Meet Oz . . . he's got a talent for trouble but his heart's always in the right place (well, nearly always). Uprooted from his friends and former life, Oz finds himself stranded in the sleepy village of Slowleigh. When a joke backfires on the first day at his new school, Oz attracts the attention of Isobel Skinner, the school psycho - but that's just the beginning. After causing an accident that puts his mum in hospital, Oz isn't exactly popular at home either. His older sister's no help, but then she's got a problem of her own . . . one that's growing bigger by the day. Oz knows he's got to put things right, but life isn't that simple, especially when the only people still talking to you are a hobbit-obsessed kid and a voice in your own head! Packed with action, heart and humour, Waiting for Gonzo takes you for a white-knuckle ride on the Wheel of Destiny as it careers out of control down the Hillside of Inevitability. The question is, do you go down laughing? Or grit your teeth and jump off?

Anyone can make a MISTAKE. To mess things up BIG TIME takes GENIUS.

About the Author
Dave Cousins grew up in Birmingham, in a house full of books and records. Abandoning childhood plans to be an astronaut, Dave went to art college in Bradford, joined a band and moved to London. He spent the next ten years touring and recording, and was nearly famous. Dave's writing career began aged ten, with an attempt to create a script for Fawlty Towers. He has been writing songs, poems and stories ever since. His short story The Floodlight Man was broadcast on BBC Radio Five Live, read by Dave himself. Working in a graphic design studio by day, Dave writes every evening and in lunch breaks, sheltering under a canal bridge when it rains. He now lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and family, in a house full of books and records, and writes in a corner of the attic with an anarchic ginger cat for company. Dave Cousins' writing mixes humour with darkness, and action with moving prose.

Reviews
There are serious issues bubbling underneath the action...wrapped up in an enjoyable, light-hearted romp that is full of sparkling dialogue. There are enough crooks, embarrassing teenage situations and gadgets to keep teenagers - of both sexes - fully entertained. * Martin Chilton, The Daily Telegraph *
Dave Cousins applies his subtle, humorous touch to big issues . . . in this wonderfully fun, yet poignant, novel. * Keith Gray, The Scotsman *
This book will be a funny and enjoyable way to hook (boys) into some valuable emotional literacy by stealth! * ReadingZone *
Dave Cousins has created a distinctive narrator in Oz, as well as a hugely believable cast of supporting characters in this heart-warming and humorous novel. Dealing with some serious issues, Waiting for Gonzo manages to be simultaneously funny and thought-provoking. * Booktrust *
Teen realism with humour and heart: strongly recommended for teen boys and girls. * Beth Kemp, Books Magazine *
Focussing on the perils of being a teenager, Cousins has created a witty and highly engaging story where there is never a dull moment. * Bookbabblers *
Teenage readers are notoriously difficult to please . . . writing a book with a universal appeal across that age group is no mean feat. Cousins, however, manages it with an enviable, unique style. * Fictavia *
Dave Cousins has definitely become a must-read author for me, I can't recommend his books highly enough to anyone who is looking for a funny story with real heart. * Feeling Fictional *
'. . . a book which is both funny and thought-provoking.' * The Bookbag *



Book Information
ISBN 9780192745460
Author Dave Cousins
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 182g
Dimensions(mm) 199mm * 130mm * 17mm