The Mutt

Cover

Title: The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself

Authors: Rodney Mullen and Sean Morimer

Summary:  No knowledge of skateboarding is needed to enjoy this great book!  Mullen presents an incredibly honest and unflinching account of his life from the “torture boots” he wore starting at the age of two to correct pigeon-toed feet to the millions he received for his portion of the sale of a skate-boarding company he helped start.  Rodney “The Mutt” Mullen was a child phenom in the skateboarding world and became the world freestyle champion in the 1980’s, all this despite having a verbally-abusive, domineering father who disapproved of the sport and made Rodney retire after winning his championship title.  In the 1990s, Rodney evolved his style to stay relevant with new trends and became one of the most admired street skaters.  At the same time, he was a partner in a skateboard manufacturing company. 

Who will like this book?  Fans of memoirs, particularly non-traditional heros.  While a definite must-read for skateboard fans, this book’s honest story-telling holds real appeal to non-skateboarder fans as well. 

If you like this, try this: Hawk: Occupation, Skateboarder by Tony Hawk; Slam by Nick Hornby; Skateboards that Rock: Graphic Design of a Counterculture by Rhyn Noll; The Answer is Never: a Skateboarder’s History of the World by Jocko Weyland

Recommended by: Jennifer, Branch Teen Librarian