48 Shades of Brown

Rating:
Summary: 48 Shades of Brown
Review: The book 48 Shades of brown is a funny and romantic story about a young man named Dan who is given the choice to move to Geneva with his parents for a year, go to boarding school, or go live with his twenty-two year old aunt, Jacq. Not wanting to switch schools or be boarded at one, Dan chooses his aunts place. As if his senor year of high school isn't hard enough, Dan falls for a girl, but not just any girl, Jacq's roommate Naomi. Now, he has to survive calculus and get Naomi to like him. The trouble is that Dan isn't her type of guy, so he spends the entire book trying to become that guy that she wants.
This book is full of humor, twists, romance, and some pretty embarrassing moments. It has great characters that you fall in love with as well as one major twist at the end that I know surprised me. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to have fun and wants to laugh. This is a book that both boys and girls will have fun with and will be able to relate a lot to as well. I do not recommend this book to younger audiences because there is some sexual content and language. All together I thought this book was really well written and a very enjoyable book to read. This isn't the ordinary love story, pick it up and find out for yourself.



Rating:
Summary: Hilariously funny OR tediously boring?? You Decide.
Review: When I first spotted 48 Shades of Brown in the youth section of my library I was debating within myself whether this book was worth the read. The blurb looked compromisable but the praise for the author, Nick Earls was undeniably enticing.

Basically, this novel tells the story of Dan Brancroft, a teenager who has a choice to make as to whether to go to Geneva with his parents for a year, or move into a house with his bass-playing aunt, Jacq, (who apparently is only a couple years older than himself) and her friend/housemate Naomi. He chose Jacq's place. From then on, he is faced with a pulsating crush on Naomi (who sleeps in the next room from him and is separated by only a thin wall), trys to impress her by learning the scientific names of birds and the different shades of brown (hence the title).

The book mainly centres on his feelings on Naomi and ways in which he trys to sort them out, but it also demonstrates the emotional growth of a teenage boy.

Although there were some sections where I laughed, shook my head in amazement at the honesty and creativity of the author, I have to be honest and say that for the most part this book was quite tedious. If you don't read carefully, there can be times when you can completely lose the plot and purpose of the story. There are also times in the story when you just wish something interesting happens. It's not exactly what I would call "packed with excitment". The nature of the book would best be described as mellow and gentle.

I would only recommend this to readers between 13-18, who like "soft" stories that deal with human nature, and can tolerate a slow read with surprising but hilarious humor integrated among the pages.

Rating:
Summary: A Hilarious Bore
Review: When I picked up the book, I was debating on whether or not it would be good. After reading, I'm still wondering if it was worth the read.
The book has a very slow beginning. This slow beginning leads to an even slower plot development. The novel lacks action and the climax was more like that of rising action. There is the hint of wonder on whether or not Dan gets the girl, but nothing to keep one turning the pages. The ending was quick, rushed, yet to the point. I guess it's to make up for the lack of substance in the novel.However, on the bright side the book is very funny. It's edgy and Dan has a comical view on life. He analyzes everything, even the way he puts on his shoes. Many a time you will find yourself laughing at one Dan's thinking. But, there wasn't a connection with any of the characters so they and the book aren't worth remembering.