Copyboy

Paperboy #2

by Vince Vawter

In the sequel to the Newbery Honor-winning novel Paperboy, Victor Vollmer sets off to fulfill a final request of Mr. Spiro, the aging neighbor who became his friend and mentor. Now a few years older and working as a newspaper copyboy, Victor plans to spread Mr. Spiro’s ashes at the mouth of the Mississippi River as the former merchant marine wished. But the journey will not be a simple one. Victor will confront a strange and threatening world, and when his abilities and confidence get put to the test, he’ll lean on a fascinating girl named Philomene for help. Together they’ll venture toward the place where river meets sea, and they’ll race to evade Hurricane Betsy as it bears down.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Adventure, Coming Of Age, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2018

About the author

Vince Vawter is the author of PAPERBOY, a 2014 Newbery Honor book, and COPYBOY, a sequel published Aug. 1, 2018. The final book of the PAPERBOY trilogy — MANBOY — is available now on Amazon. He lives with his wife near the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee on a small farm. Vawter spent 40 years in the newspaper business before retiring to write books.

Reviews

[Alex Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to see that Vince Vawter had written a sequel to his book Paperboy. Victor Vollmer was such an endearing character and I've often thought about him since reading that book.

Now, six years have passed since the then 11-year-old Vic met Mr. Spiro while temporarily taking over his friend Rat's newspaper route for a month. Back then, the very well read and very well traveled Mr. Spiro became a true friend to Vic, patiently helping him understand the world a little better and offering ways to help him manage his stutter, and the two remained friends.

Now, it's the summer of 1965, Vic is 17, working a summer job at the local newspaper as a copyboy, and getting ready to begin college. Sadly, Mr. Spiro has recently passed away, a loss Vic doesn't really want to deal with. But he has been left one last request by Mr. Spiro - to scatter his ashes at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Against his parents wishes, Vic decides to drive alone from Memphis to New Orleans, armed with the name of the sports editor at the Times-Picayune, a road map, the cash from his last 3 paychecks, and, of course, Mr. Spiro's ashes. He leaves early one the morning, after writing a note for his parents explaining his plan.

In New Orleans, Vic is introduced to a whole new world of people and experiences. Editor Ray Patton is more than happy to help Vic, taking him home to his houseboat for the night. There, Vic also meets Adrienne, Ray's Cajun girlfriend. After helping Vic understand a little about the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico, he puts him in touch with people who really understand those waterways, sending him off to Venice, Louisiana - Fishing Capital of the World - and his friend Captain Henri Moreau, a lifelong river man.

In Venice, Vic meets the Moreau family as they are getting ready to celebrate Captain Moreau's birthday and everyone is pitching in for the fais do-do. Vic is welcomed with open arms and immediately put to work, but it is the very independent Philomene "Phil" Moreau, 18, who really takes charge of him, introducing him to her Cajun world of people who make their living fishing, including a somewhat dangerous ex-boyfriend. Phil loves everything about river life and wants to follow in there father's footsteps.

Reports of a tropical storm had followed Vic from Memphis to the Gulf Coast, but even when it was upgraded to a hurricane, it was expected to stay on the eastern side of Florida. So when Hurricane Betsy suddenly shifts course and heads straight for Gulf Coast, everything changes as people prepare to flee.

I loved Paperboy and wondered if Copyboy, with its six year difference, would measure up. I am happy to say that yes, it does and does not disappoint. Copyboy is written in the same quiet, gentle style that was so appealing and so spot on for relating Victor's story in the first book. Now, Vic is older, but not really very worldly-wise. Because of his stutter, he has lived rather sheltered life, and his parents still treat him like a child. Vic's stutter isn't as much of a problem in this novel. The people he meets just accept it as part of who he is. For his part, Vic, who already loves words and language, finds their Cajun English new and different and wonderful.

Interestingly, it is Ray who suggests to Vic that perhaps Mr. Spiro had tasked him with spreading his ashes at the mouth of the Mississippi is a last parting gift, and it is an idea that Vic continues to think about. By sending Vic on a quest to find the mouth of the Mississippi River and scatter his ashes, Mr. Spiro knew that he was sending him an a new adventure, even if he couldn't envision what that adventure would hold for Vic. From eating raw oysters in a Bourbon Street bar with Ray to his first kiss, Vic experiences an independence in life he's never had before, and yet, he never loses sight of the purpose for his trip.

Copyboy is a compelling coming of age quest story that readers surely won't soon forget. Sure, Vic's journey had plenty of setbacks and some adversaries, but he ultimately figures what Mr. Spiro has been trying to help him understand - how to have a life well-lived.

A word about who this book is for. Paperboy was clearly a middle grade novel, but in Copyboy Vic is 17, and he really hasn't yet had the range of experience most 17-year-old have. He always been introverted and self-conscious about his stutter, and his parents made sure he had a somewhat sheltered life, which has left him slightly more immature than most kids his age. My feeling, therefore, is that this really isn't a strictly YA novel, but one that older middle grade readers will also enjoy reading it. And if you haven't yet read Paperboy, no problem. This is a fine stand alone novel.

This book is recommended for readers age 11+
This book was an EARC received from NetGalley

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I wanted to tell my father about the conversation that Mr. Spiro and I had one afternoon where he explained that a person never really owned things like books and paintings or even houses. We just borrowed those things while we were here on Earth. A person could only own something, Mr. Spiro said, if that something couldn't be touched or held. Things like the knowledge that comes out of books and friendship and good memories." (PG. 24)

This was a nice read. Lots of quotable things from a deceased Mr. Spiro that got left imprinted on a young Victor Vollmer from Memphis.

Victor is left with a request from his mentor, Mr. Spiro, that he throw his ashes at the mouth of the Mississippi River but Victor doesn't even know where that is. He sets out to accomplish this last request but finds that along the way there are great friends, adventures and maybe the love of his life.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, I didn't think I was going to like it as much as Paperboy. Sequels usually bother me with all the interference from the first book as authors try to get new readers up to speed. Vic's wonderful mentor, Mr. Spiro, has died, and I was doubtful that Vawter would be able to write a sequel without him. As it turns out, that's exactly what this book needed. Vic is able to take all the advice he learned from Mr. Spiro in Paperboy and apply it to his life, just as Spiro would have wanted.

A lot of time has passed between Paperboy and Copyboy. Vic has graduated from high school, works as a copyboy for the newspaper, and will be starting college in the fall. Mr. Spiro left his ashes to Vic with instructions to release them at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Fulfilling this promise is very important to Vic, so he sets off for New Orleans without his parents permission. Even though he went against his parent's wishes, it's nice to see an example of a mature, morally strong young man.

When he gets to New Orleans he stays with the "General," a friend of his boss. He sets Vic up with a fisherman way down in the toes of the Louisiana boot. The book just gets better and better as a hurricane approaches and Vic falls hard for the Cajun family and their daughter Phil. It made me want to book a vacation immediately for New Orleans. I love Phil, her boating skills, and her love of the Louisiana bayou (so does Vic). She's another strong character and knows what she needs out of life.

As with Paperboy, this book is full of down-to-earth people passing on all the knowledge they have learned from life. By the end, Vic finally understands what he needs to do to have the best life. Mr. Spiro's words close out the book, as they should. "Look not so much to the destination, Messenger, but always to the journey." Vic realizes that letting go of the ashes never was about Mr. Spiro, but rather a journey to discover himself.

Everything about this book is perfection. The characters, the plot, the believability, the moral lessons, the setting. So glad there are books like this.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and loving Paperboy years ago, I spent months, (years actually), constantly checking goodreads and Amazon to see if the author had written anything else. Each time I checked, Paperboy was always the only book he had written. I guess I finally gave up looking after a while, and was completely unaware when this sequel was published. Oh happy day! Not only did I get another book from Vince Vawter, but a sequel to Paperboy! I loved Victor Vollmer's character in that book. He had such a special relationship with his neighbor and mentor Mr. Spiro who always treated him as an equal. It's a very different relationship from the one he has with his parents. There wasn't much warmth to be found there. Now it's 6 years later and Victor is about to head off to college. Mr. Spiro has passed away and he has asked Victor to take his ashes and spread them on the Gulf Coast. Victor is determined to keep the promise he made and do this for his friend. This simple request turns out to be a beautiful journey of self discovery and awakening. The prose is stunning, and the story more than I could have hoped for. It was definitely worth the wait.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Spiro has died. His last request to Victor Vollmer, now almost 18, is to spread his ashes where the Mississippi river meets the Gulf of Mexico. Against his parents wishes, Victor heads out in his sports car to New Orleans and regions south. He ends up making new friends, nearly dies, races a hurricane, and comes of age.

I had forgotten how much I loved this character from Paperboy, until meeting him again in this novel. Mr. Vawter never expected to write the sequel, but was inspired by questions from fans of his first novel.

I hope he is somehow compelled to tell us more of Victor’s story. I’m not ready to let go of him

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

COPYBOY IS ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE BOOKS.
It is a stand-alone book. You do not have to read Paperboy to fully understand and read Copyboy.
It is an easy read. This author is an excellent writer. I read this book very quickly.
This is a fun book, but also offers deep meanings. I laughed out loud, and cried at times. Such a terrific read.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL TEENS AND ADULTS. I plan to purchase some copies and give them out to friends.
I think about Copyboy often, and when a book does that, I know it's the best.

Please, don't take my word for it. Read this book. You'll be so glad you did!

[Libby Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic sequel to Paperboy. A promising story of life after trauma and loss. An adventure with relationships at the core. This is one I want to visit again.

Highly recommended for 14-18 year olds.

[Jessica Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved parts of this story, but there were just some things content wise that I wasn't very comfortable with. I also felt like I was missing crucial information since I haven't read the first book (Paperboy.)

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Raven 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a lot more better than the first one! I enjoyed the new characters and the plot was more fresh.

[Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Look not so much to the destination, Messenger, but always to the journey."

I love Victor and his introspection, meticulousness, and curiosity. Mr. Spiro was one of my favorite characters in Paperboy, so I was sad when I started reading and realized he had just died (yeah, I don't read the summary on the dust jacket, I brought that one on myself). Of course, though, one of Mr. Spiro's final acts is to give Victor a quest, sending him to New Orleans to experience the world on his own for the first time. This journey turns out to be exactly what Victor needs, an opportunity to make his own decisions, make new friends, and discover a confidence in himself that he never realized he had. Vawter's storytelling is lovely, and his characters were well-developed and real. This is the perfect read when you want something not sugary sweet but uplifting and heartwarming.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copyboy and Paperboy are both excellent historical fiction books by Vince Vawter, set in the South during the 1960’s. Young Victor begins as a substitute paperboy in Memphis, and learns many life lessons in the Newbery award Paperboy. He continues his love of the newspaper business at age seventeen in Copyboy, and has become slightly more rebellious. Victor still stutters, but he seems wise beyond his years as he learns to honor his promises. Speckled with historical tidbits, my favorites include the Esso gas station attendant and the Coca Cola for 10 cents. I certainly hope there will be a third novel. Both books are excellent middle grades novels for ages 10 to 13.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor, the likable protagonist of the Newbery Honor book Paperboy (2013), has grown up a lot since first learning critical life lessons from ever-so-wise Mr. Spiro.Now Mr. Spiro is gone, but he's left 17-year-old Victor with one last enlightening mission: to scatter his ashes at the very mouth of the Mississippi River. [from Kirkus Reviews]

[Owen Burge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vince Vawter, the author of CopyBoy, wrote probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. CopyBoy is a fictional and sometimes humorous book. Vince tends to catch the reader off guard in CopyBoy. From a 17 year old kid driving his dream sports car, to that same person having a stutter. It amazes me how much detail is into this book.

Vawter starts CopyBoy off with Vic Vollmer being our main character walking out of the paper office. He heads home sad because he just learned that his best friend, Mr. Spiro, has just recently passed away. He is very sad about this so he goes home to type on his typewriter, his dad walks in and talks to him. Before Mr. Spiro had passed he told Vic that he wanted his ashes spread in the mouth of the Mississippi River. So Vic leaves on his journey from Memphis to New Orleans, he meets new people such as The General, Addriana, and Jeff.

As Vic moves from place he finally meets Henry Moreau, his wife Gene Moreau, and his daughter Phil Moreau. Phil and Vic really hit it off, they talk a lot, Phil shows Vic New Orleans, Phil tell Vic a lot about her life. Including her awful ex boyfriend, Jimmy LaBue, and how bad and mean of a person he is. As Hurricane Betsy proves itself to be a big push back for Vics plans, he won't let his promise go. Even during the Hurricane goes on around New Orleans, Phil and Vic get on a boat and head for the mouth of the Mississippi. They are interrupted my Jimmy, as Vic was standing up and Jimmy's waves knocked him over and Vic hit his head hard against the side of the boat.

As Vic regains conscious he's inside of the boat and back to the Marina they go. Vic gets his first aid and helps the family pack up to leave New Orleans and get to a safer area due to Hurricane Betsy. Phil drives Vics car to a bride over the Mississippi river and drops the ashes of Mr. Spiro in the river. They reach safer land and Vic and Phil have to say their goodbyes as Vic needs to get back to Memphis.

As I finished reading the book, it came upon me on how easy it was to understand it. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves thrilling novels. CopyBoy at its own was just such a great book to me, I would read this book over and over if I had the chance. It is such an interesting book, it just makes you want to keep reading the book and never put it down. The way that this book is in so much detail, it surprises and amazes me in every way.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised that the author had written a sequel to Paperboy, but I enjoyed reading about Victor Vollmer's life six years after the first book concluded. He's working as a copyboy at the Memphis newspaper. He takes a leave from his job in order to fulfill a promise he made to Mr. Spiro, his mentor and the man who nurtured his love for writing. Although his parents aren't supportive of his plans to head to New Orleans and then into the Gulf of Mexico to spread Mr. Spiro's ashes, Victor goes anyway. There, he meets Philomene and her family and ventures into the Gulf waters even while Hurricane Betsy is bearing down on the area. While some parts of the adventure seemed overly dramatic, others rang true. I loved how Victor described typing the words of other great writers such as Ernest Hemingway even while being unable to understand what they meant and how his trip helped him come to some conclusions about how to deal with his parents and his own behavior. It's safe to say that this trip helped him grow up and left him even more determined to be the seeker Mr. Spiro saw him as. The descriptions of the storm and its effects on the waters were particularly well drawn and made me feel as though I were right there, struggling against nature just as Hemingway did in The Old Man and the Sea. As older readers will recognize, the author is also describing a way of life in parts of rural Louisiana that are going, going, gone.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copyboy (Paperboy #2) by Vince Vawter, 240 pages. Capstone, 2018. $16.

Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In this sequel to Paperboy, Vic has graduated from high school, works as a copyboy for the newspaper, and will be starting college in the fall. Mr. Spiro has recently died, leaving instructions for Vic to bury his ashes at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Fulfilling this promise is very important to Vic, so he sets off for New Orleans without his parent’s permission. He meets up with some interesting characters, all determined to help him get to the mouth of the Mississippi.

This book is every bit as good as Paperboy. I didn’t think the author would be able to make it happen without Mr. Spiro, a key character in the first book. The people Vic meets in New Orleans have their own special qualities. Like Mr. Spiro, they have a deep understanding of life, and Vic takes all of it to heart. There is a strong sense of place in the Louisiana bayou, and Vic leaves realizing the journey was about him, not Mr. Spiro. Vic still stutters, but it isn’t front and center the way it was in Paperboy.

Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Mesa Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Look not so much to the destination, Messenger, but always to the journey." –Constantine Spiro

17-year-old Victor Vollmer is introspective, meticulous, and overflowing with curiosity, and viewing the world through his guileless eyes is a delight. Victor’s friend and confidante, Constantine Spiro, has just died when the book begins, and one of his final acts is to give Victor a quest, sending him to New Orleans to experience the world on his own for the first time. This journey turns out to be exactly what Victor needs, an opportunity to make his own decisions, form new relationships, and discover a confidence in himself that he never realized he had. Vawter's storytelling is lovely, and his characters are well-developed and supremely real. This is the perfect read if you are in the mood for something uplifting and heartwarming without being overly sugary-sweet.

This is the second book Vawter wrote about Victor Vollmer, but one doesn’t need to have read the first book, Paperboy, to read and enjoy the this one. He references experiences from the first book, but they are two separate stories."
-Heather N.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

My introduction to Victor Vollmer transpired when I picked up the book PAPERBOY. It was 1959, Memphis, Tennessee, Victor was eleven, a star baseball player, but bedeviled with a bad stutter. When he took over his friend’s paper route he met several interesting people, but it was Mr. Spiro, a former merchant marine, who became a mentor and friend.

COPYBOY - Six years have passed, Victor is seventeen, still stuttering, still playing baseball and planning to attend college in the fall. He has taken a summer job as a copyboy for the Memphis Press-Scimitar. Mr. Spiro has passed on and entrusted Victor with the task of spreading his ashes at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Before leaving for college Victor is determined to complete the special promise he made to his friend.

The characters in this book are so relatable. The story flows well, full of interesting information about Acadian/Cajun heritage, great descriptions of the Mississippi River, believable dialog – a great continuation of Victor’s story.

Thank you Netgalley and Capstone for a copy.

[Amy Large · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book almost as much as Paperboy. Although I suppose these two wonderfully wise stories are aimed at a slightly younger demographic than my "retirees" book club, we have all enjoyed both of Vawter's books. We live in the same part of East Tennessee that he lives in, and (lucky us!) he and his wife are coming to our book club meeting next week to chat with us about his novels.

The main character of both stories, Vic, is patterned after Vince's own life (minus some of the details). Copyboy follows the story 7 years after Paperboy when Vic's friend, Mr. Spiro, requests that, following his death, his ashes be taken by Vic and spread at the "mouth of the Mississippi River"; this book follows this journey/gift/quest. Great read!

[Candance Doerr-Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started slowly for me. I kept with it though because I knew Victor Vollimer was a subtle character, as I had experienced him Paperboy. I very much enjoyed his nuanced ways that called upon a curious and patient human like Mr Spiro to see his beauty. Victor did not disappoint in this sequel especially in the ways he reflectively questions his destination and journey. I do think that someone who had not read the first book would be at a disadvantage in starting with this book. While it has its own story, its entanglement with characters like Mr. Spiro and Mam from the first book add so much more depth.

Also I’d consider reading Old Man and the Sea as well since there are several symbolic allusions to Hemingway’s novella.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copyboy is hands-down my favorite young adult novel of 2018! The characters are well-developed and likeable. Victor's trip to fulfill his friend's last request is fascinating. Mr. Vawter's teenage dialogue and emotions are spot on. I felt like I was on the trip with Victor. Copyboy is a book that should be in every middle and high school library. It would a great read aloud or small group discussion selection, and I plan to recommend it for my adult book discussion group. As soon as I finished Copyboy I ordered a copy of Paperboy for my personal collection and can't wait to read it.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Fleur Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year--truly an undiscovered gem.

The story continues where Paperboy left off, and I'll admit that I went back and read that one first. Where Paperboy is a beautiful middle-grade, Paperboy is a great YA. We follow Victor as he's about to go off to college when his mentor Mr. Spiro passes away and asks Victor to spread his ashes.

The journey takes Victor to the Gulf Coast; the author reflects the culture there so well. I loved how this was a coming-of-age story that transcends the genre.

Highly recommend for all ages; a YA that's appropriate for a strong MG reader who is not quite ready for the stronger YA content.

[Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second book of the series Paperboy, However this new book is called Copyboy. Although I personally like the first book more this one was just as enjoyable. This book is about a young boy who goes by Victor Vaster. Victor isn't like any other boy, he has a speaking disability which as caused him many struggles. Its difficult for him to pronounce several words. he took the job this summer as a copyboy, making copies of the newspapers. With Secrets, Lies, Broken Friendships Victor needs to socially survive and complete a promise to a loved one. I would recommend this book to people who like mystery and thriller.

[Amy Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightfully well written coming of age story. Tells the story of Victor Vollmer a high school senior who works at the local newspaper for his part time job. When his neighbor, close-friend and mentor, Mr. Spiro dies, Victor is tasked with scattering his ashes at the spot where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico. When Victor decides to drive down to Louisiana alone against his parents wishes, adventure and new friends await. This story is appropriate for even young readers.

[Larae Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this is a sequel to Paperboy by Vince Vawter. I absolutely loved Paperboy. Interestingly, I read Mr. Vawter’s notes on how he didn’t anticipate a sequel to Paperboy until one young reader asked the question “What happens to Mr. Spiro. Fast forward a few years and our main character has graduated from high school and is trying to make decisions about his future. On top of the changes the protagonist will face is making good on a promise that becomes a significant journey. Without a doubt, this sequel to Paperboy is a worthy sequel to a beloved book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot begin to imagine the daunting task of writing a sequel to a Newbery Honor-winning book, especially with a gap of several years' time. I thoroughly enjoyed being reunited with Vic and following his life-changing journey, although it would work as a stand-alone read, too. I am not certain if it will be marketed/targeted for a YA audience, but I think middle grade readers will enjoy and have great discussion after reading.

[Deb Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This equally wonderful sequel picks up when Vic, the paperboy who stutters, is an older teen who has graduated and works part time as a copyboy for the city newspaper. While there, Vic decides the only way to keep an important promise to a friend he made on the paper route is to go to New Orleans. While there, he meets another cast of great characters, his new friends, and runs headlong into a truly big story, a hurricane!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked at the now defunct Memphis Press Scimitar with the author in the late 1970s. This book's descriptions of the newsroom and the people who worked there are spot on. But that just adds authenticity to the story of a youth on the cusp of adulthood discovering himself, breaking free from the bonds of childhood and discovering his first sweetheart. All this while fulfilling a quest -- the last wish of his late mentor.

Pick up this book for the story, stay for the adventure

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was overjoyed to hear there was a sequel to The Paperboy! Spent the entire day reading this one. It's a few years later and Vic has moved up working at the newspaper. He's still on his quest to discover himself, tho' he still doesn't learned that lesson. He steals away from home and has an amazing adventure in Louisiana. Must read for anyone who has read first book. I am looking for ward to reading the 3rd book in the series tomorrow!

[Amy Wass · Rating 3 out of 5]

We made it through the first 2/3 and then the content was a little more mature than we wanted for a read aloud with a 13 year old. Nothing bad or excessive, just not what we were looking for with our current age range. I skimmed the rest of the book and gave the condensed version for closure and then read the last page aloud and we called it good.