Dustin Grubbs: One Man Show
by John J. Bonk
Published by Little, Brown
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Reviewed by Guy Wegener
Dustin Grubbs is a sixth grader with a passion--and that passion is acting. When he lands the lead role in the school play, he is determined to put on the best possible show around. But when someone famous moves into town and tries to steal Dustin's limelight, it's every actor for himself in this hilarious read from John J. Bonk.
In Bonk's literary debut, he has created an "everyman" in the form of Dustin Grubbs. Dustin is self determined, resourceful, and creative. But Dustin is not without his faults. He snubs his best friend in order to rub shoulders with a famous star and in doing so, he alienates his friend and finds out that being famous doesn't mean you're necessarily nice.
All of Bonk's characters are well rounded and quirky. Dustin's family reminded me a lot of my own. The protective mother, the wacky grandmother, the divorced parents...readers of all ages will see some aspect of themselves in this wonderfully enchanting book. This is a book that relies on inner spirit to tell a story.
Armchair Interviews says: In an age of Harry Potter and Eragon it's nice to read a simple and compelling story like this.