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danoreading's review
4.0
Super bizarre and definitely had some annoying quirks in the writing, but I really enjoyed this odd novel. There's lots going on here - scatological humor, self-centered teenaged boys, sexual confusion, a focus on the importance of history, lots of jabs at Iowa, not to mention the giant killer insects - but Andrew Smith somehow manages to pull it together. Funny, compelling, and just plain weird.
thehawk72's review
5.0
Im kind of glad this didnt end perfectly where everything worked out. It was exactly how it needed to be.
anngelize's review
4.0
It isn't like Winger or 100 Sideways Miles, which are funny, but the writing is just as good! I like how the stories cross one another and how the mystery unfolds. With Andrew Smith, it's not how the story goes, it's how it is told and how the characters think.
jane_c586's review
funny
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia and Rape
kkjasper94's review
4.0
I read this book for a class, but was pleasantly surprised that the story was a fun and easy read. It really captures the spirit of an adolescent Male.
linneamo's review
5.0
genre: sci-fi
age recommended: 13+
themes: dark humor, sarcasm, end-of-the-world, coming-of-age, coming-out, sexuality, history
notes:
opinions: I really like the weird way this was written (the repetition, switching back and forth in time, the unnecessary facts added). It is definitely one of my favorites and will probably be up there with my favorite coming-of-age classics like "Perks".
I do have to say I was a little let down by the second to last chapter but I liked the rest.
age recommended: 13+
themes: dark humor, sarcasm, end-of-the-world, coming-of-age, coming-out, sexuality, history
notes:
opinions: I really like the weird way this was written (the repetition, switching back and forth in time, the unnecessary facts added). It is definitely one of my favorites and will probably be up there with my favorite coming-of-age classics like "Perks".
I do have to say I was a little let down by the second to last chapter but I liked the rest.
storysteph's review
4.0
I did enjoy this book. I would've enjoyed less frequent updates about the state of the protagonist's horniness and fewer usages of the phrases "and shit like that" and "uh,"but hey, for a story about mutant mantis apocalypse, I can overlook small annoyances.
ohnoitsowen's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
catherine_mack's review
4.0
Well this is certainly unlike any YA fiction that I've read before. It's a fresh mix of coming of age/sexual uncertainty story set against an infestation of man-eating praying mantises taking over the world. What's not to like!
The voice of the protagonist is authentic and the plot is interesting, fun and poignant. What's not to like!
Well, maybe it's because I'm not an adolescent boy but I did find his obssession and constant reference to sperm a little tedious in the middle of the story. Thankfully, the plot does come good (sorry!) and the ending is a rock solid one.
Well worth putting your sensibilities about bodily fluids on hold and reading on. The kids will of course absolutely enjoy the ironic humour, the retro sci-fi elements, the whole subversive package.
The voice of the protagonist is authentic and the plot is interesting, fun and poignant. What's not to like!
Well, maybe it's because I'm not an adolescent boy but I did find his obssession and constant reference to sperm a little tedious in the middle of the story. Thankfully, the plot does come good (sorry!) and the ending is a rock solid one.
Well worth putting your sensibilities about bodily fluids on hold and reading on. The kids will of course absolutely enjoy the ironic humour, the retro sci-fi elements, the whole subversive package.