Noah Can't Even by Simon James Green

The Cover: Well, I can't say that I was particularly drawn to this cover. If I hadn't seen posts in Instagram, praising the book, I probably wouldn't have read it. But it does really, truly fit the book.

The Plot: Noah is not a traditionally cool guy. He is a bit (or a LOT) too awkward, says a few (MANY) weird things and has quite (basically) little (no) chill (what so ever). This will probably work it self out, the boy thinks, if he just gets with the detached, sweet, smart, cool girl in school, Sophia. Bugger it all that Harry, his bestest buddelibud in the entire universe, that's been with him through it all, decides to drunkenly kiss him at a party. Like, with tongue. And then other strange things happen and then it's all chaos. And his mum sucks as both a parent and Beyoncé.

What Happens: So, the plot description is kind of scratching the surface. If there was an award for shitty parents, Noah's would win it at least once in his lifetime. His grandma is in a home and plotting her escape. There are a lot of awkward conversations and thoughts on sex. And some people are really not as they first seem. There are some twists thats weren't expected, but not all that surprising when you think about it.

What I Think: I loved this book. It's not the most well-written specimen I've read, but it has heart and soul. Following Noah's hilarious and heartfelt thoughts is a pleasure and I laughed, cringed and rolled my eyes the entire way through. I would have liked to see more Noah/Harry-moments. There were a lot of focus on certain events, which were also funny, but it would have been better for the feeling of the relationship if they would have had more interaction.

Quote of the book: "'Everyone's different, Mum, it's fine to be different!' 'No, Noah, it's not', she said, pushing him into his bedroom. 'They just say that to make the weird kids feel better.'" (I do not agree)

/ Denise