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    Born to Rock
    Born to Rock
    Born to Rock
    Audiobook4 hours

    Born to Rock

    Written by Gordon Korman

    Narrated by Billy Hammond

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Leo Caraway-high school senior, president of the Young Republicans club, 4.0 GPA, future Harvard student-had his entire future perfectly planned out. That was, until the X factor. As in Marion X. McMurphy, aka King Maggot, the lead singer of Purge, the most popular, most destructive band punk rock has ever seen. He's also Leo's biological father.

    When Leo discovers that his real father is a punk rock legend, he is disgusted. Not only is Leo not a punk rock fan, but he believes the X factor (the Maggot blood that is running through his veins) is a dangerous time bomb just waiting to explode. And sure enough it does-Leo stubbornly defends the unlikeliest of people, thereby getting himself falsely accused of cheating on a test.

    Because of the blemish on his record, the once star pupil finds his scholarship to Harvard taken away. So he hatches the crazy plan of going on tour with King Maggot for Purge's summer revival tour, all the while secretly hoping to convince Maggot to pay for his tuition. But life on the road is even crazier than Leo ever bargained for, and before the summer is out, he will finally discover the surprising truth about his dad, his friends, and most important, himself.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateApr 1, 2006
    ISBN9781423311997
    Born to Rock
    Author

    Gordon Korman

    Gordon Korman published his first book at age fourteen and since then has written more than one hundred middle grade and teen novels. Favorites include the New York Times bestselling Ungifted, Supergifted, The Superteacher Project, The Unteachables, Pop, Notorious, Unplugged, Operation Do-Over, Slugfest, and the Masterminds series. Gordon lives with his family on Long Island, New York. You can visit him online at gordonkorman.com.

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    Reviews for Born to Rock

    3.5/5

    177 ratings26 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Very funny, in a dry way. A kid loses his scholarship to Harvard, but finds out that his father is the frontman of the biggest American punk band. He meets his father and goes on tour with the band, and learns about himself and family. Feel good book, but with humor. Warning: it will make you want to go on tour with a band.
    • 5/5
      Narrated by Billy Hammond. Leo Caraway, a Harvard-bound young Republican has known since he was 10 that his dad is not his biological father. What he did not expect to learn as a graduating senior is that famed ‘80s punk rocker King Maggot is his bio-dad. A job with the band during a summer concert tour is an opportunity for Leo to get to know King, real name Marion X. McMurphy. And perhaps to get King to fund his Harvard education, given that Leo has just lost a major scholarship in a cheating incident at school. The tour experience is somewhat disillusioning: King doesn’t seem interested in getting to know Leo and Leo is fed up by the self-destructive behavior of the crew. Additionally, Leo learns that King isn’t his father, it’s Bernie, King’s lecherous manager. But the experience opens Leo’s eyes to new worlds and shifts his perspective; in the end King does save Leo’s Harvard education.

      Another winner from Gordon Korman. The audiobook is particularly enjoyable, and the mini rock-music interludes are fun, if not exactly edgy enough to reflect the punk scene portrayed in the book (and I'm no punk fan!).
    • 4/5
      Gordon Korman is one of my favorite YA authors. His style is light and casual with a good dose of humor. I immediately cared for Leo who finds out his "biodad" is King Maggot of 80s punk fame. A good quick read with a twist at the end I didn't see coming. Rocking fun!
    • 4/5
      Leo, member of the young Republicans and Ivy League-bound, finds out that his biological father is actually a punk rocker known as "King Maggot" and spends the summer before college touring around the country with him. This book was a ride. For starters, I was used to Korman's middle grade readers so when this one opened by talking about cavity searches, I was surprised. The book takes several turns (a couple of them predictable, but interesting nonetheless) and ends up telling a compelling story as a result. Things tie up a little too neatly perhaps, but this was a satisfying read for some light escapism with a touch of heartfelt moments.The audiobook version included some effects such as guitar music between chapters, distorted voices to indicate a PA system or a telephone conversation, etc. Hammond was a great reader for distinguishing the large cast with a variety of voices.
    • 4/5
      Leo is a good kid. He is a Young Republican, and has early acceptance to Harvard. He has always had a rebellious side that he calls McMurphy after his biological father. Little did he know... that his bio dad is King Maggot the front man for the angriest band in America. The story follows Leo's adventures in getting to know his father along the band's comeback tour.

      I got a kick out of this book. It was funny seeing an everyday guy's reaction to the world of Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll.

    • 3/5
      Very funny and charming. Loved the characters. Thoroughly enjoyable. There are parts that are bit underdeveloped/overly hyped and then happen as more of a blip than a major plot point.
    • 4/5
      An entertaining read even with the predictable ending. I liked the characters and think the novel said alot about the old phrase "Don't judge a book by its cover" as it relates to King Maggot's personality.
    • 5/5
      Born to Rock by Gordon Korman is about a teenager named Leo that has his future plans set in motion until he gets his full ride to Harvard taken away and his membership to the Future Republicans revoked. On top of this he finds out that his biological father is none other than the angriest man in the angriest band in America, Purge. He goes on their comeback tour hoping that he can get the money needed for his first year paid for but along the way he comes to several conclusions about his life, life in general, and a different outlook on the future.This book would mainly be used for pleasure reading early on to get children and young adolescents interested in reading in general. The plot is fast moving and interesting enough to draw young readers into the story, thereby getting them hooked on reading. The only issue that I have with the books is that it mentions drugs and sexual situations very lightly. An appropriate maturity level would be necessary when taking up this book. I will definitely have this book in my classroom library!I absolutely loved this book! I think that it’s the best (and most interesting!) book that I’ve read in a very long time! I love the fact that through all of the adventures that Leo experiences, Leo becomes a better person while getting to know his biological family. The book does have a twist at the ending that makes the book all the better for it! It was my absolute favorite part of the book! I’ve already gone back and reread the ending several times already! I sincerely recommend this book to everyone looking for an excellent read.
    • 3/5
      Leo’s a good guy, for the most part. Sure, he’s basically just trying to get close to his biological father so he can ask him to pay for college, but he’s just trying to clean up the mess that is his life. A mess, I might add, that is only there because he’s principled enough not to help his assistant principal kick out a student just because he finds that student to be grating. Plus there’s the fact that he’s always mindful of the fact that his friend Melinda not only lost her father, but essentially watched him die, so Leo doesn’t want to do anything to hurt her, even though she seems invincible.I do have one problem with Leo, though, which is this: not once did he Google his biological father’s name. He’s “spying” on Melinda online, but in the seven years he’s known the name of this person banging around inside him like a pinball, not once did he type it into a search engine. I’m not sure if the reasoning behind that decision was that he was in denial or maybe he was supposed to be honoring his mother’s desire not to talk or think about it, but his guy’s got more willpower than me. However, even though I didn’t think this was all that believable, I was able to let it go and enjoy the story.As Leo takes off on tour with Purge, he’s basically alone in the world. His Young Republican friends kicked him out, citing bad behavior, Melinda isn’t speaking to him because of the news he dropped on the world about King Maggot, his roadie roommate thinks he’s a spoiled brat, and the father he came on tour to get to know is basically ignoring him. The only person he’s really able to turn to is King Maggot’s cousin and band manager, Bernie, and even he is generally too busy hooking up with groupies to care about Leo. But when a situation arises and the only person Leo can call is King Maggot, he finally gets the chance to spend some time with him one-on-one.King Maggot himself is a confusing character, but in the best way. It’s never clear how much of his personality is a show he put on for the world and how much is truly Marion X. McMurphy. By the end of the book, though, it’s evident that he cares about his family and will go to any lengths to protect them.I will say that there’s a surprise in the book that, even though I should have figured it out, I didn’t connect the dots. This twist, though I do have a small problem with its plausibility, actually made me like some of the characters even more. Even though there were aspects of the book I questioned, the story itself was entertaining enough to make me forget these and enjoy my reading.
    • 3/5
      Korman is always so entertaining. Unique characters ina unique situation.
    • 4/5
      Protagonist Leo, role model student, behaved son, and an all around "average joe," spends the wildest summer of his life with his new-found punk rock-star bio-dad. The characters are average, and the plot predictable though satisfying. What kept me reading this book however, was the engaging and humorous perspective of Leo. With the help of a little denial, he takes the ups and downs of his changing life with a cheerful face. An amusing read.
    • 3/5
      Harvard bound Leo Caraway has his world rocked. He is accused of cheating on a math test which puts paid to his scholarship. When he first found out his real father was the lead singer of Purge, the most popular, most destructive punk rock band in music history Leo is horrified. After the scholarship fiascos, he sees his notorious punk dad as a possible means for money to still attend Harvard. Max contacts Maggot aka dad and is invited to work as a roadie for the band’s comeback tour. Max’s eyes are opened to the life of the “nasty and famous.” Situational and language cautions
    • 4/5
      Leo Caraway is not the type of character you'd usually expect to see in a novel for teens. He's a member of the Young Republicans, has earned early admission to Harvard complete with a much-needed scholarship, and has a best friend named Melinda who is a full-on Goth who thinks of punk music like a religion. When Leo agrees to do a favor for Melinda, the result is an accusation of cheating that loses Leo his scholarship and dreams of Harvard. His discovery that his biological father is actually King Maggot, a punk superstar, starts the rest of the unlikely but hysterical plot. Leo is self-confident and genuine, with a sly sense of humor, and the supporting cast of characters is endlessly entertaining. This funny book is never a chore to read, and it has some great things to say about friendship, family, knowing who you are, and accepting others for who they are. Don't let that scare you, though. Mostly it's just really, really funny.
    • 3/5
      This book was okay but i wasn't like the best book out there to read. It's a semi page turner and once you read it the first time you can't read it a second time.
    • 3/5
      I laughed out loud while reading this. Very intelligent read. You would need to have some knowledge of the early punk era/movement, but readers would still get the gist.
    • 4/5
      When Leo Caraway was 11 he discovered that the name of the father listed on his birth certificate (Marion Xavier McMurphy) isn't the same man who has raised him. When he's 18 and about to graduate high school (and go to Harvard on a full-ride scholarship), he discovers by accident the significance of who his biological father is: King Maggot, the most infamous punk rock bad boy on the planet. Leo is wrongfully accused of cheating, loses his scholarship, and in a desperate attempt to get the money for Harvard hits the road with King Maggot's reunion tour as a roadie. The book examines relationships and values between father and son, among friends, and in a budding relationship between Alex and a 'goth girl' Alex suddenly realizes is beautiful. This is a funny story that everyone-- from Young Republicans to Goth Punkers-- will enjoy. I recommend this one to high school boys mostly, but girls enjoy it as well.
    • 4/5
      This wasn't the best book I've read by Gordon Korman but it still was pretty good. It is about a teenager who finds out that his real father is actually the lead singer and guitarist of a famous punk - rock band. With his scholarship to Harvard revoked he joins the band as a roadie on their reunion tour and learns the truth about his father.Gordon Korman did a great job on portraying the emotion and did a great job on writing the book. It just isn't the kind of book that I would call my favourite.
    • 5/5
      I could not even put this book down. I would recomend this book to anyone who has though you were one thing but with one little problem like Mcmurphy changed in an instant. This book also helped me regain the relationship with my father.
    • 4/5
      My 8th grade daughter loved this book! Leo is a straight and narrow teen that is on his way to Harvard on scholarship. When falsely accused of cheating on a test, he loses his scholarship. He decides to spend the summer working as a roadie for his aging father's punk rock band, Purge. Leo's plan is to convince his father ,dubbed King Maggot in the punk world, to pay his tuition for him. Life will never be the same again.
    • 4/5
      Helen's choice. Leo is a Young Republican with a mock stock portfolio worth millions. He's breezing along in his senior year, about to enter Harvard on an academic scholarship, when a misunderstanding derails his plans. To top it all off, he finds out that his biological father is none other than 80s punk rocker King Maggot. In attempt to put his life back into order, Leo decides to reconnect with his father by working as a roadie on the band's reunion tour. As you can imagine, there are plenty of hilarious situations that will make the reader laugh out loud.
    • 5/5
      interesting story of teen boy who loses scholarship to Harvard and finds out real dad is lead singer of notorious punk band; goes on tour with band to hopefully get money for school; lots of twists and turns and very interesting family dynamics
    • 4/5
      Born to Rock is a hilarious, yet touching look at a young man's quest to get money from his real father, but in the meantime finds himself.
    • 3/5
      A really fun read about a boy, a member of the young republicans, who finds out that his biological father is the absolute king of punk rock! Join Leo as he becomes a roadie for his dad on the ultimate punk rock festival tour.
    • 3/5
      When Leo loses his scholarship to Harvard, things start to unravel for him. Then he discovers his dad is King Maggot, one of the most famous figures in punk rock. He spends the summer as a roadie for the band, learning a lot about life and himself along the way.
    • 5/5
      This is another teen novel that I heard great things about and simply had to read. Korman is one of my favorite authors, and I was not let down by this one. It may be one of his very best to date.Leo is a member of the Young Republicans, has a 4.0 grade point average and has an early acceptance to Harvard. His life is mapped out and he is ready for it. But when he stands up against a principal who is trying to ruin the record of another student, Leo instead finds himself the target. Accused of cheating, his flawless record now has a black mark, and he is kicked out of not only the Young Republicans but also his Harvard scholarship. In a fluke, Leo discovers that his biological father is the infamous punk rock star, King Maggot. Leo decides that King is the way to get his Harvard tuition, so he joins King in his punk-rock tour of the United States until they receive the results of the official paternity test. On the tour, Leo discovers that he has a lot more in common with King that he had expected.Korman's writing is always effortless in its skill. He incorporates a great sense of humor into his books, and many parts of this novel will have readers chuckling along. I enjoyed the pairing of a conservative teen with a rock and roll elder, and the situations that it created. This entire book was great fun, cover to cover.Recommend this one to boys and girls alike who enjoy music of any kind. I think it would make a great pairing with Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, another music-based novel from this year.
    • 4/5
      Leo Caraway considers himself to be at a slight disadvantage. You see, he has a genetic hijacker in his bloodstream--and how can he be held responsible? He knows nothing about the man who contributed half of his DNA, other than his name, which he really only stumbled onto by chance. Until he reads his best friend's English Term Paper, that is.After years of unanswered questions from his mother, Leo learns one simple internet search would have given him all he wanted to know. McMurphy, the genetic hijacker, just so happens to be the front man for one of Punk Rock's all-time beloved bands--Purge. And as fate would have it, right on top of this discovery comes the news that Purge is reuniting for a tour. With his scholarship to Harvard lost to him (and unfairly at that), Leo concludes the only thing to do is find and confront this King Maggot and try to get the money from him.In an unlikely turn of events, Leo goes from Young Republican (which was actually an unlikely event in itself) to Roadie, landing a summer job with Purge. With his mother in denial, his father having confronted the King to ensure his safety on the trip, and his best friend no longer speaking to him, off he goes.Along the way, he learns quite a bit, though not all that much about being a Roadie. Nothing turns out at all how he'd imagined, but in the end, it's actually all for the better.Very quick and funny read, from the first sentence to the last.