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3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
Dan's mom has bad taste in men. So when she announces that she's marrying this one, Dan's skeptical. When his mom sets Dan and his stepdad-to-be with an outdoor survival camping trip, Dan and his best friend start brainstorming ways to drive this one off before he breaks Dan's mom's heart.
Spoiler: we all know how this story goes. Mishaps, comic mischief, more mishaps, and a 14-year-old who accidentally punches himself in the nuts while trying to swat away the wasp he just peed on.
And yet this book is far less crass than Calame's [b:Swim the Fly|4609668|Swim the Fly (Swim the Fly, #1)|Don Calame|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320552297s/4609668.jpg|4659557] series. But it still has heart, and I still really enjoyed it, and I'll still pass it to 8th/9th grade boys without hesitation.
Spoiler: we all know how this story goes. Mishaps, comic mischief, more mishaps, and a 14-year-old who accidentally punches himself in the nuts while trying to swat away the wasp he just peed on.
And yet this book is far less crass than Calame's [b:Swim the Fly|4609668|Swim the Fly (Swim the Fly, #1)|Don Calame|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320552297s/4609668.jpg|4659557] series. But it still has heart, and I still really enjoyed it, and I'll still pass it to 8th/9th grade boys without hesitation.
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.
Imagine reverse Parent Trap gone wrong and almost-wannabe-Hunger Games (the first scene before the plot kicks off and they have to kill each other). This is like that. Plus a dash of Disney. Except Disney at night and only 14+ children can watch.
This book was hilarious, funny, and most times, completely unbelievable. The circumstances were just so placed there that I wanted to cry - IDK from wonder or disbelief or just the amount of germs and diseases they could've gotten.
All in all: A+ comedy and survival novel. I recommend it to anyone who isn't that irked by nasty things (because there are a LOT).
Favourite Quote (of many but those had spoilers and this one doesn't)(I feel like this one encapsulates the mood of the whole book):
*heh heh little did little Charlie know...*
This book was hilarious, funny, and most times, completely unbelievable. The circumstances were just so placed there that I wanted to cry - IDK from wonder or disbelief or just the amount of germs and diseases they could've gotten.
All in all: A+ comedy and survival novel. I recommend it to anyone who isn't that irked by nasty things (because there are a LOT).
Favourite Quote (of many but those had spoilers and this one doesn't)(I feel like this one encapsulates the mood of the whole book):
"Oh please. A Magic Eight Ball could have predicted that was coming. And yet you stood by my side. And you took a soiled jock to the face for me. I am forever in your debt. If you require something - help with a paper, an adjustment of your report card grades, port site passwords, anything - you just let me know."
*heh heh little did little Charlie know...*
Dan Versus Nature is a relentlessly funny, mostly scatological adventure sprinkled with viscous bear attacks, a lightning storm, a snake near-miss, a poison ivy rash, a particularly private wasp attack, a plane explosion, two broken noses, and many, many intentional ouchies. And then there is Baby Robbie, the electronic baby Dan has to take on this adventure for 50% of his grade in Life Skills. Needless to say, whatever can go wrong out in the wilderness, does. And the hapless bunch, consisting of Dan, his soon-to-be-step-dad Hank, his best friend Charlie, a stunning and smart girl Penelope, her cougar mother Barbara, and the wilderness guide Max, do their best to survive, though not with a lot of pride and dignity. They scream a lot, pee their pants, catch each other in compromising positions, huddle together in their underwear, and make some pretty heart breaking confessions. But they also save each other's lives, develop crushes, hunt wild animals, outpace and outwit a giant, poor bear, and manage some beautiful moments in nature.
Calame packs a truckload of action and adventure, turning up the hilarity dial with each page. Just when you think things cannot get worse, they do. Just when you think Charlie has given up on egging (or forcing) Dan to carry out his plan to drive away Hank from marrying his mother, he comes up with the next phase of their horrible plan. But not all is pranks and mayhem. There are strangely poetic and poignant moments, and Calame writes these well; though heartfelt, they never seem too gooey or contrived.
The characters are truly enjoyable, even when they are being rather annoying. Perhaps my one tiny complaint is that Hank is incredibly patient and good, maybe a tad bit too much, making him seem a bit unbelievable. And Penelope's mom never evolves out of the caricature of an older woman who is sexually active, to the point that even Clint, who has a much smaller role in the book, seems more real than Barbara.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy other people's misery in the great outdoors and uber-smart teenagers bickering.
Thanks to LibraryThing and Candlewick Press for a free copy of the ARC for my honest opinion.
Calame packs a truckload of action and adventure, turning up the hilarity dial with each page. Just when you think things cannot get worse, they do. Just when you think Charlie has given up on egging (or forcing) Dan to carry out his plan to drive away Hank from marrying his mother, he comes up with the next phase of their horrible plan. But not all is pranks and mayhem. There are strangely poetic and poignant moments, and Calame writes these well; though heartfelt, they never seem too gooey or contrived.
The characters are truly enjoyable, even when they are being rather annoying. Perhaps my one tiny complaint is that Hank is incredibly patient and good, maybe a tad bit too much, making him seem a bit unbelievable. And Penelope's mom never evolves out of the caricature of an older woman who is sexually active, to the point that even Clint, who has a much smaller role in the book, seems more real than Barbara.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy other people's misery in the great outdoors and uber-smart teenagers bickering.
Thanks to LibraryThing and Candlewick Press for a free copy of the ARC for my honest opinion.
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.
I just finished this book with a huge grin on my face. The cover says it's "an outrageously funny and wickedly raunchy romp in the woods," and yes, yes it is. There were so many funny moments that had me laughing out loud and putting sticky notes next to all my favorite scenes. I enjoyed reading about each and every one of the characters which is something I rarely experience. Dan's misadventures in the woods were hilarious to read about and his character growth throughout the novel was great. I thought Charlie's character was a little over the top when I first met him, but he is the best obnoxiously intelligent and nerdy best friend that anyone could ever want. I loved Penelope as soon as she showed up, extremely straightforward and just as obnoxious as Charlie, seeing this trio try to survive in the wilderness was so entertaining. Man, I would love to see this as a movie, it would be hilarious!
And even though the course of events is a bit predictable, that doesn't stop Don Calame from throwing a few shocking surprises at the reader. The ending was cute and satisfying (though once again a bit predictable). However, this is definitely going on my to re-read list because it was so enjoyable and definitely made my day. If you're looking for an entertaining read, don't mind getting up close and personal with Dan and the ridiculous shit (literally) he gets himself into, and like comic books, bears, smart-mouthed teenagers and class projects that require you to take care of a life-like baby doll, then definitely pick this one up as soon as it hits the shelves!!
And even though the course of events is a bit predictable, that doesn't stop Don Calame from throwing a few shocking surprises at the reader. The ending was cute and satisfying (though once again a bit predictable). However, this is definitely going on my to re-read list because it was so enjoyable and definitely made my day. If you're looking for an entertaining read, don't mind getting up close and personal with Dan and the ridiculous shit (literally) he gets himself into, and like comic books, bears, smart-mouthed teenagers and class projects that require you to take care of a life-like baby doll, then definitely pick this one up as soon as it hits the shelves!!
The last thing Dan wants is to deal with another one of his mom's lying, deadbeat, loser boyfriends, but usually they disappear all on their own. Until his mom brings home Hank, her new fiancè. Now Dan has to act fast to prove that Hank is just as untrustworthy and unmarriageable as every guy who's come before. So when his mom presents him and Hank with a week-long survival retreat vacation, Dan's friend Charlie helps him come up with the perfect plot to send Hank running for the hills.
But, nature has a lot more in store for Dan than a few awkward confessions and pranks. When Dan, Hank, Charlie and the rest of their unfortunate group realize that they're stranded in the woods with a very hungry, very angry bear, figuring out who is the biggest liar is the last of their worries.
The story is filled with body fluid humor, Parent-Trap/Home Alone style pranks, and awkward moments and is sure to find an audience among teens who loved Captain Underpants when they were younger. While I personally didn't love the fact that the only two girls in the story are definitely Manic Pixie Dreamgirls, at least they never ended up actually needing any of the boys in the story to save them, or correct them, as is common, and never described themselves as 'different from other girls.' The story was bolstered by some pretty natural development in Dan and Hanks relationship, and respective dad issues. However, Charlie was annoying from first to last and I could have seen his character develop a bit more, at least into a less irritating mansplainer.
CHS Pick 10/19
But, nature has a lot more in store for Dan than a few awkward confessions and pranks. When Dan, Hank, Charlie and the rest of their unfortunate group realize that they're stranded in the woods with a very hungry, very angry bear, figuring out who is the biggest liar is the last of their worries.
The story is filled with body fluid humor, Parent-Trap/Home Alone style pranks, and awkward moments and is sure to find an audience among teens who loved Captain Underpants when they were younger. While I personally didn't love the fact that the only two girls in the story are definitely Manic Pixie Dreamgirls, at least they never ended up actually needing any of the boys in the story to save them, or correct them, as is common, and never described themselves as 'different from other girls.' The story was bolstered by some pretty natural development in Dan and Hanks relationship, and respective dad issues. However, Charlie was annoying from first to last and I could have seen his character develop a bit more, at least into a less irritating mansplainer.
CHS Pick 10/19
This book is a light read but darker than [a:Don Calame|1919707|Don Calame|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1282515295p2/1919707.jpg]'s previous works. Dan and his Mom's fiance venture into the wilderness with a motley crue of tag-alongs. Dan is intent on breaking the fiance until he starts to really struggle with the wild as nature bites back. Underneath it all is Dan's fear of change and the healthy mistrust of this new adult. It turns out the fiance is not all he appears as well except he has an unwavering concern for Dan's well-being.
I read this book as part of the Ontario Library Association's selection for the White Pine program this year. I didn't like it as much as Calame's previous [b:Swim the Fly|9258569|Swim the Fly (Swim the Fly, #1)|Don Calame|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1409091314s/9258569.jpg|4659557] in the same way that I didn't appreciate Robin Williams trying to become a dramatic actor after being a comedy star. Perhaps Calame is morphing and this is his transition book. Regardless Dan Vs. Nature still suits the nature of male-focused fun in an otherwise morose world of young adult fiction.
I read this book as part of the Ontario Library Association's selection for the White Pine program this year. I didn't like it as much as Calame's previous [b:Swim the Fly|9258569|Swim the Fly (Swim the Fly, #1)|Don Calame|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1409091314s/9258569.jpg|4659557] in the same way that I didn't appreciate Robin Williams trying to become a dramatic actor after being a comedy star. Perhaps Calame is morphing and this is his transition book. Regardless Dan Vs. Nature still suits the nature of male-focused fun in an otherwise morose world of young adult fiction.