“Don’t Call Me Ishmael”, written by Michael Gerard Bauer is a humorous novel that interacts with the readers especially young readers by exploring what high school is like for those who are being bullied and harassed but it also explores different stages of how friendships first develops. The protagonist who is a 9th grader named Ishmael Lesseur is sticking to the shadows and staying out of everyone’s way especially Barry Bagsley who has target Ishmael and has been harassing him since first day of year 8 at St Daniels Boys Collage. Throughout the book Ishmael struggles with identifying who he is and what he is worth. Michael Gerard Bauer has added sarcasm, irony, puns, embarrassing and humorous moments in the book to keep all the readers engrossed …show more content…
The novelist has made this book meaningful but also something that gives the readers a good laugh with its witty comments, embarrassing moments and humorous characters. “But mostly I’d like to thank everyone who didn 't show up for the meeting. I love you guys – I really couldn 't have done it without you, Thank you……. Thank you…….. Thank you’, and with that Razza slumped on his desk, seemingly overcome with emotions”. “ I guess it made Barry Bagsley’s face seem like a minor skin reaction”. The sarcasm, puns, irony and humour in this novel not only helps the story progress and move along smoothly it also adds that relaxing and easy going feel to it to amuse the audience and keep their interest.
“Don’t Call Me Ishmael” is a story that readers can relate to, whether it be the embarrassing moments, bullying and harassment or trying to figure out who they are. Author Michael Gerard was successful in achieving the reader’s attention and maintaining it throughout the novel with the serious topic of bullying and harassment along side all the humorous sarcasm, irony, puns, witty comments, embarrassing moments and the comical