Cosmic

I can not speak highly enough of Cosmic. I do a lot of reading and it's been a long time since I've enjoyed a book this much. (I read "grown-up" stuff as well as kids' stuff, because we have a seven year-old.) I won't bother with a plot summary here, because several other people already have, plus it's in the Product Description. Suffice to say that the plot was intriguing, fun, and had plenty of surprises. What I WILL say is that the writing itself is some of the best I've ever read; it's clever, funny and engaging, all without feeling even slightly forced. I've read plenty of books where in reading it I can just feel the author saying "Eh, did you catch that? Aren't I clever?" Cosmic was not like that at all. It's narrated by a twelve year-old boy and the writing feels natural and "right."Kids seven and up should like Cosmic a lot-- probably boys more than girls though. The perfect age range would be ten to thirteen. Younger than that and they might not be able to appreciate the themes (such as what it means to be a parent, both for the child and for the adult), and older than that and they're probably onto edgier, more (what they'd consider) grown-up stuff. Take a look at the first couple of chapters in the "Look Inside" feature here on Amazon (the first few chapters are very short). I think that's the best way to judge whether you or your kids would like it. I think you'll see what I mean about the writing itself. If you're not hooked after reading the sample then the book isn't for you.I haven't ready any of Boyce's other books but now I will, and I can't wait. (I've seen the movie Millions though and it was very good. I recommend it.)

I am a librarian; a customer recommended this book to me, since I'm always looking for good reads for BOYS. I loved the book! It is funny, clever, and has a great surprise ending. I recently gave a copy to my 10-yr-old grandson and he read it while on a summer vacation/trip. He said it was better than Harry Potter or Percy Jackson - he's read both series. I know it's great that those well-known series are getting kids to read...but it's also great to branch out and discover the lesser-known books that are well written, funny, and teach great lessons about life. This books is a great read for any kid, boy or girl, ages 8-12. Older kids and adults will enjoy it as well.

I very much enjoy and admire Boyce's books, (especially "Framed"), and I think I've partly figured out why. Sure, the heroes are deadpan funny in a dry, slightly detached, understated way. And of course, the plots are always way over the top, but in a sneaky and loonily implausible fashion. And the kid heroes often go on mental walkabouts during which their musings and observations read like demented Zen koans.But here's the big secret. (Apart from the fact that Boyce books are like Roald Dahl books that have been warmed up and given a friendly pat on the back.) While the hero is usually a tween boy, his parents, siblings, and friends often get the biggest punchlines and the most favorable lighting. Dad is usually brusque, insightful, gruffly protective, and wise in an understated way. He also often gets the topper joke or line. Mom is often introduced as a bit of a ditz, but she always knows what's going on, and she can cut to the heart of the matter when she needs to. Meanwhile, siblings are both loyal and dismissive, and both help the hero and frustrate him in equal measure. Mates run in the same vein, and keep the hero honest. And random adults get to put in their two cents with great frequency. That's especially what's happening here, since the book is at heart a sneaky testimonial to all things dadish.The upshot is that you get a general sense that, apparently, it takes an entire village to raise an appealing, funny, tween narrator/protagonist. And as a result, while the Boyce books are funny as can be, they are also kept afloat by a broad and convincing underlying air of upbeat goodwill and cleverness. There is never an odd tone or awkward line or scratch-your-head development. And the occasional bracing or slightly edgy throwaway line, mildly delivered though it might be, helps keep the proceedings honest.So, our hero really does go into space, albeit under false pretenses. And he's just as surprised as we are by that development. And he ends up having more growth spurts than just one that effects his height. And he gets to see the Dad job from the other side, with good results for everyone. Another fine Boyce offering.

Wow !I could not stop reading this, just finished it in one go.Great story, imaginative but with all the detail that immerses you in the realism of the situation.Universal bonds between fathers and children bridging cultural and economic divisions are illuminated through archetypes similar to those found in classics like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'.I read the sample to see if my 12 year old son would like it and had to read the rest. The author is a truly gifted storyteller with a natural gift for subtle humor and heartfelt insight.

The protagonist is supposed to be a 12 year old trying to pass as an adult. That was a little difficult to believe but hey, it is a work of fiction. It was very enjoyable.

I liked it, I didn't love it. It was entertaining and for the most part held my attention, but there were places where I got bored. It wasn't because of a slow pace, or Mr. Boyce's writing style--both were good--it was because I never really liked the protagonist and I had zero interest in his goal. This was partly due to the fact that I was unsure of his goal for most of the book. The story had a tendency to ramble directionless. My impression was that Mr. Boyce was trying to emulate Terry Pratchett's comedic style, without Mr. Pratchett's story sense.What did I like? I liked Mr. Boyce's relaxed, fun (and occasionally funny) writing style. He was writing in first person (which makes this style easier), and his pace was fast.Would I recommend it? Not really.

Excellent book