Gidget by Frederick Kohner, Kathy Kohner Zuckerman (Foreword by)

From the Publisher

Surf's up!

The classic novel of 1950's American youth-now back in print with rare photos and a new foreword by the "real" Gidget.

Author Biography: Frederick Kohner is deceased, but the inspiration for his novel Gidget-his own daughter Adolescence (Manchester Evening News)

Los Angeles Times

A fifteen-year-old American answer to Francois Sagan.

Pittsburgh Press

Shocking but wonderfully entertaining.

New York Times

Touching and entertaining.

Hartford Courant

Makes one think of Catcher in the Rye.

San Francisco Call-Bulletin

Gidget is delightful.

KLIATT

This reprint of the classic surfing novel will show modern teens a glimpse of a world they can only imagine, but one in which many of their baby-boomer parents lived. The refreshing story of Gidget takes the reader to a more innocent time, when, as a young girl living in Brentwood, California, she discovers the world of surfing. She also discovers that it is a world not normally open to girls, especially teenage ones, so this is also the story of a girl who must work harder and longer to meet the challenges and to prove herself in this demanding and often unforgiving sport. Written in first person, the story is actually the story of the real-life "Gidget," Kathy Kohner Zuckerman. Her father was a Hollywood screenwriter who wrote his daughter's real-life experiences into this novel, which was actually a jumping-off point for "Gidget" movies, TV shows and much more. The people and places are real and are legendary in surfing circles. The novel reads easily, like a diary with dialogue, so even reluctant readers will be attracted to it. To the reader, Gidget's passion for surfing dominates the story, but there are also timeless themes that will appeal to all teens. The most outstanding theme that speaks to the reader is whether to drop out of mainstream society to go one's own direction, or to conform to society's expectations. This will speak to today's teens even decades later as they make difficult decisions about following their own passions and finding their own way. There is some light profanity and there are also some sexual innuendoes, but these are consistent with the time period and setting and are mild compared to much of what is acceptable in today's literature. Overall, teenswill like this novel. Category: Paperback Fiction. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 1957, Berkley, 154p. illus., Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Nancy Zachary; YA Libn., Scarsdale P.L., Scarsdale, NY

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