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3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
Picture Home Alone but in the woods, and instead of Kevin trying to stop criminals from burglarizing his house, he's trying to destroy some innocent dude simply for having the temerity to consensually bone his mom.
This kid and his friend are basically psychopaths.
This book is also remarkable for its commitment to the Nerdy Pixie Dream Girl fantasy. Here's her stunning debut:
Ooh. Let me see if I can grasp what you're telling me -- is it that she's not like other girls?
If you love timeless gags like slipping laxatives into someone's food to give them explosive diarrhea, the classic "wiping with poison ivy" trope, at least three instances of riotous vomiting, a character spraying urine into another character's mouth, pages-long descriptions of farting into a sleeping bag, and the state of having an erection described as "wielding the Odinsword," then you'll love this book!
This kid and his friend are basically psychopaths.
This book is also remarkable for its commitment to the Nerdy Pixie Dream Girl fantasy. Here's her stunning debut:
I whip around and come face to face with one of the cutest girls I have ever seen in my life. She's got geek-chic black specs, has a blunt-cut hairdo, and is wearing a skintight Himura Kenshin T-shirt.
It's as if someone plucked the perfect girl from my mind and plopped her down in front of me. The kind of girl you dream about running into at Comic-Con.
The kind of girl who makes glasses look hot.
The kind of girl who will talk to you for hours about Hayao Miyazaki's films, and Fullmetal Alchemist, and the influence that medieval history has on Game of Thrones.
Ooh. Let me see if I can grasp what you're telling me -- is it that she's not like other girls?
If you love timeless gags like slipping laxatives into someone's food to give them explosive diarrhea, the classic "wiping with poison ivy" trope, at least three instances of riotous vomiting, a character spraying urine into another character's mouth, pages-long descriptions of farting into a sleeping bag, and the state of having an erection described as "wielding the Odinsword," then you'll love this book!
Dan is a 16-year-old student whose main interest is creating graphic novels. His best friend, Charlie, is a super-bright geek interested in photojournalism. When Dan’s Mom announces her engagement to her latest boyfriend – a dentist named Hank – Dan is unhappy but resigned. When Mom gives him a “survival week” experience to share (and bond) with Hank, Dan and Charlie concoct a plan to scare Hank away. But they weren’t counting on a bear stalking them ….
This sounded like a decent premise for a YA novel but Calame’s reliance on scatological humor and descriptions that only a 13-year-old boy will find funny just lost me. I couldn’t believe that Dan and Charlie would remain BFFs through all this; I didn’t buy Dan’s “true love” for Erin; I really didn’t believe in the totally inept adventure outfitters (especially Max); he is, after all, responsible for their safety.
It should have been a fast read, but it didn’t hold my attention, and as I was reading while we were on a long cross-country trip, it took me a full week to finish it. I think my nephew would have liked it when he was in his early teens; at eighteen, I think he’s matured beyond this stage.
This sounded like a decent premise for a YA novel but Calame’s reliance on scatological humor and descriptions that only a 13-year-old boy will find funny just lost me. I couldn’t believe that Dan and Charlie would remain BFFs through all this; I didn’t buy Dan’s “true love” for Erin; I really didn’t believe in the totally inept adventure outfitters (especially Max
Spoiler
running off into the woods to kanoodle with Barbara when the rest of his party – including Barbara’s daughter – were out in the wilderness with no life skillsIt should have been a fast read, but it didn’t hold my attention, and as I was reading while we were on a long cross-country trip, it took me a full week to finish it. I think my nephew would have liked it when he was in his early teens; at eighteen, I think he’s matured beyond this stage.
Entertaining, sure, but it gets really, REALLY hard to suspend your disbelief because oh my god, no one talks like this. Not a fan of the MPDG-type female characters either.
The cover is cool though.
The cover is cool though.
Received via Candlewick Press in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
Dan vs Nature is a hilarious novel with plenty of raunchy humour that kept me laughing out loud. It's rare to find a novel that actually catches me off guard and makes me laugh in delight, but Dan vs Nature, as the cover promises, is an "outrageously funny and wickedly raunchy romp in the woods".
In terms of novels, Dan vs Nature is probably one of the more "out there" Novels that deviates from my traditional female lead characters, romance and intrigue - but it deviates in a good way. What starts out as a story about a boy trying to thwart his mother's suitor with a less-than-devilish prank plot, becomes a hilarious and genius tale of acceptance and growing up, complete with a heart warming ending to leave a reader with a smile on their face. Dan vs Nature is a ligh-hearted novel that will appeal to readers from all back grounds and age ranges - a particularly impressive feat - with some fantastic surprises. At no point in this novel was I bored nor was I aware that Calame was following a well-trodden plot in an already saturated Young Adult novel market.
I particularly loved how Calame wrote a tale about wilderness survival from the point of view of people with various issues with wilderness and daily living. Charlie is afraid of contracting serious diseases from internalized conditions, Penelope just wants to get through the weekend without her mother embarrassing her and Dan just wants to get rid of Hank, who just wants Dan to accept him as a potential father figure. During their adventure each character faces their fears, reveals secrets and in the end conquer some very real issues. Not bad for a novel written for 16 year old boys (or at least more than I was expecting).
My only issue with this novel was that over use of words of which most 16 year old kids probably have never been exposed. The dictionary worthy, spelling bee words used by (best friend) were particularly challenging and hindered the novel's realism a tad. Granted, this intellectual exercise and witty banter only added to the appeal for myself, but was a bit out of place for a novel written for teenagers. In retrospect, perhaps the use of challenging and unique words is a writing device the author utilized to not only keep adults interested in the novel, but also to develop young reader's vocabularies (something I definitely support).
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy outdoorsy literature, contemporary young adult novels and novels that hark back to the early days of young adult before the market was over come with "YA for adults". Dan vs Nature is worth a read if you're feeling down or want a good, childish laugh. A wonderful read for all ages.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
Dan vs Nature is a hilarious novel with plenty of raunchy humour that kept me laughing out loud. It's rare to find a novel that actually catches me off guard and makes me laugh in delight, but Dan vs Nature, as the cover promises, is an "outrageously funny and wickedly raunchy romp in the woods".
In terms of novels, Dan vs Nature is probably one of the more "out there" Novels that deviates from my traditional female lead characters, romance and intrigue - but it deviates in a good way. What starts out as a story about a boy trying to thwart his mother's suitor with a less-than-devilish prank plot, becomes a hilarious and genius tale of acceptance and growing up, complete with a heart warming ending to leave a reader with a smile on their face. Dan vs Nature is a ligh-hearted novel that will appeal to readers from all back grounds and age ranges - a particularly impressive feat - with some fantastic surprises. At no point in this novel was I bored nor was I aware that Calame was following a well-trodden plot in an already saturated Young Adult novel market.
I particularly loved how Calame wrote a tale about wilderness survival from the point of view of people with various issues with wilderness and daily living. Charlie is afraid of contracting serious diseases from internalized conditions, Penelope just wants to get through the weekend without her mother embarrassing her and Dan just wants to get rid of Hank, who just wants Dan to accept him as a potential father figure. During their adventure each character faces their fears, reveals secrets and in the end conquer some very real issues. Not bad for a novel written for 16 year old boys (or at least more than I was expecting).
My only issue with this novel was that over use of words of which most 16 year old kids probably have never been exposed. The dictionary worthy, spelling bee words used by (best friend) were particularly challenging and hindered the novel's realism a tad. Granted, this intellectual exercise and witty banter only added to the appeal for myself, but was a bit out of place for a novel written for teenagers. In retrospect, perhaps the use of challenging and unique words is a writing device the author utilized to not only keep adults interested in the novel, but also to develop young reader's vocabularies (something I definitely support).
In the end I loved Dan vs Nature for its fresh ideas, unique plot that also followed the cliché acceptance of a new father figure, but didn't go over board with the message of family.
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy outdoorsy literature, contemporary young adult novels and novels that hark back to the early days of young adult before the market was over come with "YA for adults". Dan vs Nature is worth a read if you're feeling down or want a good, childish laugh. A wonderful read for all ages.
While this was an enjoyable and entertaining read, there were so many little things that bugged me about it!
1. It was boring to read all of Charlie and Penelope's unrealistic "smart people" conversations. I actually skimmed most of them.
2. Overall, the book was VERY predictable. Of course Hank isn't a "real" outdoors man. Obviously Dan would learn that he was wrong and end up liking Hank. And no surprise that the pranks kept backfiring on the boys.
3. The way some things worked out seemed way too cheesy. For example, Clint reprogramming the baby doll, Hank telling Dan that he wouldn't end up needing to change schools, Erin asking Dan out.....
4. The whole time, I thought the author was setting us up for Dan to realize that his obsession with Erin was ridiculous and decide to go for Penelope. I was a bit disappointed when he still ended up with Erin! He had never even talked to her in his whole life!!! Whereas he had actual conversations with Penelope...
That being said, I found it hard to put this book down!!! I was grimacing through the painful moments and rushing through the awkward parts so I wouldn't have to deal with it- however, pretty much THE ENTIRE BOOK was either awkward or painful. Or both. But it was all pretty funny and light. I enjoyed reading it!
1. It was boring to read all of Charlie and Penelope's unrealistic "smart people" conversations. I actually skimmed most of them.
2. Overall, the book was VERY predictable. Of course Hank isn't a "real" outdoors man. Obviously Dan would learn that he was wrong and end up liking Hank. And no surprise that the pranks kept backfiring on the boys.
3. The way some things worked out seemed way too cheesy. For example, Clint reprogramming the baby doll, Hank telling Dan that he wouldn't end up needing to change schools, Erin asking Dan out.....
4. The whole time, I thought the author was setting us up for Dan to realize that his obsession with Erin was ridiculous and decide to go for Penelope. I was a bit disappointed when he still ended up with Erin! He had never even talked to her in his whole life!!! Whereas he had actual conversations with Penelope...
That being said, I found it hard to put this book down!!! I was grimacing through the painful moments and rushing through the awkward parts so I wouldn't have to deal with it- however, pretty much THE ENTIRE BOOK was either awkward or painful. Or both. But it was all pretty funny and light. I enjoyed reading it!
I REALLY liked the writing and big words that were used. I don't usually find teen books that use a big vocabulary, so it was quite refreshing. I loved Hank! I liked how calm he was throughout the book, I can only hope that I can be that awesome of a person when I grow up.
Something I hated was how Dan and Charlie treated Hank throughout the book. They had their "reasons" but I didn't think they were that valid for all of the crap that they preform on Hank.
Something I was concerned by was how I felt when bad things happened to Dan. I felt extremely happy and satisfied because I felt that it was well deserved. Which is not something I want to feel for the main protagonist who I'm supposed to be rooting for.
Overall, it was one of though books that I couldn't put down. The only things that made me hesitate was the deep secondhand embarrassment and the manipulation that happened to Hank.
Something I hated was how Dan and Charlie treated Hank throughout the book. They had their "reasons" but I didn't think they were that valid for all of the crap that they preform on Hank.
Something I was concerned by was how I felt when bad things happened to Dan. I felt extremely happy and satisfied because I felt that it was well deserved. Which is not something I want to feel for the main protagonist who I'm supposed to be rooting for.
Overall, it was one of though books that I couldn't put down. The only things that made me hesitate was the deep secondhand embarrassment and the manipulation that happened to Hank.
Not sure how to rate this. If you don't like crude humor, this is not the read for you. I do not mind bits, but it was fairly constant. Some scenes were pretty intense in that regard. But that said though, it takes a lot for a book to make me laugh out loud. Full on giggle snorts. Talking aloud to myself and groaning "ohhh noooo" and making my family look at me with concerned glances.
I can see this entire book as a film. It would be one of those highly successful, over the top humor bits staring someone like Adam Sandler or Will Ferral -- both kings of films with that kind of humor involved. It was entertaining. But there were moments where it was truly too much for me. And moments that were just uproariously hilarious.
Or maybe I am in dire need of more entertainment in this Covid isolationism. LOL
I liked it well enough to give it a three star. But some of the crudeness really have me thinking two star. Though it made me laugh and had a lovely plot line, a satisfying conclusion, I would put at a four star, and will stick with me a good long while, like a five star. Yeah, I am stuck on this one.
I can see this entire book as a film. It would be one of those highly successful, over the top humor bits staring someone like Adam Sandler or Will Ferral -- both kings of films with that kind of humor involved. It was entertaining. But there were moments where it was truly too much for me. And moments that were just uproariously hilarious.
Or maybe I am in dire need of more entertainment in this Covid isolationism. LOL
I liked it well enough to give it a three star. But some of the crudeness really have me thinking two star. Though it made me laugh and had a lovely plot line, a satisfying conclusion, I would put at a four star, and will stick with me a good long while, like a five star. Yeah, I am stuck on this one.
Way too much toilet humor for me.
Readers who enjoy a mix of pseudo-intellectual dialogue and grievous bodily discomfort (from diarrhea to arrow wounds) will enjoy this.
Readers who enjoy a mix of pseudo-intellectual dialogue and grievous bodily discomfort (from diarrhea to arrow wounds) will enjoy this.
I got this book as an ARC from Penguin Random House.
I'm not going to lie, I expected it to be very predictable. It was so funny, it had me laughing out loud. It was a gross kind of funny, but really funny nonetheless. And it wasn't as predictable as I thought it was going to be, and I really enjoyed it. It was nerdy and silly, and goofy, and gross, and great! I wasn't expecting it to like it as much as I did. Even though it was a bit too predictable and gross (for me) sometimes, I found myself chuckling out loud still. It reminded me of an older version of I Want to Go Home (with a raunchier, grosser twist). It was a great wilderness adventure gone wrong!
I'm not going to lie, I expected it to be very predictable. It was so funny, it had me laughing out loud. It was a gross kind of funny, but really funny nonetheless. And it wasn't as predictable as I thought it was going to be, and I really enjoyed it. It was nerdy and silly, and goofy, and gross, and great! I wasn't expecting it to like it as much as I did. Even though it was a bit too predictable and gross (for me) sometimes, I found myself chuckling out loud still. It reminded me of an older version of I Want to Go Home (with a raunchier, grosser twist). It was a great wilderness adventure gone wrong!
Oh my gosh. I don't know what to say. All I know is that if I could give this book 10 stars I would. This book is so funny and really made me laugh out loud at the characters actions, thoughts and lines even though the scenario at that time was serious. Honestly I found myself not wanting to read the book and I realized it was because I didn't want it too end. Dan, the main character changes a lot throughout the book. He starts off as the bullied coward at school and by the end is a more confident person at school. This review isn't doing the justice this book deserves. This is definitely one of my favorites and I REALLY recommend it.