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Johnny Nothing
WARNING: This book will seriously damage your funny bone. The poorest boy in school has just inherited £1 million. But there is a catch: If he can hold on to his cash for a whole year he will earn ten times that amount. Enter Felicity MacKenzie, the ugliest, sweatiest, vilest, cruelest, hairiest mother in the western world. When she steals her son’s money and goes on the spending spree to end all spending sprees it seems that Johnny Nothing will stay poor forever. However, Johnny has a plan – he will imprison his parents and force them to do homework and go to bed early as punishment. Join Johnny Nothing, Bill and Ben the bouncer men, Ebenezer Dark and a cast of literally dozens in (probably) the funniest book you will (most likely) ever read in (some of) your lifetime. Learn why solicitors like handbags; why dead people are windier than the North Sea; why parents dislike electrocution; and what happens to you after you die. Johnny Nothing: Book 01 in a series of less than two from best-selling author Ian Probert.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2014
6 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Ian Probert
19 books17 followersIan Probert has been scribbling down words ever since he learned to spell the phrase: 'Once upon a time...'. He is the author of Internet Spy, Rope Burns and a bunch of other titles. Internet Spy was a bestseller in the US and made into a TV film. Rope Burns is a book about why books shouldn't be written about boxing. Ian has also written things for a shed load of newspapers and magazines. When Ian was a student he used to write lots of letters to the bank manager.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 7, 2015
Johnny Nothing is probably the perfect book for singularly imperfect boys. But it’s not all boogers and bodily fluids—there’s some wonderful language lurking behind the irreverence, such as when Johnny is compared to a “colour.” The humor is very English, convincingly teen and male, and somewhat smelly. Some readers might find it wearing after a while, like the worst of British TV imported to the States. But others, many of them unwilling readers aged from 10 to 18, will assuredly love it. There’s a boyish exuberance combined with a fascination for bodily functions; there are wonderful lists of puns from a round-the-world trip; and there’s the usual attraction of poor hopeless boy, powerful hopeless guardians, and unexpected opportunity. Of course, the powerful guardians—large obnoxious mother in particular—are amply skilled at the thwarting young Johnny’s plans, but a surprisingly wise lesson in failure might change things around.
No thing is spared the sharp knife of humor and scorn in this tale. Politics and religion aren’t forbidden, and neither is BO. Names like Ebenezer Dark and Johnny Nothing offer a pleasing sense of fantasy. But, on the whole, this probably isn’t a book for reading moms. Combining the worst of boyhood infatuations with a well-plotted storyline and well-written scenes however, it just might make readers out of their pre-teen sons.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
No thing is spared the sharp knife of humor and scorn in this tale. Politics and religion aren’t forbidden, and neither is BO. Names like Ebenezer Dark and Johnny Nothing offer a pleasing sense of fantasy. But, on the whole, this probably isn’t a book for reading moms. Combining the worst of boyhood infatuations with a well-plotted storyline and well-written scenes however, it just might make readers out of their pre-teen sons.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
May 5, 2014
What is Johnny Nothing? Well,it’s a book that any child would love reading. It’s also a tale that any child not yet old enough to read would love to have their Mum or Dad read to them. And finally, it’s a book that Mum or Dad will certainly finish reading secretly on their own, for their own delight long before it’s bedtime rendition is complete.
What is Johnny Nothing about? One way of answering that would be to ask how the Harry Potter plot might have played out if Hagrid had never arrived to liberate him. Like Harry, Johnny has Thoroughly Beastly Parents (or, as Probert might go on to qualify that description, I mean really and truly, THOROUGHLY, BEASTLY PARENTS!)
That’s because unlike J.K. Rowling, Probert frequently jumps out of the normal third person narrative style to talk directly to the child to make a point or deliver an admonition when a character does something nasty (don’t smoke, kids!). There are footnotes, too, and long lists of bulleted examples of things, each making the type of thoroughly atrocious pun that children delight to hear.
It’s all done in a grand, rollicking manner, with lots of that special type of British slang that can light up a sentence with it’s chummy style. While many of the words may ring strange to those from away, you can get almost all of it from context, and it further helps to create the feel of a story being related by a favorite uncle.
Children will delight especially in those elements that play to a child’s most guilty desires: suddenly being empowered to lock their parents in a bedroom for a few months, for example, forced to eat healthy meals and do their homework (can life get any better than that?) All the while, Johnny Nothing himself remains a very approachable character – he’s not Nothing, but he is, in most ways decidedly Average, at least to begin with, and that’s the point.
There is something rather unusual about Johnny Nothing, and that is the fact that it seems to be the first children’s book by an author that has produced almost everything else: scifi fiction, books on digital photography, books on boxing, a book of panoramic photos, articles for a long list of magazines, music, and much more (check out his author page at Amazon for a complete list).
Moreover, his current output is prodigious: he is simultaneously posting four serial books at once at his blog: http://ianprobertbooks.wordpress.com/ His style in those books is decidedly different: although they range from science fiction to contemporary to I’m not sure yet (given that sometimes they take unanticipated jumps), most of the plots involve violence and sex, although neither is gratuitously described. As with his children’s book, the prose flows effortlessly, and it’s hard not to envy the believability and fluidity of these first-draft chapters. You can sign up to have them delivered to you by email, and I’ve come to look forward to their arriving, usually on a daily basis.
There’s another reason to visit Probert’s blog, and that’s the extraordinary color illustrations that accompany each chapter of Johnny Nothing. On an ordinary, black and white Kindle, you can’t appreciate them at all. But at his blog (and perhaps on a Kindle Fire or iPad), they’re stunning. Even the cover image is much more impressive.
In sum, this is an author to be taken seriously. If you haven’t discovered him yet, I strongly urge you to drop by this blog. And in any event, give a serious thought to picking up a copy of Johnny Nothing.
What is Johnny Nothing about? One way of answering that would be to ask how the Harry Potter plot might have played out if Hagrid had never arrived to liberate him. Like Harry, Johnny has Thoroughly Beastly Parents (or, as Probert might go on to qualify that description, I mean really and truly, THOROUGHLY, BEASTLY PARENTS!)
That’s because unlike J.K. Rowling, Probert frequently jumps out of the normal third person narrative style to talk directly to the child to make a point or deliver an admonition when a character does something nasty (don’t smoke, kids!). There are footnotes, too, and long lists of bulleted examples of things, each making the type of thoroughly atrocious pun that children delight to hear.
It’s all done in a grand, rollicking manner, with lots of that special type of British slang that can light up a sentence with it’s chummy style. While many of the words may ring strange to those from away, you can get almost all of it from context, and it further helps to create the feel of a story being related by a favorite uncle.
Children will delight especially in those elements that play to a child’s most guilty desires: suddenly being empowered to lock their parents in a bedroom for a few months, for example, forced to eat healthy meals and do their homework (can life get any better than that?) All the while, Johnny Nothing himself remains a very approachable character – he’s not Nothing, but he is, in most ways decidedly Average, at least to begin with, and that’s the point.
There is something rather unusual about Johnny Nothing, and that is the fact that it seems to be the first children’s book by an author that has produced almost everything else: scifi fiction, books on digital photography, books on boxing, a book of panoramic photos, articles for a long list of magazines, music, and much more (check out his author page at Amazon for a complete list).
Moreover, his current output is prodigious: he is simultaneously posting four serial books at once at his blog: http://ianprobertbooks.wordpress.com/ His style in those books is decidedly different: although they range from science fiction to contemporary to I’m not sure yet (given that sometimes they take unanticipated jumps), most of the plots involve violence and sex, although neither is gratuitously described. As with his children’s book, the prose flows effortlessly, and it’s hard not to envy the believability and fluidity of these first-draft chapters. You can sign up to have them delivered to you by email, and I’ve come to look forward to their arriving, usually on a daily basis.
There’s another reason to visit Probert’s blog, and that’s the extraordinary color illustrations that accompany each chapter of Johnny Nothing. On an ordinary, black and white Kindle, you can’t appreciate them at all. But at his blog (and perhaps on a Kindle Fire or iPad), they’re stunning. Even the cover image is much more impressive.
In sum, this is an author to be taken seriously. If you haven’t discovered him yet, I strongly urge you to drop by this blog. And in any event, give a serious thought to picking up a copy of Johnny Nothing.
June 8, 2014
This review is as written by my mom, Bella Conner. I agree with it entirely, but since she hasn't signed up yet to post it, I want to share her review.
JOHNNY NOTHING..... a review
If you don't think Monty Python is funny, then you won't like this book.
If you don't appreciate dramatic irony, then you won't like this book.
If you like to cheer for the evil likes of the Wicked Witch in stories like Hansel and Gretel and The Wizard of Oz, then you won't like this book.
As a matter of fact, if you like stealing candy from babies, embezzling from stocks to live beyond your means, and amassing a hoarder's stash of shoes, clothes, and handbags, then you must put this book down right away and never purchase this book for as long as your coal-like heart still beats.
The story of Johnny Nothing is truly something. Instead of the dour writings of Lemony Snickett, Ian Probert has taken the typical British formula of a neglected boy inheriting riches, and made it uniquely his own.
It is the story of 10 year old Johnny MacKenzie, who not only had the misfortune to be born to Felicity and Billy MacKenzie, but who also had the fortune to be the sole heir of Uncle Marley's fortune. As per the instructions of Uncle Marley, (whose first name is Jake, short for Jacob, see the irony? But I digress...) Johnny is to receive £1 million, yet there is more that awaits him (£10 million, to be exact) on the condition that in one year's time he is to have increased the initial sum. It could be by a penny. It could be by thousands. The bottom line is that it is to be increased for the final inheritance to become his.
The problems arise when his greedy, overbearing, witchy mum, has convinced herself that SHE is the rightful heir. Each turn of the page highlights the daily shopping activities of Johnny's parents, while he is desperately trying to get hold of the cash card filched by his mum at the funeral. Throughout the story Johnny is abused, sweet talked, coddled, forgotten, and basically used for whatever his parent's hard-hearted hearts desire.
But the spotlight doesn't just shine on Johnny and his parents. Oh no. The narration itself takes center stage as the wit, humor, and nasty little deceptions fill your head as if John Cleese was whispering in your ear, and Michael Palin was performing antics as Johnny Nothing right there in your living room (or your bedroom, or wherever you are reading it, but I digress again....)
Does Johnny outwit, outlast, and outplay his parents? Does Felicity get her hands on the Royal Jewels? Does Billy MacKenzie run off with that cute little secretary at the bank? And who ends up with all that cash?
Actually, I am not sure about the Royal Jewels or the secretary, but I do know that the story of Johnny Nothing kept me laughing from the first page to the last. I couldn't wait to turn another page, and I read it all in (mostly) one sitting.
This book has earned the right to sit on the top shelf of any book store, and its author should be nominated for the Hugo Award at the very least. It was a joy to read, and I can't wait for more!
JOHNNY NOTHING..... a review
If you don't think Monty Python is funny, then you won't like this book.
If you don't appreciate dramatic irony, then you won't like this book.
If you like to cheer for the evil likes of the Wicked Witch in stories like Hansel and Gretel and The Wizard of Oz, then you won't like this book.
As a matter of fact, if you like stealing candy from babies, embezzling from stocks to live beyond your means, and amassing a hoarder's stash of shoes, clothes, and handbags, then you must put this book down right away and never purchase this book for as long as your coal-like heart still beats.
The story of Johnny Nothing is truly something. Instead of the dour writings of Lemony Snickett, Ian Probert has taken the typical British formula of a neglected boy inheriting riches, and made it uniquely his own.
It is the story of 10 year old Johnny MacKenzie, who not only had the misfortune to be born to Felicity and Billy MacKenzie, but who also had the fortune to be the sole heir of Uncle Marley's fortune. As per the instructions of Uncle Marley, (whose first name is Jake, short for Jacob, see the irony? But I digress...) Johnny is to receive £1 million, yet there is more that awaits him (£10 million, to be exact) on the condition that in one year's time he is to have increased the initial sum. It could be by a penny. It could be by thousands. The bottom line is that it is to be increased for the final inheritance to become his.
The problems arise when his greedy, overbearing, witchy mum, has convinced herself that SHE is the rightful heir. Each turn of the page highlights the daily shopping activities of Johnny's parents, while he is desperately trying to get hold of the cash card filched by his mum at the funeral. Throughout the story Johnny is abused, sweet talked, coddled, forgotten, and basically used for whatever his parent's hard-hearted hearts desire.
But the spotlight doesn't just shine on Johnny and his parents. Oh no. The narration itself takes center stage as the wit, humor, and nasty little deceptions fill your head as if John Cleese was whispering in your ear, and Michael Palin was performing antics as Johnny Nothing right there in your living room (or your bedroom, or wherever you are reading it, but I digress again....)
Does Johnny outwit, outlast, and outplay his parents? Does Felicity get her hands on the Royal Jewels? Does Billy MacKenzie run off with that cute little secretary at the bank? And who ends up with all that cash?
Actually, I am not sure about the Royal Jewels or the secretary, but I do know that the story of Johnny Nothing kept me laughing from the first page to the last. I couldn't wait to turn another page, and I read it all in (mostly) one sitting.
This book has earned the right to sit on the top shelf of any book store, and its author should be nominated for the Hugo Award at the very least. It was a joy to read, and I can't wait for more!
March 31, 2014
Review of Johnny Nothing by Ian Probert
This book is hilarious! I imagine the target audience is kids (mainly boys?) between the ages of 8 and 12, but this middle-aged woman couldn’t stop laughing – or reading. You know how animated movies are supposed to be for kids, but the jokes are really for the adults? Well, it’s kind of like that. So, don’t be fooled thinking this is just a book for kids. It’s also a book for seriously warped adults.
Johnny Nothing is a 10-year old boy whose parents treat him like cr….er, dirt. To me, he is like a cross between Harry Potter, with the selfish, narcissistic, mean adults making his life a living hell, and sweet Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Johnny is a good kid who makes no complaint despite the horribleness of his parents. He inherits a huge sum from his Uncle Marley, and has a chance for more if he can return a year later having made that money grow.
Of course the despicable parents go crazy spending the money and it’s up to Johnny to rein them in.
Probert’s descriptions are terrific. Here’s what we’re told when we first meet Johnny:
“If Johnny was a colour he wouldn’t’ be yellow or red or blue or green or violet or gold or silver. He’d just be grey. Dull, muddy, grey. If he was a sound he’d be a monotonous drone. If he was a smell, he’d be the smell of nothingness.”
The smell of nothingness – how great is that???
Probert also uses great techniques that made me chuckle, such as talking directly to the reader:
“Am I making myself clear? Johnny’s just ordinary. Just ordinary, except for one thing which I’ll tell you about on page 4 because right now I’ve got to get back to explaining why everybody was BORED.”
The characters, especially Johnny’s mother, Felicity MacKenzie, are over the top. But that’s the fun of it really – everything is taken to its ridiculous extreme – which is just how tween boys like things. The mantra of all mothers to 12-year-old boys is, “Don’t you know when to stop?” And the answer of course, is NO. That’s how Probert wrote this book, and his target audience will love it.
There’s tons of potty humor and detailed descriptions of bodily smells and sounds. Yes, the descriptions are disgusting, gross, sick. So, it’s not all that likely that Grandma or Auntie Mae will buy this book for their own little Johnnys. But Dad will and he’ll probably want to read it first. I can see Johnny Nothing being just the sort of thing that catches on and takes off in a BIG way.
This book is hilarious! I imagine the target audience is kids (mainly boys?) between the ages of 8 and 12, but this middle-aged woman couldn’t stop laughing – or reading. You know how animated movies are supposed to be for kids, but the jokes are really for the adults? Well, it’s kind of like that. So, don’t be fooled thinking this is just a book for kids. It’s also a book for seriously warped adults.
Johnny Nothing is a 10-year old boy whose parents treat him like cr….er, dirt. To me, he is like a cross between Harry Potter, with the selfish, narcissistic, mean adults making his life a living hell, and sweet Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Johnny is a good kid who makes no complaint despite the horribleness of his parents. He inherits a huge sum from his Uncle Marley, and has a chance for more if he can return a year later having made that money grow.
Of course the despicable parents go crazy spending the money and it’s up to Johnny to rein them in.
Probert’s descriptions are terrific. Here’s what we’re told when we first meet Johnny:
“If Johnny was a colour he wouldn’t’ be yellow or red or blue or green or violet or gold or silver. He’d just be grey. Dull, muddy, grey. If he was a sound he’d be a monotonous drone. If he was a smell, he’d be the smell of nothingness.”
The smell of nothingness – how great is that???
Probert also uses great techniques that made me chuckle, such as talking directly to the reader:
“Am I making myself clear? Johnny’s just ordinary. Just ordinary, except for one thing which I’ll tell you about on page 4 because right now I’ve got to get back to explaining why everybody was BORED.”
The characters, especially Johnny’s mother, Felicity MacKenzie, are over the top. But that’s the fun of it really – everything is taken to its ridiculous extreme – which is just how tween boys like things. The mantra of all mothers to 12-year-old boys is, “Don’t you know when to stop?” And the answer of course, is NO. That’s how Probert wrote this book, and his target audience will love it.
There’s tons of potty humor and detailed descriptions of bodily smells and sounds. Yes, the descriptions are disgusting, gross, sick. So, it’s not all that likely that Grandma or Auntie Mae will buy this book for their own little Johnnys. But Dad will and he’ll probably want to read it first. I can see Johnny Nothing being just the sort of thing that catches on and takes off in a BIG way.
April 15, 2014
Review by Joshua Jackson. 13 Years of Age. New recruit to the Liz Loves Books Reviewing team covering YA and Childrens Fiction.
Thank you to the author for the review copy.
The poorest boy in school has just inherited £1 million. But there is a catch: If he can hold on to his cash for a whole year he will earn ten times that amount. Enter Felicity MacKenzie, the ugliest, sweatiest, vilest, cruelest, hairiest mother in the western world. When she steals her son’s money and goes on the spending spree to end all spending sprees it seems that Johnny Nothing will stay poor forever.
Heart-warming, moral guided children’s books which combine varied and effective humour with a riveting, relatable yet imaginative story aren’t common and when an excellent example of this arrives it’s shouldn’t be passed up, this is especially true for Ian Probert’s wonderful novel Johnny Nothing.
Johnny Nothing is exactly that: Nothing, two abusive parents who care little for him and a crumbling tower block is all he comes home to, however upon the reading of his isolated and antisocial uncles wills its Johnny Nothing who inherits the hefty sum of £1,000,000 along with the proposition that if he returns in one years’ time he will be given £10,000,000 provided he make a profit on his current amount. Yet a money crazed mother intent on using the money for her own personal gain means returning next year will be a challenge for Johnny.
Quick and comedic writing gives excellent characterization of the people that inhabit Johnny’s world, and each chapter broken up by the books ability to stray unknowingly however contextually away from the story. The book is clearly narrated by a witty character who adds in anecdotes while explaining the story beautifully and never requiring you to re-read the previous page due to the vague nature of previous descriptors.
The book itself has a strong sense of Roald Dahl about it and allows you to embrace your inner ten year old however the humour doesn’t lack sophistication or an appeal to adults and much of it will have adults as well as children in hysterics at the writing. However at times the humour can be lacklustre and doesn’t amuse or live up to the overall quality of the book.
Despite a few rare lapses in quality Johnny Nothing is a funny, charming and loveable book that will appeal to adults as well as the children it was written for and those wanting to rekindle a love of children’s literature.
Thank you to the author for the review copy.
The poorest boy in school has just inherited £1 million. But there is a catch: If he can hold on to his cash for a whole year he will earn ten times that amount. Enter Felicity MacKenzie, the ugliest, sweatiest, vilest, cruelest, hairiest mother in the western world. When she steals her son’s money and goes on the spending spree to end all spending sprees it seems that Johnny Nothing will stay poor forever.
Heart-warming, moral guided children’s books which combine varied and effective humour with a riveting, relatable yet imaginative story aren’t common and when an excellent example of this arrives it’s shouldn’t be passed up, this is especially true for Ian Probert’s wonderful novel Johnny Nothing.
Johnny Nothing is exactly that: Nothing, two abusive parents who care little for him and a crumbling tower block is all he comes home to, however upon the reading of his isolated and antisocial uncles wills its Johnny Nothing who inherits the hefty sum of £1,000,000 along with the proposition that if he returns in one years’ time he will be given £10,000,000 provided he make a profit on his current amount. Yet a money crazed mother intent on using the money for her own personal gain means returning next year will be a challenge for Johnny.
Quick and comedic writing gives excellent characterization of the people that inhabit Johnny’s world, and each chapter broken up by the books ability to stray unknowingly however contextually away from the story. The book is clearly narrated by a witty character who adds in anecdotes while explaining the story beautifully and never requiring you to re-read the previous page due to the vague nature of previous descriptors.
The book itself has a strong sense of Roald Dahl about it and allows you to embrace your inner ten year old however the humour doesn’t lack sophistication or an appeal to adults and much of it will have adults as well as children in hysterics at the writing. However at times the humour can be lacklustre and doesn’t amuse or live up to the overall quality of the book.
Despite a few rare lapses in quality Johnny Nothing is a funny, charming and loveable book that will appeal to adults as well as the children it was written for and those wanting to rekindle a love of children’s literature.
March 11, 2015
Modern readers might compare Johnny Nothing to Lemony Snicket, but the book that came most to my mind was Laurence Sterne’s delightful and convoluted Tristram Shandy. Yes, Johnny Nothing is a kid's book and contains nothing of the complexity or depth of Stern’s prose, and yet the frequent segues and digressions, the illustrations and absolute sense of irreverence make me think Johnny Nothing is the perfect book to prepare youngsters for the labyrinths that will await them as adults.
Forget the story, Johnny Nothing is a roller coaster ride back into the young male mind (or, for female readers the first accurate glimpse) as he perceive parents, grandparents, teachers, elders, funerals, flatulence or scatalogical matters of any kind, prepubescent sexuality, social rituals such as dining and parties, church and boogers.
To be honest, when Probert finally settles into the plot, the book looses half of its fun. But he still manages to infuse the story with preposterous scenarios such as two lawyers, asleep at the wheel and daydreaming in the same lane on the highway.
Johnny Nothing’s self-centered parents neglect him to the point that his only pair of shoes are his father’s size 12 loafers. He earned the nickname "Nothing" because he wears the same set of clothes every day and brings nothing in his lunch bag. His rich Uncle Marley leaves nothing to the family but Johnny, whose inheritance is a million dollars.
Johnny must earn one penny more than that million in a year in order to receive ten times that much. The only problem is, Johnny’s mother is determined to spend his money as quickly as possibly, and none of it on him.
Probst prose punches readers in the face like a clown hammer. Ever line sets up a gag or delivers it with unabashed glee. Adults will relish every joke or find them fiendishly inappropriate for children, which makes them all the more perfect for kids.
I don’t know how your inner little girl will feel about Johnny Nothing but my inner eighth grade boy thinks Johnny Nothing is funnier than farting in the front of church when the Franciscan Sisters pray.
Phillip T. Stephens is the author of Cigerets, Guns & Beer and Raising Hell. You can follow him @stephens_pt.
Forget the story, Johnny Nothing is a roller coaster ride back into the young male mind (or, for female readers the first accurate glimpse) as he perceive parents, grandparents, teachers, elders, funerals, flatulence or scatalogical matters of any kind, prepubescent sexuality, social rituals such as dining and parties, church and boogers.
To be honest, when Probert finally settles into the plot, the book looses half of its fun. But he still manages to infuse the story with preposterous scenarios such as two lawyers, asleep at the wheel and daydreaming in the same lane on the highway.
Johnny Nothing’s self-centered parents neglect him to the point that his only pair of shoes are his father’s size 12 loafers. He earned the nickname "Nothing" because he wears the same set of clothes every day and brings nothing in his lunch bag. His rich Uncle Marley leaves nothing to the family but Johnny, whose inheritance is a million dollars.
Johnny must earn one penny more than that million in a year in order to receive ten times that much. The only problem is, Johnny’s mother is determined to spend his money as quickly as possibly, and none of it on him.
Probst prose punches readers in the face like a clown hammer. Ever line sets up a gag or delivers it with unabashed glee. Adults will relish every joke or find them fiendishly inappropriate for children, which makes them all the more perfect for kids.
I don’t know how your inner little girl will feel about Johnny Nothing but my inner eighth grade boy thinks Johnny Nothing is funnier than farting in the front of church when the Franciscan Sisters pray.
Phillip T. Stephens is the author of Cigerets, Guns & Beer and Raising Hell. You can follow him @stephens_pt.
November 10, 2014
Can I just add my voice to to the others saying how grotesque and brilliant this book is. Firstly, the illustrations, strange and creepy, really bring the book to life. Not all seem to match the descriptions of the characters, but there is no doubt to the artist's skill. And they remind the adult reader that this is in fact a book for children, not for them.
Then the story, in which little Johnny Nothing is abused by his parents, wins the lottery, gets exploited by everyone around him and loses it all again. This doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs, but it is told with much wit and humour, knocking on the door of the great Roald Dahl in the descriptions of the overall despicableness of some adults. Deliciously gleeful descriptions, great dialogue, the sort of book for anyone who thinks adults are dumb, stupid and evil (anyone under the age of 21 then...)
The story is told in a very fresh way, with sly asides to the reader and littered with cultural references that I (as a middle-aged Englishwoman) picked up instantly. The concern I have is that American or younger readers in years to come might not know who a lot of the people are (Christopher Biggins?) and such mentions can date a book, even a great one such as this.
And it is a very English book, with English problems that are bang up to date, although it could easily have been set in the 1970's as well. The social issues of child cruelty, poverty and slum housing estates will never go away. Johnny's mum is the biggest villain of the piece (top marks for making the woman the boo-hiss character!) In fact, all the characters were fantastically drawn and totally believable. But where was Social Services? Oh, that's right, I guess that was pretty believable as well...
I hope there is a sequel, because the Stygian gloom of Johnny's existence never seemed to cease. In a way, it was a pretty depressing book as well as being hilarious, because he hit the issues bang on time and time again, and there never seemed to be any way out, but older children will love the horribleness of the characters, and hopefully won't notice that Johnny's hideous existence is also a very sharp piece of social satire.
Then the story, in which little Johnny Nothing is abused by his parents, wins the lottery, gets exploited by everyone around him and loses it all again. This doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs, but it is told with much wit and humour, knocking on the door of the great Roald Dahl in the descriptions of the overall despicableness of some adults. Deliciously gleeful descriptions, great dialogue, the sort of book for anyone who thinks adults are dumb, stupid and evil (anyone under the age of 21 then...)
The story is told in a very fresh way, with sly asides to the reader and littered with cultural references that I (as a middle-aged Englishwoman) picked up instantly. The concern I have is that American or younger readers in years to come might not know who a lot of the people are (Christopher Biggins?) and such mentions can date a book, even a great one such as this.
And it is a very English book, with English problems that are bang up to date, although it could easily have been set in the 1970's as well. The social issues of child cruelty, poverty and slum housing estates will never go away. Johnny's mum is the biggest villain of the piece (top marks for making the woman the boo-hiss character!) In fact, all the characters were fantastically drawn and totally believable. But where was Social Services? Oh, that's right, I guess that was pretty believable as well...
I hope there is a sequel, because the Stygian gloom of Johnny's existence never seemed to cease. In a way, it was a pretty depressing book as well as being hilarious, because he hit the issues bang on time and time again, and there never seemed to be any way out, but older children will love the horribleness of the characters, and hopefully won't notice that Johnny's hideous existence is also a very sharp piece of social satire.
July 21, 2015
WARNING: This book will seriously damage your funny bone.
Oh, Wow. Dark, sordid, grotesque and hilarious are only a few words I can conjure up to describe this hilariously shadowy book. It's a comedy mixed not only with gruesome descriptions and incredible beautiful illustrations, but it also has a message and a moral that could teach any of us a good lesson! I absolutely loved this book so grab a copy and settle down to read!
The main strength I found with this book is in the narrative style; written through the eyes of the narrator Probert does not hold back. The prose is lively and really uses some colourful, overly gruesome and salacious language and description; which really brings the story and the characters to life! The description really brings a darker sense to the book and really helps to show how disgusting and arrogant Johnny's family really is only pulling the reader more strongly into the book. The writing of the book is self-assured and doesn't dip in its efficiency in telling the story exactly as it is! This is also shown in the illustrations of the book, which I think are absolutely stunning they really add to the book and make it even more fun and exciting. When I found at the author of the book is also the illustrator I was stunned! They are brilliant and help to show the tone of the book as a whole. They have a really dark style that only adds to the genre and writing style of the book. I loved the use of different forms of text; some words are bolded, some are written in lists, there is a competition leaflet embedded in one of the chapters, whilst the author also messes around with the placement of the paragraphs to show the awkward silences between the characters. This is ingenuous and I think would really make reading fun for any advancing reader. I loved this book it is silly and hilarious, but it also has a message that runs through the book that will teach a lesson to the reader. I thought that this book screamed of maturity and a real knowledge of how to fascinate the reader and engross them in the plot and the characters. A very brilliant written book with a real understanding of style and prose! AWESOME!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Oh, Wow. Dark, sordid, grotesque and hilarious are only a few words I can conjure up to describe this hilariously shadowy book. It's a comedy mixed not only with gruesome descriptions and incredible beautiful illustrations, but it also has a message and a moral that could teach any of us a good lesson! I absolutely loved this book so grab a copy and settle down to read!
The main strength I found with this book is in the narrative style; written through the eyes of the narrator Probert does not hold back. The prose is lively and really uses some colourful, overly gruesome and salacious language and description; which really brings the story and the characters to life! The description really brings a darker sense to the book and really helps to show how disgusting and arrogant Johnny's family really is only pulling the reader more strongly into the book. The writing of the book is self-assured and doesn't dip in its efficiency in telling the story exactly as it is! This is also shown in the illustrations of the book, which I think are absolutely stunning they really add to the book and make it even more fun and exciting. When I found at the author of the book is also the illustrator I was stunned! They are brilliant and help to show the tone of the book as a whole. They have a really dark style that only adds to the genre and writing style of the book. I loved the use of different forms of text; some words are bolded, some are written in lists, there is a competition leaflet embedded in one of the chapters, whilst the author also messes around with the placement of the paragraphs to show the awkward silences between the characters. This is ingenuous and I think would really make reading fun for any advancing reader. I loved this book it is silly and hilarious, but it also has a message that runs through the book that will teach a lesson to the reader. I thought that this book screamed of maturity and a real knowledge of how to fascinate the reader and engross them in the plot and the characters. A very brilliant written book with a real understanding of style and prose! AWESOME!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 10, 2016
Funny Children's Book
Ten-year-old Johnny Nothing attends his Uncle Marley's funeral. The unpleasant Uncle Marley had a ton of money but no friends. Johnny inherits a portion of his dead uncle's money. He can dramatically increase the amount if he still has the total amount at the end of a year.
Johnny's parents are focused on immediate gratification. They don't care about the longer term vision of pots of money. Johnny has to figure out a way to end up with the total amount in spite of his parents throwing away the money.
Johnny's father Billy is a very unpleasant man:
"Imagine if an alien landed on our planet and the first person he bumped into was Billy MacKenzie. After spending a couple of minutes with Billy, the alien would conclude that our species was powered by gas. That’s because Billy was one of those grown-ups who couldn’t stop himself from producing gallons of mouldy methane. If it wasn’t coming from his mouth in the form or big fruity burps, it was coming from his bottom with a smell like a blocked drain or an egg sandwich that someone is eating in the seat next to you on the train. And like a lot of grown-ups Billy thought that he was extremely clever whenever he produced one of these rancid stinks."
Johnny's mother is even worse than his father:
"She looked like she been to the garage to put air in her car’s tyres, and while bending over to tie her shoelaces somebody had put the air hose up her bum hole and switched it on to earn £ 250 on ‘You’ve Been Framed’. She looked like the Incredible Hulk just as he was getting angry and his clothes were starting to split. Except her body wasn’t green. It was pink and floppy with stretch marks. Whenever she moved loose, wrinkly bits of it poked out in all sorts of places."
Johnny Nothing by Ian Probert is an excellent book for children. At the same time, it holds several themes for adults, particularly parents. The writing style is chatty, as if you're sitting in the park with your son while he regales you with the funny tales of Johnny Nothing. The illustrations are excellent, and add to the book. As a final treat, the book includes endnotes which are hilarious.
Ten-year-old Johnny Nothing attends his Uncle Marley's funeral. The unpleasant Uncle Marley had a ton of money but no friends. Johnny inherits a portion of his dead uncle's money. He can dramatically increase the amount if he still has the total amount at the end of a year.
Johnny's parents are focused on immediate gratification. They don't care about the longer term vision of pots of money. Johnny has to figure out a way to end up with the total amount in spite of his parents throwing away the money.
Johnny's father Billy is a very unpleasant man:
"Imagine if an alien landed on our planet and the first person he bumped into was Billy MacKenzie. After spending a couple of minutes with Billy, the alien would conclude that our species was powered by gas. That’s because Billy was one of those grown-ups who couldn’t stop himself from producing gallons of mouldy methane. If it wasn’t coming from his mouth in the form or big fruity burps, it was coming from his bottom with a smell like a blocked drain or an egg sandwich that someone is eating in the seat next to you on the train. And like a lot of grown-ups Billy thought that he was extremely clever whenever he produced one of these rancid stinks."
Johnny's mother is even worse than his father:
"She looked like she been to the garage to put air in her car’s tyres, and while bending over to tie her shoelaces somebody had put the air hose up her bum hole and switched it on to earn £ 250 on ‘You’ve Been Framed’. She looked like the Incredible Hulk just as he was getting angry and his clothes were starting to split. Except her body wasn’t green. It was pink and floppy with stretch marks. Whenever she moved loose, wrinkly bits of it poked out in all sorts of places."
Johnny Nothing by Ian Probert is an excellent book for children. At the same time, it holds several themes for adults, particularly parents. The writing style is chatty, as if you're sitting in the park with your son while he regales you with the funny tales of Johnny Nothing. The illustrations are excellent, and add to the book. As a final treat, the book includes endnotes which are hilarious.
May 15, 2014
"A Story Very Cleverly Written and Hilarious"
Parents ... so different from kids. You may think you have the best parents; or, maybe you think they are the worst. Well, as you read this laugh-out-loud story, you will see just why ten year-old Johnny Nothing as the very worst parents of all. The first two chapters introduce the relatives of Johnny Nothing, and you'll see from the very creative artwork truly exhibits the type of people they are. Then the real story begins with the death of Johnny's Uncle Marley. All the relatives arrive at the church for the funeral, and Johnny is dragged along with his parents Billy and Felicity, who is the sister of Uncle Marley. Following the boring service, the family members are anxious to have the reading of the will. They all knew how stinking rich he was, or, rich and stinky is how the author wants you to see him. Everyone wants a portion of Uncle Marley's wealth. Did you realize that rich people don't get rich by being generous? That's why Uncle Marley had locked himself in a big house and never wanted 'wanting' people around him ... especially his relatives. There is only one person who benefits from Uncle Marley's death: Johnny Nothing. But, can a ten-year old manage the money left to him? This is an unbelievably funny story with the author's endless British humour and wisecracks. Parents may wonder if their teen aged kids will find this as humourous as I did. There is a message here, maybe not only for teens, but also their parents. I think adults and young adults will enjoy this comedy of events, it's very readable and it's one story I couldn't put down. Simply amazing Mr. Probert. Looking forward to the sequel.
Parents ... so different from kids. You may think you have the best parents; or, maybe you think they are the worst. Well, as you read this laugh-out-loud story, you will see just why ten year-old Johnny Nothing as the very worst parents of all. The first two chapters introduce the relatives of Johnny Nothing, and you'll see from the very creative artwork truly exhibits the type of people they are. Then the real story begins with the death of Johnny's Uncle Marley. All the relatives arrive at the church for the funeral, and Johnny is dragged along with his parents Billy and Felicity, who is the sister of Uncle Marley. Following the boring service, the family members are anxious to have the reading of the will. They all knew how stinking rich he was, or, rich and stinky is how the author wants you to see him. Everyone wants a portion of Uncle Marley's wealth. Did you realize that rich people don't get rich by being generous? That's why Uncle Marley had locked himself in a big house and never wanted 'wanting' people around him ... especially his relatives. There is only one person who benefits from Uncle Marley's death: Johnny Nothing. But, can a ten-year old manage the money left to him? This is an unbelievably funny story with the author's endless British humour and wisecracks. Parents may wonder if their teen aged kids will find this as humourous as I did. There is a message here, maybe not only for teens, but also their parents. I think adults and young adults will enjoy this comedy of events, it's very readable and it's one story I couldn't put down. Simply amazing Mr. Probert. Looking forward to the sequel.
March 23, 2014
Johnny Nothing may be BORED at Uncle Marley's funeral, but his life is soon to be come far from BORING. Uncle Marley is dead as dead can be, but he is bringing his family to life with his quirky bequeaths and requests set forth by his solicitor Mr. Dark. Johnny Nothing had nothing, as his name clearly states. Even after Uncle Marley gave Johnny everything, he was still left with nothing. Johnny's mother is the worst mother in the world as she takes his inheritance and spends more and more of his money on her own selfish and outrageous desires. Johnny has to devise a way to stop his mothers spending before she continues on her path to drain the account Uncle Marley left to him before Johnny is able to fulfill Uncle Marley's final request.
Johnny's quiet personality, and his innate fear of his mother, leaves Johnny feeling helpless, but he is not alone. Will Johnny replace the money his mother has spent before it's too late? He must team up with the only man truly on his side and teach his awful mother a lesson.
This story is written through the eyes of the narrator who gives lively, sometimes overly smelly, descriptions and advice, (don't smoke kids!) bringing a comedic side to Johnny's dark tale. The images in the book are very unique and creative and give a clear picture of just how disgusting Johnny's family is. A very unique, dark, comedic tale that truly tickles your funny bone. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, at times laughing a bit too loud, and I highly recommend reading it.
Johnny's quiet personality, and his innate fear of his mother, leaves Johnny feeling helpless, but he is not alone. Will Johnny replace the money his mother has spent before it's too late? He must team up with the only man truly on his side and teach his awful mother a lesson.
This story is written through the eyes of the narrator who gives lively, sometimes overly smelly, descriptions and advice, (don't smoke kids!) bringing a comedic side to Johnny's dark tale. The images in the book are very unique and creative and give a clear picture of just how disgusting Johnny's family is. A very unique, dark, comedic tale that truly tickles your funny bone. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, at times laughing a bit too loud, and I highly recommend reading it.
November 10, 2014
With shades of Roald Dahl, P.G. Wodehouse, Daniel Handler and Charles Dickens this is an extremely well written, funny and poignant morality tale easily worthy of five stars. The protagonist, the eponymous Johnny Nothing (real name Johnny MacKenzie) grows up mistreated and deprived, with parents every bit as unpleasant as Dahl’s The Twits (my eldest daughter and mine all-time favourite). Johnny’s mother Felicity is without doubt the most entertaining character in the whole story; vile, greedy, unscrupulous, overbearing and a bully, not least towards her own husband. It is clear the author delights in writing about this deliciously horrible woman.
The inciting incident comes when Johnny inherits one millions pounds from his uncle Jake Marley, with the promise of ten million more if he is able to increase it in the space of one year, something which should be easy enough if it weren’t for Felicity and her unscrupulous ilk although to say more here would create too many spoilers.
World play, character asides and comedic situations are all wonderfully done although personally I found there were also cruder elements which lacked the skill and subtly of the rest of the writing. Besides this minor quibble however I cannot recommend this one highly enough.
The inciting incident comes when Johnny inherits one millions pounds from his uncle Jake Marley, with the promise of ten million more if he is able to increase it in the space of one year, something which should be easy enough if it weren’t for Felicity and her unscrupulous ilk although to say more here would create too many spoilers.
World play, character asides and comedic situations are all wonderfully done although personally I found there were also cruder elements which lacked the skill and subtly of the rest of the writing. Besides this minor quibble however I cannot recommend this one highly enough.
November 14, 2014
Ian Probert's JOHNNY NOTHING give us the real reason the American's fought the British for our independence. It had NOTHING to do with the stamp tax or the Boston massacre and everything to do with the British sense of humor. This tale is a gaggle of giggles and even made me laugh out loud (I refuse to use that LOL abbreviation). It is so much fun to read it is like Monty's python was squeezing Benny's hills. This was written as if it were a children's book. Don't let that fool you because it is for the child in all of us.
Johnny is a ten year old boy with NOTHING except a life of crushing poverty and parents so bad they are in need of a good crushing. The one thing he does have is a rich uncle, most decidedly newly deceased. Given a healthy inheritance from an unhealthy uncle leaves Johnny with more than his usual NOTHING. Keeping it is hard, especially with such bad parents. Sadness and hilarity ensues.
All of the story is wrapped in amazingly talented sketches, art that is NOTHING short of its own standards of humor. Try this book. You will not be disappointed...that is if you can get past chapter two.
Johnny is a ten year old boy with NOTHING except a life of crushing poverty and parents so bad they are in need of a good crushing. The one thing he does have is a rich uncle, most decidedly newly deceased. Given a healthy inheritance from an unhealthy uncle leaves Johnny with more than his usual NOTHING. Keeping it is hard, especially with such bad parents. Sadness and hilarity ensues.
All of the story is wrapped in amazingly talented sketches, art that is NOTHING short of its own standards of humor. Try this book. You will not be disappointed...that is if you can get past chapter two.
April 13, 2014
Johnny Nothing is written for children aged 11 upwards, but is readable as an adult. This book should appeal to young boys and girls and should do a good job in encouraging boys to continue reading.
Johnny is a dull child, bored with life, ordinary and poor, until he's left £1 million by Uncle Marley. The adults in Johnny's life can't believe his luck and there is the chance to inherit more. If Johnny can come back in 1 years time with proof of a profit, then he can get £10 million.
Johnny is given a cash card, but as soon as they leave the funeral his Mum snatches it and goes on a very long spending spree, without spending any on Johnny. After 8 months of spending Johnny can stand it no more and puts a stop to his mother, but he finds himself giving away his money to people in need. Suddenly there is nothing left and Johnny once again has nothing. Is there any possible way Johnny can still get hold of the £10 million at the end of one year? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Johnny is a dull child, bored with life, ordinary and poor, until he's left £1 million by Uncle Marley. The adults in Johnny's life can't believe his luck and there is the chance to inherit more. If Johnny can come back in 1 years time with proof of a profit, then he can get £10 million.
Johnny is given a cash card, but as soon as they leave the funeral his Mum snatches it and goes on a very long spending spree, without spending any on Johnny. After 8 months of spending Johnny can stand it no more and puts a stop to his mother, but he finds himself giving away his money to people in need. Suddenly there is nothing left and Johnny once again has nothing. Is there any possible way Johnny can still get hold of the £10 million at the end of one year? You'll have to read the book to find out.
August 3, 2016
Johnny Nothing really has nothing, not even a mother's love. The poor boy was poor until uncle Marley left him a task and 1 million. He would have to make more from the money in the span of 1 year to inherit 10 million dollars from his dead uncle.
The narrative is funny and unique, complete with really mean looking pictures of Johnny's family members. As I read along to see how Johnny fares, I learn that sometimes, money makes people weird. In the end, Johnny taught me a good lesson, just one that I am not sure can be translated here...
There are many ways a child or parent can relate to in this book, and everyone had been Johnny Nothing once in their lives, even though we won't experience the worst of it. Life can be strange, and after reading this I am thankful for what I have, and I am grateful that Ian had provided me with this book to read at my leisure.
A Sense of humor is needed to enjoy the contents of the book
The narrative is funny and unique, complete with really mean looking pictures of Johnny's family members. As I read along to see how Johnny fares, I learn that sometimes, money makes people weird. In the end, Johnny taught me a good lesson, just one that I am not sure can be translated here...
There are many ways a child or parent can relate to in this book, and everyone had been Johnny Nothing once in their lives, even though we won't experience the worst of it. Life can be strange, and after reading this I am thankful for what I have, and I am grateful that Ian had provided me with this book to read at my leisure.
A Sense of humor is needed to enjoy the contents of the book
April 10, 2015
This is an interesting read. It starts out as a narrative that really gives you a snarky view of this poor kid, Johnny Nothing and his dysfunctional family. It easily puts you in the mindset of how Johnny could grow up to be a cynical person, he definitely has the foundation for it.
Soon you get to know the characters first hand and let me tell you they are something. Felicity is that self-centered woman/mother that can't see beyond her and what she needs. I know her! Bill, well he's just that browbeaten, pathetic character. And then there's Johnny. He's that neglected kid that you want to help and you just pray he is going to find a way out of his situation, which had gone from bad to extremely bad. The characters were very well crafted.
This story is a humorous but a bit snarky and cynical look at people, money, family and relationships. It is worth reading, I do recommend it.
Soon you get to know the characters first hand and let me tell you they are something. Felicity is that self-centered woman/mother that can't see beyond her and what she needs. I know her! Bill, well he's just that browbeaten, pathetic character. And then there's Johnny. He's that neglected kid that you want to help and you just pray he is going to find a way out of his situation, which had gone from bad to extremely bad. The characters were very well crafted.
This story is a humorous but a bit snarky and cynical look at people, money, family and relationships. It is worth reading, I do recommend it.
July 27, 2017
Ridiculous enough to be entertaining, a change in this day of serious reading, but not for the person who expects some kind of literary revelation.
October 18, 2015
Some children’s books encourage kids to be brave. Some encourage kids to be creative. Some encourage kids to be caring. Ian Probert’s book Johnny Nothing encourages kids, among other things, to: sell their dad’s possessions to their schoolmates for profit, send rude messages through the mail to the Prime Minister, hire bodyguards to terrorize their parents and keep them locked up like prisoners. On the plus side, there are repeated admonitions of “Don’t smoke, kids!”—but discerning readers might suspect those are tongue-in-cheek. In other words, this is a rude, crude, and even subversive little book that will amuse and titillate kids—and, if they have a sense of humor—their parents as well.
Johnny Nothing is the story of Johnny MacKenzie, a kid whose parents are so awful, and so stingy toward their son in everything from affection, to clothing, to even food, that the kids at school call him Johnny Nothing. But then a rich uncle dies and leaves him a million pounds and a task: if he can return exactly one year later having increased the money by even the smallest amount, Johnny’s inheritance will be increased tenfold. Obviously, it would be the easiest thing in the world to simply leave the money in the bank for a year and collect interest, but this is a moral test, and Johnny’s horrible, greedy parents fail it eagerly, taking Johnny’s money and going on a spending spree that will not only lead him to fail in his task, but to end the year as penniless as he began. What will Johnny do? That’s where the story’s twists and turns—and its surprisingly humane resolution—come in.
With a bag of tricks that includes potty humor, self-referential asides, hilarious digressions, visual aids, and even footnotes, Probert writes like a cross between Lemony Snicket and David Foster Wallace, as channeled by your best friend’s obnoxious older brother. You know, the one whose number one mission in life is to Gross. You. Out. Kids will love the book’s descriptions of nasty aromas and general corporeal unpleasantness, but Probert writes with a biting and often subtle wit that will surprise and charm adults as well. As I read, I imagined youthful readers coming back to this story years later, perhaps reading it to their own children, and laughing out loud at jokes that had gone right past them as youngsters.
And there are a lot of jokes. This is the kind of book that will spend half a chapter listing dozens of puns and allusions about countries the characters have visited on a world tour: “They got hungry in Hungary. So they had Turkey in Turkey. And Chicken in Kiev…They found Nuremberg a trial. They thought that Guinea was foul. They went to a party in Toga…” and on and on for two-and-a-half pages, until we finish with: “In the end they simply flew back to France—they had nothing Toulouse.” If that kind of humor makes you groan, there are also subtle, satirical gems, like this description of a lawyer: “He looked how James Bond might look if he lived on meat and potato pies and worked for the council and had a license to read legal documents.” And if that joke is too dry for you, don’t worry, there will be another joke—probably a big, sloppy wet one--within the next two sentences.
As a journalist and the author of Rope Burns, a meditation on boxing, Ian Probert usually writes for an adult audience, and he seems to have approached this book with a "What kind of children's book would I like to read?" mentality--an approach I wholeheartedly endorse. Parents may tut-tut at some passages, but this is a book that respects children's intelligence. My only complaint about it has nothing to do with the content, but rather the cover art. The interior illustrations are so arresting and beautifully colored, I can’t image why this particular illustration—not of Johnny, but of his lawyer—was chosen, or why it was rendered in such an unappealing, yellow-green monochrome. This vibrant, funny, shocking, charming, and highly entertaining book deserves a cleverer—and more welcoming—face. I found it off-putting; but I’m glad I looked past it, because the story inside is a lovingly crafted, one-of-a-kind read.
Johnny Nothing is the story of Johnny MacKenzie, a kid whose parents are so awful, and so stingy toward their son in everything from affection, to clothing, to even food, that the kids at school call him Johnny Nothing. But then a rich uncle dies and leaves him a million pounds and a task: if he can return exactly one year later having increased the money by even the smallest amount, Johnny’s inheritance will be increased tenfold. Obviously, it would be the easiest thing in the world to simply leave the money in the bank for a year and collect interest, but this is a moral test, and Johnny’s horrible, greedy parents fail it eagerly, taking Johnny’s money and going on a spending spree that will not only lead him to fail in his task, but to end the year as penniless as he began. What will Johnny do? That’s where the story’s twists and turns—and its surprisingly humane resolution—come in.
With a bag of tricks that includes potty humor, self-referential asides, hilarious digressions, visual aids, and even footnotes, Probert writes like a cross between Lemony Snicket and David Foster Wallace, as channeled by your best friend’s obnoxious older brother. You know, the one whose number one mission in life is to Gross. You. Out. Kids will love the book’s descriptions of nasty aromas and general corporeal unpleasantness, but Probert writes with a biting and often subtle wit that will surprise and charm adults as well. As I read, I imagined youthful readers coming back to this story years later, perhaps reading it to their own children, and laughing out loud at jokes that had gone right past them as youngsters.
And there are a lot of jokes. This is the kind of book that will spend half a chapter listing dozens of puns and allusions about countries the characters have visited on a world tour: “They got hungry in Hungary. So they had Turkey in Turkey. And Chicken in Kiev…They found Nuremberg a trial. They thought that Guinea was foul. They went to a party in Toga…” and on and on for two-and-a-half pages, until we finish with: “In the end they simply flew back to France—they had nothing Toulouse.” If that kind of humor makes you groan, there are also subtle, satirical gems, like this description of a lawyer: “He looked how James Bond might look if he lived on meat and potato pies and worked for the council and had a license to read legal documents.” And if that joke is too dry for you, don’t worry, there will be another joke—probably a big, sloppy wet one--within the next two sentences.
As a journalist and the author of Rope Burns, a meditation on boxing, Ian Probert usually writes for an adult audience, and he seems to have approached this book with a "What kind of children's book would I like to read?" mentality--an approach I wholeheartedly endorse. Parents may tut-tut at some passages, but this is a book that respects children's intelligence. My only complaint about it has nothing to do with the content, but rather the cover art. The interior illustrations are so arresting and beautifully colored, I can’t image why this particular illustration—not of Johnny, but of his lawyer—was chosen, or why it was rendered in such an unappealing, yellow-green monochrome. This vibrant, funny, shocking, charming, and highly entertaining book deserves a cleverer—and more welcoming—face. I found it off-putting; but I’m glad I looked past it, because the story inside is a lovingly crafted, one-of-a-kind read.
April 26, 2014
Johnny nothing is a book that I think any child (boys mainly) in the nine to thirteen age bracket will really enjoy. It pokes lots of fun at grown-ups and all the things we take seriously and think are important, and addresses all the topics that parents might squirm in embarrassment at, but which will have children in fits of giggles and laughter. As well as great writing, there are also some great illustrations accompanying each chapter.
It's basically about a young boy from a very poor background with rotten parents,' who unexpectedly inherits a million pounds, but as in all good stories there's a catch; if he can return a year later with even as much as one penny more than the million pounds then he inherits ten times that amount. Needless to say, his less than ideal parents prefer the idea of an immediate spending spree, and Johnny being only twelve is initially powerless to stop them until... and that's where the story really picks up.
Written in a very conversational style, the reader almost feels like they're being 'read to,' almost to the point that the young reader will almost forget that they're the one doing the actual job of reading. The characterisation is nothing less than superb; in a way that only a child of a certain age can do (and the author), every character is hugely exaggerated to the point of comic absurdity. There's lots potty humour and playground language that young boys will revel in, and a couple of occasions when the author conspires with the reader in a little naughtiness by writing bleep bleep bleep, something that boys will find very funny, thinking that they're reading something rude (without actually doing so), and a reference to a competition form in which the reader is asked to write swear words to send to the Prime Minister in order to win a prize. There's also an amusing running theme telling kids not smoke, not to drink, and finally, not to rob banks, but all done in a way that's more likely to make them take notice than any number of serious lectures. The author also very cleverly explains about sub-plots being like little stories inside bigger ones. What was also very clever about the way this book was written, allowing for the fact the attention spans of younger readers will vary quite lot, there are lots of obvious but very clever word plays that kids will be both distracted and amused by before returning to the main story, as well as some amusing satire such as where a shop assistant has to call Mumbai just to get permission for Johnny to charge his phone, but has to agree to be put a mailing list, as well as some great analogies that readers at the upper end of the target age group are likely to pick up on:
"...like journalists who pursue celebrities on their way to the top...
...like celebrities who pursue journalists on their way to the bottom..."
Although a children’s book, the author does touch on some adult themes, i.e. death, abusive parents, greed, gluttony, and a host of other adult vices, but does so in a way that children will accept without being bothered by; there are definite echoes of Ronald Dahl here, but not in a way that tries to emulate him. My only rather minor concern would be for readers outside the UK, where some of the topical references are a bit UK specific and might get slightly lost, but other than that, this really is a first class exceedingly funny book that boys, and I suspect some girls too, will absolutely love from beginning to end, stretching and amusing the imagination in a way that will leave them wanting to read more...
It's basically about a young boy from a very poor background with rotten parents,' who unexpectedly inherits a million pounds, but as in all good stories there's a catch; if he can return a year later with even as much as one penny more than the million pounds then he inherits ten times that amount. Needless to say, his less than ideal parents prefer the idea of an immediate spending spree, and Johnny being only twelve is initially powerless to stop them until... and that's where the story really picks up.
Written in a very conversational style, the reader almost feels like they're being 'read to,' almost to the point that the young reader will almost forget that they're the one doing the actual job of reading. The characterisation is nothing less than superb; in a way that only a child of a certain age can do (and the author), every character is hugely exaggerated to the point of comic absurdity. There's lots potty humour and playground language that young boys will revel in, and a couple of occasions when the author conspires with the reader in a little naughtiness by writing bleep bleep bleep, something that boys will find very funny, thinking that they're reading something rude (without actually doing so), and a reference to a competition form in which the reader is asked to write swear words to send to the Prime Minister in order to win a prize. There's also an amusing running theme telling kids not smoke, not to drink, and finally, not to rob banks, but all done in a way that's more likely to make them take notice than any number of serious lectures. The author also very cleverly explains about sub-plots being like little stories inside bigger ones. What was also very clever about the way this book was written, allowing for the fact the attention spans of younger readers will vary quite lot, there are lots of obvious but very clever word plays that kids will be both distracted and amused by before returning to the main story, as well as some amusing satire such as where a shop assistant has to call Mumbai just to get permission for Johnny to charge his phone, but has to agree to be put a mailing list, as well as some great analogies that readers at the upper end of the target age group are likely to pick up on:
"...like journalists who pursue celebrities on their way to the top...
...like celebrities who pursue journalists on their way to the bottom..."
Although a children’s book, the author does touch on some adult themes, i.e. death, abusive parents, greed, gluttony, and a host of other adult vices, but does so in a way that children will accept without being bothered by; there are definite echoes of Ronald Dahl here, but not in a way that tries to emulate him. My only rather minor concern would be for readers outside the UK, where some of the topical references are a bit UK specific and might get slightly lost, but other than that, this really is a first class exceedingly funny book that boys, and I suspect some girls too, will absolutely love from beginning to end, stretching and amusing the imagination in a way that will leave them wanting to read more...
April 22, 2014
Ian Probert’s JOHNNY NOTHING reminds me a bit of the 2004 film “It Could Happen to You,” as told by Roald Dahl. You remember the film – a guy wins the lottery and wants to do the right thing, but his greedy, repulsive wife just starts shopping herself to death. Well, in JOHNNY NOTHING, 10-year-old Johnny MacKenzie inherits a one-million pound cash card from his late Uncle Marley, with a chance to turn that million into ten million if he can make the money grow by the end of one year, even by one penny. But he’s got a greedy, repulsive mother who gets her hands on the cash card and gets busy shopping herself to death. Which means it’s pretty unlikely Johnny will have a cent left by the end of twelve months, much less see a profit.
Johnny himself is a lovable loser. He has absolutely nothing – no money, no friends, no shoes (he wears his father’s “foot-me-downs”), no toilet paper, and the worst parents on earth. So it’s no wonder the kids at school call him “Johnny Nothing.” His mother, Felicity MacKenzie, is rude, obnoxious, and insanely materialistic – she strokes Johnny’s cash card, calling it “my PRECIOUS,” and it doesn’t take her long to run through most of Johnny’s inheritance (and not one penny is spent on Johnny). It’s no accident that Johnny’s uncle is named Jacob Marley, and his attorney is Ebenezer Dark – the message from Dickens’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL runs all through this novel. We are a materialistic world, in which the pursuit of money often seems its own goal. And when Johnny tries to take things in another direction, he quickly learns that it isn’t easy to escape the baser human instincts. But there’s a surprising (and much appreciated) turnaround in the novel’s final pages (if you’ve seen “It Could Happen to You,” you can guess what it is).
What makes this little story rise above similar tales is the darkly humorous narration. The narrator, who speaks directly to the reader and peppers his storytelling with clever asides and pop culture references, has clear insight into the characters he introduces. We see how awful Johnny’s mother is, how lost and helpless Johnny feels, and how hard it is to do the right thing, even with the best of intentions. Fans of Roald Dahl will delight in the novel’s perverse perspective on the human condition, a perspective made all the more telling by the truths it reveals.
JOHNNY NOTHING is supposedly a children’s book, aimed at the Middle Grade market, but I had a lot of fun with it myself. There are great similarities in style and message to Dahl’s popular JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (both of which focus on very poor children facing very adult problems). I loved those books when I was a child (eons ago!) and I would have loved this, too. It’s a story about unlikely heroism in the face of a very cruel world. But there’s an uplifting message that wins out in the end – there is goodness in the world, Probert tells us, even if it’s often very hard to see.
I highly recommend JOHNNY NOTHING to young readers who enjoy clever, witty stories with a hint of dark humor. The pictures are also a lot of fun (I recommend reading this on a Kindle Fire to get the full impact of the illustrations). This is a well-written, intelligent, fun novel. And a sequel would be much appreciated!
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this novel for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
Johnny himself is a lovable loser. He has absolutely nothing – no money, no friends, no shoes (he wears his father’s “foot-me-downs”), no toilet paper, and the worst parents on earth. So it’s no wonder the kids at school call him “Johnny Nothing.” His mother, Felicity MacKenzie, is rude, obnoxious, and insanely materialistic – she strokes Johnny’s cash card, calling it “my PRECIOUS,” and it doesn’t take her long to run through most of Johnny’s inheritance (and not one penny is spent on Johnny). It’s no accident that Johnny’s uncle is named Jacob Marley, and his attorney is Ebenezer Dark – the message from Dickens’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL runs all through this novel. We are a materialistic world, in which the pursuit of money often seems its own goal. And when Johnny tries to take things in another direction, he quickly learns that it isn’t easy to escape the baser human instincts. But there’s a surprising (and much appreciated) turnaround in the novel’s final pages (if you’ve seen “It Could Happen to You,” you can guess what it is).
What makes this little story rise above similar tales is the darkly humorous narration. The narrator, who speaks directly to the reader and peppers his storytelling with clever asides and pop culture references, has clear insight into the characters he introduces. We see how awful Johnny’s mother is, how lost and helpless Johnny feels, and how hard it is to do the right thing, even with the best of intentions. Fans of Roald Dahl will delight in the novel’s perverse perspective on the human condition, a perspective made all the more telling by the truths it reveals.
JOHNNY NOTHING is supposedly a children’s book, aimed at the Middle Grade market, but I had a lot of fun with it myself. There are great similarities in style and message to Dahl’s popular JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (both of which focus on very poor children facing very adult problems). I loved those books when I was a child (eons ago!) and I would have loved this, too. It’s a story about unlikely heroism in the face of a very cruel world. But there’s an uplifting message that wins out in the end – there is goodness in the world, Probert tells us, even if it’s often very hard to see.
I highly recommend JOHNNY NOTHING to young readers who enjoy clever, witty stories with a hint of dark humor. The pictures are also a lot of fun (I recommend reading this on a Kindle Fire to get the full impact of the illustrations). This is a well-written, intelligent, fun novel. And a sequel would be much appreciated!
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this novel for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
June 8, 2014
If you don't think Monty Python is funny, then you won't like this book.
If you don't appreciate dramatic irony, then you won't like this book.
If you like to cheer for the evil likes of the Wicked Witch in stories like Hansel and Gretel and The Wizard of Oz, then you won't like this book.
As a matter of fact, if you like stealing candy from babies, embezzling from stocks to live beyond your means, and amassing a hoarder's stash of shoes, clothes, and handbags, then you must put this book down right away and never purchase this book for as long as your coal-like heart still beats.
The story of Johnny Nothing is truly something. Instead of the dour writings of Lemony Snickett, Ian Probert has taken the typical British formula of a neglected boy inheriting riches, and made it uniquely his own.
It is the story of 10 year old Johnny MacKenzie, who not only had the misfortune to be born to Felicity and Billy MacKenzie, but who also had the fortune to be the sole heir of Uncle Marley's fortune. As per the instructions of Uncle Marley, (whose first name is Jake, short for Jacob, see the irony? But I digress...) Johnny is to receive £1 million, yet there is more that awaits him (£10 million, to be exact) on the condition that in one year's time he is to have increased the initial sum. It could be by a penny. It could be by thousands. The bottom line is that it is to be increased for the final inheritance to become his.
The problems arise when his greedy, overbearing, witchy mum, has convinced herself that SHE is the rightful heir. Each turn of the page highlights the daily shopping activities of Johnny's parents, while he is desperately trying to get hold of the cash card filched by his mum at the funeral. Throughout the story Johnny is abused, sweet talked, coddled, forgotten, and basically used for whatever his parent's hard-hearted hearts desire.
But the spotlight doesn't just shine on Johnny and his parents. Oh no. The narration itself takes center stage as the wit, humor, and nasty little deceptions fill your head as if John Cleese was whispering in your ear, and Michael Palin was performing antics as Johnny Nothing right there in your living room (or your bedroom, or wherever you are reading it, but I digress again....)
Does Johnny outwit, outlast, and outplay his parents? Does Felicity get her hands on the Royal Jewels? Does Billy MacKenzie run off with that cute little secretary at the bank? And who ends up with all that cash?
Actually, I am not sure about the Royal Jewels or the secretary, but I do know that the story of Johnny Nothing kept me laughing from the first page to the last. I couldn't wait to turn another page, and I read it all in (mostly) one sitting.
This book has earned the right to sit on the top shelf of any book store, and its author should be nominated for the Hugo Award at the very least. It was a joy to read, and I can't wait for more!
If you don't appreciate dramatic irony, then you won't like this book.
If you like to cheer for the evil likes of the Wicked Witch in stories like Hansel and Gretel and The Wizard of Oz, then you won't like this book.
As a matter of fact, if you like stealing candy from babies, embezzling from stocks to live beyond your means, and amassing a hoarder's stash of shoes, clothes, and handbags, then you must put this book down right away and never purchase this book for as long as your coal-like heart still beats.
The story of Johnny Nothing is truly something. Instead of the dour writings of Lemony Snickett, Ian Probert has taken the typical British formula of a neglected boy inheriting riches, and made it uniquely his own.
It is the story of 10 year old Johnny MacKenzie, who not only had the misfortune to be born to Felicity and Billy MacKenzie, but who also had the fortune to be the sole heir of Uncle Marley's fortune. As per the instructions of Uncle Marley, (whose first name is Jake, short for Jacob, see the irony? But I digress...) Johnny is to receive £1 million, yet there is more that awaits him (£10 million, to be exact) on the condition that in one year's time he is to have increased the initial sum. It could be by a penny. It could be by thousands. The bottom line is that it is to be increased for the final inheritance to become his.
The problems arise when his greedy, overbearing, witchy mum, has convinced herself that SHE is the rightful heir. Each turn of the page highlights the daily shopping activities of Johnny's parents, while he is desperately trying to get hold of the cash card filched by his mum at the funeral. Throughout the story Johnny is abused, sweet talked, coddled, forgotten, and basically used for whatever his parent's hard-hearted hearts desire.
But the spotlight doesn't just shine on Johnny and his parents. Oh no. The narration itself takes center stage as the wit, humor, and nasty little deceptions fill your head as if John Cleese was whispering in your ear, and Michael Palin was performing antics as Johnny Nothing right there in your living room (or your bedroom, or wherever you are reading it, but I digress again....)
Does Johnny outwit, outlast, and outplay his parents? Does Felicity get her hands on the Royal Jewels? Does Billy MacKenzie run off with that cute little secretary at the bank? And who ends up with all that cash?
Actually, I am not sure about the Royal Jewels or the secretary, but I do know that the story of Johnny Nothing kept me laughing from the first page to the last. I couldn't wait to turn another page, and I read it all in (mostly) one sitting.
This book has earned the right to sit on the top shelf of any book store, and its author should be nominated for the Hugo Award at the very least. It was a joy to read, and I can't wait for more!
November 30, 2014
A highly amusing and original moral tale about a ten-year-old called Johnny Nothing. ‘He’s not over-clever. He’s not under-stupid.’ Author Ian Probert can certainly give Roald Dahl a run for his money with this novel.
Johnny MacKenzie has two feckless parents who seem to have emerged from all of the worst nightmares of children’s fiction: his mother, Felicity, in truth, is a marvellous invention, unsavoury and selfish, among other things, while his father, Billy is a drinker and gambler and under the thumb, correction – ‘Billy lived in mortal fear of his wife.’ She is definitely the kind of person children of all ages will love to Boo and Hiss at: ‘SILENCE commanded his mother in capital letters.’
Uncle Jake Marley (deceased brother of Felicity) died a millionaire, and bequeathed £1m to Johnny, with the added proviso that if after a year Johnny increased that million rather than spend it he will be in line for a further £10m. Unfortunately, the cash card Johnny inherits is stolen by Johnny’s mother.
Marley’s solicitor is Ebenezer Dark, whose image graces the cover of the book. (Maybe Johnny should be on the cover as well as Ebenezer – or even Marley as well?) Might as well mention the illustrations, by the author’s daughter: they’re excellent, conveying that ‘otherness’ that surrounds the characters and the story itself.
Probert is a wordsmith, and loves playing with them, viz: ‘Uncle Marley didn’t mince his words (if he did, they’d probably come out in little gnarled up chunks and you could make wordburgers and chips or spaghetti with wordballs from them).’
Virtually every page gives us more of the same: ‘There was a stunned silence in the church. The only noise that could be heard was the sound of John McVicar dropping a small pin on the floor that he had just found in one of his jacket pockets.’
I’ve read somewhere that publishers and agents don’t like puns in books. Well, all I can say is, they’re sad people. Puns enliven a grey day, bring light into a monotonous life, and even the groans are uttered in pleasure – well, for most, anyway.
Besides indulging in puns, Probert has an eye for detail, popping the balloon of pomposity, and cocking a snook at political correctness.
The story can be construed as a parable of our times, with a nod to Dickens, and shows that Johnny’s heart is in the right place. And the right place for the book is in the hands of any reader who appreciates humour of all complexions; you won’t be disappointed.
Johnny MacKenzie has two feckless parents who seem to have emerged from all of the worst nightmares of children’s fiction: his mother, Felicity, in truth, is a marvellous invention, unsavoury and selfish, among other things, while his father, Billy is a drinker and gambler and under the thumb, correction – ‘Billy lived in mortal fear of his wife.’ She is definitely the kind of person children of all ages will love to Boo and Hiss at: ‘SILENCE commanded his mother in capital letters.’
Uncle Jake Marley (deceased brother of Felicity) died a millionaire, and bequeathed £1m to Johnny, with the added proviso that if after a year Johnny increased that million rather than spend it he will be in line for a further £10m. Unfortunately, the cash card Johnny inherits is stolen by Johnny’s mother.
Marley’s solicitor is Ebenezer Dark, whose image graces the cover of the book. (Maybe Johnny should be on the cover as well as Ebenezer – or even Marley as well?) Might as well mention the illustrations, by the author’s daughter: they’re excellent, conveying that ‘otherness’ that surrounds the characters and the story itself.
Probert is a wordsmith, and loves playing with them, viz: ‘Uncle Marley didn’t mince his words (if he did, they’d probably come out in little gnarled up chunks and you could make wordburgers and chips or spaghetti with wordballs from them).’
Virtually every page gives us more of the same: ‘There was a stunned silence in the church. The only noise that could be heard was the sound of John McVicar dropping a small pin on the floor that he had just found in one of his jacket pockets.’
I’ve read somewhere that publishers and agents don’t like puns in books. Well, all I can say is, they’re sad people. Puns enliven a grey day, bring light into a monotonous life, and even the groans are uttered in pleasure – well, for most, anyway.
Besides indulging in puns, Probert has an eye for detail, popping the balloon of pomposity, and cocking a snook at political correctness.
The story can be construed as a parable of our times, with a nod to Dickens, and shows that Johnny’s heart is in the right place. And the right place for the book is in the hands of any reader who appreciates humour of all complexions; you won’t be disappointed.
April 14, 2014
The first thing you notice about this book is the pictures at the beginning of each chapter. Each is a full colour landscape-orientated scene or portrait. They really are works of art.
I read this story with my 7-year-old daughter over several bedtimes. She always wanted more. This is because the plot is easy to get to grips with and is in itself gripping too. There is a clear villain so she was rooting for the hero of the story, Johnny Nothing. I would say that with a little bit of language, and most of the adults in the story being smokers (although the author keeps reminding the readers not to smoke) I had to edit it a little bit, and it would be more suited to its audience if this was done at source.
The story begins with a funeral, that of Jacob Ermentrude Marley, the 296th richest person in the UK, quickly followed by a will reading. Johnny Nothing, so called because he has nothing, is one of the people there because Jacob was his uncle. A few adults are there too, including Johnny's parents. "When they looked at Uncle Marley they just saw money. Rolls and rolls of banknotes. Bundles and bundles of bunce. Loads and loads of loot. Dollops and dollops of dough. A stash of cash. A wagonload of wonga."
Johnny though isn't interested in the money, although he does inherit something, a cash card to an account with £1million in it. "Your task is to come back to this church in exactly one year's time and I want you to have more than £1million in that bank account. If you can manage to do that I will give you ten times what you have."
Only trouble is that his mother is "the worst parent of all time: the meanest, nastiest, smelliest, ugliest, sweatiest mother you could possibly imagine." She takes the cash card for safe keeping, but then goes on a never ending spending spree that is out of control, and Johnny, "an easy going, uncomplaining sort of boy, can do nothing. Things escalate and Johnny comes up with plans which fail. Even when he gets the cash card back things still escalate to leave his bank account with nothing in it. But there is a happy ending to the story of course.
Overall then my 7-year-old daughter really enjoyed the story, but I think a little editing is required for the book to be totally suitable for its target audience.
(Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I read this story with my 7-year-old daughter over several bedtimes. She always wanted more. This is because the plot is easy to get to grips with and is in itself gripping too. There is a clear villain so she was rooting for the hero of the story, Johnny Nothing. I would say that with a little bit of language, and most of the adults in the story being smokers (although the author keeps reminding the readers not to smoke) I had to edit it a little bit, and it would be more suited to its audience if this was done at source.
The story begins with a funeral, that of Jacob Ermentrude Marley, the 296th richest person in the UK, quickly followed by a will reading. Johnny Nothing, so called because he has nothing, is one of the people there because Jacob was his uncle. A few adults are there too, including Johnny's parents. "When they looked at Uncle Marley they just saw money. Rolls and rolls of banknotes. Bundles and bundles of bunce. Loads and loads of loot. Dollops and dollops of dough. A stash of cash. A wagonload of wonga."
Johnny though isn't interested in the money, although he does inherit something, a cash card to an account with £1million in it. "Your task is to come back to this church in exactly one year's time and I want you to have more than £1million in that bank account. If you can manage to do that I will give you ten times what you have."
Only trouble is that his mother is "the worst parent of all time: the meanest, nastiest, smelliest, ugliest, sweatiest mother you could possibly imagine." She takes the cash card for safe keeping, but then goes on a never ending spending spree that is out of control, and Johnny, "an easy going, uncomplaining sort of boy, can do nothing. Things escalate and Johnny comes up with plans which fail. Even when he gets the cash card back things still escalate to leave his bank account with nothing in it. But there is a happy ending to the story of course.
Overall then my 7-year-old daughter really enjoyed the story, but I think a little editing is required for the book to be totally suitable for its target audience.
(Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
November 10, 2014
First, I must admit I’m well past being a young teenager – the intended reader - but having said that I think many adults will enjoy this book also.
Probert is a talented man as his website shows – a painter, a photographer, a clarinet player, journalist, and of course a writer. As soon as I started reading this book several influences sprang to mind: Punks, anarchic humour encapsulated in The Young Ones TV series, Roald Dahl’s book The Twits and David Walliams’s book Boy in a Dress. They suggest to me Johnny Nothing is not your average teen read. In addition, I picked up on the twin themes of 1) Money is divisive and 2) People with only money are the poorest. They run throughout the story. However, both are good life lessons and make a great backdrop against which the story unfolds.
Probert’s writing style is to talk to his readers and to fling in digressions or asides frequently. For example, ‘Come on Fliss he said (‘Fliss was what Bill sometimes called Felicity. Like a lot of people he was simply too lazy to be bothered to pronounce all the syllables in a name. It was too much like hard work.)’ Okay maybe once in a while but their liberal use interrupted the story’s flow. For me, they became intrusive.
Again personally, I found giving over of the first two chapters to character formation of the leading players slowed the start of the book. Additionally, the labouring of character traits like Uncle Morely being very wealthy and unconventional is, I think, unnecessary. Maybe the intended reads need the reinforcement to appreciate the story.
Probert uses many of his own drawings to emphasise the characters and plot, including the book’s cover. Note; this is not a picture book by any means. They are stylised, and I wonder how enticing the intended readers find them – the cover in particular.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. I think it has niche appeal but I'm sure that’s the same for the majority of books.
Probert is a talented man as his website shows – a painter, a photographer, a clarinet player, journalist, and of course a writer. As soon as I started reading this book several influences sprang to mind: Punks, anarchic humour encapsulated in The Young Ones TV series, Roald Dahl’s book The Twits and David Walliams’s book Boy in a Dress. They suggest to me Johnny Nothing is not your average teen read. In addition, I picked up on the twin themes of 1) Money is divisive and 2) People with only money are the poorest. They run throughout the story. However, both are good life lessons and make a great backdrop against which the story unfolds.
Probert’s writing style is to talk to his readers and to fling in digressions or asides frequently. For example, ‘Come on Fliss he said (‘Fliss was what Bill sometimes called Felicity. Like a lot of people he was simply too lazy to be bothered to pronounce all the syllables in a name. It was too much like hard work.)’ Okay maybe once in a while but their liberal use interrupted the story’s flow. For me, they became intrusive.
Again personally, I found giving over of the first two chapters to character formation of the leading players slowed the start of the book. Additionally, the labouring of character traits like Uncle Morely being very wealthy and unconventional is, I think, unnecessary. Maybe the intended reads need the reinforcement to appreciate the story.
Probert uses many of his own drawings to emphasise the characters and plot, including the book’s cover. Note; this is not a picture book by any means. They are stylised, and I wonder how enticing the intended readers find them – the cover in particular.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. I think it has niche appeal but I'm sure that’s the same for the majority of books.
March 17, 2015
You're a grody, nasty, disgusting boy--I'm so proud of you!
This book was definitely written for just/pre-pubescent boys, but my daughter and I read it together, giggling and guffawing the entire way. She is in first grade, but she was engaged and learning throughout the reading. While the story and style are wonderfully silly, there were plenty of teachable moments for this homeschool family. She learned new words, engaged with a different writing style than she's experienced before, and critiqued the ethics of bad decisions that adults often make through the eyes of young Johnny. She even helped me compose this review.
She and I definitely recommend this to kids who haven't found a love of reading and to kids who already have. We agree that this book is definitely worthy of a kids book club or any book club that features family favorites. I expect that this book will be re-read over and over in our family and I went wait to share it with my son when he's a bit older.
Merged review:
This book was definitely written for just/pre-pubescent boys, but my daughter and I read it together, giggling and guffawing the entire way. She is in first grade, but she was engaged and learning throughout the reading. While the story and style are wonderfully silly, there were plenty of teachable moments for this homeschool family. She learned new words, engaged with a different writing style than she's experienced before, and critiqued the ethics of bad decisions that adults often make through the eyes of young Johnny. She even helped me compose this review.
She and I definitely recommend this to kids who haven't found a love of reading and to kids who already have. We agree that this book is definitely worthy of a kids book club or any book club that features family favorites. I expect that this book will be re-read over and over in our family and I can't wait to share it with my son when he's a bit older.
This book was definitely written for just/pre-pubescent boys, but my daughter and I read it together, giggling and guffawing the entire way. She is in first grade, but she was engaged and learning throughout the reading. While the story and style are wonderfully silly, there were plenty of teachable moments for this homeschool family. She learned new words, engaged with a different writing style than she's experienced before, and critiqued the ethics of bad decisions that adults often make through the eyes of young Johnny. She even helped me compose this review.
She and I definitely recommend this to kids who haven't found a love of reading and to kids who already have. We agree that this book is definitely worthy of a kids book club or any book club that features family favorites. I expect that this book will be re-read over and over in our family and I went wait to share it with my son when he's a bit older.
Merged review:
This book was definitely written for just/pre-pubescent boys, but my daughter and I read it together, giggling and guffawing the entire way. She is in first grade, but she was engaged and learning throughout the reading. While the story and style are wonderfully silly, there were plenty of teachable moments for this homeschool family. She learned new words, engaged with a different writing style than she's experienced before, and critiqued the ethics of bad decisions that adults often make through the eyes of young Johnny. She even helped me compose this review.
She and I definitely recommend this to kids who haven't found a love of reading and to kids who already have. We agree that this book is definitely worthy of a kids book club or any book club that features family favorites. I expect that this book will be re-read over and over in our family and I can't wait to share it with my son when he's a bit older.
December 6, 2014
Haha l have never read a book like Johnny Nothing. and I have read a lot of books, its so funny and humorous, Johnny is a 10 years old, who lives with his so called parents that didn't even know he was around. that's why he was nickname Nothing, the kids called him that at school as well, then one day out of the blue, a letter came telling them a brother of his mum had died, it was Johnny's uncle Jake Marley and had to go to the church to hear the reading of the will and of course the Author quotes different lines in between the story. Uncle Jake Marley comes on the TV screen, the main surprise is when Jake tells the Solicitor Mr Dark to give Johnny the briefcase, and tells him insides a cash card with a million pounds on it, and a mobile and letter. and if he needs help anytime was to ring Mr Dark, but if Johnny comes back to the church in a years time, at the same time with a million pounds, he will inherit 10 million pounds, well his mother was, what's the word? oh yes Livid, she dragged him out of the church, and the first chance she got took the cash card off him, and she spent and spent, and Johnny decided it couldn't go on any longer, and got the cash card back. and then rang Mr Dark and told him what had happened, and came with body guards, Bill and Ben, to watch over Johnny so his parents wouldn't harm him, so Johnny thinking it was a lost cause. and having a good heart gave it all to the tramps and beggers, till there wasn't any left. It wasn't till Mr Dark reminded him about what his Uncle Jake, he knew what he had done. so how was he going to do now, if you want to find if Johnny does make it. well you will have to buy the book, it's a great read and lots of laughs, and ideal for young and old. R M STEIGER
January 12, 2015
Yes, I agree with other reviewers; this seriously-bad-for-your-ability-to-be-serious little gem might be comparable to Roald Dahl (it certainly is in terms of quality) but actually it’s like no other. Totally unique (yes, I know ‘unique’ shouldn’t have an adjective but I think it’s called for, all the same), this is a superb blend of the slapstick, the wickedly witty and outrageous but also a thoughtful essay on themes of greed, as personified by Johnny’s ghastly mum Felicity(!) on the one hand and Johnny’s simple, touching kindness on the other.
I can’t say that my own offspring would necessarily go for this – but then they’re forty-six. Well; more fool them if they don’t, that’s all I can say. Certainly though, a friend of mine says her ten-year-old loved it, and so did I. Like Wallace and Gromit, it would appeal to children of all ages, from ten to seventy-one (my age).
The characterisation is excellent and pitched at just the right level of silliness and sinisterness, like pantomime (I loved Bill and Ben) and the plot grabbed you by the scruff of the neck (or the throat) and commanded, in a dalek voice, ‘You will read this! You will read this!’ I did so, willingly. And the language is spot-on: neither too childish nor too sophisticated for children of around ten. And it will encourage boys to read as well as girls, so kudos for that, too!
This is just all-round brilliant, Mr Probert. Is there a sequel in the offing? Please?
I can’t say that my own offspring would necessarily go for this – but then they’re forty-six. Well; more fool them if they don’t, that’s all I can say. Certainly though, a friend of mine says her ten-year-old loved it, and so did I. Like Wallace and Gromit, it would appeal to children of all ages, from ten to seventy-one (my age).
The characterisation is excellent and pitched at just the right level of silliness and sinisterness, like pantomime (I loved Bill and Ben) and the plot grabbed you by the scruff of the neck (or the throat) and commanded, in a dalek voice, ‘You will read this! You will read this!’ I did so, willingly. And the language is spot-on: neither too childish nor too sophisticated for children of around ten. And it will encourage boys to read as well as girls, so kudos for that, too!
This is just all-round brilliant, Mr Probert. Is there a sequel in the offing? Please?
March 22, 2014
Johnny Nothing has nothing; that is how he got his name. But that is about to change when he inherits a million pounds from old Uncle Marley.
As the story starts Uncle Marley is about to be laid to rest. All the members of his money-grabbing family have gathered to find out what they will inherit. The worst of them is Johnny's own mother and father who are terrible parents and just generally, terrible people. But Uncle Marley is quite aware of who deserves his generosity and the congregation are shocked to learn that Johnny has been left a million pounds and, not only that, if he manages the money well for a whole year there is more to come!
Written in a fun, self assured style, full of laughs and disgusting observations (references to smelly corpses abound) this larger-than-life story reminded me of Roald Dahl's 'The Twits' but it is a longer book and, I think, it's contents suited to a slightly more mature audience. The illustration style is unusual and suits the narrative well.
Though the laugh-a-minute narrative is relentless, and may not suit all sensitivities, there is a much more tender story at its heart; what does a boy called Nothing who suddenly has everything, do? And even tricker than the money, what does he do with the horrible pair he calls Mother and Father?
As the story starts Uncle Marley is about to be laid to rest. All the members of his money-grabbing family have gathered to find out what they will inherit. The worst of them is Johnny's own mother and father who are terrible parents and just generally, terrible people. But Uncle Marley is quite aware of who deserves his generosity and the congregation are shocked to learn that Johnny has been left a million pounds and, not only that, if he manages the money well for a whole year there is more to come!
Written in a fun, self assured style, full of laughs and disgusting observations (references to smelly corpses abound) this larger-than-life story reminded me of Roald Dahl's 'The Twits' but it is a longer book and, I think, it's contents suited to a slightly more mature audience. The illustration style is unusual and suits the narrative well.
Though the laugh-a-minute narrative is relentless, and may not suit all sensitivities, there is a much more tender story at its heart; what does a boy called Nothing who suddenly has everything, do? And even tricker than the money, what does he do with the horrible pair he calls Mother and Father?
February 23, 2017
Ian Probert's Johnny Nothing reminds me of a combination of A Christmas Carol (many Dicken's references), Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, and Brewster's Millions. It's meant as a children's book aimed for the middle school age and is equally set to entertain adults as well.
The story is about a broke, depraved boy, Johnny Nothing. He literally has nothing, no clothes or toys of his own; he barely has food and his parents have to give him just enough to survive. After his uncle passes away, he is given a portion of his fortune and is promised ten times the amount if he can make so much as a penny's profit in a year. The greed of Johnny's mother takes root and thus the story spirals into the focus of how money can corrupt and material possessions rob others of their happiness.
In all, it was a great pleasure receiving this book in trade for an honest review. I dabbled in and out of it over the course of a couple of months. Mostly, it was because of scheduling, but the beginning was difficult for me to get engaged right away. Since it's meant as a read for young boys, the over emphasis on certain grotesque imagery or smells was actually what made me start reading faster and pulled me in.
It's a refreshing revision of a classic tale we all see or know about to some degree. I look forward to more of Ian's work in the future.
The story is about a broke, depraved boy, Johnny Nothing. He literally has nothing, no clothes or toys of his own; he barely has food and his parents have to give him just enough to survive. After his uncle passes away, he is given a portion of his fortune and is promised ten times the amount if he can make so much as a penny's profit in a year. The greed of Johnny's mother takes root and thus the story spirals into the focus of how money can corrupt and material possessions rob others of their happiness.
In all, it was a great pleasure receiving this book in trade for an honest review. I dabbled in and out of it over the course of a couple of months. Mostly, it was because of scheduling, but the beginning was difficult for me to get engaged right away. Since it's meant as a read for young boys, the over emphasis on certain grotesque imagery or smells was actually what made me start reading faster and pulled me in.
It's a refreshing revision of a classic tale we all see or know about to some degree. I look forward to more of Ian's work in the future.
July 29, 2014
Johnny Nothing is a story for a boy who has nothing. He has no clothes, no food, no friends. That's why he gets the nickname, Johnny Nothing. But it is not true that he has nothing. He has something that many people don't have: the biggest heart in the world, a whole heart full of love. When his uncle dies, Johnny inherits one million pounds. Yes, you've heard well, one million pounds. And suddenly, he is the most popular boy in the world.
I'm not sure that this a children's book. Many adults can find themselves in this story. Fullfilled with many comical moments, actually it is a sad story. No one deserves parents like Johnny's. No one should appreciate others depending on the money status. No one should underestimate the power of the money, they can make you totally different person. Johnny reminds me of Oliver Twist. He is not an orphan, but his own parents treat him like one. But he has the purest soul in the world and he deserves the best.
It was really refreshing for me to read a book like this. It is not long, but it is well written in a unique way that captivated my attention to the very last page. Maybe woke the inner child in me :) . I liked the way the author talking directly to me as a reader, not just telling the story. He has unique way of describing the things. I loved it, and I would love to see Johnny growing older through the series.
I'm not sure that this a children's book. Many adults can find themselves in this story. Fullfilled with many comical moments, actually it is a sad story. No one deserves parents like Johnny's. No one should appreciate others depending on the money status. No one should underestimate the power of the money, they can make you totally different person. Johnny reminds me of Oliver Twist. He is not an orphan, but his own parents treat him like one. But he has the purest soul in the world and he deserves the best.
It was really refreshing for me to read a book like this. It is not long, but it is well written in a unique way that captivated my attention to the very last page. Maybe woke the inner child in me :) . I liked the way the author talking directly to me as a reader, not just telling the story. He has unique way of describing the things. I loved it, and I would love to see Johnny growing older through the series.
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