Slice by Steven Herrick

Slice: Juicy Moments From My Impossible Life
by Steven Herrick
Release date: June, 2010

Goodreads Description:
A funny, refreshing look at the most awkward time in any young boy's life—from school, girls, and parties to parents, friends, and the dreaded "sex talk"

 
Darcy Walker is a normal 16-year-old boy—but he can handle that. He can even cope with parents, deal with parties, and soldier through the occasional fight. He's certainly got his infatuation with the beautiful Audrey under control, is clearly the best at spending quality chess-time with his nerdy best friend, Noah, and doesn't blink an eye at the misadventures that can occur when kayaking on a school excursion. He's a teenage boy—he can handle anything. That is, if only he'd learn to keep his mouth closed first.

My Review:

My favourite quote: "I'm sixteeen years old and my mouth runs ahead of my brain.  Our friend Pete would describe it as - ahem  - premature enunciation.  Mum say I talk without thinking.  She's wrong.  I mean what I say, I just shouldn'st say it aloud."

Slice was a deliciously fun read.  I love books that make you laugh and leave you feeling good and that sums up Slice perfectly.

Slice is the story of 16 year old boy Darcy, who's mouth is constantly getting him into trouble.  He is quirky, lovable and HILARIOUS.  Herrick really did an amazing job of writing the character Darcy and he offers a brilliant and honest insight into the world of a teenage boy.  It was interesting to see what guys really think.

There is also plenty of impressive and slightly off beat secondary characters like Audrey, Noah and  Darcy's parents.  It was awesome to read a book where parents were a positive and entertaining part of the story.

The writing was simple yet clever.  Unlike the previous books of Herrick's that I have read this one wasn't written in verse.  It was actually his first YA prose novel.  Personally, I prefer his verse books because they get across more emotion.  Don't get me wrong this book was still warm and touching just not as powerful.  However, the slight lack of emotion is made up for by the dialogue that is full of humor.  I loved the conversations that Darcy had in this book with various characters but especially Audrey.

'You say like to say the first thing that comes into your head, don't you, Darcy?'
'Not if I can help it.'
Audrey looks reproachfully at me.
I nod, 'Yeah, I can't help myself.'
'Have you ever played "word association"?  You'd be an expert.'
'Is that where someone says a word and I say "sex" back?'

The romance between Darcy and Audrey is tender, amusing and realistic.  Herrick captures how awkward yet sweet young love can be.

Overall, if you are looking for a smart and funny coming of age story this might be for you.

Overall rating: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Cover: 5/5

Recommend for fans of : Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood, Beatle Meets Destiny by Gabrielle Williams.

For more info: Steven Herrick's website.

Note:  This is an Australian title.  Slice is not available internationally yet on The Book Depository (it says out of stock).  Herrick does however sell his books signed directly on his website.