The Great Brain (Great Brain #1) Summary & Key Insights

John D. Fitzgerald's The Great Brain introduces us to the irrepressible Tom Fitzpatrick, a young boy living in Butte, Montana, in the early 20th century. Tom, nicknamed "The Great Brain" by his family and friends, possesses an exceptional intellect and a sharp wit, which he uses to his advantage, often for profit and sometimes for the sheer joy of outsmarting others. His older brothers, John and Pat, along with his parents and younger sister, Mary, are integral parts of his schemes and adventures.

The story revolves around Tom’s ingenious exploits throughout one summer. The main plot threads interweave, driven by Tom's entrepreneurial spirit and his knack for exploiting human foibles. One significant plot point centers on a town-wide contest involving a pie-eating competition. Tom, aware of his limitations in the gluttonous arena, cleverly manipulates the event, exploiting the competitiveness of his rivals and leveraging his knowledge of human psychology to ensure victory for himself—and a substantial prize. This episode showcases his strategic thinking and the meticulous planning that characterizes his actions.

Another important plot line involves Tom's attempts to make money. He orchestrates various money-making schemes, ranging from selling lemonade to organizing a "wild west" show featuring himself and his friends. These ventures highlight his business acumen and his ability to persuade others, particularly his less astute older brothers, to participate in his ambitious plans. His resourcefulness and ability to identify opportunities for profit underscore his character.

Throughout the book, we see Tom's relationship with his family. His brothers, particularly John, often serve as his unwitting partners or victims. His relationship with his father is one of mutual respect, with his father often appreciating Tom's cleverness even when it leads to minor mischief. His interactions with his younger sister, Mary, show a more protective and benevolent side to his personality.

The overarching themes of the book are intelligence, ingenuity, and the complexities of family dynamics. The narrative celebrates Tom's intelligence, not just as a capacity for academic success, but as a tool for navigating social situations and achieving personal goals. However, the book also subtly acknowledges the ethical gray areas of some of Tom's actions. While his schemes are often clever and successful, they aren't always entirely honest, raising questions about the boundaries of cleverness and fairness.

In essence, The Great Brain is a charming and entertaining story about a precocious boy who uses his intelligence to navigate the challenges and opportunities of his childhood. It's a tale of cleverness, family relationships, and the sometimes-amusing, sometimes-questionable strategies employed by a boy determined to be both successful and entertaining. The book concludes with the promise of more adventures from The Great Brain, setting the stage for the rest of the series.