Sunday 28 June 2015

Book Review - Top Banana by Kath Middleton

Kath Middleton is one of a select group of authors who will consistently draw me out of my reading comfort zone through top story telling and a real talent for writing. Another aspect that attracts me is that every book she's written has been of a different genre.

In this book she delves into comedy in what is essentially a coming of age for a young man named Steve. Although the book is billed as a comedy it didn't really read that way for me. That's not to say that it isn't funny, there's a dry observational humour prevelent throughout. I mean that it wasn't a laugh out loud type of read.

That didn't matter too much because the story made me smile. The blurb states that it is a feel good story and that is true. The journey of Steve's journey into adulthood and out of his bubble is an engaging one. I enjoyed the conceit of the spider bite and its influence on Steve in the story and it does allow for some of the zanier human, especially in the first half.

My one major complaint about the story is that sometimes the events feel a little convenient. One scene in particular where there is a major heart to heart struck me as both sudden and a bit too easy.  While this isn't my usual type of read I am familiar enough to know that this isn't unique to this book.

So that complaint aside this is a pleasant story and a good read - maybe I should read more uplifting stories more often!

Click on image to buy from image

Take a young man in a dead-end job. Ensure that his hypercritical mother has totally destroyed his self-confidence. Then add a box of bananas. 

Steve Stanley has reason to think he might have acquired a superpower. Unfortunately, he doesn’t yet know what it is. As Steve searches for the (super)hero inside himself, he sets out to prove that he’s not the failure his mother believes. But will the world ever get to see the true Steven Oliver Stanley? 

A feel-good comedy novel from the author of 'Ravenfold' and 'Message in a Bottle'.


Click here to buy Top Banana from Amazon (and it's a delightful read)


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