April 2014 Debut of the Month ** Due to the content we recommend this for 12+ readers Fourteen-year-old Joe Cowley off-loads all his concerns about girls, friends, school enemies, family and …girls again in his funny, easy-to-read and not-so-private blog. One of Joe’s problems is that his brain and his mouth seem to have stopped coordinating properly. Can he help them get back into line? It would certainly help him to speak to girls if he could. Joe’s problems - and some of his solutions – will be horribly familiar to readers.
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for The Private Blog of Joe Cowley a small number of members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'This is one of the most humorous books I have ever read, a book that made me laugh out loud.' Rose Heathcote.
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A Piece of Passion from Claire Westwood, Editorial Assistant, Oxford University Press The Private Blog of Joe Cowley arrived on my desk the very same week I had been moaning about how there are hardly any funny books out there for teenagers. So it felt a bit like the gods had answered my prayers when I started reading the manuscript and it turned out to be EXACTLY what I was looking for! Not only did it make my face ache from laughing so much, but it had a fantastic plot, and an unforgettable main character.
Joe is a true underdog hero that you can’t help rooting for throughout all his triumphs and disasters. I was won over by his unfortunate habit of saying precisely the wrong thing at the wrong time (usually whenever his dream girl, Lisa Hall, happens to be around). I think all teenagers—as well as adults who, like me, remember the horror of their own teenage years in vivid detail—will definitely be able to relate to Joe!
It’s almost impossible to pick my favourite moment from the story—there are so many hilarious incidents that had me genuinely crying with laughter (not surprising really as the author, Ben Davis, is a comedian as well as being a writer). Although I have to say the bit where Joe’s dad gives him ‘the talk’ about contraception (using visual aids!) may take pole position as the most toe-curlingly cringeworthy scene ever. You’ll never look at carrots in the same way again!
The brilliantly funny and cringe-worthy secret blog of 14-year-old Joe Cowley (wannabe comic artist and self-confessed repeller of girls): Sunday 1st January So here's the thing. I've decided to start writing a blog. A private one.
The idea is that it'll help me sort my life out, because quite frankly, it can't get much worse ...
* I gained the nickname Puke Skywalker after vomiting over Louise Bentley on the waltzer.
* I am subjected to daily wedgies by my arch-enemy Gav James.
* My so-called best mates are trying to get me killed in a bid to win GBP250 on You've Been Framed.
This cannot go on. I have to do something, or I'll end up like Mad Morris down the park who thinks he's Jesus. By the end of next term, I'm going to be a completely different person. At least, that's the theory...
Teens love to read and a small number of members were lucky enough to be invited to review The Private Blog of Joe Cowley. You can read their reviews below.
Rose Heathcote, age 14 - 'This is one of the most humorous books I have ever read, a book that made me laugh out loud. *****5 STARS!' Click Here to read the full review.
Alice Horncastle, age 14 - 'This book was incredibly funny, all the cringe-worthy situations Joe got into related to my age group which I really enjoyed! I would recommend this book to readers aged 13+, for a brilliant read!' Click Here to read the full review.
Simon Benn, age 13 - 'This was a funny book that was a bit like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid but older.' Click Here to read the full review.
Lily Boniface, age 15 - 'it really wasn’t a book that was for me, however I think that boys would enjoy it and find it very entertaining.'Click Here to read the full review.
Nell Sansom, age 12 - 'Older fans of the Wimpy Kid will probably love this very funny account of a boy's attempts to be cool and popular.' Click Here to read the full review.
Lauren Coffman, age 14 - 'This book is a good read for kids in the range of about 10-12. It is funny and silly but maybe not the greatest for someone who likes a bit more action or a good plot.' Click Here to read the full review.
Imogen breaks, age 11 - 'An exciting blog style novel well worth a read - Joe's brain control room receives mixed messages bouncing between right and wrong to lead him on a topsy turvey tale of split family despair.' Click Here to read the full review.
Jay Hughes aged 13 - 'There are a lot of twists in the book that the author has cleverly put in and it dramatically changes your view so quickly.' Click Here to read the full review.
Ben Evans, age 11 - 'I really enjoyed this book, the characters were funny and the little pictures made it more enjoyable. I would look for books by this author again!' Click Here to read the full review.
Karianne Turner age 11, Thomas Cowley School- 'I loved this book and read it every day. Ben Davis is a superstar!' Click Here to read the full review.
Author
About Ben Davis
Ben Davis is an author currently living and working in Staffordshire with his wife, son, and wimpy dog. Ben Davis writes funny books for older children and teenagers including the Joe Cowley series, My Embarrassing Dad’s Gone Viral and Make Me Awesome. When he’s not writing, he regularly visits schools and leads creative writing workshops.
