Because of the last, he is unprepared for the
forgotten camera crew that arrives at his class to film a segment for a series.
His teacher sees him as his best student. The camera focuses on James and his
fluid moves. Jumping spinning side kicks
fly. They look fantastic on camera, especially when a well-executed spin drops
the giant bully, Brian Tossa. A tiny camera drone captures perfect aerial
shots.
This sets James on the road to acting and fame. He
embraces what life offers, but some questions persist and need to be answered. His
best friends, Ethan and Jay, stand by him regardless of weaknesses that others
find repulsive, and strengths which surface like a rising mist.
What are the true credentials of the two women that
claim to be film-makers? James can’t find any record of their production
company. If they aren’t who they claim, what can they be up to?
Does James really care? After being an unpopular
person (even his sister doesn’t like him) he has become a well known actor.
Does it matter how he got there? Will Amber, the apple of his eye, see him
differently now?
Devious moves are afoot with James the pawn. But Fate
will shift and shape things to fit its plan. There are curving paths and lanes
James must travel and lessons to be learnt by many. The true nature of those
who matter is revealed. Reinforced is the fact that people are more than they
seem and frequently, the way we see ourselves, is not how others perceive us
and vice-versa.
Sudden awakenings towards the end make everything
that was smoky before, clear, in an outrageous novel about personal growth,
self worth, friendship and family.
Full of tongue in cheek humour and clever word
play, the chapters are crammed with crazy antics, lame excuses, nonsense,
grossness and laughs. But it ends as is usual in a Paul Collins novel, with a
fantastic and unexpected twist!
Collins is a master of character-driven novels. Proof
are his outstanding Harry Kruize, Born to
Lose and The Slightly Skewed Life of
Toby Chrysler. He is trained in martial arts and used his knowledge to
perfectly shape the reality of James Gong’s life.
Title: James Gong: The Big Hit
Author:
Paul Collins
Illustrator:
Matthew Lin
Publisher:
FORD ST, $16.95
Publication
Date: 10 May 2020
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
978192573441
For
ages: 9 - 13
Type:
Middle Grade Fiction
