Day 10 - The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan

While reading isn’t one of my favorite activities, I’ve learned to enjoy the books that I’ve read over the past few years. Yes, I’d rather hang out with my friends or go on Tumblr, but when neither is an option, reading is my go-to pass-time. One of the best books I’ve come across in a while is The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan. I read this during Spring Break of 5^th grade, and I’ll admit, drugs, sex, and religion were a little too much for me to handle at that age. But besides that, there was an obvious message hidden inside the pages of the book. John, an ill-behaved boy who grew up in a devout Catholic home just outside of Detroit, shares his successes and troubles throughout his process of growing up.

John’s mischievous childhood would be a parent’s worst nightmare: imagining his teacher naked, using his telescope to spy on his “hot” neighbor, Mrs. Selahowski, in a skimpy bathing suit, stolen sacramental wine, and many more. But, besides the inappropriate manner of all of his mistakes, each taught the author and his readers a valuable lesson. There were a couple of events that made me feel genuinely bad for him. After becoming a druggie, a drinker, and an all-around bad-boy, John Grogan had yet to kiss a girl. He was a junior in high school, and when he had the opportunity to be with a girl named Lori, alone, he had no idea what to do. He studied her features and made small talk, and when the chance finally came to lock lips, he was so excited. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out as planned. Their kiss, which he described as “French kissing with a power tool”, was painful for John. He awoke the next morning with a nickel-sized gash on his upper lip. Thanks to Lori’s braces, he was questioned multiple times by his parents, his friends, and his peers at school. Luckily for him, he wasn’t considered the awkward-kid-who-had-never-been-kissed anymore. Although this was an awful moment for John, I found it very amusing. What I love most about this book is that it is humorous and entertaining, yet emotionally touching. It showcases the rollercoaster ride lifestyle that John grew up with, which has taught me many lessons and has helped shape the past few years of my life.