The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
caitlinalrogers's review against another edition
5.0
I was immediately drawn to Moone Boy when I first saw it on Hulu. This is one of the funniest, imaginative, and interesting shows I've ever watched. Chris O'Dowd may be a comedian, but this book and that show are the works of an artist. This book was incredible to read because I love the TV show so much. I really enjoyed learning the events that led up to where the show starts. I would say as a piece of advice, for anyone who has not seen the show and wants to read this book- watch the show or at l least a few episodes first. It's really great to imagine the actors in the show as the characters in the books because they fit so well. It flows much better that way.
little0708's review against another edition
1.0
This book has great voice and some good humor. I would have definitely recommended it if it weren't for the deal the main character makes with a bully to feel his sister's boobs. Language, potty humor, and the like are all catchy for upper elementary students. I draw the line at touching a girl without her permission.
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
An utter delight. Captures the retro charm of a put-upon boy with three older sisters in a small Irish town in the 80s and presents the origin story of his unimaginative imaginary friend. Those who've seen the series won't be disappointed, and those who haven't won't feel lost. The playful characterization is a real strength, as is the evocation of time, place, and circumstance. The ending is satisfying, but you'll also want still more of Martin, Sean, and (if you're me) Padraic. A fun diversion with heart that is good medicine for anyone weighed down by real-life strain.
audiobook note: So much of the winningness of this tale is directly connected to the voices of series co-creators Chris O'Dowd and Nick V. Murphy. They are willing to go all-in on the silliness, but there's also an undercurrent of empathy and affection for Martin and the others. The production is saturated with smile-giving charm, peppered with more than a few laugh-out-loud-in-public moments.
This would have been a great family-listening recommendation, as it has treasures for both young and adults. The one thing that holds me back a bit is. Whether this is a concern will of course depend on the ages in question and the individual family's preferences, but it may raise questions or make light in a way some won't expect nor appreciate.
audiobook note: So much of the winningness of this tale is directly connected to the voices of series co-creators Chris O'Dowd and Nick V. Murphy. They are willing to go all-in on the silliness, but there's also an undercurrent of empathy and affection for Martin and the others. The production is saturated with smile-giving charm, peppered with more than a few laugh-out-loud-in-public moments.
This would have been a great family-listening recommendation, as it has treasures for both young and adults. The one thing that holds me back a bit is
Spoiler
the extended sequence about clueless Martin trying to trade a feel of his sister's breast for bully protection. It's played for laughs, it ends with a bit of family perspective, and it is a storyline taken directly from the series. However, it goes on for quite a while, and audio exaggerates what can be glossed over in other media. It may make some car trips a bit awkwardamorgan281201's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't know the source material, so I came to Moone Boy with fresh eyes; of course, now I'm wondering whether I should start binging on it, because Martin Moone is pretty funny. There are some references that might go over the target reader's head, but there are very helpful footnotes to assist! Poor Martin's search for a wingman to help him avoid bullies (including those in his own family, aka his sisters) will resonate with lower middle school readers and have adults wondering if they ever were that clueless.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
kemendraugh's review against another edition
3.0
That was ridiculous, and really well read in the audiobook. It may not have been perfect for me, but I know the perfect people for it, and will be recommending it asap.
The definition footnotes are the best part and I love them.
The fact that this was apparently written as revenge upon his sister makes everything crystal clear. Obviously a lot of affection there now, which was probably not present growing up :D
The definition footnotes are the best part and I love them.
The fact that this was apparently written as revenge upon his sister makes everything crystal clear. Obviously a lot of affection there now, which was probably not present growing up :D
jillyd's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely a fun read. I have never seen the TV show, but really enjoyed this book and "heard" Chris's voice throughout.
orangerful's review against another edition
3.0
If you are interested in this book, GET THE AUDIOBOOK. There is no way I would have enjoyed it as much if it had not been audio. The narration by Chris O'Dowd and Nick Murphy was spot on.
The story was very cute but I would definitely say this is more tween/teen fiction rather than for kids. The main character is 12, but most of the humor comes from O'Dowd's character, the imaginary friend, and so it can be a little more on the mature side?
If you've seen the show, you know that it is set in 1980s Ireland and this has other problems for modern kid readers. There are footnotes explaining some 80s references BUT some of those are jokes so I'm not sure if anyone under 14 would really get them (or bother to Google them).
This is an odd book and I'm not sure who I would give it to. It is designed to look like a Wimpy Kid read-alike but it is probably not appropriate for that young of an audience. Between Martin's pseudo-swearing ("Flippin'!" "Bugger!") and a subplot involving feeling up a girl's boobs, this book is definitely a better pick for a tween/teen than kid. And it needs to be a kid who likes British comedy. And the 80s.
The story was very cute but I would definitely say this is more tween/teen fiction rather than for kids. The main character is 12, but most of the humor comes from O'Dowd's character, the imaginary friend, and so it can be a little more on the mature side?
If you've seen the show, you know that it is set in 1980s Ireland and this has other problems for modern kid readers. There are footnotes explaining some 80s references BUT some of those are jokes so I'm not sure if anyone under 14 would really get them (or bother to Google them).
This is an odd book and I'm not sure who I would give it to. It is designed to look like a Wimpy Kid read-alike but it is probably not appropriate for that young of an audience. Between Martin's pseudo-swearing ("Flippin'!" "Bugger!") and a subplot involving feeling up a girl's boobs, this book is definitely a better pick for a tween/teen than kid. And it needs to be a kid who likes British comedy. And the 80s.