December 07, 2002

Top of the hit parade: O. T. Nelson's "The Girl Who Owned a City"

For the 2nd month running (since I started this blog), my stats package indicates that of all the referrer links from Google and other search engines to content on this site, most readers seem to be looking for references to O. T. Nelson's book "The Girl Who Owned a City", which I reviewed here a few weeks ago.

This is not what I expected, but it's an interesting surprise nonetheless.

Posted by Russell Whitaker at December 7, 2002 03:14 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Hi Jessie, thanks for visiting. Unfortunately, I'm not O.T. Nelson, nor do I know her personally, nor would I have any idea how to get hold of her. If you are able to find answers elsewhere to the questions you asked here, please do feel free to post the answers here.

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on February 10, 2003 02:46 PM

Julia and Riley: see my previous comment. I have no way to contact her, nor am I looking for ways. Good luck, though. Let us know if you're successful.

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on March 26, 2003 11:48 AM

Brittany,

If you'd like to teach the class "about something like survival", I think that would be a great idea. How may I help?

By the way, you're the first student who's suggested a creative alternative to "please do my homework for me". Always do original work: that's the only way you'll really learn.

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on June 4, 2003 12:06 AM

Pat,

You might consider checking Amazon.com.

As for the King of Chicago, that's what writers call a "background character". Ask your teacher about that.

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on June 4, 2003 09:54 AM

Katie,

Thanks for the information. I'm looking forward to hearing what you find out.

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on October 3, 2003 12:46 PM

Jeremy,

You've joined the ranks of those too lazy to read blog entries carefully.

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on November 2, 2003 10:35 AM

Hi. I read The Girl Who Owned a City a while ago. I'm eagerly awaiting a sequel, I go on Amazon all the time trying to find word of it. But I've recently heard that O. T. Nelson has passed away. Is this true or not?
P.S. I'm not putting my real E-mail on here, so could you post a reply on the site?
Thanks, Hannah

Posted by: Hannah on January 30, 2004 08:42 AM

Hello yes.
People who do read the other "comments"
O.T. Nelson is a WOMAN.
Yes okay.
and also they say
O.T. is dead.
First I was very angry at this.
But I will let it be.
The Girl Who Owned a City
is a really good book.
and it disapoints me that
a great author like O.T.
is gone.
Or not alot is know of her.
That's all I have to say.

Posted by: Julie Pearl on February 17, 2004 04:14 PM

I am not a teacher ... but I am a friend of O.T. Nelson's. I want to report that I have just spoken with him in the past hour . . . and he is very much alive and well. You will find my former name of Winifred Crowl on page 27 of the hardcover version of the "Girl Who Owned . . . " book. O.T. gave me the very small part of an older woman who writes a letter which Lisa finds. At the time, I was in my 20's . . . and not an older woman. He is a very private person but was very happy to discover that his story is still alive and well. The person who stated that the story took place in Illinois is correct. And, by the way, another story is not totally out of the question. Best wishes, Winnie Dawson

Posted by: Winnie Dawson on February 21, 2004 02:57 PM

hey i just finished reading the book can you say dumb ending make it a little more excitable or something cuz it wuz LAME!!! bye

Posted by: erica on February 25, 2004 02:34 PM

I Just finshed Read "The girl who own a city" in my english class. I know you are not O.T. Nelson But, I think the book was one of the my favorrite I have ever read this year. I would rate this book*****5 stars because it has told you so much a bout what life would be like with out Parent!!!!!!
Yeah I loved it,
Sincery,
Meghan Gapa
7th grader at Lydonville Middle School age:12

Posted by: Meghan Gapa on February 25, 2004 05:58 PM

I think that this book was lame. I may sound rude but it's true. All it truly was about was to tell the reader that you can always change something and make something come out good, not to be afraid, and always be "logical" in your thinking. The book didn't even make sense. Where were all the adult's bodies at? Weren't there riots or somethinng when all the adults died? Where's the king of Chicago? Heck, why was he een mentioned when he never comes into the city? Why the heck would Tom just hand oer his city that he won by being logical and tactical. Lisa lost her school fare and square. She couldn't have made an army to conquer the city like Logan did. Sure, he shot her, but he still won the city. And why weren't any kids living in the school for the whole time that it was empty? This book was stupidly incomplete.

Posted by: craig dude on March 9, 2004 01:51 PM

ur stupid and just are to ahallow to understand, it's not if the book has a good plot, it has good lesson but I'll admit it wuz a little off> ... hehehe

OO, and Winnie Dawson, I appriciate ur post so much. For a minute I was afraid there wasn't gonna be a sequal. They should make The Girl Who... into a movie dont cha think, or would that spoil it?

Posted by: veronica on March 12, 2004 07:24 PM

To the Friend of O.T. Nelson: Could you please give us some type of contact information for him. I like numerous others on this message board want to know if there is another book in the works. I also want to express my profound love of this book. I read it in sixth grade and it was always my favorite, I recently read it again and it was even better, I think being older helped me understand it a little better. I really want to know about that sequel, from the way things sound on here, it would be top seller!!

Posted by: Brandon on March 30, 2004 10:57 PM

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Within the last fifteen minutes I have have out that O.T. Nelson is dead...no...alive...no...dead..or he/she/it is either a man or woman....so I repeat AHHHHHHHHHH!

I loved THE GIRL WHO OWNED A CITY, and i would love to see a sequel. I have read the book twenty times and even tried writing a sequel myself. If there is a person on this board who knows O.T. Nelson, please, please, please, could you provide some proof? (That he/she is alive and you know her/him.) I would love to hear from you on my e-mail, and please pass on my highest regards to O.T. Nelson.

Posted by: Laura on May 4, 2004 03:44 PM

The Girl Who Owned a City, how many times I think of that story...I loved it. I first read it in Jr. High School (roughly 1981) and I must admit I was inspired. Until I read it, I was under the impression that chuildren were ENTIRELY dependent on the thinking and logic of adults...afterwards, I came to realise that Logic and Critical Thinking are not just the domain of "grown-ups"...and it led me to a better understanding of my own power in the world, even being a child.

I don't really care if O.T. Nelson is a man or a woman...alive or dead...the story is what counts for me.

Posted by: Randall Blyler on May 9, 2004 07:10 AM

SEQUEL?!? What would be the point?

Posted by: Randall Blyler on May 9, 2004 07:11 AM

the book was good and all but lisa should have killed him in the end!

Posted by: jack on May 11, 2004 02:45 PM

I think there should be a Movie because I'm a kid and I loved the book it gave me a suspence that when I read it over it never ever got boring.
Don't you think a movie would be better?
I mean that you can make the movie and I think it would be really really neat. I even had a dream similar to the book after I read it. I mean don't you think if people like it enough they dream about the book why not a 5 star movie.

Posted by: Jerry Baloney on May 14, 2004 06:44 PM

I have a question to the friend of O.T. Nelson. What did happen to the bodies of the dead adults? Did they leave them there to rot. And what did it mean when Lisa said"you're free Tom". Personally I Would have put a bullit in his arm. I think there should be a sequel because I whant to see what happens to the king of Chicago. Why was not any violence like shootings or something that is fighting?

Posted by: Sequana on May 14, 2004 06:54 PM

Anyone who liked the book will probably like the Showtime TV Series "Jeremiah." It's very much based on the same idea of a virus wiping out the adult population of the world.

Posted by: Beth on July 16, 2004 12:58 PM

what are the five things lisa did do control the city

Posted by: yolanda on August 10, 2004 04:57 PM

Yolanda u need 2 do ur summer assignment your self and stop askin these people 4 da answers

Posted by: Natty on August 25, 2004 07:24 AM

O T Nelson is a guy. Read the page about O T Nelson in the book! Unless he was lying, O T Nelson is a GUY. Sequel . . . I really hope there is one because I want to know what happens next, he left the book off with a hook. And anyways, the book flap said he was corrently working on a sequel, and that was in the 70's!!!!!!!! I hope he isn't dead.
pez, age 12 That is not my real email!

Posted by: on November 17, 2004 05:34 PM

hi, i love your book although i haven't finished reading it . write back. thank you bye

Posted by: Rebecca on December 1, 2004 02:51 PM

I think there should be a movie too. Not only is it one of my favorite books (I bought the original version for my neices and nephews when they were young children and have copies for *their* children when they are a tad older. I have a selfish motive too. My daughter is an aspiring actress who is about as perfect for Lisa as they come and The Girl Who Owned a City is one of *her* favorite books, right up there with The Giver and Anthem.

Posted by: Really on December 10, 2004 02:19 PM

I have loved this book since the early eighties, and actually would love to speak with Mr. Nelson, if anyone who posted here knows him and could get me in touch with him that would be great.

I've got so many ideas about adapting this and want to discuss it with him.

Posted by: Amy on December 22, 2004 07:40 AM

I've read all these comments & all I learned that O.T. Nelson was a boy. My book doesn't have an About the Author page. so any facts will be took into consideration.

Posted by: Dan on December 27, 2004 05:44 AM

I am doing a book report on this book and I need as munch INFO on O.T.Nelson

Posted by: Jimmy on January 4, 2005 03:10 PM

Also on the book report I need, When HE was born, If he is dead or alive,and Where he lives,

Posted by: Jimmy on January 4, 2005 04:42 PM

Hey Jimmy... have you bothered to read the comments on this thread in their entirety?

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on January 4, 2005 04:49 PM

I read a papper back book and it had no About The Author Page.

Posted by: Jimmy on January 4, 2005 05:44 PM

I read The Girl who Owned a City back in the 6th grade. Now that I am teaching the 6th grade I am using it in my classroom and my students enjoy it very much. It is nice to hear that there may be a sequel in the works. My students have tried their hand at writing and epilogue and filming "the next chapter" as part of their assignments. And to Ms. Dawson... thanks for passing on our interest to your friend.

Posted by: St. Peter's Teacher on January 10, 2005 05:09 AM

I've just read this book--I'm reading a lot of science fiction for children for a book I am writing.

I wa incredibly disturbed by the book. I'd call myself a communitarian libertarian. It bothered me enormously that libertarian ideology was being used to justify a "winner takes all" philosophy and to argue that "sharing" is somehow unnatural.

Lisa consistently pushes a "private property" angle, but she does so in ways which are really disingenous. Nelson is a good writer, but that's part of the problem. Every time Jill criticised Lisa I found myself nodding.

And one of the ironies is that it is Lisa's insistence on benevolent tyranny that allows the city to fall. Had it been a democracy, they would have had other leaders to fight for when she was kidnapped.

Posted by: Farah Mendlesohn on February 8, 2005 07:58 AM

this book is stupid anyone know anything about the aurtor thats not on the book send me an email

Posted by: amira on February 12, 2005 05:02 PM

does any body else know anyother bokks o.t. nelson has made email me plz

Posted by: amira on February 13, 2005 07:44 AM

I'm upset with the ending, but where does O.T. Nelson live now?

Posted by: kelly on February 14, 2005 11:32 AM

I'm upset with the ending, but where does O.T. Nelson live now?

Posted by: kelly on February 14, 2005 11:32 AM

I liked the story but it's not really the kind of book i would buy anyways is O.T.Nelson a guy or a girl? is he still alive ? Please e-mail me Thank you!!!!!! :)

Posted by: Mariline on March 2, 2005 02:08 PM

As a fifth grade teacher I think it is ridiculous that no one seems to know anything about O.T. Nelson. I teach in an inner city school and this book has made by students think and question. One thing they want to know is what happened next. Nelson was said to be writing a sequel. Is he? or does he have a 30 year writer's block?

Posted by: Walt on March 18, 2005 07:22 PM

it was a good book

Posted by: jake on March 22, 2005 11:42 AM

it would not read this book again but it was a good book and todd was my hero\

Posted by: jake on March 22, 2005 11:44 AM

The auther information page made it seem that O T Nelso was already retired and the book is 40 years old, so a sequal probobly isn't coming out. This realy depresses me becuse I loved the book and have been dreaming about a sequal since I last read the book (5 or 6 years ago) I just started trying to find information on him but is seems prety scarce. Try e-mailing the publisher.

Posted by: Nicole (age 16) on March 26, 2005 05:38 PM

The curent publisher is Lerner Publications, Phone number 1-800-328-4929.

Posted by: Nicole (age 16) on March 27, 2005 07:16 PM

Hi. My friend is doing a report on O.T. Nelson. She's really upset b/c she can't find a thing about him/her! I'd really appreciate it if someone could post some info. up here. Also, could you list your source please? Just to make sure it's accurate. P.S. If you haven't noticed, this is not my real name or email. (nd BTW what is URL?) So just post your info. on this thing. Or send your info. to my friend at Cookiegem07@aol.com. She would be much obliged. Thanx!

Posted by: Please Help Me on March 28, 2005 08:25 AM

THis book was interesting and unique. I have re read this book over a hundered times. O.T. Nelson is a man. On the web site or home page of the book it shows a picture of him and when he died. Russel Wittaker is lying beacuse she/he has never spoken to MR. Nelson.

Posted by: on April 2, 2005 07:54 AM

Ah, another product of the gummymint publik skool sistem. Go pick up some reading skills, kid: I have told you kids again and again that I have never spoken to O. T. Nelson. I have as much (read: as little) information on that author's whereabouts as do you.

As for reading this book a hundred times... well, you might consider expanding your reading list a bit, kiddo. I suggest some of Robert A. Heinlein's juveniles, e.g. "Tunnel in the Sky."

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on April 2, 2005 10:30 AM

To anyone who has contact with the author, O.T. Nelson or his publishers -- I am a Los Angeles based screenwriter and I'm interested in knowing if the rights to the story are available. Please e-mail me off this board if you can help direct me.

Posted by: SP Lindsey on April 20, 2005 02:10 PM

I say that Nelson O.T is one of the best writers I have ever known.Mainly because I read The Girl Who Owned A City I really recomend this book to any person who wants to experience adventure.

Posted by: Sara Melissa Mares on April 26, 2005 01:33 PM

I read this book about twenty years ago and still remember how much I liked it. The reason the book was popular in my town (Glen Ellyn, IL.)was because we were told it was the location used for the setting. Specifically the high school, Glenbard West. If you're not familiar with Glenbard West HS, it's built like a castle high upon a hill surrounded by old trees. I'm looking forward to finding the book and reading it again.

Posted by: Andrew on April 27, 2005 07:55 AM

I read this book about twenty years ago and still remember how much I liked it. The reason the book was popular in my town (Glen Ellyn, IL.)was because we were told it was the location used for the setting. Specifically the high school, Glenbard West. If you're not familiar with Glenbard West HS, it's built like a castle high upon a hill surrounded by old trees. I'm looking forward to finding the book and reading it again.

Posted by: Andrew on April 27, 2005 07:56 AM

I, too, have read the book and used it in my 7th grade language arts class. There was a Star Trek episode in the original series named "Miri" that dealt with the same issues. Check it out.

Posted by: teacherdan on April 29, 2005 07:25 AM

I liked your book a lot. It was so good,funny, and adventurous.

Posted by: Zach Pare on May 11, 2005 08:50 AM

I read the book with Zach....it ROCKED MY SOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i am eagerly awating the sequal. READ THIS BOOK

Posted by: nicole on May 11, 2005 08:54 AM

I read the book with Zach....it ROCKED MY SOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i am eagerly awating the sequal. READ THIS BOOK

Posted by: nicole on May 11, 2005 08:54 AM

I read the book in 1976/1977 as Andrew mentioned I also grew up in Glen Ellyn Illinois and the book became required reading (at Park View) due to the fact that the setting was the rival High School in town.
Just bought a copy for my son (also in 5th grade now) to read. Since we haven't seen a sequel at this point and the book originally came out in 1975 I'd say holding your breath, not such a good idea.
Amazing how many people don't read the posts above before posting themselves.

Posted by: JohnRobinson on May 26, 2005 05:35 PM

I need some help to write chapter 18 of the girl who owned a City.

Posted by: Jermaine on June 12, 2005 07:55 AM

Where on part three in the girl who owned a city. ITS AMAZING, HOW COULD YOU LET LISA GET SHOT

Posted by: Zach Pare on June 27, 2005 05:46 AM

Hi, to the friend of O.T Nelson. I'm sorry to bother you, but the book was really amazing, and it is now a thrid generation favorite in my family, my grandma read it when it first came out, loved it, then gave it to my mother who aslo loved it, and in turn gave it to me. The most frustrating thing about the book, was the cliffhanger ending, which is very 'not nice' of your friend mr.Nelson, and I hope you tell him what a mean person he is for making all of us suffer....and to hurry up and write a sequel so we can at last be at peace...did I mention he is not very nice for doing this to us.....T_T

Posted by: Andrea Domgaard on June 29, 2005 03:52 PM

Hi, to the friend of O.T Nelson. I'm sorry to bother you, but the book was really amazing, and it is now a thrid generation favorite in my family, my grandma read it when it first came out, loved it, then gave it to my mother who aslo loved it, and in turn gave it to me. The most frustrating thing about the book, was the cliffhanger ending, which is very 'not nice' of your friend mr.Nelson, and I hope you tell him what a mean person he is for making all of us suffer....and to hurry up and write a sequel so we can at last be at peace...did I mention he is not very nice for doing this to us.....T_T

Posted by: Andrea Domgaard on June 29, 2005 03:53 PM

whoops...I accidently double posted...sorry.

Posted by: Andrea Domgaard on June 29, 2005 03:54 PM

Andrea, comments like "he is not very nice" tend to make someone's friend unlikely to feel that a message is worth forwarding on.

Posted by: Duncan on August 8, 2005 06:51 AM

Has anyone been able to confirm Winnie's comments above about O.T. being alive and well?

Her email address that she posted with is not a valid one.

Also, I found an Obituary that appeared in October 2000 in the Osceola News-Gazette that listed an "O. T. Nelson" as a survivor. (See it here.

It reads "Rosemary Jenkins, 43, of 2204 Smith St., Kissimmee, died Monday, Oct. 9. Survivors include her husband, The Rev. Melvin L. Jenkins; daughters, Shalonda and Shacarra S. Jenkins; mother, Bessie Smith, all of Kissimmee; father, David Stewart, Orlando; brothers, O.T. Nelson, Greg Harden, John Harden, Elijah Harden, James Harden, Matthew Harden, Willie Harden and Arthur Harden; and sister, Lois (Anna) Jones, all of Kissimmee. Services will be held Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Kissimmee with the Rev. Remer Baker, pastor, officiating. There will be no public viewing. Interment will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Kissimmee. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, Apopka, is in charge of arrangements."

Wonder if it is the same man...

Posted by: Duncan on August 8, 2005 07:03 AM

I tried to include a link, could not. Here is the URL for the obituary page I found the above obit on...

http://aroundosceola.com/index.php?option=ob&task=viewarticle&sid=2484

Posted by: Duncan on August 8, 2005 07:08 AM

My older sister is a Director/Producer, who in several years is planning on scripting "The Girl Who Owned a City". So for all you who want a movie, there you go!

Posted by: Jeffrey Moore on August 18, 2005 06:15 AM

I just finished this book for a second time because my sister has to read it for school. It is probably the only book that they have assigned for us to read in school, in my eight years of public school, that i have ever truly enjoyed. It is one of my favorite books of all time and i hope that there is a sequel to it.

Posted by: Eric on August 20, 2005 08:14 AM

Duncan, it's true though! it wasnt very nice to leave us hanging like that for over 30 years....doesnt mean it's not a compliment though.

Posted by: Andrea on September 1, 2005 10:29 AM

Hi Everyone!
Im in 7th Grade and I just read The Girl Who Owned a City in class and most of them hated the book 'cause Lisa never meet the King of Chicago!! But anyway I liked it ALOT! And im waitin' 4 a sequel. And if O.T. Nelson is really alive(according to Winnie Dawson) 2.....PLEAAASE WRITE A SEQUEL!! Also there is NO ABOUT THE AUTHOR page on the back of the book!!!!!!!! I think he/she is ALIVE but if he has no about the author page 'cause ALL books have that! I've heard that O.T. Nelson has had us hangin' for almost 30 YEARS!!!!!!! OMG!!
ATTENTION 2 PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE BOOK: Dont give up hope! O.T Nelson will come with a Sequel!!!

Posted by: Nancy Montalbano on September 20, 2005 06:06 PM

This all I'm going to say this once so listen up.I am in the 5th grade and this is 99th time I have read this book so that means I LOVE THIS BOOK!And I know that O.T.Nelson is still alive and he he BETTER wright a sequel too.

Posted by: ChristinaSion on September 25, 2005 06:25 PM

where can i get some information about O.T. Nelson?
yeah ive read all these comment but could find anything i can use on my book report. so yeah, please reply!

thanks, hannah

Posted by: hannah on November 3, 2005 05:41 AM

i LOVED this book! ! i had to do a project on this book for my grade 7 teacher. this book toke my teacher about 3 months to read to my class but it was really excting and fun .READ THIS BOOK ! ! ! !

Posted by: Rebecca on November 26, 2005 02:04 PM

I read like the firt 7 chapters. I dont get it who is Lisa, Todd, Tom and other peeps. Is OT a girl or guy, dead ar alive? Im just in 7th grade and im sorry to say, i hate this book. I even hate the title,1st chapter even!!!!!

Posted by: Penguinlover on December 20, 2005 05:10 PM

I read this in 7th grade. (almost 20 years ago)I grew up in Glen Ellyn, so it was a required reading. For those curious to see what Glenbard West looks like, watch the movie Lucas, it was filmed there in 1985 or 1986. Another few interesting facts.... Sean Hayes (Will and Grace) graduated from GW, Gary Sinese attended there Freshman year, and made his first acting debut in the play Arsenic and Lace... he grew up in Glen Ellyn, then moved closer to the city, and 2 of the writers of the Lizzie McGuire show graduated there. Also one of Fox networks first realty shows "Yearbook" was filmed there in 1991. Julia Roberts did a documentary on the oldest graduate of the school, it was on A & E. She even sort of adopted this lady as her grandmother, and visits oftem.
This would be an excellent film... I hope they do it!

Posted by: c on January 10, 2006 06:28 PM

hi

Posted by: reyw on February 7, 2006 02:14 PM

I'm a Glen Ellyn resident. My daughter had to read "the girl who owned ..." for school. Glen Ellyn is home to an obnoxious type of patrician "let them eat cake" paleo-conservatism, and it would be easy to dismiss OT Nelson's book being a product of that environment. But to write a book advocating this awful brand of look-out-for-number-one, Ayn Rand objectivist bile for a pre-teen audience is just sick. OT Nelson ought to be locked up where he/she/whatever can receive professional treatment.

Posted by: Joe on February 24, 2006 06:00 AM

i read the book the girl who owned her own city i thought it was a great book and i greatly enjoyed reading it i thougght it was a great book that expressed the feelings of younger children and i would recommend this book to all my friends and family to read.

Posted by: Brianna on February 24, 2006 07:11 PM

I have a copy of the book here in my hands. I quote "...Mr. Nelson is working on sequels to this book." That solves the gender confusion. I don't think there's going to be a sequel, because on the credits page, it said that the book was copyrighted in 1975 by Lerner Publications Company (according to my copy of the book). I don't think anyone would wait that long to write a sequel.

Posted by: Leah R. on March 1, 2006 11:59 AM


were did all the bodys go did the just disappear

Posted by: clark class on March 9, 2006 09:00 AM

I really want to know about OT nelson and when HE will come out with the sequil. oh, and if I read correctly, this winny person is a fake and doesn't even know him. but just in case, when is the sequil!

Posted by: alex on March 11, 2006 07:29 PM

Well,I'm glad I came across this message board,it cleared up a lot of stuff for me.Thanks for starting it and keeping it going.
I'm amazed it's been all of 30 years since
the book was written,but I am annoyed that there are no sequels,as originally intended.I wondered
what was going on,after some searching and coming up with no results.

Anyway,the book was great.There are a few things that one could nitpick at,but this isn't necessarily one of those books you should disect.
It's a kid's book and was meant to be enjoyed
as such.The book is quite a breathe of fresh
air from what counts as literature
these days,even if it is outdated.

Well,happy reading everyone!

Posted by: Starfire on March 19, 2006 01:31 AM

hey O.T NELSON is not a girl .. i repeat HE is not no girl =]

Posted by: Dominique G. on March 30, 2006 08:50 AM

hey O.T NELSON is not a girl .. i repeat HE is not no girl =]

Posted by: Dominique G. on March 30, 2006 08:50 AM

Hey O.T. Nelson
Awesome Book
-Nick

Posted by: Nick Bradley on May 21, 2006 04:30 PM

My class recently read this book during summer school. My students seemed to enjoy the book, but were not overly impressed with the ending.
From what I read, O.T. Nelson is writing a sequel.
I, too, think this should be made into a movie.
But I questioned all the violence (pouring hot oil on Tom Logan and children making and using Molotov cocktails) which seemed a little too extreme. The book takes place in Georgia, not Illinois. The Chicago gang was a name made up by the author and probably does not refer to Chicago, Illinois; although this question came to mind also. This probably wasn't the best name for this potentially harmful gang. Also, the reason the author left out the part about the dead bodies is that this would be too gruesome for young people (the intended audience) to deal with.

Posted by: Clarice on June 15, 2006 08:43 PM

i really enjoyed this book. but im sorry O.T. your writing voice comes out too much in this story. The children sound like robotic adults, they sound nothing as to what i sound like when im in a stressful situation. This book has a great plot but really sucked in the writing area sorry.

Posted by: Marianne on July 18, 2006 04:01 PM

I love this book to death but I don't get it, you all got different opions on this book. First of all, it takes place about a hour outside of Chi-town(Chicago). Grand Ave is a street that paralles I-355. Both Chidister and Elm Cross Grand. Swift is about a couple miles from Grand and is more closer to I-355. Lenox paralles Grand and Glenbrad is across Lake Ellyn and Grand dead end at the lake at Oak. Second, I know this and im 13. Third, Both a movie and a sequile should be made. Fourth, Lisa was driving a Cadillac DeVille Estate Wagon. Last, If this story was made into a movie, It would would make more money then I. Robot, You Me and Depree, and Shrek 1 plus 2 combine!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: N-Train on August 1, 2006 01:02 PM

Hey i read the book and it was sooooooooo cool. Winne,is there going to be a sequal or a movie I am dying to know, and can you get us an email adress or anything? post it, because this email adress is fake. anyone asking for test answers should read the book, its really good!!!!

Posted by: ally on August 3, 2006 03:43 PM

MY sister is a movie producer and just got the rights for the book "The girl who owned a city". she just has to pass it with a movie studio and then she can start making it.

Posted by: Jeff Moore on August 13, 2006 01:10 PM

This is an add on to the post above, the movie will have to have a different name an the characters will be slightly change from what was described in the book due to copyright info.

So when looking for the moview keep an open mind

I will post info once a get information on the new title.

Posted by: Jeff Moore on August 13, 2006 01:16 PM

I have one more thing to say. I'm sorry to tell all the fans of O.T.
Nelson, but when my sister tried contacting O.T Nelson, She was told that Nelson has been missing for 12 years and authorities have no leads to where she is. IT is quite possible she died

Posted by: JEff MOore on August 13, 2006 01:22 PM

Jeff Moore, are you sure OT is a women, cause its a man, the book says so itself, so I would re-check with your producer sister.

Posted by: Muah on August 30, 2006 02:49 PM

I have the 1975 original hard cover edition of The Girl Who Owned A City and there is a picture of Terry Nelson and a bio. Terry is 100% male and reffered to as a "he" in his bio. He's from Wheaton, IL and has two children (Lisa and Todd). Don't know whether he is still alive, but I hope so.

I grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL where the book takes place. Most kids in the area had to read it for class at Hadley Jr. High. It really freaked me out as a kid in the early '80s, but is an intruiging story that has stayed with me into my 30's.

I record electronic music under the moniker TRS-80 and just released an album titled "Mystery Crash" (available on iTunes) that is pretty much a soundtrack I created for the book. A free mp3 can be downloaded of my site trs80.com. I hope you check it out.

Posted by: Jay on September 10, 2006 10:21 PM

Jay, _finally_ an information-bearing post to this thread! *Thank you* for posting! By any chance, could I convince you to scan the cover and email it to me for posting on this blog? If yes, then I'll send you my private email address.

Posted by: Russell Whitaker on September 11, 2006 02:18 AM

Yes, I'd be happy to send you all the text of his bio and a scan of the book cover.

Posted by: Jay on September 11, 2006 12:52 PM

this book was the best

Posted by: kayla on September 24, 2006 09:07 AM

Hello, i was wondering if you will see things Russel Whitaker... if you do maybe you could send me OT NELSONS Biography, i would appreciate it for my english class project... Seeing as Jay sent you a copy, thanks anyways. Loved this book LOVED it, even though some parts are off.

Posted by: Joshua on December 7, 2006 04:48 PM

For those who want a sequal to this book listen: I found out there is a sequal to this book it is called Revolution Castle Danger, unfortuanlly this book is not yet published I suggest you try to find some imformation on O.T. Nelson to find his/her address and contact him/her and ask if he can publish it. If I find any contact imformation I will post it here for you! :)

Posted by: Dakota on December 22, 2006 06:37 PM

what does lisa mean when she says "i want to be able to like you tom" does she like want to be his friend or does she like him?

Posted by: dora on March 23, 2007 08:45 PM

what does lisa mean when she says "i want to be able to like you tom" does she want to be his friend or does she like him?

Posted by: dora on March 23, 2007 08:46 PM

Where can I find either Autobiography or Biography of O.T. Nelson. I need the info for a school report

Posted by: Sammy on April 3, 2007 09:06 PM

O.T. (Terry) Nelson (the author) is a gentleman I met over 30 years ago in Wheaton, IL where he started a painting company called "College Craft Painters". I worked for CC in the office for a time. He also spoke about being an author and of course wrote the book you all have enjoyed so much. I haven't seen "Terry" in over 30 years.
I hope he is well also. I remember him as a very nice guy who was soft spoken and cared about his employees. If you go to the College Craft website and look at the company history, it mentions him.

Posted by: Mark L. on August 14, 2007 02:37 PM

My friend and I are writers and are working o a sequal to O.T. Nelson's book (The Girl Who Owned a City). It may take a year or two because as you know I am not O.T. nelson and to write a sequal to another mans book will be difucult because you must first think, think as if you are that person. But I will keep posted coments on this website to tell you how the book is comeing. But intill this book comes out or the movie some people are talking about, I encourage you all to use your imagination and think about what you think happened in the second book.

P.S.
My email adress is not valid
i will keep you all posted.
@23 years old

Posted by: Saidy Pint on August 21, 2007 07:39 AM

I read The Girl Who Owned a City for school and that is the most wonderful story I have ever read.
And the book takes place right in my neighborhod and I checked those places and saw only stores. But then again the book is fiction. If O.T. Nelson could write a sequal that would be WONDERFUL because this is my favorite book ever made on earth!
-Book Worm Anna

Posted by: Anna on September 26, 2007 07:39 PM

As a class, we thought the book was outstanding! We'd love the opportunity to read a sequel. Terry Nelson DID write one called Revelation at Castle Danger, but it was never published. We would recommend this book to just about anyone!

Also- Scott "Donald Duck" Mennie is (or was) the president of College Craft Painters. Just one more tidbit of info...

Posted by: Mr. Cole's Class on October 17, 2007 05:50 AM

You don't have to read unless the author of The Girl who owned a city or know him. This is my letter to Mr. Nelson and/or his friends.


Hello, My name is Amanda and in class I just read The Girl Who owned a City. I love the story and really got my hopes up when my friend said that there’d be a sequel, However, I can’t seem to find it and now I’m not sure it excites. I read a little Story review saying that indeed there is a sequel called The Rose Blooms. Is this true and if so were can I get a copy. My class is on chapter 4 and I’m done. I love the story. I ask to know the answer to 3 questions that really all ask the same thing 1 Is there a sequel to The Girl Who Owned a City? 2 If so what’s the title? 3 If not will there ever be one? All I want to know is if I’m going to have to dream up the rest or can I read the fantastic image that O. T. Nelson creates? I beg you to answer me!


Sincerely ,
Amanda


P.S. The authors name is O.T. Nelson and Lisa’s last name is Nelson. Is she based on someone he knows?
Thank you for your time.

Posted by: Amanda Lisa Nelson (Really is my name) on March 10, 2008 03:32 PM

To Duncan... no thats not the same O.T Nelson unless my estranged uncle had a secret life i didnt know about well i really didnt know him all to well tobe honest. Its strange reading all of these posts wondering if it could be him. And also the authorities were looking for my uncle as well i saw someone post that and if my O.T Nelson is all of you guys O.T Nelson the authorities have found him twice since these postings began. But I am sure this is all just a coincidence i ran upon while googling my name.

Posted by: Shacarra on April 10, 2008 11:22 PM
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