Review: Irreverent, honest and fun!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 14, 2014
Welcome to the quirky, off-beat and irreverent world of Johnny Nothing, a drab, rather nondescript young boy who wormed his way into my heart right from the very beginning pages of this creative story.The narrative voice is bold, saucy and brutally honest in its view of the world.  I believe the intended audience was 11 year olds and up, but quite frankly, although I loved this book myself, as an adult and parent, I would have to caution you.  When I say it’s irreverent, I truly mean that.  If you don’t mind your child reading that sort of thing, then go right on ahead, because I know they will enjoy this book immensely.  If you have a bit of a puritan heart, then perhaps there is other fine literature out there for your pre-teen that you would prefer for them to be exposed to.  I personally, adored the author’s style and I might also add that the illustrations were perfect for the story, odd as they were, they suited it perfectly.Johnny Nothing has nothing, then gets something, then loses it again and through it all keeps his gracious and giving heart.  This is a lesson in human nature, in the whacky world of celebrity and the fickle nature of the media.  Sometimes no matter what you say, no matter what you do, things just go impossibly wrong.  It’s just the way of things.  If not just for the great laughs brought to us through descriptions of main characters, the dialogue and banter or the jazzy puns, then this is a real lesson in life.  Sometimes even with the best of intentions, we can’t control everything (especially the choices of others) and things will go downhill fast.Johnny Nothing is a boy treated more poorly than Oliver; a real Harry Potter without the Hogwarts.  I loved this book and I am sure you and your children will enjoy it as well.  Funny, punny and full of off kilter characters you will love to hate, Johnny Nothing is a quick, delightful read.