Ian Probert

Johnny Nothing is probably the perfect book for singularly imperfect boys. But it’s not all boogers and bodily fluids—there’s some wonderful language lurking behind the irreverence, such as when Johnny is compared to a “colour.” The humor is very English, convincingly teen and male, and somewhat smelly. Some readers might find it wearing after a while, like the worst of British TV imported to the States. But others, many of them unwilling readers aged from 10 to 18, will assuredly show more love it. There’s a boyish exuberance combined with a fascination for bodily functions; there are wonderful lists of puns from a round-the-world trip; and there’s the usual attraction of poor hopeless boy, powerful hopeless guardians, and unexpected opportunity. Of course, the powerful guardians—large obnoxious mother in particular—are amply skilled at the thwarting young Johnny’s plans, but a surprisingly wise lesson in failure might change things around.

No thing is spared the sharp knife of humor and scorn in this tale. Politics and religion aren’t forbidden, and neither is BO. Names like Ebenezer Dark and Johnny Nothing offer a pleasing sense of fantasy. But, on the whole, this probably isn’t a book for reading moms. Combining the worst of boyhood infatuations with a well-plotted storyline and well-written scenes however, it just might make readers out of their pre-teen sons.

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review. show less

When I looked at the cover for this book I was expecting a gritty tale about a middle aged or older man. What I actually read and enjoyed was a witty romp through the life and experiences of a rather ordinary but virtuous ten year old boy.
This short story was fun to read and I would say it would appeal to boys/men perhaps more than the female gender. There is lots of black/toilet humour which the author uses well, in a confident way. The narrative is broken up nicely by some superb show more illustrations which really suit the text and convey a special atmosphere for the reader which is both unique and quirky. Reading this book felt like I was doing something new, so thumbs up for that.
The story tells of a boy who has next to nothing but is left everything by his uncle. It's a life changing event which alters our little hero's whole existence, especially his relationships with his family and his God-awful mother. There are laughs on every page and a totally unique writing style which engages you from the beginning and doesn't let go.
Mr Probert obviously has a good, if somewhat disgusting, sense of humour (and I use that word in the best possible sense). There are references to dead bodies, poo... etc etc But somehow the words fit the storyline and flow without ever giving offence.
All in all an enjoyable read. A few commas missing here and there but a book I would rec as a light, fun read for those not easily offended who like to laugh at the world. show less