Not a great book, but not bad, either. It’s your standard child of a book collector finds something interesting and gets involved in something big and fantastical, all revolving around a book. (If you don’t think this is a trope, you’d don’t read the same books I do. Which, come to think of it, is probably why you’re reading this. Either that, or you’re my friend.)
Note that I’m not complaining about the trope – I love books about books – but it just was a fairly mediocre entry into the annals of the genre. The kids were okay – twins just turning thirteen, who don’t get along – but the adults were pretty flat, especially the overprotective best-friend-of-dead-mother. The plot does manage a few fun twists, one of which is actually fairly brilliant. Overall, it was a fun, quick read, but you probably don’t need to go out of your way to find it.
July 12, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I absolutely loved Book of Nonsense, as did the several pre-teens that previewed the book with me. The level of tension and unexpected turns were compelling elements of the fascinating story and the twins were drawn very truly. The intended audience for this book will be drawn to the story, which is relayed intelligently and clearly with respect for the intellectual and developing minds of pre- and young adolescents. Nothing is simple, people are not always who they profess to be, and everything doesn’t always work out. Book of Nonsense is a refreshing novel that works well on so many levels.
July 12, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Well, sure. But I’m not blogging about YA books and how they will appeal to teens and pre-teens; I’m blogging about YA books and how they will appeal to adults. And for adults – or at least for me – the flatness of the adult characters was annoying, and the book as a whole didn’t make up for that.
But I’m glad you loved it!
July 13, 2008 at 12:07 am
Saw an interview with the author over at Lori Calabrese Writes. There was talk on that blog that the later books in the Sacred Books Series (I think there are four or five) may be banned. Is there anything in book 1 that suggests a controversial story-line?
July 13, 2008 at 10:28 am
Well, that’s depressing.
I can’t think of a thing, but then, banning can be defined many different ways and be done for many different reasons (I disapprove of most of them, but that’s beside the point.) We’ll just have to wait and see what he comes up with, and how people react.
July 13, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Did some digging and have learned that the press kits currently circulating ahead of the book’s release indicate that the publisher fully expects problems with the later books and wants, perhaps, to be prepared in advance. I think it is religous groups that will be upset b/c the secrets revealed related to the Book of Nonsense have something to do with “sacred” stories — thus the series title, I guess. There are comparisons to Da Vinci Code afloat…
July 13, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I’ve also gotten a chance to see an advance of the book, and was quite blown away by the number of hidden clues, references and allusions hidden in the text, some of which, I think, predict what’s to come. I’ve a feeling that every character and every detail in THE BOOK OF NONSENSE is rendered with careful purpose. The teens I shared the book with missed most of them, of course, but they absolutely devoured the book. None of them saw what was coming at the end, and all of them wanted immediately to read THE INFINITE, book 2. Me too. And I must admit, all this banning stuff only has me more intrigued. I think this book will be a huge success.
July 15, 2008 at 12:18 am
Can I just say that I absolutely LOVED Book of Nonsense, and I am a kid! It was intriguing and I couldn’t put it down. It had a great plot line and interesting characters. I think it will be a success
October 4, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Just heard this book is to be included in the Association of Booksellers for Children’s Best Books 2008 list. Seems it’s off and running…