Nick Earls Books

Jon Marshall is a successful laser surgeon with a nice house and a baby named Lily, whom he affectionately refers to as "the Bean". So, what's wrong with Jon's world and why has everything turned out so completely different from what he'd anticipated life would be like in his 30's? Is his new friend Ashley really just a "running buddy" or could there be more to the friendship? Friends George, Oscar and Wendy help Jon face the challenges as he attempts to make sense of a world that has taken a sharp and unexpected turn.
It's too bad I'm such a slow reader because yesterday was totally shot, thanks to this book. The story of Jon Marshall is gripping because Earls blends intelligence, realism and humor with madcap situations, dangling unanswered questions that the protagonist convincingly sidesteps as he tells his story in first person. Where, for example, is the mother of his child Lily? Well, another reviewer has answered that, but try to forget before you read this book.
Apart from a few angst-ridden reflections that dragged on a bit too long, this was one of the best books I've read all year. The dialogue was witty, its hero incredibly easy to love and relate to in spite of (or maybe because of) his many insecurities and imperfections, and every character was well-defined. I particularly loved the fact that Jon's friends were the kind you can call at 3:00 a.m., knowing they'll be there for you in an emergency--but don't let them get wind of the stupid thing you did last night or they'll never let you live it down. In other words, they were true to life. Highly recommended, particularly for those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

Two of my favourite literary characters are Louis Ironson - from Angels from America - who polemicizes, intellectualizes, pontificates and basically just talks and talks - and Mo, from the very funny comic strip "Dykes to Watch Out For" who basically does the same. In the face of fear, pain or jealousy, they talk against the world, and yeah, it's blathering, but I find it charming. Probably because I do the same, which is maybe a reason why I'm a writer.

The main character in Perfect Skin does an awful lot of talking which biases me towards both liking him and liking the book.

Another reason why I like the book: I like books that are about people and relationships, that don't necessarily need big events to drive the story. Perfect Skin is a page-turner because you want to know what happens to the characters. It's about how we live our daily lives, how we relate to each other, and how we reach out to people.

A lot seems to be made about the humour in this book - and it's true, it's very very funny and enjoyable because of it - but perhaps it works all the better because of what lies underneath - weighty gusts of loss and hurt, recovery and survival.

I found it affecting and beautiful: a perfect little gem of a book that let me under the skin of some characters I was glad to meet and get to know.

Where else could you find a story about a recently widowed father who pees on his date's cat?

"Perfect Skin" is another addition to the modern breed of popular novel: aimed squarely at the 20- or 30-something yuppie women's demographic, with perhaps a sideline in selling to the SNAG market. Published in a nice large size, with an eye-catching picture and a sleek new millennium font (wouldn't want to risk being confused with the Danielle Steele genre), these novels have become disappointingly homogeneous. Unusually among its shelf companions, however, "Perfect Skin" is written by a man. Nick Earls' no-nonsense prose and willingness to grapple with some deeper life issues makes a refreshing change from the giggly bimbo style of other similar novels.

The topic of this venture into pop publishing is single parenting - more specifically, single fatherhood. Jon seems to have his life all under control: there's him, the Bean (6 months old), his gaggle of similarly single friends and his dermatology practice. As we begin to delve deeper into Jon's life, the strands come apart to reveal some unexpected truths about putting a life back together. Along the way, there's a semi-deranged cat woman with eighties hair, an unfortunate incident in the bathroom involving her cat, several sleep-deprived nights with baby Bean and an interesting new female acquaintance...

"Perfect Skin" kept me entertained for a few hours without really leaving a permanent impression. It stands out somewhat from other novels of the same type for the reasons above, but ultimately doesn't amount to much more than that. The style is easy, the characters are amusing, the plot isn't too saccharine. A good 'girly' book to read in the bath with a block of chocolate and a glass of something nice; or buy it as a present for that friend you always buy the latest yuppie book for.

6 stars out of 10

I am a self-proclaimed British Chick books lover and when I saw this one in the library, I was intrigued by the cover jacket ~~ it looks like something I would read and the fact that it was written by an Aussie and a male at that, I just had to pick it up. It's wonderful! It's cute and pardon the pun ~~ it's adorable. (I don't think the author would like that term applied to his book!)

Jon, a single dad and doctor, is attempting to go back into the world after his wife's death in childbirth and what ensues is a series of misfortunate and hilarious accidents. (I have to say that Nick Earls sure knows his cats! I am almost tempted to ask him if my cat was the basis of Flag, the cat hero in this book!) Anyhow, one day he was just dad to Lily and a dermatologist in a busy practice then the next day, he's juggling between two women. Katie is the woman trapped in the 80s with the 80s hairdo that Jon and his office mates secretly joke about. Ash is the jogging partner that makes his mind go around in circles. Jon is left juggling his feelings for Ash while trying to let Katie down gently. That is where Flagg comes in. Flagg decides that he likes Jon ~~ and Jon seems to be extremely clumsy where the cat is concerned. (My husband laughed and laughed over choice parts of the book.)

I really can't go into too much details about this book because if I do, I will ruin it for the next person to read this review. All I can say is buy this book and see for yourself. Earls writes with humor and grace about a single dad slowly feeling his way back into the world after his wife's death. He also writes with feeling about Jon's coming to grips with his wife's death and becoming a father. Jon may be bewildered and confused at times, but what father wouldn't be? And it is just one of the best short reads I've read this year.

If Earls has more books out in the States, I'll be sure to pick them up. He is a talent to watch out for.

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Very well written and entertaining. Good summer reading by the pool or under a parasol by the sea.

I loved this book from the moment I picked it up. This is a very genuine book, telling the tale of love through a boy's perspective. It's so descriptive, you feel like you're there with Alex (the main character), through every wave and "being safe" talk.

I think After Summer is a great book. For me I couldn't put this book down because I was always wondering what was going to happen with not only Alex and Fortuna but with his University offer. I love that the adults in this story would always refer back to being "safe".This book is a great example of waiting to be accepted and being accepted by the only person who seems to understands you. I like that Fortuna's family was so different then Alex's but not to much that it would mess up their relationship. This book has a great blend of romance and comedy. I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for something new.

Upon reading the opening sentences of the book After Summer by Nick Earls, a reader is pulled into the world of a typical teenager. The book follows the events of Alex Delaney, during summer he is waiting to see if he was accepted into university or not. Alex is spending yet another summer in his family's beach house on the Australian coast near his hometown of Brisbane. After Summer is an enjoyable book to read not only because of how easy it is to follow, but also because the reader can relate to Alex. No matter what age the reader happens to be, he or she will be able to know how Alex is feeling when he explains his embarrassing moments or how nervous he is around "the girl".
"The girl" is who Alex meets during his summer of waiting and she is the one who makes the waiting bearable. Alex first sees her during his everyday routine of getting up, going to the beach, and buying a newspaper. He happens to catch a glimpse of her further down the beach, and from the first glance, he is interested in her. Luckily for Alex, who usually doesn't have much luck in this area, he is able to strike up a conversation with her which leads to breakfast and eventually, a relationship. Alex is drawn to the ease of her life, and the laid back attitude that goes with her family. Soon, Alex finds himself not being so preoccupied with his university results and has a decision to make concerning "the girl". Nick Earls pulls this plot together neatly with his humorous and unique style of writing.
As one reads the book, it is very easy to hear Alex's voice through Earls' easy-going tone and his use of language. Another reason this book is such an enjoyable and easy read is that there aren't any hidden meanings or themes that the reader has to think about during the reading. It is the simple story of a young boy who is about to start his adult life in university and his discovery of love in relationships. The reader can easily connect with Alex and can feel his emotions jumping off the pages. After Summer is a great choice for teenagers more so than adults due to the humor and experiences. Nick Earls does an excellent job of portraying teenage emotions and experiences through Alex Delaney and his summer of waiting.

Fantastic read - this one reads really quick and is quite a page turner. Made me want to go and watch the recent film adaptation. I love each character for their wit and honesty; they are truly ones to remember. Well done, Mr. Jeffreys.

Jeffreys' portrait of Rochester seems designed to titillate Rochester scholars for the play is packed full of references to Rochester's poetry (both the popular lampoons & satires and the more arcane meditations on "nothing" etc...). Though Jeffreys admits that he takes some liberties with the material he deals with the most infamous incidents in the life of Rochester (hatred of poet laureate Dryden, disgust at excesses of Charles II, breaking of the Kings sundial, abandoning his friend Downs to die at the hands of a night watchman during one of the merry gangs many riotous jests, the impersonation of Italian mountebank Dr. Alexander Bendo, the alleged training of and affair with the actress Elizabeth Barry, portrait with monkey). Any Restoration or Rochester scholar will be impressed and delighted with the amount of historical and literary research and detail Jeffreys packs in to this play. But the play is not just a reiteration of already known facts and incidents that are already part and parcel of Rochester scholarship/lore; this play also attempts to offer an original take on the world's most famous libertine.

Its interesting to note that Jeffreys' THE LIBERTINE was originally written to be performed as a companion piece with the most famous libertine play of the Restoration, Etherege's MAN OF MODE. Most scholars agree that the lead character of Etherege's play, Dorimant, was based on a kind of idealised version of his friend Rochester. Some critics would say that Etherege crafted a portrait of his notorious friend but a portrait that Restoration audiences could admire for Dorimant like Rochester is a cool patrician libertine but unlike Rochester Etherege's Dorimant never makes a move designed to upset or lampoon the social world that he inhabits but is always an affable charmer/companion with friends and ladies (his treatment of Mrs. Loveit excepted), and his winning ways make him the toast of the town and the most sought after lover and socialite in all of London. You could say that Jeffreys' portrait of Rochester in THE LIBERTINE is designed to counter Etherege's too flattering portrait with a more gritty and more realistic portrait of his own. This is especially interesting as Rochester himself was always interested in offering a more realistic or more natural version of life than any of his literary companions and competitors were offering. Etherege's portrait is complex though and it does show Dorimant/Rochester as a consummate social performer who is capable of always knowing just what to say to each social player (and this can be viewed as a criticism not a compliment). Jeffreys wants us to see the other side of Rochester, the side that is only implied in Etherege's portrait. Taking his cues from Rochester's own poetrry Jeffreys fashions a much more complex and paradoxical creature. Jeffreys' "Rochester" talks as if he did not really want to be liked or admired. He talks as if he preferred "reality" to "art" and yet his actions seem to contradict what he says as he always seems to want to escape "reality" and seek refuge in "art". For instance Jeffreys' "Rochester" is disgusted at the artificiality of Restoration social norms and forms and yet he seems only to be interested in life as it is enhanced by or refracted through the theatre and through poetry. Rochester, according to Jeffreys, is a self-professed cynic who claims that he has ceased to believe in life and who wants from the theatre a convincing illusion that can provide him with the emotions that life alone can no longer provide. And yet his Rochester also seems to genuinely fall in love with the actress that he is training to provide him with those artificially contrived emotions (arguably what he falls in love with is the genuine being who like himself feels the need to express herself through artificial forms). Jeffreys seems to be offering us a portrait of a man who either does not know himself as well as he thinks; or a man who knows himself very well and knows that he needs a very complex cocktail of life/art to satisfy his very sophisticated urges/desires/appetites for a very sophisticated kind of life/art.

The one theme that seems to be consistent throughout the plays about Rochester and the various versions of the life is that Rochester sought release through excess. (Jeffrey's at one point has Rochester say "I only know that I am alive when I have gone too far"). As Graham Greene noted in his famous biography of Rochester, LORD ROCHESTER'S MONKEY, "excess" for Rochester (whether excessive love or hate) was a way of escaping the forms and norms of society. And yet, paradoxically, in the London of the 1670's "excess" as well as "cynicism" was in fashion (and for that matter so too the lampoon and the satire were fashionable as was the "malice" required to practice such literary modes) . Thus Rochester even in despising the age in which he lived still seems to be its most representative member.

Many Rochester scholars like James William Johnson (whose A PROFANE WIT is perhaps the most comprehensive Rochester bio available) claim that what Rochester was trying to escape from was himself (many scholars offer some version of the claim that Rochester did not believe man had anything like a transcendent identity and that, like the monkey, he was really nothing but an actor capable only of offering a series of social performances to please one audience or another). Jeffreys, as many scholars before him have done, interprets Rochester's religious conversion as just one more social performance that is no more "real" than any of the ones that preceded it. This is what some of Rochester's own friends thought when they heard of the deathbed conversion. Some scholars claim that Rochester's poetry was always full of religious imagery and that the apparent unbelief of the satirist is just a negative route toward belief and affirmation. One of the most interesting scholars claims that Rochester's conversion was indeed an act but an act that quieted his will and allowed him to actually occupy the present moment or the "now" that he had previous to the conversion only theorized about. In any event the Rochester that continues to capture the public imagination is the iconoclastic doubter and the contrarian who seems to be both attracted to and repulsed by his own libertine ways and the world that he not only belongs to but exemplifies.

Rochester's paradoxes and dichotomies are fascinating and will, I think, be of interest not only to scholars but to amateur literary men and women as well. Jeffreys' play does an excellent job at sorting through and arranging some of the paradoxes that scholars have struggled with for centuries and making them accessible to a popular audience. I would not say Jeffreys' version of the life is the definitive one but only because with a life like Rochester's there is no defintive account. The paradoxes and unresolvedness are what make the life and the work so interesting.

Highly recommended.

By the way the film version of THE LIBERTINE is only a loose adaptation of Jeffreys' play. The play is a kind of scholarly entertainment geared toward audiences with an advanced interest in & knowledge of Rochester and Restoration literature (though the play can be enjoyed on some level by those who are not yet Rochester/Restoration experts I would not suggest starting here if you are new to Rochester; I would start with a biography and then come back to this play). The film, on the other hand, is designed for those who might not yet be acquainted with either Rochester or the Restoration and thus it drops far fewer insider references resulting in a far less intricately nuanced portrait. The film is nonetheless an excellent and entertaining introduction and will lead the literary minded toward the biographies and other Rochester literature.

I really recommend both play and film (and biographies). I also recommend a PBS miniseries called THE LAST KING which is an excellent way of learning about the Restoration. Rochester only makes a couple of brief appearances in the miniseries but THE LAST KING is an excellent way of familiarizing yourself with restoration era politics and society. One of Rochester's complaints in Jeffreys' LIBERTINE is that the aristocrats had no real function in Restoration England and that their lives were useless and that what they all suffered was the realization of their own irrelevance and absurdity. The miniseries offers another take on just how Charles II's politics (the crisis of authority) effected the social reality and artistic production of the time.

This is a pretty good book about John Wilmot (aka the Earl of Rochester), who is not well known, but surely will be soon - due to a movie starring Johnny Depp coming out. As a poet, Wilmot is entertaining and virile. He is obscene and satirical. "The Libertine" does a good job of expressing this, sharing his life, exploring his reasoning for his satire of King Charles, his heroism, the balance between reason and humor that seems to be the dichotomy of Wilmot. We'll see how well the movie does. But, it would be great if people starting actually reading his poetry.
Another book I recently enjoyed that is like a modern-equivalent of Wilmot is "The Loony," a story about a guy also sort of exiled, who is also a libertine, also afflicted with a penchant for perversity, and also destined for a bad end. It was interesting to read one after the other, as they shared so many interesting attributes. I look forward to the movie, and hope it bring Wilmot more readers.

I read Zigzag Street during an extended stay in Brisbane and found it packed full of clever observations about everyday life, many of which made me laugh out loud, and a plot that tracks dear Richard/Rick/Ricky through a period of listlessness in life. Having cultivated a serious relationship through his twenties with a well-put-together woman with an anal retentive streak that has clearly led to him betraying his own character, he finds himself out in the cold -- trashed, in Aus -- and despondent yet also acutely sensitive. Who is he? His job, one senses, was taken to create a stable income for the family to be, and now is just a boring farce. His need to move back home , and then to his recently deceased grandmother's house, where he discovers details of her life in her correspondence and doddles over renovations while being henpecked by his mother, throws him into a true bipolarity as he craves teenage babes and a deeper understanding of self simultaneously. His friends have stable relationships, yet he is now single. Irony runs through this tale, something I guess is missed by some of the reviewers here, and the lack of movement of the plot is sort of the point of this study of the doldrums. I loved it.

I am not sure how anyone could trash a book in which the main character is lacerated by an orange cat named Greg, named after his Gran's doctor (who has flaming orange hair) during a flea bath, and then Richard gets Greg (the doctor) at the local clinic. Dr. Greg assumes it was a suicide attempt ... and so it goes with all the awkwardness one might expect in a society where people talk as openly as they do here. I can see how a person could give this book three stars if they lack a single ironic or sardonic bone in their body -- then it might be 'amusing but tedious' -- but only a fan of pulp fiction could deliver less. There is too much craft at work here for this book to be anything below three stars. As a bonus, there are lots of real Brisbane references that help give a feel for the city's western suburbs. A must for transplants.

It appears that readers of this book have fallen into one of two categories, they either gushingly loved it or absolutely despised it. This should not really be a surprise, as Earls dry humor seems to always evoke this sort of response. It is useful to compare Nick Earls' writing to a painting by Picasso--for some it is perfection on a canvas, while for others a picture cannot be discerned from the distortion. The biggest mistake one can make in embarking on Zigzag Street, or indeed any book by Earls, is to expect something in the order of Dickens or Austen...I'm afraid we are working in an entirely different realm of writing.

I found Zigzag Street to be written well, with the distinctive phraseology that is ridiculously contageous, to the point that the reader's thoughts begin to take the shape of the characters. In regard to the plot, the book moves rather slowly. I must make it clear that this is not a criticism. The story is a reflection of realistic human angst, and angst is arguably not an emotion that can be dealt with in a day. The slowness, and in fact insignificance of most events in the story are what makes it humorous and believable. Again, it comes back to the fact that you shouldn't be reading Earls if you need constant action or mystery to keep the pages turning.

The problem I had with this novel was not in it's general form, but rather with the ending. It felt too easy to be credible. After two hundred pages of torment over 'thrashing', all was resolved and a happy ending was reached. For me, Rachel did not live up to expectations. I anticipated a lot more from the woman who actively pursued a man that knocked her unconscious with a shoe in a shopping centre. After idolising her for so long, she became to real and faliable, and undermined the position of the neurotic, now not-so-one-of-a-kind Richard. This, more than anything else disappointed me.

Overall, the book was good. It was a characteristically Earls, but failed to maintain his high standard at the end.

I read Bachelor Kisses in full and was inspired by the favourable reviews of this novel. What a disappointment. I really did try and read the whole thing but found myself speed reading at about page 150 and finally decided to let it go. My main criticism is that nothing happens. Rick does have an affair and does dance naked in the office but the entire novel is deviod of any drama, insight or adventure. Each 'chapter' runs for 2-5 pages with very minor incidents eg: digging up a tree in the next door neighbors yard, getting drunk at a restaurant, playing tennis with his mates - does that sound very interesting? Its not. I really cant believe the acclaim this book has received. Bachelor Kisses was tolerable but I would be filing this for fans only. I have been reading a lot of Nick Hornby and Ben Elton who find a similar style but are a million miles from our Nick. Its a shame, as an australian, I would like to say this is a good book but frankly it is a very boring drive down insipid street.

Zigzag Street is a contemporary comedy of manners that is set in Brisbane, Australia. It explores the life of the male protagonist twenty-seven year old Richard Derrington. He has recently been dumped by Anna, his girlfriend from his university days. This throws him into a early mid-life crisis as he tries to reestablish his position in the world without her.

It is written in first person present tense as we experience Derrington's life since Anna's departure. As consistent with the conventions of this genre Zigzag Street takes a light and humourous approach to contemporary themes. Derrington somehow struggles through his work and social life using a mixture of alcohol and timtams (chocolate biscuits). His search for a partner to complete his life is reminiscent of works such as Bridget Jone's Diary.

There are some eccentic minor characters who interact with Derrington such as neighbour Kevin, his friend Jeff and boss Hillary. They help to establish Derrington as a decent person who through alcohol and bad fortune seems to end up in some embarrassing and hilarious situations.

Where Zigzag Street differs from other contemporary of manners is the location. Being set in Brisbane means that references to cricket, Timtams and The Triffids will be lost on many readers. However this is a minor problem. It is an engaging, genuinely funny book that would be a great holiday read, or for anyone that needs a laugh.

this book is really clever. i never thought about brisane this way (the way that it is) and it amazed me that these events are likely and could happen to anyone! i've read the book many times and today i decided to stop reading for a little bit and do something else. i live in red hill, very close to zig zag street and didn't think it was very special. so i'll keep this short and say that i love rick's long, meaningless pursuits...

There are a few parts of this book that get weighed down with excess words. But this book will crack you up. It's a series of misunderstandings, crossed signals, oddball characters and general goofiness. Very funny.

i love earls style of writing. i love the way we see the main characters thoughts, feelings and anxieties. instead of everything being a happy ending, stuff actually goes wrong, which i love.
hes funny and creates an atmosphere which runs throughout his novels. rather than a story where soemthing has to happen non stop just to keep u interested, this book has the lulls and highs of life itself. its like seeing someone else's life, and how they deal with it.
admittedly seeing as this is his first book, it does ccentre a bit much upon mood and thoughts than events, but i happen to like this. his later books are even better.
a seriously aussie novel. the humour the people, the pastimes are all familiar to our country. its great.

The Novel After January by nick Earl's is set on Quuensland's sunshine coast and teells of a boy's wait till the end of january for his results of school,in order for him to contimplate his future (After January.The story begins with alex ,a boy spending much of his time body boarding at the local beach with little in his life,with a yearn for feminine interaction Alex then begins his quest to find love and finds in a girl with similar intrests in Fortuna who he falls in love with thus for creating the climax and most intresting part of the novel.This long drawn out climax eventually happens a long time into the book and it seems to take forever to happen.Earl's vast characteristaion eventaully does little to the atmosphere eventaully resulting in a poorly constructed book of which the plot has had not enough developement.Earls attempts to write in the proverbial 'thoughts on paper' genre has liitle impact and the talent is one that takes much more talent to perfect than what is illustrated thoughout the novel.Igive the book two stars only due to the fact that their is a climax even though it only lasts for perhaps two of the books very small chapters.I suggest that if youy can read this you must be very patient and enjoy reading novels of liitle substance or personality.To Nick Earls I suggest he spends more time at the drawing board when writing the next book,to avoid creating a book that is even more dismal that this effort.

In this book Nick Earls has done much to combat the notion that young love is immature love, that it is only for the bold or brash at heart, and most of all that it is based almost soley on physical contact. Earls' main character, Alex, is waiting for his High School grades to come out, waiting to see whether he's scored a university position. He's at the beach house trying to distract himself from the anxiety inherent in the wait, by bodysurfing and watching cricket on TV. Then comes F (we aren't told her full name until later in the book), who surfs into Alex's life and upsets all his plans for an uneventful couple of weeks. Not that he's complaining... Earls uses the first-person present tense device very well indeed, and the book left me feeling a little breathless by the end of it, just like when I first fell in love as a youngster. And if a book can rouse old emotions in that way, then the writer must have achieved something great.

when i picked up this book i thought it was rather interesting from what i read in the synopsis on the back. but when i started reading it, i wanted to hit something with this book, its so incredibly boring, the main character overthinks things and i feel it has no life, but hey, if you want to read it, go ahead, maybe someday ill finish reading this book.

48 shades of brown is unlike any book that i've read before. i thought the way the quthor expressed the guys thoughts was differant and funny. i had never read a book before that had a boys life instead of a girl. some of the parts were very funny and i enjoyed reading it. it is a book for people who just want something differant and for the most part easy to read. at parts it got confusing but overall it was a good book. i would say anyone who wants a fun read would like it.

I cannot believe that the reviews for this book are not amazing. This book winds together beautifully. It's great for teenagers, managing to be remarkably true to life, as as well as interesting and unique.
I loved it.

Dan has to make a choice, and so do you. Dan's choices are to either go to Geneva with his parents, board in Australia or stay in Australia but live with his aunt. Your choice is whether or not to read this amusing yet tedious book.

Dan chooses to live with his aunt, Jacq, and her friend Naomi. Jacq is a 22 year old who plays bass guitar in her band. Naomi is a beautiful university student who has a boyfriend named Jason. Everything goes crazy when Dan realizes that he has fallen in love with Naomi and spends all his time trying to memorize the shades of brown to classify birds scientifically and impress Naomi. As if everything isn't confusing enough for Dan, his best friend, Chris Burns, is obsessed with pornography. Throw in a dog named Boner, Dan's ability to analyze just about anything and a good deal of vomiting and you get 48 Shades of Brown.

The book is written in first person from Dan's perspective. Dan is a curious guy with a comical view on life. You'll find yourself laughing uncontrollably at some of Dan's thoughts and questions. But most of the time you'll feel like skipping a couple pages as Dan analyzes aspects of his life. His ability to examine everything from one sentence that Naomi said to his own habit of wearing socks for up to four pages could get incredibly boring. It even seems like a tedious chore after a while.

The book is written almost completely in stream of consciousness, even more so than Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. If you don't like stream of consciousness you should stay far away from this book.

48 Shades of Brown won the Children's Book of the Year: Older Readers Award from the Children's Book Council of Australia. As suggested by the award the book is targeted at an older audience. The book contains a lot of adult content (mainly sexual references) so people who are young or immature shouldn't read it.

So what will be your choice? Will you read this book and laugh along with (and sometimes at) Dan as he amusingly explores his new life? Or will you stay far far away from this tedious read? The choice is yours.

I like this book, it is good. I also like butterflies, trees and men. My mum says so. I was able to relate to this book cause it refered to trees and men. My best friend is Kyle.

A 16-year-old becomes the housemate of Venus, the goddess of love, or so he thinks. I came across this book in an interesting way. I have a book out called "The Wednesday Girl". Earlier this year, I received a random e-mail from a gentleman in Australia. He said he was writing a book of the same title, "The Wednesday Girl". He sent me some of his work and also included in the package a book he liked: "48 Shades of Brown". This is a surprisingly deep book about adolescence from across the big pond. Though I found the use of dialogue without quotation marks tiresome, watching Dan move from obsessive-compulsive fear and alienation to (almost) nonchalance and self-confidence is a pretty sight, much like the birds his love interest watches and wants him to name since he's the only person in the house who knows 48 shades of brown. Coming into one's own is something that happens over and over again in a well-lived life. Anyone who is in an evolutionary phase will find something in common with Dan. Recommended.