Notice for Review Requests

I receive review requests weekly. However, my personal schedule is hectic and I no longer review actively. (I also manage another blog called The Toronto Cafe and Food Blog). I do read every request sent but I apologize in advance that I do not reply to them all.

If I do take on a request, I will forewarn that it may take some time before I can review it. I am now looking to review adult fiction and self-help books instead of young adult fiction because I have grown out of it. If you are to request a review for either adult fiction or self-help, I will more likely to give it a shot.

In the meantime, Stop, Drop, and Read! serves as an archive book review blog. When I have the time, I may post a review. Thank you for understanding.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk

Title: The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin
Author: Josh Berk
Age Group: Teens
# of Pages: 250
My Rating: 4/5

Will Halpin is an overweight deaf teen who finally gets to go to a normal high school. Unpopular the moment he stepped in he occupies himself by reading the lips of people around him.

On a class trip to a local coal mine, the star quarterback fell down into a ditch and died. However, it seems like it may be a homicide instead. With new friend/class weirdo, Devon Smiley, Will is determined to figure out who is the murderer.

This is a very enjoyable novel. It is unlike most mystery novels and it is kept at a light and fun voice rather than something suspenseful. Will has a great sense of humour and generally jokes a lot about himself and others throughout the novel. Compared to other overweight protagonists, Will doesn't try to fit in or lose weight. Sure he wouldn't mind being liked(who wouldn't?), but it is not his main goal (although he tries not to become the school loser).

The one thing that did irk me was the fact that the story, with the murder and all, did not happen until 100 pages later. I think the author should've went right into it instead of having Will idling his days away. But it was entertaining to see Will's perspective on things nonetheless.

I recommend The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin to readers who would like something light and different. For guy readers, this is a read for you!

Review copy provided by Book Divas.

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3 comments:

Bethany said...

Hmmm sounds slighty creepy!!! I'll have to check it out

Also I have awarded you on my blog,

www.owlbookreviews.com

:D

Mardel said...

That is refreshing to read about someone not quite the norm who DOESN'T end up the norm.

Liviania said...

I'd almost forgot about this one because I never see it in stores! I should order it or something, because it sounds fun and different.