last bit and it feels very different to me. It's a high school coming of age, a college self discovery (or not as the case may be) but the ending felt like too much of a new piece.
This book had a very "This is Where I Leave You" vibe of darkly funny family dysfunction. I think fans of that book will enjoy this. I think I'm just troubled by the (telegraphed but still jarring) plot turn right at the very end. This suddenly becomes a different kind of book in the last bit and it feels very different to me. It's a high school coming of age, a college self discovery (or not as the case may be) but the ending felt like too much of a new piece.
September 25, 2013
Starts out as a story about a Jewish teenager growing up in the 80's. He has a dysfunctional family, and great friends who talk him into crazy things. The story becomes so much more than that. At times funny, surprising, and sad. I loved how all the details came together in the end. Ultimately this makes you think. There is much more here than I expected. The end left me stunned, which is why I give it five stars. Just a really good read.
June 30, 2014
Confusing
I found this book confusing and hard to understand. Not my cup of tea. It was not at all what I thought it would be from the description. I did gain little insight into the feelings of Jewish people who are not practicing their religion. I think!
I found this book confusing and hard to understand. Not my cup of tea. It was not at all what I thought it would be from the description. I did gain little insight into the feelings of Jewish people who are not practicing their religion. I think!
April 25, 2017
A Chaotic, Whimsical Account of a 1980s Teenager’s Life
Author, David Michael Slater has delivered a crazy tale of a family so dysfunctional, that you would only believe it, if you saw them. Take it from me, families like this do exist. I particularly liked the character of the grandmother and although she was a stereotypical Jewish old lady, I found her to be captivating.
For those of you that have been the sensible one in a dysfunctional family unit, you will appreciate the main character Jonathan Schwartz’s struggle to cope with his life. Even Jonathan’s friends have issues. The author has crafted a well written plot and I found it engaging.
This is a fun and is at times a sad read as within every dysfunctional family there are underlying issues. You can’t help thinking that there is another book to come as the ending is left open.
Author, David Michael Slater has delivered a crazy tale of a family so dysfunctional, that you would only believe it, if you saw them. Take it from me, families like this do exist. I particularly liked the character of the grandmother and although she was a stereotypical Jewish old lady, I found her to be captivating.
For those of you that have been the sensible one in a dysfunctional family unit, you will appreciate the main character Jonathan Schwartz’s struggle to cope with his life. Even Jonathan’s friends have issues. The author has crafted a well written plot and I found it engaging.
This is a fun and is at times a sad read as within every dysfunctional family there are underlying issues. You can’t help thinking that there is another book to come as the ending is left open.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews