But I wasn’t born Republican.  It’s not genetic.  Believe me–I’m familiar with genetics.  I have McMurphy, the eight-hundred-pound gorilla I carry in my DNA, a total loose cannon rolling around my personality.

Born to Rock is Gordon Korman’s most recent creation and unleashes a relatively fast-paced coming-of-age adventure focusing on the Leo Caraway, a “to-be” graduate from high school and student of Harvard.  He’s a self-declared republican, Republican Club president, and quite content with life.  That is, until he is accused of cheating in a test and ends up losing his scholarship.  Things couldn’t be any worse when he finds out his real father is the lead punk band Purge, King Maggot, whose real name is really Marion X. McMurphy, who just so happens to be the idol of his best friend Melinda Rapaport (who is also anti-Republican).

This leads Leo to his so called biological father, keeping in mind that this biological father is the legendary King Maggot (McMurphy) who is worth millions and just may be able to pay his tuition to Harvard if he really is a McMurphy.  Upon meeting his biological father, they decide to run a DNA test and in the meantime to have Leo tag along on tour and work as a roadie.  This will be the ultimate test for Leo as he must not only find a way to get the money he needs for college, but also find out who he really is amongst his friends and family, both new and old.

I have always been a big fan of Gordon Korman’s works.  Not only because they were fun to read, but because Gordon has a way of making reading fun for even those who really don’t read that often.  Born to Rock is no exception.  It starts off with an excellent introduction to the main character, Leo Caraway and delivers an adventure with plenty of crazy antics.

The jump between high school and university or college is a major period in life and I enjoyed Gordon’s take on the transition with the parallels on the identity search that I am sure many would identify with.  However these issues are not the only ones that Gordon decides to take on as Leo must face numerous ethical issues along the way that expose him to the reality of the world outside “Republican Club”.  These range from saving a free-roaming dog owned by a band member, coming to the aid of an aging band member in denial who decided to re-attempt the “splits” on stage.  Gradually Leo learns about himself, the friends that remained true to him, and his biological father.

One thing I have noticed in most of the recent books by Gordon Korman are the minute details that keep the book relevant to youth.  Whether it may be a cell phone, the internet forums or even the odd mention of Canadiana, these are great additions to the story and give it a depth that can be appreciated by today’s young adults.

Whether you may be looking for a fast read, or something for an identity-searching soul, Born to Rock will definitely give a different spin on life and the characters that Gordon has slipped throughout the book will keep you reading from cover to cover, providing you with some good laughs.