This story is about a group of kids who have been attending group therapy sessions during school hours—for several years, in most cases.  They are there for various reasons: some come from split homes, others have been in trouble or have other issues. They have named the group the Madman Underground.

Wednesday, September 5, 1973 is Karl Shoemaker’s first day as a high school senior in Lightsburg, Ohio, and this year is definitely going to be different.  Karl has decided that he is going to act "Normal" and get out of the Madman Underground.  He's an ambitious teen, with five different after-school jobs. He also goes to AA. Making his transition to normal more difficult is the fact that his father is deceased, his mother is an alcoholic, and their home is occupied by many cats who don't use a litter box—and, what, exactly, is "Normal?"

John Barnes, who usually pens science fiction, has accurately portrayed teens and their problems. He poses moral questions with no simple answers and looks deep into the emotions of angst-ridden teens with serious problems and allows them to work it out, or not.

Tales of the Madman Underground is easy to get caught up in and difficult to put down.  Karl is an engaging character with an unexpected level of maturity. The lively action kept me turning the pages right up to the satisfying ending. I would like to see more of the wit and wisdom of Karl Shoemaker.