On the HahaFiction shelf
Noah Can't Even
Noah Can't Even · Book 1 · 2017
Noah Grimes hopes a romance with Sophie will help him fit in at school. Instead, his best and only friend, Harry, kisses him at a party, leaving Noah with feelings he had not planned for.
From the publisher’s blurb
“A madcap coming-of-age (and out!) story”Read the full description at Scholastic, August2017 Trade Parade
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What makes it funny?
Even kissing becomes an overthinking exercise. Noah invents elaborate reasons why continuing would be the polite thing to do, while struggling to admit how much he likes it.
The comedy at work
Noah’s fussy inner commentary makes a social stumble feel enormous. His wish to prepare for every possibility keeps colliding with people who act on their feelings, giving the embarrassment an affectionate edge.
Try this if…
For readers who enjoy an awkward teenage lead, first romance and comic mishaps with emotional consequences. Noah can be exasperating, but his family troubles and confusion give the comedy something tender to return to.
Good to know
The story includes teenage drinking and kissing, an absent father and a grandmother with dementia. It is the first Noah book; Noah Could Never is the sequel.
A few distinguishing details
- A first kiss accompanied by a private debate about good manners
- The only friend who upends Noah’s plan to get a girlfriend
More funny coming of age
Sources & further reading
- Simon James Green media kit:2026 first-volume cover
Author commentary
- Scholastic August2017 Trade Parade, page22
Publisher
- Book Notification: Noah Can’t Even series publication order
Book information
- Kelly McCaughrain: Noah Can’t Even review, Awfully Big Reviews
Review
- Simon James Green: Noah Can’t Even
Author commentary
- Simon James Green: How I Got Published
Author commentary
- The Pewter Wolf: Scholastic blog-tour authorized extract
Reading sample
- London Review Bookshop:2026 paperback bibliographic listing
Book information
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