Review Detail

Sixteen-year-old Cameron just found out some bad news. He's sick and going to die.

Then he sees Dulcie, a punk angel/ maybe hallucination who craves sugar. Dulcie tells him he needs to go on a quest to find Dr. X, who somehow has brought negative energy into our world and is the reason behind Cameron's illness.
So Cameron goes on a quest, along with Gonzo, a phobic game loving dwarf. Along his travels he bumps into such places as a smoothie-loving cult, crazy TV game shows, mysterious parallel traveling physicists, and a famous Jazz musician in New Orleans. All the while he wonders if it's all real or just a bad hallucination.

This was one hilarious book! I totally loved Bray's voice in this story of a teen who finds out he has mad cow's disease and doesn't know if everything is just a bad hallucination or reality. I have to admit, I always thought It's A Small World ride at Disneyland was a tad bit creepy and loved how Bray starts the story right off with Cameron's experience there as a child.

Another reason I loved this story was the unique premise. The voice is authetic and gripping. I really liked Cameron and hoped that he'd find Dr. X either in our world or the parallel universe. Dulcie is hilarious as the sugar addict punk rocker angel who is sent to help Cameron on his quest. Gonzo's phobias were too funny too. But I have to say my favorite character was Balder the talking yard gnome who claims he's the god of wisdom and second son of Odin. The banter between the three while on their travels is hilarious.


If you're looking for a book that's different, funny, and unique, this is the one. I can see why it won the Prinz prize. Be prepared to go on one trippy, fun ride!