Worser by Jennifer Ziegler
William Wyatt Orser, known to his classmates as Worser, is the quintessential word nerd. Masterwork, his ongoing self-titled project is a binder filled with 321 pages of word-related “observations.”
| Life has not been easy for this studious, sometimes too-smart -for-his-own-good kid. Worser’s sheltered world with his mother, a university professor, is shattered when she has a stroke. The brilliant academic is no more. In her place is someone with garbled speech, erratic movements, and the need for constant rest. Aunt Iris, along with her two cats and outrageous art projects, moves in as mom’s caretaker. She also assumes the role of Worster’s guardian, meeting with school staff to discuss her nephew’s performance, suggesting that he update his wardrobe, offering to redecorate his bedroom, and calendaring his daily activities. Worser resents her intrusion into his well-ordered life. He makes it clear that she is not his mother. Iris' rehabilitation methods for her sister includes finger painting, singing, and even dancing. Worser considers his aunt's therapy sessions demeaning and embarrassing. Her unconventional style is the antithesis of everything he knows. |  |
His relationships at school are limited to a long-standing crush on Donya, a member of his Advanced Language Arts class and Herbie, a loner and lunchroom companion by default. Worser escapes to a small bookshop where spends hours developing additions to his Masterwork. In a attempt to impress Donya, he negotiates with the bookstore owner to allow her Lit Club to use the store for their weekly meetings. He joins the group.
Things get worser and worser when (a) Donya reveals that she is not romantically attracted to him; (b) the bookstore faces a monetary crisis; (c) his mother’s prognosis is problematic; and (d) Aunt Iris will continue to live with the Orsters. Readers along with the protagonist will hope that despite all evidence to the contrary, a magical solution will save the day. That does not happen. Alas, this is life. Worser’s life. A life filled with changes and challenges he cannot avoid.
The narrative invites readers into the mind of this seventh grade student. It is particularly effective as the story builds to a dramatic climax. The tension is almost unbearable as events lead to inevitable disaster. Superb pacing gently leads readers back from the story’s precipice to a resolution that offers hope.
This author has an uncanny ability to reveal the pain of a young boy coming to grips with loss. She paints people with loving strokes. Supporting characters are skillfully introduced as the plot unfolds and distinctive personality traits are revealed. Readers will sympathize with each. There are no bad guys, just difficult and unfair situations.
Worser tells a story of hurt and conflict where no one is at fault. It's a tale of finding friendship, help, and understanding where you never expect to find it. I fell in love with this quirky twelve-year-old. I can’t let him go. He is the boy of my heart.
 | Bonus: Masterwork challenges that Worser sets for himself make interesting explorations for those who enjoy word play. It's like Wordle, only better. |
 | Offer: I will bake dozens of scones and build the author a secret hideout located in a tree top if she will write a continuation of Worser’s story. I’m already missing him. |
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: March 15, 2022 Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books ISBN: 978-0823449569
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