Spurt Hardcover – February 7, 2017

I don’t recall who suggested this book. It wasn’t a recommendation but a question about whether it would be a good story for a pre-teen boy to open a dialogue on puberty. In fact, it is billed as “A hilarious coming of age story for teenage boys about faking it until you make it—and what it means to be a man.” My response is no, at least for those who want to maintain purity of heart. Are children who are being brought up in the nurture and training of the Lord ever really ready for this kind of ungodliness? One reviewer said that it’s “Judy Blume for boys,” which is NOT a good recommendation in my view.Are there any positives? I will admit that the book does contain humor. Unfortunately, much of it falls into the category of “coarse jesting” condemned in Ephesians 5:4. Also, I will say that Australian author Chris Miles is a good story teller. However, I am reminded of Cecil B. DeMilles’s observation, which applies to books as well as movies, that if something isn’t worth doing to begin with, it isn’t worth doing well. And, interestingly enough, there is a good underlying message about being yourself, being honest with others, and being loyal to your friends. But, oh, the pure garbage one has to wade through to get there. One thing which worries me about the present generation of kids is that too many of them have parents that encourage and even promote this kind of trash.

I gave it to my grandson, 11 years old. He liked it.

Jack Sprigley managed to get the raw end of the puberty deal. Not only is he a late-bloomer, he hasn't even sprouted which proves quite embarrassing for a ninth grader. It seems like all of his friends are leaps and bounds ahead of him in the manliness department.When Jack feels abandoned by his friends over winter break, he handles it in the most cringeworthy way, by bragging how he masturbated the entire vacation. It wouldn't be so bad if Jack kept his conversations among the guys, but the readers can't help but squirm when the girls are included in his big talk to prove he's normal.As if Jack hasn't proven he's socially awkward enough, he tries to prove his popularity by appearing on a reality T.V. show and presenting a mature and improved version of himself. What starts out what's supposed to be a funny look at the pitfalls of puberty, gets lost in the change of direction.The novel has a few moments that might elicit some uncomfortable laughs, including a clever reversible cover. The novel is billed as a Judy Blume for boys but it lacks the heart of its predecessor that allows the reader to really connect with the protagonist.Word of warning: Let the reader find this one without guidance or he may never look you in the face again.This is a copy of my review that originally appears on my blog, Boys To Books.

Jack hasn't reached puberty and all his friends have--they are even doing the dating thing.What to do? Fake it til you make it. Jack's got experience, sort of, having been the star of a kid-based "reality" show.Yes, the plot combines faking puberty, TV shows, hot air balloons, and merkins, and if you don't know what a merkin is you are in for a treat, and if you do know what a merkin is yes, they really have a merkin here.Funny, fun, you really want Jack to succeed, as he is more likeable than desperate. The family is good, too.Told in glorious Third person past tense.

4.5/5 starsSpurt is a young adult humorous contemporary by Chris Miles. It features a guy named Jack who has not yet gone through puberty and he decides to fake it to fit in with his friends. Stop. Stop right there, I didn't need to read any further. Christ Miles already had me. Spurt is a hilarious book. It is a book I think will appeal to all readers of all ages and genders. I really can't say enough good things about this book, other than it was a blast.All of Jack's friends have either gone through or are currently going through puberty and he feels left in the dust...so he comes up with a genius idea...he can just fake puberty. I still crack up every time I think about this, because puberty is no fun for anyone, so I can't imagine faking it is any more fun. But either way, Spurt was a hilarious ride through Jack's various antics with his friends. The humor is spurt is at times outlandish, but always a lot of fun. Jack, though misguided sometimes is a great guy. I really liked him. You can't help but like him and root for him.And can we take a moment to talk about the cover. The front is freakin' hilarious, with the single taped on hair. (I really laughed at that longer than I should have.) but the really cool thing about the cover is that it has a reversible "decoy" cover. First, what a cool idea! I want books to have reversible covers! Like two different versions. (Publishers...let's talk! and make this happen!) But in Spurt's case, the back side of the cover was to keep your book safe from prying eyes. It was about epic hot air- balloon explosions and other really cool many things. There was even a very manly author and fake author bio. It was so funny. I knew right then and there that I was going to love Chris Mile's writing style. And I did! I need to read more books by him ASAP. He is super funny.Bottom line: If you are a boy going through puberty, a young adult or an adult who already has gone through it, Spurt is a book that you do not want to miss. It is tons of fun and it is sure to put a big smile on your face. I Lol-ed multiple times while reading. This book made me smile. I loved Spurt.*Disclaimer- I received a copy of this book for free.

I don’t even know what to SAY about this. It was just. So. Cringe-worthy. Aghhhhh! The main character is a young teenage boy. Who has not yet encountered puberty yet. But is very much hoping to. It was told very much like middle grade, but it had more “mature” (or should I say immature) jokes. It was so uncomfortable and cringe-y and annoying. Eugh.