This is a quirky little book loved in France but finding tepid reviews here in the U.S. It is the story of a 14-year-old boy on the brink of change (boarding school and his Mother's marriage to a guy he hates) and suffering through all the awkwardness of adolescence. He fantasizes about being a "great author" but clearly, has no idea how to get there. I think the comparisons to "Catcher in the Rye" are misplaced and I did not find this novel said anything new about anything. There are a few truly beautiful reflections about people, human nature (esp. a powerful moment where Julien reflects about two people he saw have seizures on the Metro - one well-dressed business man and one filthy homeless woman - the latter was left to die, the former had a horde of people assisting him) and how we ignore much of the suffering around us. That said, it was not enough to make this book a success. Also, the ending is just weird, after all these expansive emotional and physical wanderings, all of a sudden, he just ... goes home, to face his fate (and we don't find out exactly what that is). It was like the author ran out of steam. Young Julien really isn't that interesting (some of the characters who surround him are though) and maybe that was why I did not care for the book. Overall, I do not recommend it. There are way better "coming of age" stories out there, by far. ( )

Juilen Parme is almost 15 and fancies himself a writer, lady's man and adventurer. But he is none of these things. This book tells of a few days and nights in Julien's life, and really goes nowhere. It could be called a character study, except the character is mostly an insufferable little twit who can't tell the truth to save his life. Rarely engaging, this book was a huge disappointment to read. ( )