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Ron Koertge

    April 22, 1940

    Ron Koertge is a celebrated author whose young adult fiction is known for its sharp dialogue and irreverent humor. He deliberately avoids pretense and hypocrisy in his writing, favoring an iconoclastic approach. Koertge excels at capturing authentic teenage voices, often employing witty repartee, and his prose is known for its velocity and willingness to experiment with form, such as free verse. He is also a poet, lauded for his blend of wisdom and entertainment.

    Margaux With an X
    How Beautiful the Ordinary
    I Dreamed I Was Emily Dickinson's Boyfriend
    Indigo
    FEVER
    Vampire Planet
    • 2022
    • 2016

      Vampire Planet

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading
      4.5(16)Add rating

      Featuring an eclectic blend of humor and emotion, this collection showcases a range of poems that reflect the wit and wisdom of its author, praised by former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins. The work combines insightful observations with entertaining narratives, making it a compelling read for poetry enthusiasts looking for depth and amusement.

      Vampire Planet
    • 2014

      Sex World

      • 112 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Exploring diverse themes and unique narratives, this collection features a teenage girl ordering friends from Amazon in a near-future setting, a robot’s observations of a changing world, and a daughter's drastic measures against her mother. It includes poignant moments like a mysterious dog aiding a broken man, a shocking revelation from Lois Lane's diary, and a modern twist on the Persephone and Demeter myth. With humor intertwined with serious undertones, the stories invite readers on a journey through heartbreak, family dynamics, and unexpected connections.

      Sex World
    • 2013

      The Ogre's Wife

      • 82 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Through a blend of humor and poignant reflections, the author reimagines classic tales and figures, showcasing Little Red Riding Hood's adult life and the complexities of relationships like that of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese. The narrative features whimsical encounters with iconic characters, such as a transformed Beast and Gretel in night school, while exploring themes of life, loss, and transformation. The poetry ranges from free verse to structured forms, capturing moments of everyday life and the extraordinary, promising readers both delight and introspection.

      The Ogre's Wife
    • 2012

      Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading
      3.3(1211)Add rating

      With a sharp and contemporary twist, Ron Koertge reimagines twenty classic fairy tales through free verse poetry infused with dark humor. His unique approach breathes new life into familiar stories, offering readers a fresh perspective that highlights the absurdities and complexities of these iconic narratives.

      Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses
    • 2010

      Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs

      • 176 pages
      • 7 hours of reading
      3.8(409)Add rating

      Kevin faces greater challenges in his social life than on the baseball field in this humorous and perceptive sequel. As he navigates friendships and relationships, the complexities of adolescence come to the forefront, blending sports with personal growth. Ron Koertge captures the awkwardness and triumphs of teenage life, making this story relatable and engaging for young readers.

      Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs
    • 2009

      Indigo

      • 69 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Exploring unconventional themes, Ron Koertge's ghazals diverge from traditional subjects of illicit love to embrace whimsical topics like the Seven Dwarfs and Mothra. His imaginative and unpredictable lyricism challenges the form's norms while maintaining a core focus on love—specifically, a deep affection for language itself. With a playful approach, he showcases how language is both a muse and a companion, creating a vibrant tapestry of words that captivates readers on every page.

      Indigo
    • 2009

      How Beautiful the Ordinary

      Twelve Stories of Identity

      • 368 pages
      • 13 hours of reading
      3.8(1498)Add rating

      Exploring themes of identity and love, the narrative features a girl disguising herself as a boy and a boy rejecting societal norms. A man reflects on a past summer romance, while a mother reaches out to her estranged daughter through a heartfelt letter after years of separation. Each character's story intertwines, revealing the complexities of relationships and the impact of choices made across time.

      How Beautiful the Ordinary
    • 2008

      Deadville

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      3.4(309)Add rating

      The story follows a teenager grappling with profound loss, navigating his emotional numbness through an unexpected journey of self-discovery. With sharp and witty dialogue, the narrative explores themes of grief and resilience, showcasing the protagonist's path to reclaiming his life amidst the challenges he faces.

      Deadville
    • 2007

      Boy Girl Boy

      • 182 pages
      • 7 hours of reading
      3.1(424)Add rating

      The story revolves around an inseparable trio—Larry, Teresa, and Elliot—who share a deep bond that leaves no space for anyone else. As they approach graduation, they dream of moving to California to embark on their new lives together, navigating the challenges of friendship and the transition to adulthood. Their close-knit relationship is tested as they confront the realities of growing up and the complexities of their intertwined futures.

      Boy Girl Boy