On the HahaFiction shelf
About a Boy
Will Freeman invents a toddler so he can join a single-parent group and meet women. Then twelve-year-old Marcus starts taking up space in his carefully unencumbered life.
From the publisher’s blurb
“A wise, hilarious novel”Read the full description at Publisher description, Riverhead Books
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What makes it funny?
In the opening excerpt, Marcus regards his mother’s breakup partly as a problem of excess pizza. He also thinks sharing a bathroom should create some obligation to stay in touch.
The comedy at work
Marcus asks direct questions that adults mistake for sarcasm. Will supplies the opposite problem: a grown man whose ingenious dating plan depends on pretending to have responsibilities.
Try this if…
For readers who enjoy awkward conversations, unlikely friendships and adults who still have growing up to do.
Good to know
The story includes depression, a suicide attempt and school bullying.
More funny coming of age
Sources & further reading
- Publisher and excerpt
Publisher
- Kirkus review
Review
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