Laugh out loud - crazy funny books
Also Known As by Robin Benway
The strange outfits, the secret alliances, the dangerous fights, and the secret missions. You think I am talking about spying; I am talking about high school. Maggie, an international spy, starts high school thinking she finally has an easy assignment, but she quickly learns that excelling in high school is going to be her toughest mission yet. She tries to make friends with the natives, and ends up with Roux, not like Kanga's son, a former mean girl who is now the most vilified girl at school. She tries to complete her mission by getting to know Jesse, her target's son, and she ends up falling for him. Maggie is going to have to step up her game if she is going to complete her mission and excel in high school. This book is a light years above other chick lit because the characters are so original and hilarious. Roux is hilarious as she banters with everyone around her, and the romance between Jesse and Maggie is sweet but not syrupy. This is like eating a pint of your favorite Ben & Jerry's ice cream, perfectly sweet and totally original.
The strange outfits, the secret alliances, the dangerous fights, and the secret missions. You think I am talking about spying; I am talking about high school. Maggie, an international spy, starts high school thinking she finally has an easy assignment, but she quickly learns that excelling in high school is going to be her toughest mission yet. She tries to make friends with the natives, and ends up with Roux, not like Kanga's son, a former mean girl who is now the most vilified girl at school. She tries to complete her mission by getting to know Jesse, her target's son, and she ends up falling for him. Maggie is going to have to step up her game if she is going to complete her mission and excel in high school. This book is a light years above other chick lit because the characters are so original and hilarious. Roux is hilarious as she banters with everyone around her, and the romance between Jesse and Maggie is sweet but not syrupy. This is like eating a pint of your favorite Ben & Jerry's ice cream, perfectly sweet and totally original.
Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Georgia Nicolson
Laugh out loud at the journal of Georgia Nicholson as she crazily navigates school, friends, boys, family and fashion in high school. Rennison, who based the novel on her own high school hijinks, perfectly portrays the emotional highs and lows of teenage life. As Georgia shaves off her own eyebrow while attempting to shape it, you too will recall the crazy things you have done. Every girl can sympathize and laugh with Georgia's antics. Highly recommended!
Laugh out loud at the journal of Georgia Nicholson as she crazily navigates school, friends, boys, family and fashion in high school. Rennison, who based the novel on her own high school hijinks, perfectly portrays the emotional highs and lows of teenage life. As Georgia shaves off her own eyebrow while attempting to shape it, you too will recall the crazy things you have done. Every girl can sympathize and laugh with Georgia's antics. Highly recommended!
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Schreiber
Perry has plans to spend his prom playing with his band in a famous NYC club. His parents, on the other hand, expect him to spend the night with their quiet, homely Lithuanian foreign exchange student, Gobi. Of course, his parents win, and Perry reluctantly chauffeurs Perry to the prom. When Gobi asks him to make a quick stop before the prom, Perry doesn't mind. As he witnesses Gobi transform from a quiet exchange student to a gorgeous, deadly assassin, Perry is shocked Instead of chauffeuring her to prom, he is forced to take her to various hits, and she works to complete a mission of revenge. As the publisher says, this is Ferris Beuller mixed with La Femme Nikita. It is zany, surprising and cool at the same time. This fast-paced read will make your own prom feel happily dull.
Perry has plans to spend his prom playing with his band in a famous NYC club. His parents, on the other hand, expect him to spend the night with their quiet, homely Lithuanian foreign exchange student, Gobi. Of course, his parents win, and Perry reluctantly chauffeurs Perry to the prom. When Gobi asks him to make a quick stop before the prom, Perry doesn't mind. As he witnesses Gobi transform from a quiet exchange student to a gorgeous, deadly assassin, Perry is shocked Instead of chauffeuring her to prom, he is forced to take her to various hits, and she works to complete a mission of revenge. As the publisher says, this is Ferris Beuller mixed with La Femme Nikita. It is zany, surprising and cool at the same time. This fast-paced read will make your own prom feel happily dull.
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
This is Lord of the Flies with girl power, pirates, and an evil corporation. When a plane carrying a group of beauty queens crash lands on a seemingly deserted island, the girls must use their talents to survive. Whereas boys would tend to turn to cannibals in this situation, the time alone allows the girls the foster real friendships, invent amazing devices, explore their sexuality, and become amazing. Unfortunately, the evil company that runs the pageant has been running secret operations off the island, and they will stop at nothing to protect their evil plans to control the world. This sarcastic, biting read is hilarious. However, I also loved the book because it truly explores what it means to be a 21st century woman in charge of her own destiny, body, and mind. I loved how the girls, free from the pressure to impress guys and the marketing strategies of the media, were able to find girl power. Innovative and humorous! Libba Bray rocks!
This is Lord of the Flies with girl power, pirates, and an evil corporation. When a plane carrying a group of beauty queens crash lands on a seemingly deserted island, the girls must use their talents to survive. Whereas boys would tend to turn to cannibals in this situation, the time alone allows the girls the foster real friendships, invent amazing devices, explore their sexuality, and become amazing. Unfortunately, the evil company that runs the pageant has been running secret operations off the island, and they will stop at nothing to protect their evil plans to control the world. This sarcastic, biting read is hilarious. However, I also loved the book because it truly explores what it means to be a 21st century woman in charge of her own destiny, body, and mind. I loved how the girls, free from the pressure to impress guys and the marketing strategies of the media, were able to find girl power. Innovative and humorous! Libba Bray rocks!
Bloody Jack by L. A. Meyer
High seas adventures. Dastardly pirates. Secret identities. Bloody Jack is an adventure novel that will leave you laughing and cheering for the brave and misfortuned Jacky Faber. An orphan girl who knows that she must do something daring if she wants to make her life better, Jacky dresses as a boy and gets a job as a ship's boy on a British naval vessel. She will have to be very careful is she is going to hide her true identity. Things get more interesting when she falls for Jamie, one of the other ship's boys. As pirates attack and her secret is revealed, Jacky will have to use her cunning, skill, and drama to protect herself and her crew. This is one of my husband's favorite series. Great adventure and big laughs await anyone who goes on one of Jacky's crazy exploits.
High seas adventures. Dastardly pirates. Secret identities. Bloody Jack is an adventure novel that will leave you laughing and cheering for the brave and misfortuned Jacky Faber. An orphan girl who knows that she must do something daring if she wants to make her life better, Jacky dresses as a boy and gets a job as a ship's boy on a British naval vessel. She will have to be very careful is she is going to hide her true identity. Things get more interesting when she falls for Jamie, one of the other ship's boys. As pirates attack and her secret is revealed, Jacky will have to use her cunning, skill, and drama to protect herself and her crew. This is one of my husband's favorite series. Great adventure and big laughs await anyone who goes on one of Jacky's crazy exploits.
Boys Don't Knit by T. S. Easton
Ben Fletcher is in trouble. His best friends are hooligans. He is now dealing with a year's probation due the their latest "great" idea, which ended up with him stealing alcohol from the local market and accidentally running over his nazi-like crossing guard. Due to his probation, he must now work for the woman he hit, write a journal of what he has learned, and take a class. Now Ben is learning how to knit, which he can't confess to anyone else. Even his dad thinks he is taking a pottery class. However, Ben discovers that he enjoys knitting and that he is quite good at it. However, as his lies begin to unravel, he will have to be courageous because boys don't knit. This British import is hilarious. Ben is a constant worrier with a heart of gold and wacky parents. It was laugh-out-loud funny watching him try to keep his knitting a secret, like a dirty magazine but worse. He knows that if people, his peers and his father, find out that he knits, his life will be over. It is funny yet sad about how true this story is. We are fine with boys playing with guns and having a less-than-respectful view of women, but it is horrific if they like something that is deemed a woman's skill. Sorry to get on my high horse, but this is frustrating to me. My son loves weapons and painting his toenails, and why not? I still remember one of my favorite people sightings in NYC. I was on the subway, and there was a large, buff African American man calming knitting a neon pink scarf on the train. He was so tough that nobody was going to make fun of his skill. It was awesome! I hope someday soon it will be okay for all boys to knit.
Ben Fletcher is in trouble. His best friends are hooligans. He is now dealing with a year's probation due the their latest "great" idea, which ended up with him stealing alcohol from the local market and accidentally running over his nazi-like crossing guard. Due to his probation, he must now work for the woman he hit, write a journal of what he has learned, and take a class. Now Ben is learning how to knit, which he can't confess to anyone else. Even his dad thinks he is taking a pottery class. However, Ben discovers that he enjoys knitting and that he is quite good at it. However, as his lies begin to unravel, he will have to be courageous because boys don't knit. This British import is hilarious. Ben is a constant worrier with a heart of gold and wacky parents. It was laugh-out-loud funny watching him try to keep his knitting a secret, like a dirty magazine but worse. He knows that if people, his peers and his father, find out that he knits, his life will be over. It is funny yet sad about how true this story is. We are fine with boys playing with guns and having a less-than-respectful view of women, but it is horrific if they like something that is deemed a woman's skill. Sorry to get on my high horse, but this is frustrating to me. My son loves weapons and painting his toenails, and why not? I still remember one of my favorite people sightings in NYC. I was on the subway, and there was a large, buff African American man calming knitting a neon pink scarf on the train. He was so tough that nobody was going to make fun of his skill. It was awesome! I hope someday soon it will be okay for all boys to knit.
Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford
Carter is starting his freshman year of high school. He is hoping to do well with football, school, and girls. The only problem is that he has ADHD, which makes it hard to pay attention to his coach and keep track of his assignments. As for the girls, he does manage to get a girlfriend but he proceeds to do something that brings down the wrath of every girl at his school. What is a guy to do? Carter had better figure it out if he has any chance of making it big in high school. This book is laugh-out-loud funny, with gross guy humor and hilarious exploits and disasters. Carter's journey is one any guy can appreciate, and the next two books in the series are just as hilarious.
Carter is starting his freshman year of high school. He is hoping to do well with football, school, and girls. The only problem is that he has ADHD, which makes it hard to pay attention to his coach and keep track of his assignments. As for the girls, he does manage to get a girlfriend but he proceeds to do something that brings down the wrath of every girl at his school. What is a guy to do? Carter had better figure it out if he has any chance of making it big in high school. This book is laugh-out-loud funny, with gross guy humor and hilarious exploits and disasters. Carter's journey is one any guy can appreciate, and the next two books in the series are just as hilarious.
Dan vs. Nature by Don Calame
Dan's mother has dated a series of lame boyfriends, and the latest, an avid hunter and camper, has proposed. With a threat of being moved to a new school, Dan and his best friend vow to do anything to scare off his mom's latest suitor. When his mom plans an extreme camping trip in the wilds of Idaho for her men to bond, the boys decide this is the perfect time to enact their nefarious plans. Let's just say the girls from Parent Trap have nothing on these two pranksters. When a freak storm means Dan and his potential step-father have to rely on each other to survive, they will both uncover some huge surprises. This no-holds-barred comedy is laugh out loud funny and perfect for boys who love the outdoors.
Dan's mother has dated a series of lame boyfriends, and the latest, an avid hunter and camper, has proposed. With a threat of being moved to a new school, Dan and his best friend vow to do anything to scare off his mom's latest suitor. When his mom plans an extreme camping trip in the wilds of Idaho for her men to bond, the boys decide this is the perfect time to enact their nefarious plans. Let's just say the girls from Parent Trap have nothing on these two pranksters. When a freak storm means Dan and his potential step-father have to rely on each other to survive, they will both uncover some huge surprises. This no-holds-barred comedy is laugh out loud funny and perfect for boys who love the outdoors.
Dumplin' by Julie Murphy
Willowdean Dickson is bold and beautiful. Despite not being a size six, she has always been comfortable in her own body. However, when a boy she actually likes shows interest in her, Willowdean's girl power fizzes out. She can't understand why a gorgeous guy like Bo would like a girl like her. In order to get back her confidence, Willowdean decides to enter the Miss Clover City Beauty Pageant with some other unusual contestants. She and her new friends set out to prove that beauty can come in all shapes and sizes. This Miss Clover City Beauty Pageant will be one the town will never forget. This sassy tale perfectly captures the themes of celebrating your own beauty, finding new friends, and the craziness of falling in love. The characters are as big as Texas, their home, and you will sing with Willowdean as she fights for her life. Just like Willowdean, this book is bold and beautiful. Highly recommended.
Willowdean Dickson is bold and beautiful. Despite not being a size six, she has always been comfortable in her own body. However, when a boy she actually likes shows interest in her, Willowdean's girl power fizzes out. She can't understand why a gorgeous guy like Bo would like a girl like her. In order to get back her confidence, Willowdean decides to enter the Miss Clover City Beauty Pageant with some other unusual contestants. She and her new friends set out to prove that beauty can come in all shapes and sizes. This Miss Clover City Beauty Pageant will be one the town will never forget. This sassy tale perfectly captures the themes of celebrating your own beauty, finding new friends, and the craziness of falling in love. The characters are as big as Texas, their home, and you will sing with Willowdean as she fights for her life. Just like Willowdean, this book is bold and beautiful. Highly recommended.
Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
Cadel Piggott's parents think he is a genius. His teachers think he is evil. His psychiatrist believes he can rule the world. They are all correct! With his computer hacking skills, intelligence and world domination education, Cadel has the skills to help Dr. Darkkon dissolve the world order. However, when he becomes friends with the intelligent Kay-Lee, he has to decide if he will use his skills to support or bring down Dr. Darkkon's evil mission. Sarcastic, witty, and surprising, this is a great for technology and superhero fans everywhere.
Cadel Piggott's parents think he is a genius. His teachers think he is evil. His psychiatrist believes he can rule the world. They are all correct! With his computer hacking skills, intelligence and world domination education, Cadel has the skills to help Dr. Darkkon dissolve the world order. However, when he becomes friends with the intelligent Kay-Lee, he has to decide if he will use his skills to support or bring down Dr. Darkkon's evil mission. Sarcastic, witty, and surprising, this is a great for technology and superhero fans everywhere.
Fat Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going
Punk rock glory. Puke on the stage. A friendship that defies logic. Out of an unlikely friendship between Troy, who at 296 pounds feels like a big loser, and Curt, an emaciated, drop-out, comes a punk band that will transform both of their lives forever. You may snort. You may hurl. You may even do a bit of air guitar or drumming. Hilarious, amazing, and transformative, this book is one of my favorites.
Punk rock glory. Puke on the stage. A friendship that defies logic. Out of an unlikely friendship between Troy, who at 296 pounds feels like a big loser, and Curt, an emaciated, drop-out, comes a punk band that will transform both of their lives forever. You may snort. You may hurl. You may even do a bit of air guitar or drumming. Hilarious, amazing, and transformative, this book is one of my favorites.
Firecracker by David Iserson
Astrid's grandfather taught her that everything is a battle. Her war to maintain control of her private school ended with her getting kicked out and sent to public school. Astrid figures she will be in charge of her school by the end of the first day. However, she quickly learns that public and private schools operate very differently, and if she is going to survive, she must make friends with the natives. Astrid is very, very bad at making friends . . . or having real relationships. With a quirky and sarcastic group of characters, this book is laugh-out-loud funny. Iserson is a writer for SNL and The New Girl , so you know it is going to be hilarious. This book is sarcastic, biting, and inventive, like Mean Girls gone wrong. I loved it.
Astrid's grandfather taught her that everything is a battle. Her war to maintain control of her private school ended with her getting kicked out and sent to public school. Astrid figures she will be in charge of her school by the end of the first day. However, she quickly learns that public and private schools operate very differently, and if she is going to survive, she must make friends with the natives. Astrid is very, very bad at making friends . . . or having real relationships. With a quirky and sarcastic group of characters, this book is laugh-out-loud funny. Iserson is a writer for SNL and The New Girl , so you know it is going to be hilarious. This book is sarcastic, biting, and inventive, like Mean Girls gone wrong. I loved it.
Going Bovine by LIbba Bray
A pink angel who loves sugar. a lawn gnome with super powers, a death-obsessed dwarf, a boy dying of mad cow disease, and a quest to save the world, what more could you ask for in a book? When Cameron comes down with mad cow disease, a disease that is quickly eating away at his brain, a pink angel visits him and tells him if he goes on a quest he will save the world and also himself. Cameron thinks this idea is insane, but he goes along with it because he has no other options. What happens next is a road trip of legendary status! For years, I did not read this book because I though the premise was so insane. After a student highly recommended the book to me, I gave it a try, and I was in awe. The characters are vivid and hilarious, and underneath all the craziness is the story of a boy getting a chance to really live before he dies. The book packs a powerful punch, and so does that ya
Gorgeous by Paul Rudnick
If someone told you they could transform you into the most beautiful woman in the world, would you say no? When Becky Randle's mother dies, she finds the phone number of Tom Kelly, the world's premier fashion designer. When she decides to call him up, he flies her to NYC and tell her he can transform her into the most beautiful woman in the world with the help of three amazing dresses. Although this seems impossible to Becky, who has never been anything but plain, she agrees because she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Amazingly, the magic works. When Becky looks in the mirror, she sees her pimply, plump self, but whenever anyone else looks at her, they see the impossibly gorgeous Rebecca. Her beauty lands her magazine covers, fame, choice acting roles, and her choice of suitors. When Becky falls for the prince of England, her gorgeous life starts to fall apart because she knows there is no way he would want to wake up next to her "real" self. What will she do if the magic disappears? This book is cheeky, fall-off-the-catwalk funny, and endearing. Becky is a smart-mouthed heroine, and the rest of the cast of characters are unique, funny, and memorable. You won't be disappointed if you pick up this innovative read about what it means to live up to your own potential. A surprising and amazing read that will keep you laughing.
If someone told you they could transform you into the most beautiful woman in the world, would you say no? When Becky Randle's mother dies, she finds the phone number of Tom Kelly, the world's premier fashion designer. When she decides to call him up, he flies her to NYC and tell her he can transform her into the most beautiful woman in the world with the help of three amazing dresses. Although this seems impossible to Becky, who has never been anything but plain, she agrees because she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Amazingly, the magic works. When Becky looks in the mirror, she sees her pimply, plump self, but whenever anyone else looks at her, they see the impossibly gorgeous Rebecca. Her beauty lands her magazine covers, fame, choice acting roles, and her choice of suitors. When Becky falls for the prince of England, her gorgeous life starts to fall apart because she knows there is no way he would want to wake up next to her "real" self. What will she do if the magic disappears? This book is cheeky, fall-off-the-catwalk funny, and endearing. Becky is a smart-mouthed heroine, and the rest of the cast of characters are unique, funny, and memorable. You won't be disappointed if you pick up this innovative read about what it means to live up to your own potential. A surprising and amazing read that will keep you laughing.
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Katerina Bishop's parents have ensured that she is well-traveled and a lover of art. She and her familly have visited major art galleries and museums around the world . . . in order to steal from them. However, when Kat is 15 years old, she is done living on the wrong side of the law, and she uses her skills in order to attend a prestigious boarding school. Unfortunately, her friend and former partner in crime Hale pulls her back into the game when her father is implicated in the robbery of famous paintings from a powerful Italian mobster. To save her father, Kat and Hale must travel the globe to locate the missing paintings and steal them back. Ally Carter is a master of fun, fresh chick lit stories. If you dream of traveling the globe, buckle up and enjoy this whirlwind world tour filled with romance and hijinks.
Katerina Bishop's parents have ensured that she is well-traveled and a lover of art. She and her familly have visited major art galleries and museums around the world . . . in order to steal from them. However, when Kat is 15 years old, she is done living on the wrong side of the law, and she uses her skills in order to attend a prestigious boarding school. Unfortunately, her friend and former partner in crime Hale pulls her back into the game when her father is implicated in the robbery of famous paintings from a powerful Italian mobster. To save her father, Kat and Hale must travel the globe to locate the missing paintings and steal them back. Ally Carter is a master of fun, fresh chick lit stories. If you dream of traveling the globe, buckle up and enjoy this whirlwind world tour filled with romance and hijinks.
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
There is nothing like receiving your best friend's animated head as a present to make you realize that your world is not following the rules you have been taught and that you are in a big bad pot of trouble. The day before, Sam's mediocre life as a fry cook at a fast food restaurant had been interrupted when a man informs him that both he and Sam are necromancers, a person who can raise the dead. Sam thinks the guy is creepy and crazy, but he finds out he is deadly and truthful when his best friend's head is left on his doorstep. Douglas does not like competition. Anxious to stay alive and bring Douglas to justice, Sam must learn who he really is and how to control his powers if he and his family and friends are going to stay alive. The characters in this book are unique and witty, and they seem like people you could sit down and hang out with for hours. For those of us who enjoy sarcasm, this book drips with it. Fans of Joss Whedon will be so happy! This book has what every great book needs: evil necromancers, a scooby-like gang of loyal and crazy friends, hot werewolf girls, and a sarcastic hero. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it!
There is nothing like receiving your best friend's animated head as a present to make you realize that your world is not following the rules you have been taught and that you are in a big bad pot of trouble. The day before, Sam's mediocre life as a fry cook at a fast food restaurant had been interrupted when a man informs him that both he and Sam are necromancers, a person who can raise the dead. Sam thinks the guy is creepy and crazy, but he finds out he is deadly and truthful when his best friend's head is left on his doorstep. Douglas does not like competition. Anxious to stay alive and bring Douglas to justice, Sam must learn who he really is and how to control his powers if he and his family and friends are going to stay alive. The characters in this book are unique and witty, and they seem like people you could sit down and hang out with for hours. For those of us who enjoy sarcasm, this book drips with it. Fans of Joss Whedon will be so happy! This book has what every great book needs: evil necromancers, a scooby-like gang of loyal and crazy friends, hot werewolf girls, and a sarcastic hero. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it!
I'd Tell You I Love Your, but Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
Cammie can kill a person using a variety of methods, hack into any computer, and speak more than ten languages. She is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a school that trains teenage girls to become spies. Despite her in-depth training, Cammie is out or her depth when she falls for an ordinary guy who thinks she is an ordinary girl. If this spy is going to have a happy ending, she is going to need a new set of skills. A fun, fast chick-lit series.
Cammie can kill a person using a variety of methods, hack into any computer, and speak more than ten languages. She is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a school that trains teenage girls to become spies. Despite her in-depth training, Cammie is out or her depth when she falls for an ordinary guy who thinks she is an ordinary girl. If this spy is going to have a happy ending, she is going to need a new set of skills. A fun, fast chick-lit series.
King of the Screwups by K. L. Going
Liam Geller is the most popular boy at his school. He excels at sports, knows exactly what to wear, and dates the most gorgeous girls. The only person who doesn't like him is his own father. When his last mess-up sends his father over the edge, his father again, his father kicks him out of the house, and LIam ends up living with an uncle he barely knows. In order to win his father's admiration, Liam decides to abandon his previous pursuits and instead become what his dad wants; a nerd who is studious, poorly-dressed, and boring. It is up to Liam's new friends to convince him that he is not a complete screwup. Filled with quirky characters and risque scenes, this story of being true to yourself will make you laugh out loud.
Liam Geller is the most popular boy at his school. He excels at sports, knows exactly what to wear, and dates the most gorgeous girls. The only person who doesn't like him is his own father. When his last mess-up sends his father over the edge, his father again, his father kicks him out of the house, and LIam ends up living with an uncle he barely knows. In order to win his father's admiration, Liam decides to abandon his previous pursuits and instead become what his dad wants; a nerd who is studious, poorly-dressed, and boring. It is up to Liam's new friends to convince him that he is not a complete screwup. Filled with quirky characters and risque scenes, this story of being true to yourself will make you laugh out loud.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
A freakishly foul-mouthed friend, a set of films about sock puppets, a girl who is dying of cancer before she has a chance to really live, and a boy whose comfortable life is destroyed when these things collide. This blanking book about how Greg Gaine's quiet life is upended when a girl he knows dies of cancer is shocking, hilarious, and honest. In the first few pages, he warns readers that this is not a book filled with trite lines or deep truths. Instead, in a fresh and quirky voice, you will laugh as he struggles to deal with the crap life throws at him. An imperfect hero, I deeply appreciated the honesty of this novel read. Highly recommended.
A freakishly foul-mouthed friend, a set of films about sock puppets, a girl who is dying of cancer before she has a chance to really live, and a boy whose comfortable life is destroyed when these things collide. This blanking book about how Greg Gaine's quiet life is upended when a girl he knows dies of cancer is shocking, hilarious, and honest. In the first few pages, he warns readers that this is not a book filled with trite lines or deep truths. Instead, in a fresh and quirky voice, you will laugh as he struggles to deal with the crap life throws at him. An imperfect hero, I deeply appreciated the honesty of this novel read. Highly recommended.
Play Me Backwards by Adam Selzer
After his girlfriend Annie moved to England, Leon moved from being a gifted prankster to an indifferent slacker who may not be able to graduate. When he discovers that she might be coming back, he knows she won't be impressed with his current life and asks his best friend Stan, who may or may not be Satan, for advice. Stan/Satan and Leon have been best friends since childhood, and Stan/Satan has demonstrated many times that he knows answers to seemingly impossible problems. Therefore, when Stan/Satan advises him that listening to Moby Dick, locating a white grape slushie, and dating the popular Paige will help him win back his love, he agrees even though the tasks seem insane. Watching this slacker get his groove back is hilarious. Leon and his slacker friends are a crazy crew, and the first chapter had me guffawing as we are introduced to the mysterious Stan/Satan. Selzer, like Stan/Satan, is able to take a myriad of crazy ideas and turn them into something you never expected, and the ending of this book was unexpectedly brilliant. This a fantastic choice for guys looking for a book that makes them laugh.
After his girlfriend Annie moved to England, Leon moved from being a gifted prankster to an indifferent slacker who may not be able to graduate. When he discovers that she might be coming back, he knows she won't be impressed with his current life and asks his best friend Stan, who may or may not be Satan, for advice. Stan/Satan and Leon have been best friends since childhood, and Stan/Satan has demonstrated many times that he knows answers to seemingly impossible problems. Therefore, when Stan/Satan advises him that listening to Moby Dick, locating a white grape slushie, and dating the popular Paige will help him win back his love, he agrees even though the tasks seem insane. Watching this slacker get his groove back is hilarious. Leon and his slacker friends are a crazy crew, and the first chapter had me guffawing as we are introduced to the mysterious Stan/Satan. Selzer, like Stan/Satan, is able to take a myriad of crazy ideas and turn them into something you never expected, and the ending of this book was unexpectedly brilliant. This a fantastic choice for guys looking for a book that makes them laugh.
Swim the Fly by Don Calame
How far would you be willing to go to win the girl of your dreams? Matt dreams of dating Kelly West, the mesmerizing star of his swim team. To impress her, Matt volunteers to swim the 100 yard butterfly . Expect the absurd and inappropriate as Matt and his friends work to make their dreams come true. In the same style as Carter Finally Gets It, this book is laugh out loud funny, filled with slapstick humor and zany antics. Guys will love this book, and if so, they should read the next two in the series, Beat the Band and Call the Shots.
How far would you be willing to go to win the girl of your dreams? Matt dreams of dating Kelly West, the mesmerizing star of his swim team. To impress her, Matt volunteers to swim the 100 yard butterfly . Expect the absurd and inappropriate as Matt and his friends work to make their dreams come true. In the same style as Carter Finally Gets It, this book is laugh out loud funny, filled with slapstick humor and zany antics. Guys will love this book, and if so, they should read the next two in the series, Beat the Band and Call the Shots.
The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer
"Life is art of drawing without an eraser." - John W. Gardner Ethan and his friends go to Selwyn Academy, an arts high school in Minneapolis. Most of Ethan's friends want to be famous for their art, but Ethan just wants to make it through high school. For the past school year, For Art's Sake, a reality TV show where Seniors from Selwyn create art and compete to win a scholarship, has been filmed at their school. Luke, Ethan's best friend, hates the show and believes it has perverted the aims of their school. Wanting to cause a little chaos, Luke convinces his friends to protest the show by creating and distributing a long poem that criticizes the integrity of the show. When their rebellion gains momentum, the producer's of the show school go to despicable lengths to keep people watching. Betrayed, Ethan, his friends and a gerbil named Baconnaise attempt one last, insane protest to take back their school. This book reads like your favorite sitcom, filled with hilarious, one-of-a-kind characters, doing crazy, impossible things. You will wish you were friends with this group of rebels with a cause. Ethan, our main character, is fine with letting his family and friends lead the way, spending time playing video games and teaching his best friend's gerbil circus tricks, until he is betrayed. Suddenly, he is a force to be reckoned with. It is great to finally have another witty and well-written guy humor book.
"Life is art of drawing without an eraser." - John W. Gardner Ethan and his friends go to Selwyn Academy, an arts high school in Minneapolis. Most of Ethan's friends want to be famous for their art, but Ethan just wants to make it through high school. For the past school year, For Art's Sake, a reality TV show where Seniors from Selwyn create art and compete to win a scholarship, has been filmed at their school. Luke, Ethan's best friend, hates the show and believes it has perverted the aims of their school. Wanting to cause a little chaos, Luke convinces his friends to protest the show by creating and distributing a long poem that criticizes the integrity of the show. When their rebellion gains momentum, the producer's of the show school go to despicable lengths to keep people watching. Betrayed, Ethan, his friends and a gerbil named Baconnaise attempt one last, insane protest to take back their school. This book reads like your favorite sitcom, filled with hilarious, one-of-a-kind characters, doing crazy, impossible things. You will wish you were friends with this group of rebels with a cause. Ethan, our main character, is fine with letting his family and friends lead the way, spending time playing video games and teaching his best friend's gerbil circus tricks, until he is betrayed. Suddenly, he is a force to be reckoned with. It is great to finally have another witty and well-written guy humor book.
Winger by Andrew Smith
Ryan Dean West has a lot of strikes against him. At age 14, he is the youngest Junior in his school. Because of some trouble he got into last year, he will be rooming with a psychopath from his rugby team, who he is sure will kill him in his sleep, and he is in love with his best friend, a girl who sees him as a little brother. However, Ryan Dean West is a rugby player. From rugby, he has learned that you need determination, courage, and a little bit of craziness to get what you want. You can't let a few stitches or a concussion keep you from winning. Ryan Dean West is a fearless rugby player, and he is going to whatever he can, off and on the field, to make his Junior year the stuff of legend. Through Winger's wickedly astute observations to his insane bravery on and off the field, you too will fall under Ryan Dean West's spell. The ending is a sucker punch that you can't expect, and you won't stop thinking about. This book is one of my favorites of 2013.
Ryan Dean West has a lot of strikes against him. At age 14, he is the youngest Junior in his school. Because of some trouble he got into last year, he will be rooming with a psychopath from his rugby team, who he is sure will kill him in his sleep, and he is in love with his best friend, a girl who sees him as a little brother. However, Ryan Dean West is a rugby player. From rugby, he has learned that you need determination, courage, and a little bit of craziness to get what you want. You can't let a few stitches or a concussion keep you from winning. Ryan Dean West is a fearless rugby player, and he is going to whatever he can, off and on the field, to make his Junior year the stuff of legend. Through Winger's wickedly astute observations to his insane bravery on and off the field, you too will fall under Ryan Dean West's spell. The ending is a sucker punch that you can't expect, and you won't stop thinking about. This book is one of my favorites of 2013.