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· 2,372 ratings · 269 reviews

Start your review of I Want to Go Home!

Aug 17, 2007 Jamie rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: everyone with a soul

This book was, for many, many years, my favourite book of all time. My earliest memory of it was of getting in major trouble for laughing out loud while reading it under my desk in 5th grade, but that copy was already tattered.

Even though the book is out of print, I suggest that you track it down. This is one of the funniest books I have ever read.

Dec 31, 2012 Heather rated it really liked it

I no longer recognize teen angst. It is so full of werewolves, it bears no resemblance to either being a teen or feeling angst. And so I reread I Want to Go Home because it's about the kind of things that caused ME angst -- namely, summer camp.

Sometimes I think the secret of YA fiction is to read "boy books." If this had been written for girls, it would be about how summer camp is so awful because Girl A has to be away from her boyfriend and Girl B wants this other boy to like her who's also at camp and Girl C is trying to lose 10 pounds and Girl D is mean until her terrible secret comes out and we learn she's really anorexic. And then it would wrap up with a romance, and special lessons about growing up, self acceptance, and eating disorders.

But since it was written for boys, it's about how summer camp is awful because people are ridiculous; and the smarter you are, the more ridiculous they seem; and it's funny and weird. Which book would you rather read?

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Gordon Korman's best books, of which this is one, are spit-your-coffee-at-the-cat hilarious. Almost every sentence in the book is funnier than the last. The general themes of this one, I would say, are the effective limits to the usefulness of stubbornness as a policy, and the awkwardness of possessing an unwieldy amount of genius. But don't listen to that, just go read it. Recommended to adults who want a chuckle as well as children. Gordon Korman's best books, of which this is one, are spit-your-coffee-at-the-cat hilarious. Almost every sentence in the book is funnier than the last. The general themes of this one, I would say, are the effective limits to the usefulness of stubbornness as a policy, and the awkwardness of possessing an unwieldy amount of genius. But don't listen to that, just go read it. Recommended to adults who want a chuckle as well as children. ...more

This was my absolute favorite book when I was eleven years old in Ontario, and I was brokenhearted when my paperback copy actually became too disgusting to read (stains, torn pages, mildew from reading it in the shower). I know it was reissued in recent years but I hated the new, "modern" cover. Gimme the original artwork! So imagine my surprise and total delight when, seventeen years after I first enjoyed it, I discovered a very good copy of my original version in a used book store in Yangpu di This was my absolute favorite book when I was eleven years old in Ontario, and I was brokenhearted when my paperback copy actually became too disgusting to read (stains, torn pages, mildew from reading it in the shower). I know it was reissued in recent years but I hated the new, "modern" cover. Gimme the original artwork! So imagine my surprise and total delight when, seventeen years after I first enjoyed it, I discovered a very good copy of my original version in a used book store in Yangpu district, Shanghai, China for RMB 8.00 ($1.30), worlds away from my Canadian childhood.

I WANT TO GO HOME is exactly as I remember, full of fun and shenanigans from young antisocial curmudgeon Rudy Miller and his sidekick Mike. I adored Rudy as a kid because I identified with his antisocial tendencies -- he preferred his own space and doing his own thing, and hated the forced camaraderie of summer camp and the constant perkiness of the camp counsellors, especially Chip (oh, poor Chip). But Rudy is no "loser" -- when forced to take part in things, he EXCELS and blows everyone away. What shy kid doesn't have such fantasies? Rudy is determined to escape from summer camp hell, and his attempts to do so are laugh out loud funny. You're rooting for this boy the whole time -- so it comes as a complete surprise what he choose to do in the end.

I wish this book were still in print for a new generation for readers. I personally think it stands the test of time, as do most of the 72 reviewers on Amazon (and I'm amazed how much a good used copy of the book costs there!).

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Dec 01, 2014 Kazuo rated it it was amazing

This book was... awesome. That is the only way I can describe the hilarious hijinks that lay within without spoiling the entire book.

[Spoiler]

One example of hilarious is something that Rudy writes on a sheet of paper and then tapes to Harold Greene's pillow: Betwixt these sheets sleepeth ye biggest twit in Ontario.

This book was... awesome. That is the only way I can describe the hilarious hijinks that lay within without spoiling the entire book.

[Spoiler]

One example of hilarious is something that Rudy writes on a sheet of paper and then tapes to Harold Greene's pillow: Betwixt these sheets sleepeth ye biggest twit in Ontario.

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One of my all time favorite books. Still makes me laugh out loud.
Rudy Miller is a gifted natural athlete, but hates sports. He is also cynical, sarcastic, and apathetic. So his parents, on the advice of his school guidance counselor send him to camp for the summer. Rudy butts heads immediately with the overly enthusiastic camp counselors and hilarity ensues. Along with his equally unhappy friend Mike Webster, he decides to escape from the camp. Gordon Korman at his best.

Jan 09, 2012 Anushka Sierra rated it really liked it

Picked up a second hand copy of the book at a pet fair... fairly inconscpicuous. Until you start reading that is.

Definitely near the top of my 'all time favourite', a must read and an immediate mood lifter. Comedy and hilarity at its best!!!!

*(One of) My Favourite Quote(s)*

Rudy: Thar she blows
Mike: Thar what blows? *sits up* Rudy! There nothing blows! There's no wind! We have no wind!!!

Also noted for the generous use of the insults 'Nut' and 'Twit'.

Read the book and didn't like it? Work Detail!

Picked up a second hand copy of the book at a pet fair... fairly inconscpicuous. Until you start reading that is.

Definitely near the top of my 'all time favourite', a must read and an immediate mood lifter. Comedy and hilarity at its best!!!!

*(One of) My Favourite Quote(s)*

Rudy: Thar she blows
Mike: Thar what blows? *sits up* Rudy! There nothing blows! There's no wind! We have no wind!!!

Also noted for the generous use of the insults 'Nut' and 'Twit'.

Read the book and didn't like it? Work Detail! For having no sense of humour. :P

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4.99 Stars | Absolutely Hilarious
I know this isn't in print, but FIND IT!
IT IS PROBABLY THE FUNNIEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ.
**Make sure to like this review, and of course, follow or friend me if you haven't yet.**
**My blog link is www.kzreads.blogspot.com. I would greatly appreciate it if you take a moment to look at it, and if you like it, subscribe!** 4.99 Stars | Absolutely Hilarious
I know this isn't in print, but FIND IT!
IT IS PROBABLY THE FUNNIEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ.
**Make sure to like this review, and of course, follow or friend me if you haven't yet.**
**My blog link is www.kzreads.blogspot.com. I would greatly appreciate it if you take a moment to look at it, and if you like it, subscribe!** ...more

May 21, 2011 Joel Tone rated it it was amazing

I read I Want to Go Home! to my kids. The whole family was laughing their heads off throughout the book. I Want to Go Home! is the story of Rudy Miller's attempts to escape from Camp Algonkian where he's been sent for a summer of fun.

One of the things that really strikes me as a grown-up re-reading Gordon Korman's books is that there are no villains in his stories. This isn't a hippie elf peace circle thing, it's that the antagonists have conflicting, but valid, viewpoints. In this case, Rudy wants to go home because he really doesn't want to be at camp and his counselors want to keep him there because they are responsible for his well-being and can't just let him run away.

This book was not the best choice for bedtime reading as Chip the counselor does yell a lot, which keeps kids from drifting off to sleep (unless you know how to yell quietly). Nevertheless it was a ton of fun to laugh together as a family at Rudy's dry commentary on camp life.

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As a boy, this book made me laugh every single time I read it.

That's easily one of the best things I can think of getting from a story, and because it gave me hours and hours of happiness, there's no way I can rate it lower than five stars.

In I Want to Go Home! Rudy Miller is a gifted but easily bored and mischievous kid who has been sent to an island athletic camp where he proceeds to drive the entire staff mad with both his apathy and his cheeky escape attempts.

Part of what makes it so amusi

As a boy, this book made me laugh every single time I read it.

That's easily one of the best things I can think of getting from a story, and because it gave me hours and hours of happiness, there's no way I can rate it lower than five stars.

Part of what makes it so amusing is counselor Chip's reactions and Rudy's quips, but situation-wise it's funny too. Even as an Australian kid with no real experience of such a camp set up, I was totally on board with Korman's book because I could relate to the characters so easily.

Now, I haven't read in a couple of years and then, as an adult, it was still funny. I probably didn't laugh out loud as much as I used to, but it still had the goods. Worth hunting for.

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Jul 11, 2008 Lisa rated it it was amazing

Hysterical, barring any natural disasters.

it's like a youngest ferris bueller goes to summer camp & i am here for it. also, pierre forever.

Gordon Korman published this, his fifth or sixth novel, at the age of eighteen. Most 18 year olds are out writing manifestoes against the wickedness of the generation before them or nihilistic rants about their own future. Korman was way cooler than that. He penned a fluffy Wodehousian comedy pointing well-intentioned mockery at the institution of summer camps.

There is a brief call-out to The Fall of the House of Usher and a lot of parallels to Bartleby the Scrivener, but truly this is just a wa

There is a brief call-out to The Fall of the House of Usher and a lot of parallels to Bartleby the Scrivener, but truly this is just a wacky story about kids who hate being stuck in a cabin with fake-cheerful counselors who force them into mandatory fun. If you were ever forced to "enjoy" a volleyball game when you would've rather been on your couch at home, then this book is for you.

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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book is all about a kid named Rudy Miller and how he wants to go home. Rudy is a very intelligent kid, but his is lazy most of the time. His parents sent him to a summer camp on Algonkian Island for part of the summer. He pulls various thought out tricks to try and get him sent home. He went as far as trying to steal a boat and drive away at night while everyone is sleeping. On all of tricks he pulled and got caught for doing his punishment was working in the cafeteria.

This book is very fu

This book is all about a kid named Rudy Miller and how he wants to go home. Rudy is a very intelligent kid, but his is lazy most of the time. His parents sent him to a summer camp on Algonkian Island for part of the summer. He pulls various thought out tricks to try and get him sent home. He went as far as trying to steal a boat and drive away at night while everyone is sleeping. On all of tricks he pulled and got caught for doing his punishment was working in the cafeteria.

This book is very funny. It is very realistic with the description and events that take place. One of the best events that take place is when Rudy sets up a huge pillow fight in one of the cabins. I would recommend this book to anyone boys or girls that like humorous books. This honestly book just keeps you wanting to read it. Overall read this book!

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It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a boy in possession of a summer vacation, must want to camp... at least that's the philosophy of Camp Algonkian. Wait until they meet Rudy Miller, who doesn't do camp or much anything else... except attempts to escape.

Hiliariously funny read as a child and still pretty amusing re-read as an adult. Though some aspects might be rather quaint and dated (1981 with no cell phones! No swearing!), the light-hearted comic wackiness of Korman's world (unbelievable as it is) still stands well. Should still be good to read with or to, albeit a slightly younger age group than probably originally intended.

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I bought this for a young friend on the basis of many happy readings as a kid--but then I panicked, thinking maybe this kid's parent wouldn't approve of the book. So I reread the gift copy (bad!) and still loved it as I ever did, but I do worry that a parent might think the book is a bad influence. The kids break the rules ALL THE TIME, although the point is made that they are very honest and only catch the authority figures out in their own foolishness. It's actually very gentle comedy and ever I bought this for a young friend on the basis of many happy readings as a kid--but then I panicked, thinking maybe this kid's parent wouldn't approve of the book. So I reread the gift copy (bad!) and still loved it as I ever did, but I do worry that a parent might think the book is a bad influence. The kids break the rules ALL THE TIME, although the point is made that they are very honest and only catch the authority figures out in their own foolishness. It's actually very gentle comedy and everyone's heart is in the right place, but still not a model of good behaviour. I'll still give it to the young lady and see what she thinks...hopefully it'll be ok. ...more

This was really fun! I wish I could have pulled some of those pranks on my teachers at camp.

I recently bought a copy of this book to give to a friend - we decided to gift each other our favorite books and since we met at camp many many years ago, I opted for I Want to Go Home! (in return, she gave me a copy of The Alchemist).

I remember the first time I read this book. I was in 5th grade and borrowed a copy from my school library. When I got home, I laid down on my couch hoping to just read one chapter before starting on my homework. I ended up spending the next hour? 2 hours? finishin

Mike Webster isn't too fond of the idea of going to camp at Algonkian Island. Luckily for him, he meets Rudy Miller, who was also forced to attend summer camp. Together (well, mostly Rudy - Mike was more of a sidekick), they decide to wreck havoc at camp so that they would be kicked out and sent home early.

My favorite part of this book was the incredibly hilarious and imaginative letter Rudy wrote to his parents about his adventures at camp (I bookmarked that section and added a note about it in the copy I gave to my friend). When I finished reading the book back in 5th grade, I quickly called for a family meeting and read the letter out loud to my parents and brother - they loved it and we all spent the evening laughing about it. I've re-read the letter countless of times since, and it has never failed to make laugh.

Overall, a timeless and funny book that is great for all ages.

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This book is literally a part of my childhood. It was read to me by my grade 5 teacher, and ever since i've loved this book and recommend it to everyone. I remember every part because i've read it over a billion times and it never fails to amuse me even though i'm 17 right now. But age is merely a number when it comes to this book I'm so glad I have my own copy and Gordon Korman is by far one of my favourite authors. This book is literally a part of my childhood. It was read to me by my grade 5 teacher, and ever since i've loved this book and recommend it to everyone. I remember every part because i've read it over a billion times and it never fails to amuse me even though i'm 17 right now. But age is merely a number when it comes to this book I'm so glad I have my own copy and Gordon Korman is by far one of my favourite authors. ...more

Jul 21, 2019 LobsterQuadrille rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: kids and any Korman fan

3.5 stars

I Want to Go Home! is a very characteristic early Gordon Korman book, with its troublemaking heroes, long-suffering authority figures, and gradually escalating storyline. It's not quite as funny as the MacDonald Hall books, but Rudy's rebellious antics are great fun(especially the Elias Memorial Scavenger Hunt), the characters are entertaining and it's an ideal hammock read for summer!

3.5 stars

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Jul 16, 2014 Meg rated it it was amazing

This was my absolute favourite book as a kid. Sadly my non-reader of a mother tossed out my childhood book collection including my Korman books. Imagine my delight when I found a second hand copy of the second edition on Amazon recently! And it is still hilarious! A great book which I can't wait to pass onto my nieces and nephews when they get a little older. This was my absolute favourite book as a kid. Sadly my non-reader of a mother tossed out my childhood book collection including my Korman books. Imagine my delight when I found a second hand copy of the second edition on Amazon recently! And it is still hilarious! A great book which I can't wait to pass onto my nieces and nephews when they get a little older. ...more

This book was hilarious! Although certain characters got a little annoying by the end because they were so set in their ways, the story was for the main part... hilarious. :) If you want a good laugh, read this book!

My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together a few years ago. We had mostly been reading his more recent titles. But I saw an announcement about a 40th Anniversary Edition of this title with a new cover. That cover reminded me a lot of the covers from the Slacker series. And after reading this I see that beavers have played a part in his books for 40 years now. I have now read thirteen books from Korman's masterful pen and have yet to read a dud. Over the last few years my son and I My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together a few years ago. We had mostly been reading his more recent titles. But I saw an announcement about a 40th Anniversary Edition of this title with a new cover. That cover reminded me a lot of the covers from the Slacker series. And after reading this I see that beavers have played a part in his books for 40 years now. I have now read thirteen books from Korman's masterful pen and have yet to read a dud. Over the last few years my son and I have read about a dozen books by Gordon Korman. And we plan to read many of the older titles, but love picking up his new releases and giving them a read. We have loved all the books we have read so far, and have many we want to read. I read this one ahead of my son because he already had a book on the go with his mother (Harry Potter 7), and one of Corinna Turner's unSPARKed books with me. So I read this on my own ahead of rereading it with my son.

This book originally published when Korman was just 18, and was his fifth book published. And having read his most recent release, Unplugged I can say that his writing has always been excellent. Korman has published over 80 books geared for middle grade or young adult audiences. And this one is as good as any of the others I have read. Many of his more recent books are told in a series of chapters in the first-person perspective. That is not the case with this earlier work.

This story is about Rudy Miller, a young chap who really, really, really does not want to be at summer camp. Being at camp was the brainchild of a school counselor, and his parents just went along. And like Pinky and the Brain, every day Rudy comes up with a new plan for how to escape Camp Algonkian. Rudy teams up with a cabin mate Mike and each day they try to get off the island and away from the camp. But a wrench gets tossed in their plans when it becomes apparent that Rudy has some exceptional skills. They spend so much time on work detail it is hard to see how they planned let alone execute their escape plans.

This story was packed full or adventure and humour. There were a few places where it was laugh out loud funny. It was very hard to put down once I started reading. The friendship between Mike and Rudy was entertaining to watch as it grew. It was also hilarious to see the growing frustration first with Cabin 13's counselor and then with all the staff.

With every book I read from Korman's pen the more impressed I am. His books have great appeal to younger readers but are written so that parents, adults, and educators can enjoy them as well. This volume was out of print for a while but is now back in print in the 40th Anniversary Edition. So I encourage you to pick it up and give it a read. Another excellent read from Gordon Korman.

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Nov 24, 2017 Mylie rated it it was amazing

Still as funny and enjoyable as when I read it as a kid. Great read.

Sep 07, 2019 Tori rated it it was amazing

I don't think I have ever laughed this hard at a book EVER. I heard it as a read aloud and my whole family was crying because they were laughing so hard. Gordon Korman never fails to amaze.

Still funny all these years later.

Dec 22, 2020 Liam rated it it was amazing

The characters in the story are highly relatable and funny would recommend it to anyone.

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. There was this boy named Rudy Miller and his high school guidance teacher wrote a letter to Rudy's parents to tell them that he should go to camp at Algonkian Island. Rudy went to camp. At first he didn't like it. He just wanted to be left alone, sleep, and play chess. When Rudy got to camp he chose not to play any sports, and he met a new friend named Mike Webster. They both tried to leave the camp many times but failed to do so. Rudy was a modest and a skilled person at the same time, but he d There was this boy named Rudy Miller and his high school guidance teacher wrote a letter to Rudy's parents to tell them that he should go to camp at Algonkian Island. Rudy went to camp. At first he didn't like it. He just wanted to be left alone, sleep, and play chess. When Rudy got to camp he chose not to play any sports, and he met a new friend named Mike Webster. They both tried to leave the camp many times but failed to do so. Rudy was a modest and a skilled person at the same time, but he didn't want to perform any activities. Rudy and Mike both tried to ruin camp and get into trouble so they would have to go back home, but that didn't work, so they tried get off the island by taking a boat off the island. When they got into trouble they had to do work detail. They both like being on work detail because they did not want to be with the campers. Rudy and Mike got some peace and alone time when they got work detail.

Rudy Miller did not want to do anything at camp in the beginning, but when he did he was very good at the games when he played like it was like baseball, soccer, kickball, swimming, he was the fastest swimmer.

This book was a funny book, and I would recommend it to any boys or girls ages 10-17 who want to read a funny book.

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Twelve year old me was a big Gordon Korman fan, and while I did read this book, I could not recall anything about it. Seeing it in a "Little Free Library" I picked it up for nostalgic reasons. Unfortunately I felt this does not live up to Korman's other works. The main character is just unlikeable. He is both a sociopath and a Mary Sue (Marty Stu). Unlike Bruno and Boots of the MacDobald Hall series, the main character isn't causing harmless mischief or trying to ward of some threat to, say, his Twelve year old me was a big Gordon Korman fan, and while I did read this book, I could not recall anything about it. Seeing it in a "Little Free Library" I picked it up for nostalgic reasons. Unfortunately I felt this does not live up to Korman's other works. The main character is just unlikeable. He is both a sociopath and a Mary Sue (Marty Stu). Unlike Bruno and Boots of the MacDobald Hall series, the main character isn't causing harmless mischief or trying to ward of some threat to, say, his school. He is just self-entitled and an all-round unpleasant person with the personality and demeanour of Wednesday Addams. In addition, the humour just wasn't there like in the MacDonald Hall or Buggs Potter series. This isn't just because I'm older; I have reread some other Korman books recently and they still made me laugh. I guess every Korman book can't be a 5 star. ...more

Korman wrote his first book, "This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall", when he was 12 years old, for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English. He later took that episode and created a book out of it, as well, in "The Sixth Grade Nickname Game", wherein Mr. Huge was based on that 7th grade teacher.

Korman moved to New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While i

Korman moved to New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While in New York, he met his future wife; they now live in Long Island with their three children.

He has published more than 50 books.

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Jodi Picoult never intended to write a book about the pandemic. Rewind to November 2020, and the prolific writer wasn't even planning a new...

"I have it all figured out scientifically," said Rudy, his eyes gleaming. "Biologically, in fact. You see, Silver Lake is a girls' camp. Therefore, they have girl clones. Once the dancing starts, our clones, being of the male persuasion, will devote all their attention to the female clones. With the loud music and everything, we could probably stand at the door and wave and yell 'toodle-oo' and they'd never notice us. That's if we go at all. I have a feeling Chip won't let us." — 0 likes

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