You know how it goes. I'm always reading, but sometimes, as good as a book is, it doesn't quite take it all the way. After too many of those books, I find myself getting antsy. Earlier this week, I told a librarian friend, "I'm looking for a book that will blow my socks off." Little Brother did that for me about a month ago.

This morning, count me sockless. All because of

I started reading King of the Screwups last night. This morning I picked up where I left off and couldn't put it down. I don't get teary about many books, but thirty pages from the end, the text started to blur in front of my eyes. 

K.L. Going's novel has it all: memorable, unique characters, and a plot with a twist. Popular, fashion-conscious Liam can't do anything right. Just ask his father. So when he is kicked out of the house and goes to live with his glam-rock, gay DJ uncle out in the sticks, Liam decides he will not mess up. He'll do what it takes to be unpopular. Except, Liam is the king of screwups....

Not only did the ending really get to me, but it is a terrific illustration of a great ending, the sort that Angie Frazier discussed yesterday at The Five Randoms. The ending fits this book like Giorgio Armani fits Victoria Beckham.


In addition, this book's design is one of the best I've seen in a long time. The jacket design by Christine Kettner says so much about the story, in an understated way that also is in keeping with the story. The display type is also clean, yet understated, a nice sans serif. In other words, the whole package works.

How good is this book? Let's just say, it's one I'm going to buy and study.