Punchlines

by Oliver Phommavanh

As long as you can make a girl laugh, she'll go for you, right?

Well, unless you're a seriously weird teenager like Johnny Khamka.  Surviving high school is hard enough, but how on earth can he get his childhood bestie, Josie, now a seriously hot teenager, to take him seriously?  The answer is to keep her laughing.  But when Johnny decides to take comedy seriously, he's suddenly at risk for not being funny at all.

From the talented and funny author of Thai-riffic! And Con-nerd comes another LOL story about surviving your teens.

Praise for Con-nerd

'Must read.  Getting geeky is no longer freaky.'

K Zone magazine

Praise for Thai-riffic!

'His ability to write side-splitting humour and to connect with children shine through in this, his first, novel.'

Sun Herald

Praise for Thai-riffic!

'I really loved Thai-riffic!, its funny and moving, and I can't wait for the sequel Thai-Me-Kangaroo-Down-Sport!'

Wil Anderson

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2012

Reviews

[Watermelon Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know why Punchlines doesn’t have a million readers.

Or how I’m the first one reviewing such a terrific book. I’ve noticed it got released in 2012, but surely more people have read it?

It’s such an amazing, beautifully-written book. I don’t usually say this about stories, so this one definitely should be on your to-read list. A talented yet ordinary boy, Johnny, tries to win the heart of his childhood friend and the whole country when he signs up for a stand-up-comedy act.

What makes this book so unique is how it describes the life of a comedian. It made me see the profession in a whole different way. And to be quite frank, I think comedy is one of the hardest professions out there, because there’s nothing worse than people laughing at you when they should laugh with you.

And I love how this book steers away from the stereotypical. Josie isn’t a blonde-haired-blue-eyed-and-perfect young girl –she’s your average girl. Just like our Johnny is your average boy.

Oh, and the family bonding in this book is just adorable. You’ll find out what I mean when you pick this up!

[Rebecca Fung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the humour and the energy throughout it. It did seem a bit strange that it was about a 16-year-old but the story and gags seemed aimed at a much younger audience, I had to keep reminding myself he was 16 or close to it.

It is lighthearted and full of heart though - a lot of the story is fairly predictable but it doesn't take away from the fun.

[Alana]

i remember reading this book years ago.. it was so funny. the best book for kids who are begining to read bigger books and are looking for a laugh
the author of this book - oliver phommavanh actually worked at my primary school, i thought it was the best thing when he released the book.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

while i appreciate oliver phommavanh doing the lord's work and repping the southeast asian gang in basically all of his books, this was very cheesy and cliche. also i found it to be a bit juvenile for a narrator who's nearly sixteen? maybe it's just me idk.

[Aneets · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this together with my 9 year old and we continue to love Oliver P's books. A story about a young kid from the western suburbs of Sydney who wants to be a stand up comedian is a refreshing change from a lot of other books out there for young readers. 3.5 stars.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book by Phommavanh and even better than the first. This one is aimed older, with the protagonist age 16, chasing both a career and a girlfriend throughout the book. The book is very funny, again very relatable and a great quick read. It deals with themes of friendship, being there for your mates, being brave enough to take risks and the importance of family. Highly enjoyable!

[doritos_327 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I found myself laughing the whole time through =D dont know why people haven't heard of Oliver