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Denton Little #1
Denton Little's Deathdate
Ride through the last hours of a teenager’s life as he searches for love, meaning, answers, and (just maybe) a way to live on.
Denton Little’s Deathdate takes place in a world exactly like our own except that everyone knows the day on which they will die. For Denton, that’s in just two days—the day of his senior prom.
Despite his early deathdate, Denton has always wanted to live a normal life, but his final days are filled with dramatic firsts. First hangover. First sex. First love triangle—as the first sex seems to have happened not with his adoring girlfriend, but with his best friend’s hostile sister. (Though he’s not totally sure—see, first hangover.) His anxiety builds when he discovers a strange purple rash making its way up his body. Is this what will kill him? And then a strange man shows up at his funeral, claiming to have known Denton’s long-deceased mother, and warning him to beware of suspicious government characters. . . . Suddenly Denton’s life is filled with mysterious questions and precious little time to find the answers.
Denton Little’s Deathdate takes place in a world exactly like our own except that everyone knows the day on which they will die. For Denton, that’s in just two days—the day of his senior prom.
Despite his early deathdate, Denton has always wanted to live a normal life, but his final days are filled with dramatic firsts. First hangover. First sex. First love triangle—as the first sex seems to have happened not with his adoring girlfriend, but with his best friend’s hostile sister. (Though he’s not totally sure—see, first hangover.) His anxiety builds when he discovers a strange purple rash making its way up his body. Is this what will kill him? And then a strange man shows up at his funeral, claiming to have known Denton’s long-deceased mother, and warning him to beware of suspicious government characters. . . . Suddenly Denton’s life is filled with mysterious questions and precious little time to find the answers.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2015
182 people are currently reading
8251 people want to read
About the author
Lance Rubin
11 books339 followersHi, I'm Lance Rubin.
I write MG and YA novels, including Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend, 16 Forever, the Denton Little series, and Crying Laughing.
I also co-wrote The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek with Good Mythical Morning's Rhett & Link, Monster Club: Monsters Take Manhattan with filmmakers Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel, and the musical Broadway Bounty Hunter with Be More Chill's Joe Iconis & Jason SweetTooth Williams.
I'm originally from Matawan, New Jersey. I went to Brown University, and now I live in Brooklyn with my family.
Before I became an author, I was primarily an actor. "Anything I'd recognize you from?" you might ask. Probably not, unless you watched the short-lived NBC hospital show Mercy, in which I guest-starred as a patient with a naked sleepwalking problem.
I love Back to the Future, empathy, the New York Knicks, and the Before Sunrise Trilogy.
Thanks for reading. Reach out and say hi!
I write MG and YA novels, including Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend, 16 Forever, the Denton Little series, and Crying Laughing.
I also co-wrote The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek with Good Mythical Morning's Rhett & Link, Monster Club: Monsters Take Manhattan with filmmakers Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel, and the musical Broadway Bounty Hunter with Be More Chill's Joe Iconis & Jason SweetTooth Williams.
I'm originally from Matawan, New Jersey. I went to Brown University, and now I live in Brooklyn with my family.
Before I became an author, I was primarily an actor. "Anything I'd recognize you from?" you might ask. Probably not, unless you watched the short-lived NBC hospital show Mercy, in which I guest-starred as a patient with a naked sleepwalking problem.
I love Back to the Future, empathy, the New York Knicks, and the Before Sunrise Trilogy.
Thanks for reading. Reach out and say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,266 reviews
April 3, 2019
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
A wise man once said . . . .
The problem is it’s hard to know exactly which Young Adult selections I’m going to feel too old for. It’s especially hard with blurbs that say things like . . . .
“Get ready to die laughing” . . . “outrageously funny”
And promise that I will . . . .
“Fall in love with Denton Little.”
Being that there was already a #2 in this series, it was pretty obvious that I would not be experiencing Denton Little’s death. I’ve also read enough YA/dystopia/whateveryouwanttocallit to not be real blown away by the premise that in the future nearly everyone has a predetermined expiration date. However, I still figured I would enjoy things aiiiiiight. What I did not plan on was a character who kept trying to convince me that . . . .
“I’m not an asshole, I swear! I’m just a moron!”
Uhhhhh, sorry to break it to you, kid but . . . .
I don’t care if the heart wants what it wants or whatever other excuse others want to throw out there . . . .
The mom in me doesn’t give cheating on your girlfriend a pass. And momma sure as hell doesn’t give having sex with a completely hammered/possibly passed-out boy a pass . . . .
Rape is rape. Even if it’s not happening to a female. I want to give this 1 Star because I hate when a book makes me feel like a buzzkill or the morality police. However, like so many other Young Adult novels, Denton’s best friend Paolo was a saving grace and deserves a star all for himself.
A wise man once said . . . .
The problem is it’s hard to know exactly which Young Adult selections I’m going to feel too old for. It’s especially hard with blurbs that say things like . . . .
“Get ready to die laughing” . . . “outrageously funny”
And promise that I will . . . .
“Fall in love with Denton Little.”
Being that there was already a #2 in this series, it was pretty obvious that I would not be experiencing Denton Little’s death. I’ve also read enough YA/dystopia/whateveryouwanttocallit to not be real blown away by the premise that in the future nearly everyone has a predetermined expiration date. However, I still figured I would enjoy things aiiiiiight. What I did not plan on was a character who kept trying to convince me that . . . .
“I’m not an asshole, I swear! I’m just a moron!”
Uhhhhh, sorry to break it to you, kid but . . . .
I don’t care if the heart wants what it wants or whatever other excuse others want to throw out there . . . .
The mom in me doesn’t give cheating on your girlfriend a pass. And momma sure as hell doesn’t give having sex with a completely hammered/possibly passed-out boy a pass . . . .
Rape is rape. Even if it’s not happening to a female. I want to give this 1 Star because I hate when a book makes me feel like a buzzkill or the morality police. However, like so many other Young Adult novels, Denton’s best friend Paolo was a saving grace and deserves a star all for himself.
April 22, 2021
CW:
Well this had some weirdly fun and funny moments!
Whilst the premise of this book was really interesting my attention wandered on occasion. However, I think the target audience will find it quite entertaining as Denton tries to have a full range of experiences before he dies. The friendships were very entertaining and I look forward to recommending this book to students.
Well this had some weirdly fun and funny moments!
Whilst the premise of this book was really interesting my attention wandered on occasion. However, I think the target audience will find it quite entertaining as Denton tries to have a full range of experiences before he dies. The friendships were very entertaining and I look forward to recommending this book to students.
October 30, 2014
Welcome to the world where people get to attend their own funerals because, thanks to AstroThanatoGenetics, they know precisely when they're going to die.
This is the story of Denton Little, a teenage boy whose deathdate falls on the day of senior prom. We meet Denton on the day of his funeral (the day before his deathdate, because the funerals are now attended by the soon-to-be-dead people), and together with him, his best friend, Paolo, his girlfriend, Taryn, and Paolo's older sister, Veronica, we will experience two of the most bizarre, adrenaline-inducing, unpredictable, and laugh-out-loud funny days you could possibly imagine. Brace yourself, this is a wild ride!
Very cool, entirely unique and fresh, genuinely funny (made me snort my drink more than a few times and my husband eventually said: "What are you reading? You alternate between laughing like a maniac and looking like you're about to cry every 15 seconds or so. It can't be healthy!") and, ultimately, full of meaning and memorable messages, Denton Little's Deathdate is a BLAST. I really loved every page of this book and am so glad I decided to pick it up on a whim.
Denton Little's Deathdate resists categorization and labeling. It starts of as a quirky contemporary with some interesting existential undercurrents (but one that doesn't take itself too seriously and doesn't get bogged down with anxiety, angst and trying to over-analyze things) and then, in a brilliant and completely unexpected twist, turns into a cleverly devised science fiction. Mind-blown! I love both sci fi and emotionally powerful contemporary books (especially those that make you laugh through tears!), and Denton Little's Deathdate is just the most delicious combination of these two genres. The contemporary part is still much stronger and the science fiction part is, for the most part, very vague and subtle (it really doesn't read like a typical science fiction book, no complicated terminology, no brain-clogging concepts and ideas, it's just- essentially - a boat that carries the awesomeness of Denton and his little crew towards an epic and exceptionally satisfying ending), and the blend of the two is simply devourable.
Also, the humor in this book - often times morbid or completely inappropriate - was definitely my favorite part of it. Denton's eulogy speech? Freaking hilarious. The YA scene definitely needs more sharp, intelligent and unapologetic books like this one. At the same time, there is a note of sadness to this book. I mean, really, how can there not be? It's a book about a teenage boy who is about to die and he is aware of this (and not in a "I have a terminal illness and I will probably die soon" kind of way, but in a "Today is the die I will die. I just don't know how or when exactly, but it's inevitable", and it's a scary but also eye-opening concept. Rubin's approach to the subject is remarkably tender and sensitive (despite some of the jaw-dropping jokes). It's not depressing or dark and morbid, it's actually quite positive and hopeful, and I loved that. I absolutely loved that.
Denton is, as expected, struggling with the fact he will cease to exist soon, but he somehow manages to turn it all around and make the most of his shitty situation. He is brave, he is considerate, he makes mistakes, sure, but he's a teenage boy after all, and who can really blame him? He's not trying to act tough, heck, he doesn't really know how he should act to begin with, but he tries his best and that's all that matters. He is just so real, so multidimensional, so much more than just a character in a book. I really do hope Rubin will write a sequel of some sort (the way the book ends leaves an opening for it, though doesn't exactly demand one), because he created something very special here and I, for one, will miss all these characters dearly. It would be so awesome to meet them again!
Great concept and brilliant humor aside, Denton Little's Deathdate is also emotionally affecting and thought provoking. It explores some difficult themes, such as death, loss, grief, inevitability of one's passing and ways to deal with the knowledge. It also pokes at other (more common, but equally important) issues, from growing up without a parent to cheating, bullying and standing up for oneself. This book is not so much about dying as it is about living each and every single day as it was our last, staying true to oneself, being open with others and appreciating things and people before they're gone. I thought it was a beautiful message, and one worth remembering.
This is the story of Denton Little, a teenage boy whose deathdate falls on the day of senior prom. We meet Denton on the day of his funeral (the day before his deathdate, because the funerals are now attended by the soon-to-be-dead people), and together with him, his best friend, Paolo, his girlfriend, Taryn, and Paolo's older sister, Veronica, we will experience two of the most bizarre, adrenaline-inducing, unpredictable, and laugh-out-loud funny days you could possibly imagine. Brace yourself, this is a wild ride!
Very cool, entirely unique and fresh, genuinely funny (made me snort my drink more than a few times and my husband eventually said: "What are you reading? You alternate between laughing like a maniac and looking like you're about to cry every 15 seconds or so. It can't be healthy!") and, ultimately, full of meaning and memorable messages, Denton Little's Deathdate is a BLAST. I really loved every page of this book and am so glad I decided to pick it up on a whim.
Denton Little's Deathdate resists categorization and labeling. It starts of as a quirky contemporary with some interesting existential undercurrents (but one that doesn't take itself too seriously and doesn't get bogged down with anxiety, angst and trying to over-analyze things) and then, in a brilliant and completely unexpected twist, turns into a cleverly devised science fiction. Mind-blown! I love both sci fi and emotionally powerful contemporary books (especially those that make you laugh through tears!), and Denton Little's Deathdate is just the most delicious combination of these two genres. The contemporary part is still much stronger and the science fiction part is, for the most part, very vague and subtle (it really doesn't read like a typical science fiction book, no complicated terminology, no brain-clogging concepts and ideas, it's just- essentially - a boat that carries the awesomeness of Denton and his little crew towards an epic and exceptionally satisfying ending), and the blend of the two is simply devourable.
Also, the humor in this book - often times morbid or completely inappropriate - was definitely my favorite part of it. Denton's eulogy speech? Freaking hilarious. The YA scene definitely needs more sharp, intelligent and unapologetic books like this one. At the same time, there is a note of sadness to this book. I mean, really, how can there not be? It's a book about a teenage boy who is about to die and he is aware of this (and not in a "I have a terminal illness and I will probably die soon" kind of way, but in a "Today is the die I will die. I just don't know how or when exactly, but it's inevitable", and it's a scary but also eye-opening concept. Rubin's approach to the subject is remarkably tender and sensitive (despite some of the jaw-dropping jokes). It's not depressing or dark and morbid, it's actually quite positive and hopeful, and I loved that. I absolutely loved that.
Denton is, as expected, struggling with the fact he will cease to exist soon, but he somehow manages to turn it all around and make the most of his shitty situation. He is brave, he is considerate, he makes mistakes, sure, but he's a teenage boy after all, and who can really blame him? He's not trying to act tough, heck, he doesn't really know how he should act to begin with, but he tries his best and that's all that matters. He is just so real, so multidimensional, so much more than just a character in a book. I really do hope Rubin will write a sequel of some sort (the way the book ends leaves an opening for it, though doesn't exactly demand one), because he created something very special here and I, for one, will miss all these characters dearly. It would be so awesome to meet them again!
Great concept and brilliant humor aside, Denton Little's Deathdate is also emotionally affecting and thought provoking. It explores some difficult themes, such as death, loss, grief, inevitability of one's passing and ways to deal with the knowledge. It also pokes at other (more common, but equally important) issues, from growing up without a parent to cheating, bullying and standing up for oneself. This book is not so much about dying as it is about living each and every single day as it was our last, staying true to oneself, being open with others and appreciating things and people before they're gone. I thought it was a beautiful message, and one worth remembering.
June 22, 2015
Reading Denton Little's Deathdate is such a wild ride. A little weird but a lot of fun. Anyways, who doesn't like weird!? I'm personally up for anything weird whether its on what I read or even in real life. But what's the best about Denton Little's Deathdate is that its the kind of weird that makes you laugh and think!
Being inside of Denton's head is definitely a blast and even though not everything went smooth sailing, I still enjoyed the whole book and half of the reason is Denton's humorous point of view. I just don't know what to expect from him.. Sometimes I totally forget that he's 17 though and thought of him as a 12 or 13 year old boy. Maybe it comes with being a male? Anyway, it didn't really made the book bad or unreadable, surprisingly, the fun factor is upped because of that. Add a character like Paolo and you got yourself a laugh-out-loud book.
Its also amazing to read a book about death that is not depressing at al!! That's absolutely why you need to read this book. Lance Rubin did a funny and kind of bizarre book that is thought provoking and unique. You have to admit, DLD has one of the most morbid yet creative concept. Imagine you're in Denton's place? What would you do? Think? Act? Is it morbid to think that? Well, you won't help it because it comes in reading the book.
This book definitely has a sequel and some readers are not thrilled with it (ahhh that cliffy!) But really, I'm not complaining. I'll be on the lookout because I really wanna know what's gonna happen next. I didn't swoon that much in here which I know isn't the main point of the book but still!!! I'm looking forward to Denton and his love interest's moments.
If you like your book weird but smart, bizarre but still meaningful, I highly recommend knowing Denton!!
Being inside of Denton's head is definitely a blast and even though not everything went smooth sailing, I still enjoyed the whole book and half of the reason is Denton's humorous point of view. I just don't know what to expect from him.. Sometimes I totally forget that he's 17 though and thought of him as a 12 or 13 year old boy. Maybe it comes with being a male? Anyway, it didn't really made the book bad or unreadable, surprisingly, the fun factor is upped because of that. Add a character like Paolo and you got yourself a laugh-out-loud book.
Its also amazing to read a book about death that is not depressing at al!! That's absolutely why you need to read this book. Lance Rubin did a funny and kind of bizarre book that is thought provoking and unique. You have to admit, DLD has one of the most morbid yet creative concept. Imagine you're in Denton's place? What would you do? Think? Act? Is it morbid to think that? Well, you won't help it because it comes in reading the book.
This book definitely has a sequel and some readers are not thrilled with it (ahhh that cliffy!) But really, I'm not complaining. I'll be on the lookout because I really wanna know what's gonna happen next. I didn't swoon that much in here which I know isn't the main point of the book but still!!! I'm looking forward to Denton and his love interest's moments.
If you like your book weird but smart, bizarre but still meaningful, I highly recommend knowing Denton!!
November 19, 2015
Cioè, ok. Boh. La settimana scorsa Il Dominio del Fuoco, ora questo. Cos'ho appena finito di leggere?! C-O-S-A?! Non lo so, non riesco ad esprimermi. Quando un libro mi piace così tanto il delirio fangirlante si impossessa di me e qualsiasi parola sembra inadeguata. Diverso, esilarante, unico, scritto divinamente... ecco. Basta, non so cos'altro dire a parte che HO ADORATO QUESTO ROMANZO e l'ho divorato in pochissime ore... di solito io sono lenta come un bradipo a leggere, ma ci sono libri che ti tengono letteralmente incollata alle pagine... proprio come questo. Beh, provare per credere. Non so se riuscirò nei prossimi giorni a scrivere una recensione degna di questo nome ma pazienza, quello che penso già lo sapete. Leggetelo, davvero! È un capolavoro!
Recensione completa sul blog: http://il-cibo-della-mente.blogspot.i...
Recensione completa sul blog: http://il-cibo-della-mente.blogspot.i...
September 10, 2014
You know, there are just not enough funny books about death.
High school senior Denton Little knows he'll die tomorrow; the data people can narrow that down for almost everyone to a 24-hr period. But will he die before prom, or after? What should he spend his last few hours on? What about all those things he never got around to saying, or doing? And why is everyone suddenly acting so much weirder than normal?
What begins as a fairly straightforward what-if premise morphs structure and develops layers until I'm not sure I know what to call it... Humor? Check. (Complicated) romance? Check. Family and friendships? Check. Questioning the meaning of life? Check. Meditations on death? Check. Conspiracy theories? Check...
A young adult novel for anyone who's ever wondered what it would be like to be left behind, or to leave someone else behind; what they'd do with their last year/month/day on earth; or has ever giggled inappropriately at a funeral, because really, what else can you do?
High school senior Denton Little knows he'll die tomorrow; the data people can narrow that down for almost everyone to a 24-hr period. But will he die before prom, or after? What should he spend his last few hours on? What about all those things he never got around to saying, or doing? And why is everyone suddenly acting so much weirder than normal?
What begins as a fairly straightforward what-if premise morphs structure and develops layers until I'm not sure I know what to call it... Humor? Check. (Complicated) romance? Check. Family and friendships? Check. Questioning the meaning of life? Check. Meditations on death? Check. Conspiracy theories? Check...
A young adult novel for anyone who's ever wondered what it would be like to be left behind, or to leave someone else behind; what they'd do with their last year/month/day on earth; or has ever giggled inappropriately at a funeral, because really, what else can you do?
June 26, 2017
4,5 Sterne!
Richtig richtig cooles Buch mit sehr witzigen und liebenswerten Charakteren! :)
Richtig richtig cooles Buch mit sehr witzigen und liebenswerten Charakteren! :)
September 7, 2015
This book is a hard one to rate. There were aspects of it that I thought were really awesome. Really cool and original and well-executed. There were also bits that I thought weren’t so great and just didn’t work.
The writing style was brilliant. The book skipped along in a really fun way and the author had a nice lighthearted touch, which is quite something considering the book is about Denton’s impending death! There was a lot of dialogue - I don’t know anything about the author, but maybe he’s a screenwriter because it flowed really well and had a lot of humour.
I liked the characters well enough - Denton and Paulo had a really fun bromance going on and the banter between them made me laugh on numerous occasions. The girls were a little bit more one-dimensional, but they were okay.
The biggest issue I had was that the plot doesn’t really seem to do much. We’re introduced to Denton at the beginning and told about the whole death date thing and we find out fairly soon in that Denton is going to die in the next couple of days. All good. From then on, we’re just kind of watching and waiting for him to die. Or not. There’s plenty of humour thrown in, but it just ends up feeling like a sitcom; the situation being ‘Will Denton die?’ and the comedy being gags about getting high and shagging people’s sisters.
The other problem I had, and one I didn’t really manage to get over, was the whole concept of being able to tell when someone is going to die based on their DNA sample. It just didn’t work for me. I could get on board with the concept of using someone’s DNA to deduce their death date from natural causes - heart disease, cancer, old age - but in this book DNA is also used to predict your death date from random acts - stray gunshots, car crashes and so on.
It throws the whole concept of chaos theory out of the window and I could never really get my head round it. I’d have been happier if the author had said, ‘they do it with magic’, or ‘they found an old druid in a cave in darkest Wales who can do precognition’.
If I could have made that leap of logic, I would have enjoyed this book a whole lot more, but it just didn’t work for me.
I wouldn’t say ‘don’t read this book’; the writing is fun and it’s really readable, but the plot and the concept just left me scratching my head a bit.
The writing style was brilliant. The book skipped along in a really fun way and the author had a nice lighthearted touch, which is quite something considering the book is about Denton’s impending death! There was a lot of dialogue - I don’t know anything about the author, but maybe he’s a screenwriter because it flowed really well and had a lot of humour.
I liked the characters well enough - Denton and Paulo had a really fun bromance going on and the banter between them made me laugh on numerous occasions. The girls were a little bit more one-dimensional, but they were okay.
The biggest issue I had was that the plot doesn’t really seem to do much. We’re introduced to Denton at the beginning and told about the whole death date thing and we find out fairly soon in that Denton is going to die in the next couple of days. All good. From then on, we’re just kind of watching and waiting for him to die. Or not. There’s plenty of humour thrown in, but it just ends up feeling like a sitcom; the situation being ‘Will Denton die?’ and the comedy being gags about getting high and shagging people’s sisters.
The other problem I had, and one I didn’t really manage to get over, was the whole concept of being able to tell when someone is going to die based on their DNA sample. It just didn’t work for me. I could get on board with the concept of using someone’s DNA to deduce their death date from natural causes - heart disease, cancer, old age - but in this book DNA is also used to predict your death date from random acts - stray gunshots, car crashes and so on.
It throws the whole concept of chaos theory out of the window and I could never really get my head round it. I’d have been happier if the author had said, ‘they do it with magic’, or ‘they found an old druid in a cave in darkest Wales who can do precognition’.
If I could have made that leap of logic, I would have enjoyed this book a whole lot more, but it just didn’t work for me.
I wouldn’t say ‘don’t read this book’; the writing is fun and it’s really readable, but the plot and the concept just left me scratching my head a bit.
October 11, 2015
Non sono proprio 4 stelle, non piene, insomma.
Mi è piaciuto, ho apprezzato e mi ha preso molto. Non so perché, però, in analisi finale, mi sembra che manchi qualcosa. Al momento è difficile dire se sia per la traduzione o per il fatto che c'è molto in sospeso, ma ho avuto questa impressione.
In ogni caso, l'idea è ottima ed anche il ritmo incalzante si adatta alla trama.
Un romanzo basato su due giorni che lasciano col fiato sospeso.
Mi è piaciuto, ho apprezzato e mi ha preso molto. Non so perché, però, in analisi finale, mi sembra che manchi qualcosa. Al momento è difficile dire se sia per la traduzione o per il fatto che c'è molto in sospeso, ma ho avuto questa impressione.
In ogni caso, l'idea è ottima ed anche il ritmo incalzante si adatta alla trama.
Un romanzo basato su due giorni che lasciano col fiato sospeso.
June 3, 2023
I'm not sure since it's been so long, but I think this was a GR suggestion that popped up after I finished Scythe (a fantastic book). If so, I assure you I was in a serious book hangover and looking for a readalike. This was not it; DLDD was very silly, too kiddie, and not for me.
Someone has figured out how to predict death dates with perfect accuracy, using a combination of blood and hair samples and the position of the stars over your place of birth. Denton Little's death date happens to be the same as his senior prom. You'd think the prom committee would be more sensitive, sheesh! In the 24 hours leading up to his DD, Denton does a whole lot of living and learning what life should really be all about. He also worries over a funky purple splotch growing on his leg.
Someone has figured out how to predict death dates with perfect accuracy, using a combination of blood and hair samples and the position of the stars over your place of birth. Denton Little's death date happens to be the same as his senior prom. You'd think the prom committee would be more sensitive, sheesh! In the 24 hours leading up to his DD, Denton does a whole lot of living and learning what life should really be all about. He also worries over a funky purple splotch growing on his leg.
August 28, 2016
This book was okay, just surprisingly meh for a story advertised so much as a comedy. The mystery element didn't carry me enough through an ultimately boring final day of this kids supposed life, the language was written in such a casual tone it just felt juvenile (way too much slang and use of the word "like") and it took me forever to read it because I was so underwhelmed. Disappointing, because the premise seemed so interesting.
I also wish it answered more of my questions. I worked out what was going on pretty early on, and the big reveal at the end didn't really give many more specifics than exactly what I suspected was happening. Overall, bland book.
I also wish it answered more of my questions. I worked out what was going on pretty early on, and the big reveal at the end didn't really give many more specifics than exactly what I suspected was happening. Overall, bland book.
January 24, 2016
Review
I know I am not the only one who ALWAYS says Denton's Little Deathdate. Right??? Anyways . . .
The whole story follows Denton Little on his deathdate. Because in this world everyone knows when they will die, that person attends their own funeral and then you wait to die. I will say this book kind of went in a different direction than what I thought, especially towards the end but I liked it.
This was really a fun and funny book. I super appreciated the humor in this one. I mean it is about death but still had me laughing out loud a bunch of times. I really liked Denton and his friend Paolo. They were kind of nerdy but still kind of cool. You know?? And guess what else? Come on guess!! There were parents. They weren't crappy. His dad and stepmom were present and cared. Hallelujah!
It also was quick and I needed to know what was going to happen. All in all, it was the perfect book to kick off the read-a-thon. I can't wait until the next book comes this year!
Review
Molly has just come back from school to her small hometown. She is greeted by her house being egged which let her know no one has forgotten what happened before she left. What happened was everyone finding out that Molly messed up her relationship with her boyfriend Patrick . . .with is brother Gabe. Everyone found out because it was written about in a book. A hugely popular book. Written by her mother. Molly just needs to make it 99 days before she can leave for college. But can she make it?
Man, this book. I knew there were tons of opinions on it. People seemed to have loved it or really hated it. So of course I felt the need to read it and see what I thought. I thought it was a messy, messy book. The thing is I like messy. Because messy is usually more real. Now to be clear, I don't think cheating is acceptable or a love triangle between brothers is a good thing. Still, these things happen and if written about in a certain way I thnk are compelling.
Molly was super frustrating. I was totally with her until about 60% percent. That is when the really questionable decisions started happening. It is one think to think things in your head, be confused but you have to really think through your actions. She is young and been through a lot but I thought that would have helped her be a little more responsible about things. However, I still liked her as a person, questionable actions aside. She seemed like someone who worked hard, wanted to be a good friend and person and I mean she loved Netflix so yeah. I think she was still confused and hurt by her mother's actions as well the way she was being treated in the town Was she wrong in the way she acted? Yes. But she really had it rough.
But for some reason she was the only one! Gabe, the other brother, was fine. No one seemed to shun him. But I loved he knew that and thought he should be catching heat too. Or she shouldn't be catching so much. I thought that aspect of the book was done really well. I mean it is so true the double standard in society. The girl is a slut and the guy, well he kind of just gets to be a guy.
I also enjoyed how it was written. Each "chapter" was a day of the 99 before Molly left for college. It was a really quick book for me and thought it was written well and really hooked me from the beginning. I know this book isn't for everyone but if you like messy books done well and cheating and love triangles don't bother you, I think this is one you should pick up.This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
I know I am not the only one who ALWAYS says Denton's Little Deathdate. Right??? Anyways . . .
The whole story follows Denton Little on his deathdate. Because in this world everyone knows when they will die, that person attends their own funeral and then you wait to die. I will say this book kind of went in a different direction than what I thought, especially towards the end but I liked it.
This was really a fun and funny book. I super appreciated the humor in this one. I mean it is about death but still had me laughing out loud a bunch of times. I really liked Denton and his friend Paolo. They were kind of nerdy but still kind of cool. You know?? And guess what else? Come on guess!! There were parents. They weren't crappy. His dad and stepmom were present and cared. Hallelujah!
It also was quick and I needed to know what was going to happen. All in all, it was the perfect book to kick off the read-a-thon. I can't wait until the next book comes this year!
Review
Molly has just come back from school to her small hometown. She is greeted by her house being egged which let her know no one has forgotten what happened before she left. What happened was everyone finding out that Molly messed up her relationship with her boyfriend Patrick . . .with is brother Gabe. Everyone found out because it was written about in a book. A hugely popular book. Written by her mother. Molly just needs to make it 99 days before she can leave for college. But can she make it?
Man, this book. I knew there were tons of opinions on it. People seemed to have loved it or really hated it. So of course I felt the need to read it and see what I thought. I thought it was a messy, messy book. The thing is I like messy. Because messy is usually more real. Now to be clear, I don't think cheating is acceptable or a love triangle between brothers is a good thing. Still, these things happen and if written about in a certain way I thnk are compelling.
Molly was super frustrating. I was totally with her until about 60% percent. That is when the really questionable decisions started happening. It is one think to think things in your head, be confused but you have to really think through your actions. She is young and been through a lot but I thought that would have helped her be a little more responsible about things. However, I still liked her as a person, questionable actions aside. She seemed like someone who worked hard, wanted to be a good friend and person and I mean she loved Netflix so yeah. I think she was still confused and hurt by her mother's actions as well the way she was being treated in the town Was she wrong in the way she acted? Yes. But she really had it rough.
But for some reason she was the only one! Gabe, the other brother, was fine. No one seemed to shun him. But I loved he knew that and thought he should be catching heat too. Or she shouldn't be catching so much. I thought that aspect of the book was done really well. I mean it is so true the double standard in society. The girl is a slut and the guy, well he kind of just gets to be a guy.
I also enjoyed how it was written. Each "chapter" was a day of the 99 before Molly left for college. It was a really quick book for me and thought it was written well and really hooked me from the beginning. I know this book isn't for everyone but if you like messy books done well and cheating and love triangles don't bother you, I think this is one you should pick up.This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
April 5, 2016
Datemi il secondo, ORA!
Mi dispiace aver pensato "questo libro è noiosissimo" all'inizio ma è così. Non ci trovavo nulla di interessante. Ma continuando la lettura l'ho trovato sempre più coinvolgente e l'ho finito in meno di 2 ore, e credetemi io sono lentissima di solito. È divertente e arrivi ad un certo punto della lettura che vuoi sapere sempre di più e così arrivi all'ultima pagina e pensi: E ora? Quindi io ora dico: E ORA?!?!
Mi dispiace aver pensato "questo libro è noiosissimo" all'inizio ma è così. Non ci trovavo nulla di interessante. Ma continuando la lettura l'ho trovato sempre più coinvolgente e l'ho finito in meno di 2 ore, e credetemi io sono lentissima di solito. È divertente e arrivi ad un certo punto della lettura che vuoi sapere sempre di più e così arrivi all'ultima pagina e pensi: E ora? Quindi io ora dico: E ORA?!?!
March 25, 2015
Seeing as I just finished reading “Denton Little’s Deathdate”, I can only hope that I stop laughing long enough to write a coherent review.
The plot is one of the most unusual I have read in a young adult novel, especially one meant to be funny while dealing with a guaranteed date of death. It throws in a lot of curveballs as well, and it keeps you on your toes. There isn’t really an easy way to describe it, or fit it into one genre, and it’s very possible that it managed to create its own category.
All of the characters are well-developed and act realistically. Well, as realistically as the circumstances allow. Denton is especially endearing, and the dialogue had me sounding like I was recording a sitcom laugh track. I’m pretty sure even the dogs think I’ve lost what little was left of my mind.
I highly recommend it for around eight grade and up, but only if you’ve willing to risk spontaneous urinary incontinence.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The plot is one of the most unusual I have read in a young adult novel, especially one meant to be funny while dealing with a guaranteed date of death. It throws in a lot of curveballs as well, and it keeps you on your toes. There isn’t really an easy way to describe it, or fit it into one genre, and it’s very possible that it managed to create its own category.
All of the characters are well-developed and act realistically. Well, as realistically as the circumstances allow. Denton is especially endearing, and the dialogue had me sounding like I was recording a sitcom laugh track. I’m pretty sure even the dogs think I’ve lost what little was left of my mind.
I highly recommend it for around eight grade and up, but only if you’ve willing to risk spontaneous urinary incontinence.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2015
4.5 stelline RECENSIONE COMPLETA SUL BLOG http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
Vi siete mai chiesti come sarebbe vivere conoscendo la data esatta della propria morte?
Tranquilli ragazzi, non sto cercando di intavolare una conversazione macabra e morbosa sulla morte, ma vi faccio questa domanda perchè nel mondo di Denton Little la data di morte è certa e conosciuta fin dalla nascita.
Tutti sanno quando passeranno a miglior vita grazie ai passi da gigante compiuti dalla scienza che tramite un sapiente intreccio di genetica e statistica la data del proprio decesso diviene una certezza assoluta, non si è mai verificato un solo errore nel sistema. E tutto funziona alla perfezione.
L’intera società è abituata a fare i conti con questa consapevolezza, ed è una cosa assolutamente normale, e, infatti le persone affrontano il grande giorno con tutti i riti tradizionali; il funerale che si svolge il giorno prima con tanto di omelia recitata dal caro estinto, e dopo il funerale ci si prepara alla dipartita con la Seduta – dove i parenti e gli amici più stretti del condannato si radunano in casa sua e aspettano che espiri in modo pacifico e dignitoso ricordando i bei tempi che furono.
Probabilmente molti potrebbero pensare che è una figata pazzesca poter vivere la vita tranquillamente, senza paura di morire da un momento all’altro, senza preoccupazioni. In questo modo si ha tutto il tempo per organizzarsi e stilare, una sorta, di lista delle cose da fare prima di morire. Devo ammettere che anch’io, in un primo momento, ho pensato che sarebbe fantastico. Ma poi leggendo la storia dipinta da Lance Rubin mi sono ricreduta… Insomma non credo proprio che mi piacerebbe sapere la data esatta.
Penso che vivrei il giorno della mia dipartita con un ansia, un apprensione e uno stato di agitazione tale che, sicuramente, morirei di infarto!
Insomma non gestirei affatto bene le cose, di sicuro non le gestirei come le ha gestite Denton, certo anche lui in qualche momento ha perso la testa, ma andiamo potete biasimarlo? Chi non la perderebbe sapendo di avere le ore contate!
Come ho già detto poco più su, Denton conosce perfettamente il proprio destino, e sa non di non poter sfuggire in nessun modo a quel destino.
Lui è un Prematuro - una persona la cui data di morte cade prima dei ventun anni – e sa perfettamente di avere le ore contate.
Denton ha diciassette anni e morirà la notte del ballo studentesco... CONTINUA SUL BLOG http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
Vi siete mai chiesti come sarebbe vivere conoscendo la data esatta della propria morte?
Tranquilli ragazzi, non sto cercando di intavolare una conversazione macabra e morbosa sulla morte, ma vi faccio questa domanda perchè nel mondo di Denton Little la data di morte è certa e conosciuta fin dalla nascita.
Tutti sanno quando passeranno a miglior vita grazie ai passi da gigante compiuti dalla scienza che tramite un sapiente intreccio di genetica e statistica la data del proprio decesso diviene una certezza assoluta, non si è mai verificato un solo errore nel sistema. E tutto funziona alla perfezione.
L’intera società è abituata a fare i conti con questa consapevolezza, ed è una cosa assolutamente normale, e, infatti le persone affrontano il grande giorno con tutti i riti tradizionali; il funerale che si svolge il giorno prima con tanto di omelia recitata dal caro estinto, e dopo il funerale ci si prepara alla dipartita con la Seduta – dove i parenti e gli amici più stretti del condannato si radunano in casa sua e aspettano che espiri in modo pacifico e dignitoso ricordando i bei tempi che furono.
Probabilmente molti potrebbero pensare che è una figata pazzesca poter vivere la vita tranquillamente, senza paura di morire da un momento all’altro, senza preoccupazioni. In questo modo si ha tutto il tempo per organizzarsi e stilare, una sorta, di lista delle cose da fare prima di morire. Devo ammettere che anch’io, in un primo momento, ho pensato che sarebbe fantastico. Ma poi leggendo la storia dipinta da Lance Rubin mi sono ricreduta… Insomma non credo proprio che mi piacerebbe sapere la data esatta.
Penso che vivrei il giorno della mia dipartita con un ansia, un apprensione e uno stato di agitazione tale che, sicuramente, morirei di infarto!
Insomma non gestirei affatto bene le cose, di sicuro non le gestirei come le ha gestite Denton, certo anche lui in qualche momento ha perso la testa, ma andiamo potete biasimarlo? Chi non la perderebbe sapendo di avere le ore contate!
Come ho già detto poco più su, Denton conosce perfettamente il proprio destino, e sa non di non poter sfuggire in nessun modo a quel destino.
Lui è un Prematuro - una persona la cui data di morte cade prima dei ventun anni – e sa perfettamente di avere le ore contate.
Denton ha diciassette anni e morirà la notte del ballo studentesco... CONTINUA SUL BLOG http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
July 22, 2025
I realized I've never reviewed this book. Probably because it was my debut, and I felt silly doing that. I NO LONGER FEEL SILLY! Denton was my first novel, published more than ten years ago (!!!). I was so proud of it then, and I remain so now. Denton changed my life in many wonderful ways, and I will always be grateful. But I'm especially grateful to YOU, the readers, who have kept Denton alive (along with Paolo and Veronica and Millie and the whole gang) by continuing to read his story and then talking about it on websites like this one. Thank you. It's so meaningful.
November 21, 2016
If you've been considering reading this, and can handle the kind of 'mature content' that is relevant to older teen boys, I strongly recommend you forget everything you read in the blurb, anything you read me say, and pick up this funny, thought-provoking, SF mystery-adventure. I couldn't put it down last night and so missed several hours sleep, but it was worth it. (Otoh, I'm not sure I'll worry about the sequel, as I kinda like the way it ended....)
May 26, 2017
second read: quanto mi sono mancati i personaggi *-* Rileggeri questo libro all'infinito, ma prima aspetto che mi arrivi il secondo. Sono davvero curiosa ^-^
first read :
4.5 davvero bello, diverso dai libri Che leggo di solito, divertente, originale e davvero, leggetelo!
first read :
4.5 davvero bello, diverso dai libri Che leggo di solito, divertente, originale e davvero, leggetelo!
June 3, 2015
For more reviews, gifs, Cover Snark and more, visit A Reader of Fictions.
Credit for this find goes to Lenore (Author of The Memory of After and Chasing Before). I’d requested Denton Little’s Deathdate months back because Random House doesn’t put all that much up on NetGalley, and it sounded like it might maybe be interesting. By the time I was getting close to reading it, though, I just wasn’t really feeling it, so I was going to skip it. Then Lenore encouraged me to read it, telling me how wonderful it was and saying that she thought I would like it too. She was right. Denton Little’s Deathdate is a quirky, hilarious, character-driven imagining of a world only slightly different from our own.
The concept of Denton Little’s Deathdate might be hard for some to swallow, but I personally loved it. There’s this movie called TiMER that imagines if science could predict exactly when each person would meet their true love. It’s not a great movie, but the concept alone fascinated me enough that I still enjoyed it. The idea behind Denton Little’s Deathdate is similar but much more macabre: updates in science have made it possible to accurately predict almost everyone’s deathdate.
Obviously, there are some holes inherent in this idea. Science is, for example, able to accurately predict the date of death, but not the time of day. That’s a bit tough to swallow certainly. It’s also curious that this science can predict not just deaths due to health problems but those completely unrelated: suicide, murder, car accidents, etc. That’s not what the book’s really about though. Accept the premise, if you can, and move on. It’s much more about the character development and a consideration of what this would change in society.
Rubin does such a wonderful job imagining how knowing the time of one’s death would affect society. The focus is on America’s reaction, but the knowledge does drop that only a few countries have made the discovery of the deathdate mandatory for everyone. The logic is that things will be safer for everyone else if they know when the deathdates are. This is really where things get amazingly creative.
In this version of America, funerals are held the day before a person’s death, allowing them to hear the eulogies by their loved ones and to deliver one themselves. It’s a chance to say goodbyes or to let everyone know how you really felt about them, as Denton does so amusingly. After the funeral service is a party. On the actually day of death, from midnight on, many people choose to have a Sitting, where they wait for death to come surrounded by close friends and family.
Denton Little has known when he would die from the age of five, and he thought that he was ready for his death. His plans take a turn when he wakes up the morning of his funeral in his best friend’s sister’s bed, having gotten blackout drunk the night before. Denton’s trying to piece together those events and make peace with his death. He’s also trying to figure out why he’s turning purple.
Of course, much as I loved the concept, it wouldn’t have mattered had it not been so character-centric. Denton’s a real person, with flaws, heart, and humor. Denton Little’s Deathdate is a really funny book, both in a silly way and a more black comedy sort of way. I adore the interactions between Denton and his best friend Paolo, who make pop culture references constantly and are willing to shamelessly embarrass themselves in front of others. The voice is strong, and the dialogue is immensely bantery. The romantic elements fit with the story really well, but I wouldn’t recommend coming to this book hoping for great ships. What you can expect is an awkward and realistic, give or take Denton turning purple, portrayal of high school relationships.
The one aspect of Denton Little’s Deathdate that didn’t really impress me was the ending. The book tries to make things really suspenseful and intense, but I don’t think any of that was necessary. Denton Little’s Deathdate would have been even more powerful for me with a bit less drama. It was a real head scratcher.
Rubin’s debut is full of heart, and I adore his comedy and writing. I expect great things from Rubin’s future fiction too.
Credit for this find goes to Lenore (Author of The Memory of After and Chasing Before). I’d requested Denton Little’s Deathdate months back because Random House doesn’t put all that much up on NetGalley, and it sounded like it might maybe be interesting. By the time I was getting close to reading it, though, I just wasn’t really feeling it, so I was going to skip it. Then Lenore encouraged me to read it, telling me how wonderful it was and saying that she thought I would like it too. She was right. Denton Little’s Deathdate is a quirky, hilarious, character-driven imagining of a world only slightly different from our own.
The concept of Denton Little’s Deathdate might be hard for some to swallow, but I personally loved it. There’s this movie called TiMER that imagines if science could predict exactly when each person would meet their true love. It’s not a great movie, but the concept alone fascinated me enough that I still enjoyed it. The idea behind Denton Little’s Deathdate is similar but much more macabre: updates in science have made it possible to accurately predict almost everyone’s deathdate.
Obviously, there are some holes inherent in this idea. Science is, for example, able to accurately predict the date of death, but not the time of day. That’s a bit tough to swallow certainly. It’s also curious that this science can predict not just deaths due to health problems but those completely unrelated: suicide, murder, car accidents, etc. That’s not what the book’s really about though. Accept the premise, if you can, and move on. It’s much more about the character development and a consideration of what this would change in society.
Rubin does such a wonderful job imagining how knowing the time of one’s death would affect society. The focus is on America’s reaction, but the knowledge does drop that only a few countries have made the discovery of the deathdate mandatory for everyone. The logic is that things will be safer for everyone else if they know when the deathdates are. This is really where things get amazingly creative.
In this version of America, funerals are held the day before a person’s death, allowing them to hear the eulogies by their loved ones and to deliver one themselves. It’s a chance to say goodbyes or to let everyone know how you really felt about them, as Denton does so amusingly. After the funeral service is a party. On the actually day of death, from midnight on, many people choose to have a Sitting, where they wait for death to come surrounded by close friends and family.
Denton Little has known when he would die from the age of five, and he thought that he was ready for his death. His plans take a turn when he wakes up the morning of his funeral in his best friend’s sister’s bed, having gotten blackout drunk the night before. Denton’s trying to piece together those events and make peace with his death. He’s also trying to figure out why he’s turning purple.
Of course, much as I loved the concept, it wouldn’t have mattered had it not been so character-centric. Denton’s a real person, with flaws, heart, and humor. Denton Little’s Deathdate is a really funny book, both in a silly way and a more black comedy sort of way. I adore the interactions between Denton and his best friend Paolo, who make pop culture references constantly and are willing to shamelessly embarrass themselves in front of others. The voice is strong, and the dialogue is immensely bantery. The romantic elements fit with the story really well, but I wouldn’t recommend coming to this book hoping for great ships. What you can expect is an awkward and realistic, give or take Denton turning purple, portrayal of high school relationships.
The one aspect of Denton Little’s Deathdate that didn’t really impress me was the ending. The book tries to make things really suspenseful and intense, but I don’t think any of that was necessary. Denton Little’s Deathdate would have been even more powerful for me with a bit less drama. It was a real head scratcher.
Rubin’s debut is full of heart, and I adore his comedy and writing. I expect great things from Rubin’s future fiction too.
April 16, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Denton Little's Deathdate is a really funny, and strangely sweet read. I can honestly say that I have never read anything quite like it. It is not the most believable book ever, but you just have to embrace the concept and go with it. If you can do that, you will have a blast on Denton's last 24 hours alive adventure. Denton Little's Deathdate takes place in a world in the future that is very much like the world we know today. Technology and living hasn't advanced too much, but there is one minor difference. In Denton's world, as soon as you are born they can tell you the date that you will die. They can't tell you how you will die, but they can predict 100% of the time, the day that you will die. And as you can imagine, this has caused some pretty strange customs to pop up.
Reading about the customs surrounding your deathdate were one of my favorite parts about this book. For instance, how would your funeral be if you actually spoke at it? And what kind of party would you throw if you knew it would be the night before you died? And Denton was an extra special case, because he was an "early". An "early" are those not so lucky individuals that die before they turn 18. Denton goes through all kinds of mini existential crisis's, so to speak in his last 24 hours, but he never stays down for too long.
This book is a ton of fun. I loved Denton. I loved, loved, loved his best friend Pow. I thought he was a great guy and so freakin' hilarious. Pow and Denton became friends in kindergarten because they were both earlies. Pow has a deathdate 1 month after Denton. So without spoiling the book, let me set the stage for you. Denton knows he is going to die in a day, but he has no idea what from. So he goes to his funeral, he goes to his party, and then he is supposed to sit in his house until "it" happens. But then Denton gets a weird purple splotch on his leg, and he freaks thinking that is he is going to die from, which yeah, I think is a valid concern. So he sets off to try and find out what it is, and he ends up unraveling a mystery. The mystery aspect of the book took me by surprise, but I was already in a jolly mood from Denton and Pow's adorable antics, so I happily went along for the ride.
Denton Little's Deathdate is a lighthearted read that is the most fun I have ever had reading or thinking about death. I don't think it is meant to be taken too seriously, and yes the deathdate thing didn't make a lot of sense the way it was explained, but who cares? The result was a story that will have you laughing your butt off and falling in love with a 17 year old guy that just wants to figure out what the heck is going on before he dies- "literally any minute now." This book was great. It is fresh and doesn't feel like every other ya out there. Give it a read.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Denton Little's Deathdate is a really funny, and strangely sweet read. I can honestly say that I have never read anything quite like it. It is not the most believable book ever, but you just have to embrace the concept and go with it. If you can do that, you will have a blast on Denton's last 24 hours alive adventure. Denton Little's Deathdate takes place in a world in the future that is very much like the world we know today. Technology and living hasn't advanced too much, but there is one minor difference. In Denton's world, as soon as you are born they can tell you the date that you will die. They can't tell you how you will die, but they can predict 100% of the time, the day that you will die. And as you can imagine, this has caused some pretty strange customs to pop up.
Reading about the customs surrounding your deathdate were one of my favorite parts about this book. For instance, how would your funeral be if you actually spoke at it? And what kind of party would you throw if you knew it would be the night before you died? And Denton was an extra special case, because he was an "early". An "early" are those not so lucky individuals that die before they turn 18. Denton goes through all kinds of mini existential crisis's, so to speak in his last 24 hours, but he never stays down for too long.
This book is a ton of fun. I loved Denton. I loved, loved, loved his best friend Pow. I thought he was a great guy and so freakin' hilarious. Pow and Denton became friends in kindergarten because they were both earlies. Pow has a deathdate 1 month after Denton. So without spoiling the book, let me set the stage for you. Denton knows he is going to die in a day, but he has no idea what from. So he goes to his funeral, he goes to his party, and then he is supposed to sit in his house until "it" happens. But then Denton gets a weird purple splotch on his leg, and he freaks thinking that is he is going to die from, which yeah, I think is a valid concern. So he sets off to try and find out what it is, and he ends up unraveling a mystery. The mystery aspect of the book took me by surprise, but I was already in a jolly mood from Denton and Pow's adorable antics, so I happily went along for the ride.
Denton Little's Deathdate is a lighthearted read that is the most fun I have ever had reading or thinking about death. I don't think it is meant to be taken too seriously, and yes the deathdate thing didn't make a lot of sense the way it was explained, but who cares? The result was a story that will have you laughing your butt off and falling in love with a 17 year old guy that just wants to figure out what the heck is going on before he dies- "literally any minute now." This book was great. It is fresh and doesn't feel like every other ya out there. Give it a read.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Read
November 16, 2020DNF for a second time. Tried reading the book when it came out as a SCBAN nominee. My husband tends to have an open mind where most books are concerned, so we tried listening together. Got through the first disc, and both of us were unimpressed. Guess this one is not for me.
August 23, 2015
I don't even know what to say about this book. I mean, some bits of it were funny, but a lot seemed like it was trying too hard to be funny. Plus, the protagonist was just such an idiot (and I feel sorry for both the girls he slept with, and then tried to JUSTIFY this to). And then the plot started getting into all this government conspiracy stuff, and it wasn't QUITE ridiculous enough for that.
Sadly not for me, this one.
______________________________________
I am a big fan of inappropriate humour of ALL kinds.
Last year in drama, my class did this thing called the Groundswell Project, where we made a play about DEATH. A funny play. And THIS year, my group performance for my final exam, which has five people, is a satire on class, and involves lots of making fun of white people.
So I’m not a stranger to that kind of humour. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest, because I am far from a sensitive person. And I think that’s the only Aussie stereotype that actually fits me.
But this was not funny.
In fact, despite admittedly being a fast and easy read, it was kind of…unbearable. I feel really bad saying that, because this poor author’s worked their heart out on it, probably, but this book and I just DID NOT ENJOY EACH OTHER.
Or, who knows, maybe the book enjoyed me, but the feeling isn’t mutual.
I think the main reason was how illogical everything was.
I mean, there were purple splotches on legs and government agencies and weird police dudes and it was just ???? And okay, I realise that you’re probably not supposed to take it TOO seriously, but I just did NOT understand how this world works. I mean, they can tell what day you die, but can’t tell what you’ll die from?
Ugh. My brain hurts.
Oh, and let’s not forget the characters.
Denton and…er, his friend who I’ve forgotten the name of already. On the one hand, they’re completely immature. In fact, maybe this book would have been better as MG. Sadly, it’s YA, and the frequent references to sex and alcohol just seemed really awkward and out of place.
OH, and plus, Denton gets involved in this love triangle and cheats on one of them, and then tries to JUSTIFY this by saying that it’s his death-day or something ridiculous. I have no time for characters like that.
So. Yeah. Not for me.
BUT. If you’re looking for a light and funny read, this might be the book for you.
From funerals attended by the dying to ludicrous plots, who knows? You might love it.
Sadly not for me, this one.
______________________________________
I am a big fan of inappropriate humour of ALL kinds.
Last year in drama, my class did this thing called the Groundswell Project, where we made a play about DEATH. A funny play. And THIS year, my group performance for my final exam, which has five people, is a satire on class, and involves lots of making fun of white people.
So I’m not a stranger to that kind of humour. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest, because I am far from a sensitive person. And I think that’s the only Aussie stereotype that actually fits me.
But this was not funny.
In fact, despite admittedly being a fast and easy read, it was kind of…unbearable. I feel really bad saying that, because this poor author’s worked their heart out on it, probably, but this book and I just DID NOT ENJOY EACH OTHER.
Or, who knows, maybe the book enjoyed me, but the feeling isn’t mutual.
I think the main reason was how illogical everything was.
I mean, there were purple splotches on legs and government agencies and weird police dudes and it was just ???? And okay, I realise that you’re probably not supposed to take it TOO seriously, but I just did NOT understand how this world works. I mean, they can tell what day you die, but can’t tell what you’ll die from?
Ugh. My brain hurts.
Oh, and let’s not forget the characters.
Denton and…er, his friend who I’ve forgotten the name of already. On the one hand, they’re completely immature. In fact, maybe this book would have been better as MG. Sadly, it’s YA, and the frequent references to sex and alcohol just seemed really awkward and out of place.
OH, and plus, Denton gets involved in this love triangle and cheats on one of them, and then tries to JUSTIFY this by saying that it’s his death-day or something ridiculous. I have no time for characters like that.
So. Yeah. Not for me.
BUT. If you’re looking for a light and funny read, this might be the book for you.
From funerals attended by the dying to ludicrous plots, who knows? You might love it.
May 6, 2015
I didn't realize that this book was part of a series until I finished it and there was no closure. That should have been referred to on the cover on in the publisher info I received with the book. However, knowing it was part of a series may have kept me from reading it. (I need a good stand alone book right now.)
The humor in the book was fun – the majority of that being between Denton and his best friend Paolo. They have snarky, off-the-wall conversations that would likely only make sense to them (or the reader in this case), but is just lighthearted fun. I truly enjoyed that portion. Denton's girlfriend however is constantly annoying and always making Denton's last day about her. While I understand that teenager's are being normal teenager's in this different world, it still seems that most of them are insensitive. I truly hope that if we can one day discover our death dates, that we don't become so desensitized to death as they are in this story.
Quickly we learn that not everything is as it seems, which gives what could be a basic story about a boys last day some mystery. Denton's actions are always amusing and more acceptable then those of his classmates, which makes me like his character even more. I go back and forth with the actions and reactions of his family members, not quite sure that their characters are fully realized, but again, there is more to come.
While I don't know what's in store for the next book, I felt like this story could have been wrapped up. Some areas were dragged out a bit further than I felt was necessary and I started to speed read through unimportant portions. Overall, it's a nice light read with a different take on our world.
Book Received: For free from publisher in exchange for an honest review
Reviewer: Jessica for Book Sake
The humor in the book was fun – the majority of that being between Denton and his best friend Paolo. They have snarky, off-the-wall conversations that would likely only make sense to them (or the reader in this case), but is just lighthearted fun. I truly enjoyed that portion. Denton's girlfriend however is constantly annoying and always making Denton's last day about her. While I understand that teenager's are being normal teenager's in this different world, it still seems that most of them are insensitive. I truly hope that if we can one day discover our death dates, that we don't become so desensitized to death as they are in this story.
Quickly we learn that not everything is as it seems, which gives what could be a basic story about a boys last day some mystery. Denton's actions are always amusing and more acceptable then those of his classmates, which makes me like his character even more. I go back and forth with the actions and reactions of his family members, not quite sure that their characters are fully realized, but again, there is more to come.
While I don't know what's in store for the next book, I felt like this story could have been wrapped up. Some areas were dragged out a bit further than I felt was necessary and I started to speed read through unimportant portions. Overall, it's a nice light read with a different take on our world.
Book Received: For free from publisher in exchange for an honest review
Reviewer: Jessica for Book Sake
June 2, 2015
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/05/l...
Denton Little's Deathdate is a hilarious story of dying, living and what you do with the in between. Denton isn't popular, nor is he a ladies man. He's intelligent, conforming and a teen that parents would be proud of. But in a society where at birth your date of death is determined, Denton realises that he's never truly lived his life. He's never had a hangover, he's never felt a wild abandonment and he's certainly never had sex. But when Denton wakes up after a night of drunken sex, he can cross two more achievements off his list and a girlfriend that is none the wiser.
With his best friend and partner in crime Pablo, Denton is in for forty eight hours of fast living and mayhem, all before he kicks the bucket. An elderly police officer who is ready to strike, a gun toting former boyfriend of his current but not for much longer girlfriend, slowly turning purple and now a stranger who claims to have known his late mother, warns him of government conspiracies.
It was a strange of blend of contemporary and science fiction elements, Denton Little's Deathdate is nothing short of incredible. Denton is not only likable, but the cast of secondary characters inject personality and a lightheartedness throughout the storyline. Lance Rubin should be applauded for creating a brilliantly unique debut novel.
I laughed, I sniggered and snorted my way through reading Denton's story. It's fun, it's hilarious and never guilty of taking itself too seriously. It's the perfect release for those who enjoy the sillier side of fiction, myself included.
Denton Little's Deathdate is a hilarious story of dying, living and what you do with the in between. Denton isn't popular, nor is he a ladies man. He's intelligent, conforming and a teen that parents would be proud of. But in a society where at birth your date of death is determined, Denton realises that he's never truly lived his life. He's never had a hangover, he's never felt a wild abandonment and he's certainly never had sex. But when Denton wakes up after a night of drunken sex, he can cross two more achievements off his list and a girlfriend that is none the wiser.
With his best friend and partner in crime Pablo, Denton is in for forty eight hours of fast living and mayhem, all before he kicks the bucket. An elderly police officer who is ready to strike, a gun toting former boyfriend of his current but not for much longer girlfriend, slowly turning purple and now a stranger who claims to have known his late mother, warns him of government conspiracies.
It was a strange of blend of contemporary and science fiction elements, Denton Little's Deathdate is nothing short of incredible. Denton is not only likable, but the cast of secondary characters inject personality and a lightheartedness throughout the storyline. Lance Rubin should be applauded for creating a brilliantly unique debut novel.
I laughed, I sniggered and snorted my way through reading Denton's story. It's fun, it's hilarious and never guilty of taking itself too seriously. It's the perfect release for those who enjoy the sillier side of fiction, myself included.
March 9, 2015
I like this book so much. There are interesting and unusual characters and plot.
I will explain. Imagine a world in which everything is exactly the same as in our world, except for one thing. People know the exact day of their death. It is called Deathdate.
The protagonist know that he must die in Prom day (it sucks, doesn't it?).
But he did not want to die.
And he makes a very lousy things (like the one that he cheated on his girlfriend).
I love this book because it is really written for teenagers, because it is funny and because Denton doesn't make things in his I-die-soon-so-I-must-do-it list. Because he does not have such a list. He just makes things that makes a guy when he thinks he resigned to his impending death, but then realizes that he is not.
I think that many people should read this book.
Especially because it has a beautiful friendship, good family relationships and excellent jokes about squirrels. And strange skin diseases.
I will explain. Imagine a world in which everything is exactly the same as in our world, except for one thing. People know the exact day of their death. It is called Deathdate.
The protagonist know that he must die in Prom day (it sucks, doesn't it?).
But he did not want to die.
And he makes a very lousy things (like the one that he cheated on his girlfriend).
I love this book because it is really written for teenagers, because it is funny and because Denton doesn't make things in his I-die-soon-so-I-must-do-it list. Because he does not have such a list. He just makes things that makes a guy when he thinks he resigned to his impending death, but then realizes that he is not.
I think that many people should read this book.
Especially because it has a beautiful friendship, good family relationships and excellent jokes about squirrels. And strange skin diseases.
dnf
February 16, 2017Chapters read: 6
Unfortunately, much as I enjoyed the first book, I'm not feeling the sequel. I was SO excited about this book, because Denton Little's Deathdate was so charming and funny. The thing is that I had some plot issues, and this book is where the actual plot is. My plot issues are already major and I'm only just over fifty pages into it. I'm also finding the narrative voice much less engaging and funny than in the first book.
This is one of those times where I'm going to pretend the first book was an open-ended standalone.
Unfortunately, much as I enjoyed the first book, I'm not feeling the sequel. I was SO excited about this book, because Denton Little's Deathdate was so charming and funny. The thing is that I had some plot issues, and this book is where the actual plot is. My plot issues are already major and I'm only just over fifty pages into it. I'm also finding the narrative voice much less engaging and funny than in the first book.
This is one of those times where I'm going to pretend the first book was an open-ended standalone.
June 27, 2015
This was really funny, but also a bit all over the place. And that ending..it just isn't fair to end a book like that..
October 29, 2015
Genialeeee!!! Voglio il seguito. Subito.
Recensione in arrivo
Recensione in arrivo
June 9, 2017
Trovo che il tema di questo libro sia molto interessante e non nego che qualche volta ci ho pensato: come ci comporteremmo se fossimo a conoscenza della nostra data di morte? Vorremmo avere una vita normale o ci daremmo alla pazza adrenalina in sfide mortali sapendo che fino ad un determinato giorno non potremo lasciare questo mondo? La risposta a cui non avevo pensato me l’ha in parte fornita il libro. DIPENDE! Dipende perché se sappiamo che moriremo a 60 o a 70 anni probabilmente faremmo una vita normale, perché viviamo abbastanza da lungo da avere delle responsabilità, soprattutto se ci faremo una famiglia; se invece sappiamo che dobbiamo morire a 17 anni forse l’unica cosa che vogliamo fare è goderci quel poco di vita che abbiamo ancora a disposizione facendo cose che non ci sarebbero mai passate per la testa.
Ecco Denton è un caso eccezionale perché nessuno desidera una vita più normale di lui. Tutto è ordinario: scuola, amici, famiglia, ragazza. Tutto è abitudinario, le regole vanno seguite.
Questo libro mi ha fatto sorgere dei quesiti a cui non ho ricevuto risposta: perché solo queste tre Nazioni aderiscono a questo programma? Perché in questi Paesi la gente non può semplicemente decidere se sapere o meno la propria data di morte? (A questa domanda ho trovato risposta nel secondo volume).
Quando ho compreso che si trattava di complotto mi è venuto abbastanza da ridere; ormai si parla di complotto ovunque, i meme su Facebook non mancano però, essendo questo un libro per ragazzi, sono arrivata alla conclusione che questo famigerato complotto ci stia benissimo.
Tutti i personaggi sono ben caratterizzati e Paolo è indubbiamente il mio preferito: è un ragazzo abbastanza stupido che oscilla tra l’esserlo e il farlo ma non è di una stupidità offensiva. Di sicuro tutti voi avrete almeno un amico o un conoscente che se ne esce con battute a volte assurde altre volte poco appropriate per il contesto ma che vi fanno comunque morire dal ridere no? Ecco, questo è Paolo. Quello che più mi piace di lui è che non sembra mai forzato, mai portato agli estremi, sembra vero, uno di noi!
Deathdate è stato un libro coinvolgente e anche molto divertente nonostante il tema trattato che sicuramente può essere fonte di discussione e riflessione. L’ho divorato in pochissimo tempo e non vedevo l’ora di leggere il seguito per cui ve lo consiglio!
Ecco Denton è un caso eccezionale perché nessuno desidera una vita più normale di lui. Tutto è ordinario: scuola, amici, famiglia, ragazza. Tutto è abitudinario, le regole vanno seguite.
Questo libro mi ha fatto sorgere dei quesiti a cui non ho ricevuto risposta: perché solo queste tre Nazioni aderiscono a questo programma? Perché in questi Paesi la gente non può semplicemente decidere se sapere o meno la propria data di morte? (A questa domanda ho trovato risposta nel secondo volume).
Quando ho compreso che si trattava di complotto mi è venuto abbastanza da ridere; ormai si parla di complotto ovunque, i meme su Facebook non mancano però, essendo questo un libro per ragazzi, sono arrivata alla conclusione che questo famigerato complotto ci stia benissimo.
Tutti i personaggi sono ben caratterizzati e Paolo è indubbiamente il mio preferito: è un ragazzo abbastanza stupido che oscilla tra l’esserlo e il farlo ma non è di una stupidità offensiva. Di sicuro tutti voi avrete almeno un amico o un conoscente che se ne esce con battute a volte assurde altre volte poco appropriate per il contesto ma che vi fanno comunque morire dal ridere no? Ecco, questo è Paolo. Quello che più mi piace di lui è che non sembra mai forzato, mai portato agli estremi, sembra vero, uno di noi!
Deathdate è stato un libro coinvolgente e anche molto divertente nonostante il tema trattato che sicuramente può essere fonte di discussione e riflessione. L’ho divorato in pochissimo tempo e non vedevo l’ora di leggere il seguito per cui ve lo consiglio!
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