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In The Kingdom of Cheese There Are No Heroes

In The Kingdom of Cheese There Are No Heroes

John Francis Cummings (JFC) is big, but his size is not his problem. It's the bullying that it seems to attract. With tensions at home and stress at school, he draws on the support of a neighbour, his one friend, and a drop-in centre for strength to always do the right thing. Which does not always turn out well.

  • Reviewer comments

    John Francis Cummings, aka JFC, is an oversized  outsider who likes to eat. But eating is not his problem. His problem is the plus-sized, comic, karmic, even Kafkaesque universe of bullies, braggarts, and social media believers more interested in appearances than truth. Ignoring the realities of contemporary culture, JFC decides to do the right thing, only to have the wrong result. As his quasi-Zen Buddhist neighbour puts it, “The universe never ceases to surprise. Sometimes it’s with you, sometimes against you—it’s nothing personal.”
       But it sure feels personal when his troubles keep mounting. Supported by an overzealous mother, a deadbeat father, and a recovering drug addict friend, JFC tries to find something close to meaning in a downside-up moment when free will meets destiny. In the end, even though he is fond of saying, “There are no heroes in the kingdom of grilled cheese sandwiches,” John Francis Cum-mings may well be the compelling hero for our curious times.
    -- Steven Laffoley, author of The Blue Tattoo

    An entertaining jaunt with an inimitable protagonist. The storyline is unvarnished yet buoyant; the narration, perfectly paced. Choyce’s latest is another gem from one of Canada’s most authentic and accomplished authors.
    -- A.M. Potter, author of the Detective Ivy Bourque Series
                            
     Lesley Choyce has once again deftly created a teenager to root for. Here, we have the likeable John Francis, an overweight sixteen-year-old, his loyal and righteous girl pal (not girlfriend), his nemesis, and an incident that upends his life. There is more, all classic Choyce, including twists and turns, both humour and empathy, and a satisfying, clever ending that made me laugh out loud.    
    -- Julia Swan, Ph.D.

  • book details

    ISBN 978-1-998149-69-8

    5 1/2" x 8 1/2 " paperback, 210 pages

C$20.95Price
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