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Killing Hemingway
Teddy Alexander is about to have a bad day that changes his life forever. He’s found his teacher’s bad side, and she wants him expelled. Although learning is his favorite thing to do, and Teddy is good at it, what he really wants is a friend. Friendship can be hard to find and sometimes fades, but Teddy keeps trying.
Even at a young age, Teddy is kind, with a strong sense of right and wrong. When Mrs. Braunshausen gives away his turn to feed Mr. Chompers, the class tortoise, Teddy is not happy about it. He loves Mr. Chompers.
This is the story of a young genius who grows into a hopeless romantic. We follow his life from age six, through high school at age twelve, and on to his decision to go back to college (for a PhD in Literature) after finishing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics at eighteen.
A coming of age novel about life, decisions, love, and genius.
Killing Hemingway is a perfect book for teen and young adult readers, those who never liked Hemingway, and anyone who enjoys a bit of humorous fiction with a side of cute.
Even at a young age, Teddy is kind, with a strong sense of right and wrong. When Mrs. Braunshausen gives away his turn to feed Mr. Chompers, the class tortoise, Teddy is not happy about it. He loves Mr. Chompers.
This is the story of a young genius who grows into a hopeless romantic. We follow his life from age six, through high school at age twelve, and on to his decision to go back to college (for a PhD in Literature) after finishing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics at eighteen.
A coming of age novel about life, decisions, love, and genius.
Killing Hemingway is a perfect book for teen and young adult readers, those who never liked Hemingway, and anyone who enjoys a bit of humorous fiction with a side of cute.
260 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2015
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667 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 27, 2015
While the start of this book was promising and the reader got to like the child genius Teddy and his indulgent parents, I think the theme of the story of Teddy being a lost boy in the woods of adulthood went missing somewhere in the middle, because he always knew exactly what to do. While the tortoise Chompers was a good divergent from a reading perspective, it is hard to empathize with a boy who has never been wrong his whole life. I finished this book with the thought 'Boy genius who thinks Hemingway is terrible'. It is probably a product of personal reflection, my reading choices and entirely my perspective, but this book didn't take me on a coming of age adventure.
November 9, 2015
I'm leaning more towards 3.5 stars, because while I enjoyed the story, there was no real drive behind the plot and no actual climax to the book. It was a quick read, but not very thought-provoking.
October 2, 2015
I didn't really enjoy this book. I thought the start was excellent, but it swiftly went downhill from there. As a child genius Teddy was charming and his interactions with his teachers and friends were lovely. As he got older it just seemed to be the usual cliches about how incredibly intelligent people (and scientists) just don't fit in with "normal" people.
Also, I guess as a literature major and a science major I don't see why the author has to devalue (or have Teddy devalue for him) literature as a subject. He's going to get his degree to just hang on his wall, a PhD as something fun to do between the serious work of getting a Masters and then a PhD in physics. Guess I just don't like physicists very much...
Also, I guess as a literature major and a science major I don't see why the author has to devalue (or have Teddy devalue for him) literature as a subject. He's going to get his degree to just hang on his wall, a PhD as something fun to do between the serious work of getting a Masters and then a PhD in physics. Guess I just don't like physicists very much...
March 5, 2015
A gentle story about a child prodigy and his struggles in university at age 14. I recommend this book.
February 5, 2017
As the description says, Teddy is an exceptional young boy who relishes every learning challenge that comes his way. He soon finds his appetite for learning can be a hindrance as much as an achievement when he speeds through classes and soon finds his lessons boring. The book follows him through from childhood schooling into his college years where he soon finds that his attention turns to finding a girl, and meeting friends, a much greater challenge for him than any academic puzzle he had previously been set.
I enjoyed this book, I found the author’s writing style very easy-going and also witty when required. As others have suggested in reviews this book is more than a YA novel yet not a tough adult read – somewhere in the middle. All the settings are very natural for the reader and easily absorbed and the story moves along at a great pace, allowing you to enjoy Teddie's wins and also sympathise with his frustrations.
I was trying to think what this is similar to and there are only two things that spring to mind; Matilda by Roald Dahl but for me, this book could easily have been about Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory TV series, to me the characters were quite similar.
A very enjoyable book – not sure the title portrays the true nature of the story, as it is only relevant to a small part but the book itself is well worth a read. It’s short, an easy read and I think people will enjoy it.
August 25, 2016
Killing Hemingway is a story about a boy named Teddy growing up as a prodigy at the tender age of 6.He is discovered by his principal who finds out how smart and talented Teddy is when he is sent to the principal’s office for his rude behavior to his kindergarten teacher. As the story progresses he is moved up to the third grade and soon he is moved 4 more grades up. He then graduates high school at the age 14 and goes on to MIT to get his bachelor and Masters but he then feels like he missed out on his teenage years so he decides to get a PHD in literature. Throughout the book He meets new people (friendships form) he has a couple firsts such as: first crush, First girlfriend, First big decision and last but not least first “F”.
What I enjoyed about the book was how the reader was able to see ted grow from a young 6 year old boy to an 18 year old boy in college. We are able to see the change in the decisions he makes as he grows older and some of the difficulties he had to face.
What I did not enjoy about the book was how Teddy at the end of the book he got new friends and they were the party crowd and they got drunk a lot.
Overall 3.5 stars
October 3, 2015
This book challenged my perception of genius and spoke to the nerdy girl I once was. It speaks to those who valued knowledge over coolness in the time of adolescence when the opposite is the norm. I could feel the hurt with Teddy as he was picked on and the triumph with him when he succeeds. I also don't like Hemingway. A good read for young adults and older readers as well.
This book challenged my perception of genius and spoke to the nerdy girl I once was. It speaks to those who valued knowledge over coolness in the time of adolescence when the opposite is the norm. I could feel the hurt with Teddy as he was picked on and the triumph with him when he succeeds. I also don't like Hemingway. A good read for young adults and older readers as well
This book challenged my perception of genius and spoke to the nerdy girl I once was. It speaks to those who valued knowledge over coolness in the time of adolescence when the opposite is the norm. I could feel the hurt with Teddy as he was picked on and the triumph with him when he succeeds. I also don't like Hemingway. A good read for young adults and older readers as well
January 9, 2016
I loved this book!
Teddy is a genius. Truly - he has a master's degree in theoretical physics at 18. But is academic brilliance all there is in life?
Killing Hemingway tells Teddy's story from six to 18. This is a compelling and entertaining coming of age story. Teddy is lovable and funny. I spent the whole book rooting for him to win at life.
Give yourself the gift of a block of time so that you can read this in one sitting - you are not going to want to put it down.
Teddy is a genius. Truly - he has a master's degree in theoretical physics at 18. But is academic brilliance all there is in life?
Killing Hemingway tells Teddy's story from six to 18. This is a compelling and entertaining coming of age story. Teddy is lovable and funny. I spent the whole book rooting for him to win at life.
Give yourself the gift of a block of time so that you can read this in one sitting - you are not going to want to put it down.
January 23, 2017
A wonderful read
After reading Underwood Scotch and Wry it was quite pleasant to read Killing Hemingway since the protagonist in Underwood Scotch and Wry wrote it during the book. This is the first time I've read a book written within another book, and having the previous knowledge of the author (Or is it character?) made for an interesting intimacy with the book.
Plus I am not a fan of Hemingway. So two points there.
5 stars overall, I recommend it.
After reading Underwood Scotch and Wry it was quite pleasant to read Killing Hemingway since the protagonist in Underwood Scotch and Wry wrote it during the book. This is the first time I've read a book written within another book, and having the previous knowledge of the author (Or is it character?) made for an interesting intimacy with the book.
Plus I am not a fan of Hemingway. So two points there.
5 stars overall, I recommend it.
January 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this come of age tale. The child Teddy was quirky but likeable and it progressed well. I know a lot of people had issues with the end section of the book. Personally I like seeing him learn to be s young man as well as s genius. Every coming of age tale needs a bit of Monkey King.
October 28, 2016
I have just spent a lovely sunny day ( strange but true, in England this should qualify as a national holiday) reading KILLING HEMINGWAY.
Thank you 'author' so much for writing it, perfectly written, I felt as if I was there. The writing style is so easy, but not simple, that I just absorbed/inhaled/osmosified it...sorry can't think of a word that describes that state of reading,
Thank you 'author' so much for writing it, perfectly written, I felt as if I was there. The writing style is so easy, but not simple, that I just absorbed/inhaled/osmosified it...sorry can't think of a word that describes that state of reading,
July 30, 2016
Killing Hemingway
I really liked this book. It had many lessons to offer from the perspective of a child genius. He was bullied and still managed to get a PhD by 18, but lacked many social graces. It was not until he enrolled as an age appropriate college freshman with people his own a be that he learned many life lessons. Good plot, setting and character development.
I really liked this book. It had many lessons to offer from the perspective of a child genius. He was bullied and still managed to get a PhD by 18, but lacked many social graces. It was not until he enrolled as an age appropriate college freshman with people his own a be that he learned many life lessons. Good plot, setting and character development.
September 21, 2015
What is genius??
I like Teddy was overly intelligent, plus I had the distinction of also being disabled. like Teddy it took many years to find that our weaknesses are also our strength. I find Hemingway a bore to the point of wanting to burn his books I own.
I like Teddy was overly intelligent, plus I had the distinction of also being disabled. like Teddy it took many years to find that our weaknesses are also our strength. I find Hemingway a bore to the point of wanting to burn his books I own.
October 4, 2015
Being Smart
Though Ernest Hemingway doesn't appear until late, what transpires with the protagonist helps him learn some important lessons. It seems that even geniuses can learn new tricks when they are motivated to do so.
Though Ernest Hemingway doesn't appear until late, what transpires with the protagonist helps him learn some important lessons. It seems that even geniuses can learn new tricks when they are motivated to do so.
October 17, 2015
Thoughtful and telling
This is a book outside my usual genre choices of mystery, thriller and fantasy. A wonderful, sweet and intelligent look at a bright young man trying to grow emotionally as well as intellectually. Following the boy from kindergarten to young adulthood.
This is a book outside my usual genre choices of mystery, thriller and fantasy. A wonderful, sweet and intelligent look at a bright young man trying to grow emotionally as well as intellectually. Following the boy from kindergarten to young adulthood.
March 21, 2016
Boy Genius Grows Up
I started reading this book with high hopes but not high expectations. And I quickly realized by page 3 or 4 that it had already exceeded my hopes and expectations. I was hooked.
I started reading this book with high hopes but not high expectations. And I quickly realized by page 3 or 4 that it had already exceeded my hopes and expectations. I was hooked.
March 25, 2017
I enjoyed Teddy as a character and some of his interactions were really funny. For the most part I don't see the point in this story. It seems like a slice of life with no real meaning or point to it.
September 19, 2015
Sometimes the writing, especially the dialogue, seemed forced or stilted which detracted from the overall book - but the character was so charmingly quirky that this was an easy book to like.
January 29, 2016
Wonderful
I loved this book and am sorry it is over. Great story about a brilliant child persevering splendidly in this average world.
I loved this book and am sorry it is over. Great story about a brilliant child persevering splendidly in this average world.
February 22, 2016
A fantastic read and a unique look at a child prodigy smart enough to take time off to re-create the college experience for himself after getting a college degree and masters' degree by age 18.
February 23, 2016
I enjoyed the book very much. It was fun to read about this genius growing up.
March 5, 2016
This was an entertaining book; I particularly liked the title.
February 20, 2017
Best book ever, by a fictional author :)
October 19, 2017
Love the fact that this is a book created by a fictional charter who is an author from Brian D Meek’s “Scotch Underwood and Wry”. The playfulness of Meeks is just plain fun!
May 31, 2020
A young genius finding his way through his own intelligence, morals, and social skills does not in itself make for compelling reading...but in this case, it works. This was an entertaining read. I found the main character very likable. At times his family seemed “too perfect” but at least we weren’t distracted by issues like that. It kept the focus on the goal, and that was of Teddy figuring out who he really was. The only thing I didn’t like were the friends he chose. They were stupid- there was no need for such an extreme. I guess that was all part of Teddy “finding his way.” I loved the ending, though. Really fun read!
January 29, 2023
I loved this book! It explores the topic of being "gifted" from the perspective of a gifted child named Teddy. I found the writing style to be refreshing and realistic, and I especially loved Teddy's thoughts when he is trying to understand girls (and women, as he gets older). One cannot help but to root for Teddy as he goes through life trying to figure out how to make friends while staying true to himself and his values. However, I wish that Teddy had discovered that one CAN have a career in the arts or literature and that those fields ARE important, are NOT frivolous, and DO have great value to society.
February 23, 2018
Disappointed
I started off enjoying this book and I liked the character Teddy. He's a likeable boy genius. The beginning of this book was excellent but quickly went downhill from there, unfortunately. There was no climax to the story and I kept waiting for something dramatic to happen. In my opinion, the plot and the main character needed more development. I reached the end of the book wondering, "what was the point?"
I started off enjoying this book and I liked the character Teddy. He's a likeable boy genius. The beginning of this book was excellent but quickly went downhill from there, unfortunately. There was no climax to the story and I kept waiting for something dramatic to happen. In my opinion, the plot and the main character needed more development. I reached the end of the book wondering, "what was the point?"
September 15, 2017
Subtitled: A coming-of-age novel about life, decisions, love, and genius. As its subtitle says, it's a coming-of-age novel about a boy genius from age 5 to age 18. Delightful. Sort of Doogie Howser meets Little Man Tate. The pseudonym "Arthur Byrne" is a character in one or more of Meeks' other books.
August 31, 2018
A highly talented writer but a spotty effort. Byrne is capable of writing something really remarkable someday when he quits goofing around. Still, this is definitely worth reading. Keep bringing it Arthur... you got serious chops!
April 26, 2021
Killing Hemingway
Good book about an intellectual boy who skips four grades, ends up at MIT with a master’s and then does a year at another college for his PhD “just for fun”. He write his thesis on Hemingway. Great insight.
Good book about an intellectual boy who skips four grades, ends up at MIT with a master’s and then does a year at another college for his PhD “just for fun”. He write his thesis on Hemingway. Great insight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews