BOOK REVIEW: Spud
Posted by Rich...! under Uncategorized on December 2 2005 at 5:08 PM
This week I read “Spud” by John van de Ruit. Damn but it was good. The story takes place in 1990 in a boys boarding school not far from Durban (read: Michaelhouse), and is about Spud, nicknamed for his pre-pubescent nether region. Actually the story is by Spud, it’s his standard 6 diary.
Spud tells you about his first love, his first kiss, his sporting highlights, his gran (The Wombat) and his future career as a freedom fighter. It’s not just the stories he tells though, it’s the way he tells them, lads this will bring back memories – I guarantee you.
Shit, I actually laughed out loud while I was reading this, people in Seattle, Cresta were looking at me funny. Oh, and there may have been a tear too.
Fucking brilliant…!
PS. There’s sharting too.
December 5th, 2005 at 8:57 am
I loved Spud. I went to a girls boarding school close to Michaelhouse -take a guess which one – and the memories that book evoked were priceless.
I recommend it to anyone who endured boarding school.
December 6th, 2005 at 11:33 am
Sounds awesome. Anyone have any more recomendations for the holiday reading sessions, not asking for membership to a book club or anything just a suggestion or 2.
Peas: St Marys?
December 8th, 2005 at 1:46 pm
Every good story needs a shart.
December 8th, 2005 at 3:57 pm
Close Billy close. It does start with a St. Let’s just say it’s pretty close to Hilton College
December 8th, 2005 at 4:09 pm
Peas, ah, that would be our sister school, St. Annes
I actually went to school with a guy whose nickname was actually Spud (but some years earlier than the book…)
December 9th, 2005 at 9:14 am
And Simon you would be right.
December 27th, 2005 at 11:04 pm
Hehe, I matriculated from MHS last year!
What an amazing School.
Will definialty give the book a read. Cant wait to compare the traditions!
May 7th, 2006 at 9:37 pm
It’s a great book about a great school! I currently go to Michaelhouse and it’s very interesting to note the changes since the early 90′s, its not as tough nowadays as it was then; however, i still have hundreds of funny stories anout my school days that would rival anything that happened to Spud!
July 10th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
A brilliant book that really lets you get into the characters, was actually left wishing I was back at school! Would be better than work I reckon! Does anyone know if there will be a follow up book, year two? Could read this sort of thing for a while!
August 2nd, 2006 at 10:26 am
What an awesome book! Brought back a flood of memories. The stories about his rugby team have got to go be the funniest parts of the book, ditto about his Old Man, ditto about for his Gran. Pity he never used teacher’s, school’s etc real names.
September 10th, 2006 at 9:30 pm
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a birthday gift from my children and little did I know that this little boy (Spud) would creep into my heart in such a short space of time. Now, if only we can get a sequel to see when (and how) Spud will become a non-spud. This book would have been grabbed up by movie producers had it been a British novel. The final pages were so drenched in sadness that I have to have a sequel to lift my spirits up again. Please give me more, I just love this little guy!
October 8th, 2006 at 7:07 pm
over tops
was laughing out loud
October 9th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
Great read – as a Natal boarding school attendee (somewhere between PMB and Dbn, its was a very funny look into the life at one of our rival schools.
January 8th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
What an amzing read! I am int he middle of the rugby season and all i didn this afternoon was just read and read and laugh!
I am at a boarding school in JHB but I myself do nto board though all my friends are boarders! I believe you have such an amazing family and you learn so much from one another and these little tales do stand out in your years to come!
March 2nd, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I’m only 10 and I read this book. It was awesome!
April 5th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
SPUD WAS BRILLIANT!!!!
I HOPE IT WILL BECOME AN MOVIE!!!!!!!
April 18th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
i must also say that spud was brilliant.i’ve also heard theres part 2 coming out soon, say , this month…april 2007.def- gon get it.
April 23rd, 2007 at 1:01 pm
it is becoming a movie. they star filming next year!
May 9th, 2007 at 11:37 am
great book cant wait to get the second
May 16th, 2007 at 11:07 am
I swear that the book was absolutly funny it is scary. I was reading it a few nights ago and i laughed out loud when fatty got stuck in a window my parents were looking at me with a look of “what the hell was that all about.” I recomend it to any one that likes reading about dare devil children
May 16th, 2007 at 11:15 am
May 30th, 2007 at 10:29 am
I am currently reading spud, my girlfriend has bought the second one and i’m loving it – so true of what goes on in schools!!!
neil
June 7th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I got both the books as present and was extatic!
I went to a boarding school myself and although I’m a girl I could still relate.I struggle to put it down in the office and everyone looks at me funny when I burst out laughing!
I love the Guv!!He reminds of my former English,who which ironically are the direct opposite.
Can’t wait to start the sequel.
Tumi
June 8th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Read SPUD 1 and SPUD “The Madness continues”.. Brilliant… couldn’t put the books down. Bought a copy for my niece and loved it to bits… Now’s theres mention of a movie being made in the local papers…. Can’t wait.. Hope it’s as good as the books.
June 18th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Theres gonna be a 3rd and and 2 movies….and he like signed my book
June 18th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I’ve read spud and now I’ve just finished reading the sequel “the madness continues…” even more hilarious. i liked the ending, I’ll stop at that and not ruin it for everyone else. The sequel is a MUST GET!
the books have flooded back all the crazy stuff that happened in boarding school, as they always say, kids that come out of boarding school aren’t never like the rest,they all have a couple of screws messing and that’s not always a bad thing,its not like crazy vern.
Big up to John van de Ruit
June 28th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
i’m busy reading it it’s really good i can’t keep my eyes out of the book…i even read it in the car on my way to school even though i get a bit sick looking down all the time…lol…can’t wait to read the second book
July 4th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I read a book about a young boy at Michaelhose, when I was in primary school (1984). It was called “Jonty’s First Term”. Does anybody remember that one?
July 4th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
i red Spud in 1 day i spent it all reading and seeing as i go to boarding skool im gonna use the trick about the guy’s sister for me
hehe seeing as im 6ft 7 and only 14 biggest in my year ill be diffinately unnerving a few… 
SPUD IS AWESOME!!!!!!
Where can i get the equel from if i live in england?
July 4th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
*sequel
July 5th, 2007 at 10:50 am
it was a great book, anybody who is up for the laughs should read this book!!!
July 16th, 2007 at 10:10 am
How weird is dis: i dreamt that there woz gonna b a movie nd dat i was gonna star as mermaid, so i looked around , and wadda u no, THERES GUNNA B A MOVIE!!!!!!!who knows, mabe its a sign.
hahaha , u’ll definately see me at the casting.
o, does ani1 no wen the casting will b and where???
July 16th, 2007 at 10:13 am
o, and how old is mermaid supposed 2 b???
July 23rd, 2007 at 10:51 am
my girl bought the book, poor soul has not even started reading it. I wuv this book, and reminds me of some mates from Germiston High(ya’ll know who you are). I want to be in the MOVIE, as Luthuli!!
July 31st, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Brilliant book remind me of my school and pre school days,laugh out loudly
August 4th, 2007 at 4:16 am
What a classic Book! It Brought back many memories! I love the part of the guards chasing the boys with their dogs, that happend often in my time!! The fatty of our dorm managed to jump down a whole flight of stairs in sheer terror as the guards chased him in the corridors. And its strange that the Rambos and Mad dogs of the school all come from Jozi! Pike putting rugby boots in his pillow case im surprised it wasnt snooker balls (that has happend before)! I wonder if there ever was a techer at MHS without a nickname??
August 10th, 2007 at 7:53 am
Had the privilage of seeing “JVDH” at the “CTIBF”.Have just finished reading Spud.Loved every moment of it. Made me laugh, made me cry.Didnt like the some of the older boys though. And so its on to the “Madness continues….”. Thank you John.
August 15th, 2007 at 9:54 am
hey vist
http://hs.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2358833552
on facebook
for enjoyment
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Went to Kearsney ’93. What a great book. Makes me wish i was back at school. He captured school life to a T. Cant wait until the 3rd and 4th book.
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I love Spud. Also was a boarding brat. OMG it was funny. The family including Wombat could be mine to a T. And the Guv – my english teacher right there! (Mr Lampbrecht Lampies RIP).
Bloody brilliant. Way to go John.
August 30th, 2007 at 10:47 am
I love Spud, it is a brilliant book…
i would read it again… and it is so blaady funny
i wuld recommend it 2 evey1
keep it up John
September 4th, 2007 at 11:46 am
read both books. i just hope a movie would do it justice. iwent to an all boys school myself and the memories where overwhelming. a job well done mr van ruit
September 4th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Can’t wait to watch it on big-screen!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:24 am
What an awesome read. This book wickedly brings back all my boarding school memories. I like the way John described the savage battles that took place within the various houses at school. I swear I shared a dormitory with a character similar to Pike (who despite looking like something out of an alien movie) always tried to make everyone’s life misery. When I left boarding school, I swore that if I ever had children, I would not send them to boarding school but after reading this book and thinking about my own memories, I have decided that my two year old son is going to the midlands to continue where I left off and the nice thing is that I have already booked his place at the school.
September 18th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
loved it!!!!!!!!!! cant wait 4 the next spud……long live the crazy 8
September 19th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Kayla suck
September 19th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
judy se hol stink su
September 24th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
reyni hou van
September 24th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
jean
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
what an awesome read! i lafed my head off while reding spud. i love this little boy! so curious when he would change from being spud………..i actually red thi book for more than 10 times. its lovely!!!!!!!!!
October 5th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Hi everyone
i am a 39 year old women and went to bookclub last week. took out this book called Spud (as i heard it was a good read) , i started reading this and cannot put this book down, it is so true and so funny. i really recommend that you read this book, you will enjoy. i have just reach the part where crispo died. shame poor old crispo
October 12th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Spud absolutely brilliant – reminded me a bit of the Adrian Mole books (also a great read if u haven’t read them). Wish it was 2000 pages long and was depressed when I had finished it. Can’t wait to read “The Madness continues”. JVDR, Keep the books coming.
October 14th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
I havent read any think as funny as these two books for years, Reminds me of the good old days at school in Rhodesia.
John can sell me a book any day
October 14th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Hey people, spud is an okay book, very funny- but its too rude.
Anyway i was forced to read the book and if i had not read the book i would never had such a kwaai(great) laugh.
Thank you Mr. Van De ruit and you better release a third one.
Though i like the first book the most- the author’s humour is kinda dying out.
Thanks!
October 14th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Hey Da roberto, i agree.
And the blady review was not informative- now i will not ever read SPUD. The review is suppose to persuade the reader ( of the review) to reader to read the book.
What is wrong about democracy why is all about apartheid in the book.
I don’t get it?!
November 6th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
this book was a funny book it so much funnier than how the cover looks actuali……all i have to say is asy WOW and all i have to do is Clap handz
November 19th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
hi my name is Spud. I got the nickname way before train spotting. the real funny part though is that I am a MHS OB. I was a choir boy, my parents are divorced, my mother did move to the EU (france) in my 1st year at ‘House. i did get into the same sort of sh*t john’s spud gets into and I was at MHS at the same time as he John was.
Thought about claiming royalties but my good old friend Geko ( by the way change a letter and it spells the name of another choir boy in farfield between (91-95) It is a great name a great book and a outstanding School.
December 5th, 2007 at 5:28 am
you’re gay.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Heard a lot about and got curious.So I bought the book.
Yes, the book is extremely funny………. IF you have never read a book before, if you’re 6 years old or if you have the IQ which sports the same numbers as your shoesize.
February 2nd, 2008 at 10:24 am
Both books are brillant cant wait for the 3rd book n the movie. As i meet ppl i tel them 2read it. who ever i told read the book r njoyn it
February 2nd, 2008 at 10:33 am
Does any1 know wen the movie will be out
March 15th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Oh my goddd! ilooove SPUD so much. How can i get the second book if i live in U.S? Is it even out yet? when is the movie coming out? please answer i am desperate
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Omg I luv spud it is such a piece of work way to go john!! how can i find out when the third book is cuming out?We all luv it – anyone who desn’t is insane
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:26 am
this book is crazy peeps, i actually went to michaelhouse. most of da stuff he describes are there. the real crazy thing is i knew a guy similar to vern…crazy???
November 17th, 2008 at 6:58 am
This book brings back old boarding school memories, especially the ones of my first love. I would just like to know will you Wright another Spud book? Spud is gr8, what I like about the book is that it’s all real life and I can relate to the surroundings in the book as I never left SA in my life.Love the book!Ps i also keep a diary and spud is in it.
November 17th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Just finished Spud-The madness continues this morning and it was a blast until i got to the end where it left me asking for more!
So, John, when should we expect the third instalment of Spud?
I’d really like to know who Spud gets to score with!
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
So i live in Canada and i finally finshed the two books and the left me begging for more so John van de ruit i want more
December 31st, 2008 at 11:21 am
love the book… laughing all the way to the end!
January 8th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
john van de ruit is an incredible writer! although I have no boarding school experience, his brilliant writing made me feel like I was right there with the crazy 8! the 2nd book is even better! any chance of a 3rd mr van de ruit???
May 9th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I am busy reading Spud, but don’t want to comment on the book just yet. What I would like to know is if all these people are avid book readers, how come their spelling is absolutely rubbish? lol
May 25th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Brilliant, have never read something like it, it’s the best. When have to pick betwean two books, and one is Spud, take Spud because the experience greatness. The effect of first love, first kiss, his Spudness and all the rest is just BRILLIANT. Spud is a MUST HAVE for anyone!!!
June 15th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
iv never read such a brillant book.it moved me deeply.i think everyone should read it.it will bring out your inner child and make you laugh till tears start rolling dowm your face.
July 8th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Just finished the first book. While I was unable to find it in any foreign bookstores in Beijing, I luckily found one copy in a bookshop in Hong Kong. Reading it filled that little ‘homesick’ gap – every time I read this book I felt like was back in South Africa. Loved every second of it – laughed out loud and cried. Did not want to put it down! Can’t wait to get hold of the second and third!
August 5th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Haha I loved this book. My cousin is first year at MHS and he reminds me of Spud haha. I think I know what the boys get up to now:D The movie is being filmed in like 2 months. There were auditions at MHS like 2 weeks ago. yaya Im soooo excited!!
August 6th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
loving this….loving it…i dnt usual read books but when i started reading this i could not stop….
September 30th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Hi
I was introduced to Spud by Etrecia….
Thank you Etrecia!
I read the first two books of Spud and I am about to plunge into Spud 3 this week….can’t wait to start. I am a black young lady….but can relate to Spud(John Milton) so much. I have a ten year old boy and picture him going through the adventures of High School like Spud. I feel that boys should be left to be boys….
The book took me back to my crazy High School days and the group of friends I had who by the way are still my friends ten years after High School.We used to be called Brats and all the teachers knew us as the crazy bunch.LOL!
My favourite character is Mad Dog he is just a loony character.
I think John van der Ruit is a charismatic and diverse writer. Excellent,Creative and Hilarious.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
woop woop! I love your site, your writing is ace! Well Done and good luck with your snooker x!
November 6th, 2009 at 11:39 am
To, B.U. Nghole
yo are a douchebag
April 27th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Please help! Need a full summary of Spud! Any idea?
August 20th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
I read Spud and i think it was fatastic and i hered that the is a continuation of it so plaese i need an information about it.
January 10th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
loved spud! great book…cant wait to start reading the second book…awesome!
February 1st, 2011 at 3:46 pm
i go to TWC and my friends acted in the movie
very well done 
?
April 4th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
the book as well as the movie was exciting but dont reccomend it for girls