Review: There's a shortage of bananas worldwide
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 14, 2013
Here we have a book written by a thirteen year old. Before you click away, read a little further--the value of this book is not in the novelty of being written by a middle-schooler. It's in what he wrote."Problem Cousin and Other Funny Stories" by Alex Goodwin is a collection of humorous stories. Granted, the first story, "The Grocery Store," does smack a little of "Spongebob," but as you read on to the later pieces, you realize that this young man has a strong grasp not only on a written word, but on that rare quality of writing prose that makes people laugh. If you think it's easy, try it yourself. Also, a note to any writers who'll happen to read this book: This is how the dialog should be written. There's nothing extra, and it's always clear who is speaking. As a book critic, I suffer needlessly with the exact opposite on a daily basis; get with the program people.The book follows (mis-) adventures of Billy and Bob. Sometimes Bob's titular cousin, Billy-Bob is also on the scene. "The Bosses," who are mysterious employers of Billy's, and who prefer to communicate with our two heroes remotely, also make an appearance periodically. Out of one-off characters, I think my favorite is Dark Citrus, "a tangerine that was half-demonic and half-epic."The writing style is easy and compact. Sometimes, the "narrator" makes an appearance, mostly to make fun of some of writing clichés:"Just as the two thought all hope was lost, a miracle happened. No, just kidding. He-he, I got your hopes up. Back to the story."...Or:"Hey, I don't want to hear any negative comments on this. I wanted to have a happy ending for once."This book made me laugh many times as I was reading it. And I mean "laugh," not just smirk in my usual condescending way. Considering that there were only a few other books that I've read this year that did the same, I would say it makes for the price of admission, despite a few rough edges. So, after you finished installing a doggy door for your imaginary pets and fishing out bills, pipebombs, and death threats from your junk mail, give this book a read. Recommended.