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Slice
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.
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.
232 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 10, 2011
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.
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.
April 7, 2012
"He looks again towards the door, expecting Mum to walk in and remind him of something he's forgotten. He smiles awkwardly. 'Is that it, Dad? I've got to go.' 'Your Mum said I should mention ... um ... satisfaction.' 'What!' 'She said young men should know things, should be told things so that the girl won't be ...' his eyes plead for understanding, '... disappointed.' [...] 'No worries, Dad. My biology teacher said I was a natural.' Dad looks confused. 'I'm kidding, Dad.' [...] Poor bloke, having to do the dirty work while Mum's off with her gang. 'Dad? What did Grandpa tell you about sex?' 'He said if I got a girl pregnant, he'd kill me.'"
I bought the realistic, Australian and funny young adult novel by on account of its official description � and I am glad about it although I think it got it all wrong:
The phrases "Darcy means what he says. He just shouldn’t say it aloud. [...] He’s a teenage boy, he can deal with it. If only he’d learn to keep his mouth shut." make him sound like someone who perpetuously says annoying things or is generally misunderstood by his peers. This is not the case. Sixteen-years-old Darcy Pele Franz Walker just occasionally succumbs to the dangerous urge to say what’s on his mind. So do I - because sometimes watching people’s jaws drop is totally worth the price. Just yesterday I managed to keep myself from saying to the train conductor sucking frantically on his cigarette in the middle of the platform that "This is a non-smoking station. Please show respect to non-smokers, Sir." in the mechanical voice of the loudspeaker lady. And I only barely got away on my bike after remarking to a young guy waiting for his two friends, who were urinating onto the pavement, that it must be quite embarrassing for his poor mates to have such weak muscles in the groin area. Darcy has that sassy streak among his character traits, too. Plus there is always something Shakespearean waiting on his tongue. Popping out witty comments doesn’t make Darcy an ousider, it just interferes with his intention to better stay off the radar of class thug Tim and his brainless but mischief-loving side-kick Braith.
Also the thing about being friends with nerdy and obnoxious chess-lover Noah oversimplifies the plot. For becoming friends with Noah - appreciating his unwavering attempts at spending time together, at sharing jokes and sad secrets and even a hug (I loved that moment. Talking about it makes me want to keep the book.) -, is one of the key story lines in my opinion. The others are finally bonding with his Dad in spite of not sharing his addiction to playing soccer, finding a balance between cowering and standing his ground in the vicinity of Tim and Braith and � certainly � getting the girl of his dreams.
I enjoyed the whole book, but maybe I liked the getting-the-girl part best. Well, yes, I generally have a thing for romantic subplots, but in the romance turned out to be the sweet, tender and smile-inducing story of how-I-was gotten-by-the-girl, for all the female characters including the love interest, the English teacher and Darcy’s Mum are strong-willed and cool and confident and absolutely wonderful. I loved the short interaction between Darcy’s parents, I understood Darcy’s admiration for his T-shirts-with-a-message-collecting teacher and I even liked Stacey and Miranda of the weekly brandy-and-pink-grapefruit-soaked class-parties, which are responsible for Darcy’s first experiences with the opposite sex.
When I was reading and laughing aloud in irregular intervalls it reminded me of two books. One is the equally Australian, romantic and funny by , which is also narrated in an extremely likable male voice. The other one is the French children’s classic “The Little Nick� () by , because although comes to tell a story with a noticable timeline, it is also a collection of memorable bits and pieces � seemingly unrelated juicy moments from Darcy’s childhood at home and his teenage years with his classmates at school.
Another aspect that makes so very recommendable in my eyes is the believability amongst all the juiciness. Have you watched or read some of these supposedly hilarious stories that show how a awkward hero stumbles clumsily from one mental pothole into the next because he tries to hide or gloss over an embarrassing step he’s made, and in the end he stands in front of a shitload of self-made problems that could easily have been avoided? does - praised be the author - not make use of this common domino-effect-element, not once. There is embarrassment and there is awkwardness, but both in bearable doses and life-like proportions.
Yet has pushed at a stone in my personal domino game called the "greed to read": It has made me want to read the other novel by that has been lurking around my wishlist for some time: . If anyone feels like starting a tour or hosting an international giveaway, please give me a shout
Apropos giveaway: My international giveaway of my copy of ends on Easter Monday. You can find it under events in Germany.
I bought the realistic, Australian and funny young adult novel by on account of its official description � and I am glad about it although I think it got it all wrong:
The phrases "Darcy means what he says. He just shouldn’t say it aloud. [...] He’s a teenage boy, he can deal with it. If only he’d learn to keep his mouth shut." make him sound like someone who perpetuously says annoying things or is generally misunderstood by his peers. This is not the case. Sixteen-years-old Darcy Pele Franz Walker just occasionally succumbs to the dangerous urge to say what’s on his mind. So do I - because sometimes watching people’s jaws drop is totally worth the price. Just yesterday I managed to keep myself from saying to the train conductor sucking frantically on his cigarette in the middle of the platform that "This is a non-smoking station. Please show respect to non-smokers, Sir." in the mechanical voice of the loudspeaker lady. And I only barely got away on my bike after remarking to a young guy waiting for his two friends, who were urinating onto the pavement, that it must be quite embarrassing for his poor mates to have such weak muscles in the groin area. Darcy has that sassy streak among his character traits, too. Plus there is always something Shakespearean waiting on his tongue. Popping out witty comments doesn’t make Darcy an ousider, it just interferes with his intention to better stay off the radar of class thug Tim and his brainless but mischief-loving side-kick Braith.
Also the thing about being friends with nerdy and obnoxious chess-lover Noah oversimplifies the plot. For becoming friends with Noah - appreciating his unwavering attempts at spending time together, at sharing jokes and sad secrets and even a hug (I loved that moment. Talking about it makes me want to keep the book.) -, is one of the key story lines in my opinion. The others are finally bonding with his Dad in spite of not sharing his addiction to playing soccer, finding a balance between cowering and standing his ground in the vicinity of Tim and Braith and � certainly � getting the girl of his dreams.
I enjoyed the whole book, but maybe I liked the getting-the-girl part best. Well, yes, I generally have a thing for romantic subplots, but in the romance turned out to be the sweet, tender and smile-inducing story of how-I-was gotten-by-the-girl, for all the female characters including the love interest, the English teacher and Darcy’s Mum are strong-willed and cool and confident and absolutely wonderful. I loved the short interaction between Darcy’s parents, I understood Darcy’s admiration for his T-shirts-with-a-message-collecting teacher and I even liked Stacey and Miranda of the weekly brandy-and-pink-grapefruit-soaked class-parties, which are responsible for Darcy’s first experiences with the opposite sex.
When I was reading and laughing aloud in irregular intervalls it reminded me of two books. One is the equally Australian, romantic and funny by , which is also narrated in an extremely likable male voice. The other one is the French children’s classic “The Little Nick� () by , because although comes to tell a story with a noticable timeline, it is also a collection of memorable bits and pieces � seemingly unrelated juicy moments from Darcy’s childhood at home and his teenage years with his classmates at school.
Another aspect that makes so very recommendable in my eyes is the believability amongst all the juiciness. Have you watched or read some of these supposedly hilarious stories that show how a awkward hero stumbles clumsily from one mental pothole into the next because he tries to hide or gloss over an embarrassing step he’s made, and in the end he stands in front of a shitload of self-made problems that could easily have been avoided? does - praised be the author - not make use of this common domino-effect-element, not once. There is embarrassment and there is awkwardness, but both in bearable doses and life-like proportions.
Yet has pushed at a stone in my personal domino game called the "greed to read": It has made me want to read the other novel by that has been lurking around my wishlist for some time: . If anyone feels like starting a tour or hosting an international giveaway, please give me a shout
Apropos giveaway: My international giveaway of my copy of ends on Easter Monday. You can find it under events in Germany.
February 26, 2011
Set in Katoomba ~ and I read it while in Katoomba on holidays :) Okay, that's irrelevant to the review, but it made the experience just that more cool, you know?
It's funny
and brilliant
and everything you'd expect from Steven Herrick.
See the watermelon on the cover? It's grinning. I couldn't stop smiling when I read this one.
It was also, sneakily, powerful and life-affirming.
And that's what I LOVE about Steven Herrick. He has characters that feel like you've known them forever. Characters that sneak up on you and then BAM you care about them completely and feel like you're the one sitting down at the dinner table with them. He takes those ordinary, mundane parts of day-to-day life and makes you appreciate them ~ and find the awesomeness in just being alive and being in the moment.
Okay, so this review just got a little Oprah-esque ~ so putting it back on track... This book is FUNNY. Grin-achingly, laugh-out-loud witty and clever and, mate, how I loved it. It's a male POV that makes you simultaneously love all male characters and also feel sorry for them in a lovingly-cringe-y way. Life is not always easy for the adolescent male. Particularly for Darcy who just can't keep his mouth shut (much to my amusement and to his detriment)
I loved it all but in particular, LOVED:
the school kayaking trip on the river
the shaving scenes
the awkward father/son sex talk moments, haha.
the romance with Darcy and Audrey. Cute and hilarious and when the kissing scene arrives ~ ahh, it's just grin-worthy and sigh-worthy and makes me all nostalgic :)
the whole side-plot with Noah's dad. That's the kind of stuff that just blows me away in books. LOVED it.
Steven Herrick is one of my all-time (I'm talking ALL-TIME) fave authors. His books are brilliant for teens and still just perfect for adults or anyone really. And he has another book coming out this year WAHOO WAHEY! :D
It's funny
and brilliant
and everything you'd expect from Steven Herrick.
See the watermelon on the cover? It's grinning. I couldn't stop smiling when I read this one.
It was also, sneakily, powerful and life-affirming.
And that's what I LOVE about Steven Herrick. He has characters that feel like you've known them forever. Characters that sneak up on you and then BAM you care about them completely and feel like you're the one sitting down at the dinner table with them. He takes those ordinary, mundane parts of day-to-day life and makes you appreciate them ~ and find the awesomeness in just being alive and being in the moment.
Okay, so this review just got a little Oprah-esque ~ so putting it back on track... This book is FUNNY. Grin-achingly, laugh-out-loud witty and clever and, mate, how I loved it. It's a male POV that makes you simultaneously love all male characters and also feel sorry for them in a lovingly-cringe-y way. Life is not always easy for the adolescent male. Particularly for Darcy who just can't keep his mouth shut (much to my amusement and to his detriment)
I loved it all but in particular, LOVED:
the school kayaking trip on the river
the shaving scenes
the awkward father/son sex talk moments, haha.
the romance with Darcy and Audrey. Cute and hilarious and when the kissing scene arrives ~ ahh, it's just grin-worthy and sigh-worthy and makes me all nostalgic :)
the whole side-plot with Noah's dad. That's the kind of stuff that just blows me away in books. LOVED it.
Steven Herrick is one of my all-time (I'm talking ALL-TIME) fave authors. His books are brilliant for teens and still just perfect for adults or anyone really. And he has another book coming out this year WAHOO WAHEY! :D
April 24, 2012
If you're looking for vampires or fairies or bigfoot or whatever this is not the the book to pick up. If you're looking for a realistic 16 year old guys thoughts this is your boy!
This was cute and quirky, nothing to deep or overwhelming. There's not much crazy or special about this story, but something about Darcy is so likeable, funny and charming. You will find yourself smiling at him many times. The cover depicts a slice of fruit that looks like a smile, very fitting isn't it?!?!?!?!
I don't have a ton to say about this one. It's just the story of Darcy, the sort of dorky guy at school who has a nerdy best friend and a crush on the girl down the street. I might have developed a little book crush on Darcy..... he is totally my type ;)
Ah. Goodtimes.
4 stars.
pick it up. Have a little fun. Have a little joy. Walk away smiling.
This was cute and quirky, nothing to deep or overwhelming. There's not much crazy or special about this story, but something about Darcy is so likeable, funny and charming. You will find yourself smiling at him many times. The cover depicts a slice of fruit that looks like a smile, very fitting isn't it?!?!?!?!
I don't have a ton to say about this one. It's just the story of Darcy, the sort of dorky guy at school who has a nerdy best friend and a crush on the girl down the street. I might have developed a little book crush on Darcy..... he is totally my type ;)
Ah. Goodtimes.
4 stars.
pick it up. Have a little fun. Have a little joy. Walk away smiling.
October 4, 2014
Yes i just love to laugh out loud when i read. And this one was just full of it. No cheesy teen romance, dialogues, dramas. Just the world of a 16 year old teenage boy and the peculiar thoughts of coming of age. :)
The writer did what he wanted to do, crafting the charecters carefully- Not going too deep, but just enough to care for. Anyone looking for a perfect light read can rely on Darcy and his juicy life story. ^_^
The writer did what he wanted to do, crafting the charecters carefully- Not going too deep, but just enough to care for. Anyone looking for a perfect light read can rely on Darcy and his juicy life story. ^_^
October 8, 2011
After reading and back-to-back, I needed something light and happy. Both were terrific novels but the angst! After war, you need some of this:
Enter Darcy Franz Pele Walker. He's just a regular guy with a regular life -- two parents, some friends, a crush. I think the book was titled because such normalcy is kind of impossible to find in YA these days. (Seriously, there needs to be a No parents were harmed in the making of this book disclaimer.) I forgot how charming a simple slice of life story can be. I loved Darcy and his smartass comments. I loved his parents and his relationship with them. I want there to be a sequel where Darcy meets and the greatest bromance since ensues.
Enter Darcy Franz Pele Walker. He's just a regular guy with a regular life -- two parents, some friends, a crush. I think the book was titled because such normalcy is kind of impossible to find in YA these days. (Seriously, there needs to be a No parents were harmed in the making of this book disclaimer.) I forgot how charming a simple slice of life story can be. I loved Darcy and his smartass comments. I loved his parents and his relationship with them. I want there to be a sequel where Darcy meets and the greatest bromance since ensues.
August 17, 2017
Eeeehhhhhhhh. I couldn't find a plot anywhere, I didn't care about the characters, and although it was trying to be funny it really didn't work for me.
Maybe other people would like it, but it's not for me!
Maybe other people would like it, but it's not for me!
October 26, 2011
The book was pretty great. Simple, light, and hilarious. Darcy was the kind of character you want to be friends with, and Noah was definitely someone you'd love to hug.
I really liked it, but it felt too short. I'm not unhappy with the ending, it just felt like he just didn't want to write more. It wasn't abrupt, but it was odd that he ended it there. He developed the characters but didn't really give them closure, if that makes sense? The characters were real, but incomplete. Or maybe that's too harsh. I just think he could've written a lot more about them—especially Noah, who was a poignant, earnest character in an otherwise light story.
Anyone who feels like reading something happy and short should pick this up.
I really liked it, but it felt too short. I'm not unhappy with the ending, it just felt like he just didn't want to write more. It wasn't abrupt, but it was odd that he ended it there. He developed the characters but didn't really give them closure, if that makes sense? The characters were real, but incomplete. Or maybe that's too harsh. I just think he could've written a lot more about them—especially Noah, who was a poignant, earnest character in an otherwise light story.
Anyone who feels like reading something happy and short should pick this up.
February 24, 2016
There is really no plot and nothing of much note really happens but I flew through this. It was genuinely laugh out loud hilarious! An excellent pick me up after all the depressing YA about
April 1, 2020
I love Herricks characters. Darcy is sweet and kind even if he can't stop the ya mum jokes tumbling out his mouth.
Another funny and a quick read (1 bath, 2 froffys).
Another funny and a quick read (1 bath, 2 froffys).
December 24, 2011
Meet sixteen-year-old Darcy; he can’t play soccer to save himself, he runs his mouth off and he spies on his next-door-neighbour (and love of his life), Audrey while she does yoga in her backyard.
‘Slice: Juicy Moments From My Impossible Life� was the 2010 contemporary YA novel from Australian author Steven Herrick.
I really loved this book. Darcy is a lovable and sweet protagonist; navigating the pitfalls of having a barrister for a mother (he gets away with nothing, and never gets a fair trial) and his embarrassing soccer-obsessed father (who is looking for an outlet from his ho-hum accounting job). Darcy has to learn not to run his mouth off at school, because it can occasionally land him in a canteen-line punching match.
I'm sixteen 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’t say it aloud.
He also has to learn finesse when it comes to comforting his chess-playing friend, Noah, who divulges some truths about his tough family life in the wake of his father’s stroke. And then there’s Audrey � the beautiful (yet attainable) next-door-neighbour who Darcy would do anything to make his girlfriend.
If it sounds like there isn’t much actual plot in ‘Slice�, then that would be because there isn’t. ‘Slice� is definitely character-driven, and as the title suggests, it is just moments of wacky hilarity from Darcy’s ‘Impossible Life�. There’s no triggering event powering the story, nor is there much character-arc. This book is more of a lark than a well-rounded book with character motive & journey. And that’s okay, it just took me a little while to figure it out and let Darcy’s voice overtake the lack of story.
Once I allowed Darcy’s personality to be the driving force of ‘Slice�, I found myself settling into a wonderful little Aussie YA book. Herrick’s book is full of fresh and witty humour, narrated by a charming and well-meaning young man as he navigates love, life and the art of kayaking.
‘Slice: Juicy Moments From My Impossible Life� was the 2010 contemporary YA novel from Australian author Steven Herrick.
I really loved this book. Darcy is a lovable and sweet protagonist; navigating the pitfalls of having a barrister for a mother (he gets away with nothing, and never gets a fair trial) and his embarrassing soccer-obsessed father (who is looking for an outlet from his ho-hum accounting job). Darcy has to learn not to run his mouth off at school, because it can occasionally land him in a canteen-line punching match.
I'm sixteen 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’t say it aloud.
He also has to learn finesse when it comes to comforting his chess-playing friend, Noah, who divulges some truths about his tough family life in the wake of his father’s stroke. And then there’s Audrey � the beautiful (yet attainable) next-door-neighbour who Darcy would do anything to make his girlfriend.
If it sounds like there isn’t much actual plot in ‘Slice�, then that would be because there isn’t. ‘Slice� is definitely character-driven, and as the title suggests, it is just moments of wacky hilarity from Darcy’s ‘Impossible Life�. There’s no triggering event powering the story, nor is there much character-arc. This book is more of a lark than a well-rounded book with character motive & journey. And that’s okay, it just took me a little while to figure it out and let Darcy’s voice overtake the lack of story.
Once I allowed Darcy’s personality to be the driving force of ‘Slice�, I found myself settling into a wonderful little Aussie YA book. Herrick’s book is full of fresh and witty humour, narrated by a charming and well-meaning young man as he navigates love, life and the art of kayaking.
October 24, 2014
Slice: Juicy Moments from My Impossible Life by Steven Herrick, is a book about a 16 years old Australian boy's life. (Life as in his school life, social life and love life.) Darcy Walker has a great sense of humour and a very straightforward temper, he once said : ‘I mean what I say, I just shouldn't say it aloud.� he talks without thinking and would say anything that comes up to his mind. His dad is a huge football fan and his mom a lawyer, his best friend Noah is a huge nerd who has a strong obsession towards chess, his big mouth got him into a bit of a trouble with Tim the bully at school, he enjoys Shakespeare and had a crush on Audrey the girl from his English class.
This book doesn't have a very strong plot, an extraordinary character or a unique setting, it is just a story that could occur anywhere around us, even Darcy could just be an ordinary schoolboy we find in one of our classes, nothing is unusual about Darcy. However, the story is told much more interesting with the sense of humour like Darcy, even his ordinary daily life could turn into a play. It's really cute that in the end Audrey has noticed Darcy and they started dating, how that even though sometimes he could be a little rude, a little awkward or sometimes a little bit too straightforward, Audrey could still find the part that shines within him. That is, also why Audrey is so lovely, she always finds the goodness in everything.
I think this book is more suitable for boys my age rather than girls to read, it has certain sensitive subjects such as sex talks between dads and sons, however it is also about a lot more than only this such as school, friendship and romance. In general I find this a really easy and relaxing book to read, it doesn't require much thinking and doesn't have loads of twists in terms of the plot. It's quite an okay book even though not the best book ever, I enjoyed it a lot.
This book doesn't have a very strong plot, an extraordinary character or a unique setting, it is just a story that could occur anywhere around us, even Darcy could just be an ordinary schoolboy we find in one of our classes, nothing is unusual about Darcy. However, the story is told much more interesting with the sense of humour like Darcy, even his ordinary daily life could turn into a play. It's really cute that in the end Audrey has noticed Darcy and they started dating, how that even though sometimes he could be a little rude, a little awkward or sometimes a little bit too straightforward, Audrey could still find the part that shines within him. That is, also why Audrey is so lovely, she always finds the goodness in everything.
I think this book is more suitable for boys my age rather than girls to read, it has certain sensitive subjects such as sex talks between dads and sons, however it is also about a lot more than only this such as school, friendship and romance. In general I find this a really easy and relaxing book to read, it doesn't require much thinking and doesn't have loads of twists in terms of the plot. It's quite an okay book even though not the best book ever, I enjoyed it a lot.
September 7, 2012
I'm sixteen years old and my mouth runs ahead of my brain. Our friend Pele would describe it as - ahem - premature enunciation. Mum says I talk without thinking. She's wrong.
I mean what I say, I just shouldn't say it aloud."
This was funny with not a page going by without me laughing. And as that quote indicates, Darcy just couldn’t shut it, do that we knew precisely what he was thinking. It got painfully obvious that the boy was clueless about certain things but spot on about others. It’s simply that when he was wrong or about to stick his foot in it that had me cringing for him but laughing (with him), too. And boy, did I laugh!
A boy’s life isn’t all that easy after all. Except this boy’s life while funny could get painfully� ergh, painful. Oh, the things this particular one put himself through! As illustrated in that funny but definitely awkward moment of his father (not) explaining the birds and the bees, or in him deciding the pros and con’s of shaving (Vaugh in Art class called me Frida Kahlo), or him thinking of his dream girl, or him navigating through the whole social scene and pondering things like what it took to be a man or how to be just so and so.
But mostly I love that he’s equal opportunity in poking fun at stuff, himself included. He’s not one to take himself too seriously, that’s for sure.
Funny stuff.
I mean what I say, I just shouldn't say it aloud."
This was funny with not a page going by without me laughing. And as that quote indicates, Darcy just couldn’t shut it, do that we knew precisely what he was thinking. It got painfully obvious that the boy was clueless about certain things but spot on about others. It’s simply that when he was wrong or about to stick his foot in it that had me cringing for him but laughing (with him), too. And boy, did I laugh!
A boy’s life isn’t all that easy after all. Except this boy’s life while funny could get painfully� ergh, painful. Oh, the things this particular one put himself through! As illustrated in that funny but definitely awkward moment of his father (not) explaining the birds and the bees, or in him deciding the pros and con’s of shaving (Vaugh in Art class called me Frida Kahlo), or him thinking of his dream girl, or him navigating through the whole social scene and pondering things like what it took to be a man or how to be just so and so.
But mostly I love that he’s equal opportunity in poking fun at stuff, himself included. He’s not one to take himself too seriously, that’s for sure.
Funny stuff.
November 17, 2010
The reasons I picked up my review copy had nothing to do with interest: it was skinny enough not to weigh down my bag; I love watermelons. Seriously, there’s something delightful about that cover.
This novel doesn’t have much of a plot, but Steven Herrick is such a fabulous craftsman that he manages to connect tenuously related vignettes about teenage life into a story I couldn’t put down. It’s impossible not to be charmed by Herrick’s irreverent narrator, sixteen-year old Darcy. He’s a bit awkward, a bit rude, a little too clever for his own good (and he knows it) and sometimes so funny I couldn’t stop myself from laughing out loud.
While Darcy is the focus of the story, the supporting characters� Darcy’s parents, teachers and classmates � are just as engaging. Although the male perspective dominates this book, the female characters have very defined personalities and strengths.
This is an excellent book for young teens. The characters continually surprise, and if the book seems relatively thin it’s because Herrick does so much with so few words. Darcy is a witty, wonderful narrator and his shenanigans made for one of my favourite reads of the year.
This novel doesn’t have much of a plot, but Steven Herrick is such a fabulous craftsman that he manages to connect tenuously related vignettes about teenage life into a story I couldn’t put down. It’s impossible not to be charmed by Herrick’s irreverent narrator, sixteen-year old Darcy. He’s a bit awkward, a bit rude, a little too clever for his own good (and he knows it) and sometimes so funny I couldn’t stop myself from laughing out loud.
While Darcy is the focus of the story, the supporting characters� Darcy’s parents, teachers and classmates � are just as engaging. Although the male perspective dominates this book, the female characters have very defined personalities and strengths.
This is an excellent book for young teens. The characters continually surprise, and if the book seems relatively thin it’s because Herrick does so much with so few words. Darcy is a witty, wonderful narrator and his shenanigans made for one of my favourite reads of the year.
July 31, 2011
Thank goodness, a little funny just when I needed it.
So, Slice really is just that—juicy moments. Darcy’s an entirely average student at a small school. His entire year barely fills a classroom. His slices include drunken parties, run-ins with dumb jock bullies, PE failures, and the girl next door. Oh, and his parents who were worth their weight in gold for the sex talks alone (”Your Mum said I should mention� um� satisfaction.� “What!� “She said young men should know things, should be told things so that the girl won’t be…� his eyes plead for understanding, “� disappointed.�). Seriously funny. Some of that background info seems a little disjointed at first, but there is a story eventually and it’s pretty charming.
It was great getting to hang out with Darcy. He could skate by and have a totally unremarkable life, but he’s got a problem with words bypassing his brain on their way out of his mouth. It gets him into trouble, but it makes him appealing too. My reading had been slumpy for a while, so this was like a palate cleanser in book form (which I mean in the nicest possible way). It was super quick and really enjoyable, the kind of awkward-sweet mix I’d love to see more of.
So, Slice really is just that—juicy moments. Darcy’s an entirely average student at a small school. His entire year barely fills a classroom. His slices include drunken parties, run-ins with dumb jock bullies, PE failures, and the girl next door. Oh, and his parents who were worth their weight in gold for the sex talks alone (”Your Mum said I should mention� um� satisfaction.� “What!� “She said young men should know things, should be told things so that the girl won’t be…� his eyes plead for understanding, “� disappointed.�). Seriously funny. Some of that background info seems a little disjointed at first, but there is a story eventually and it’s pretty charming.
It was great getting to hang out with Darcy. He could skate by and have a totally unremarkable life, but he’s got a problem with words bypassing his brain on their way out of his mouth. It gets him into trouble, but it makes him appealing too. My reading had been slumpy for a while, so this was like a palate cleanser in book form (which I mean in the nicest possible way). It was super quick and really enjoyable, the kind of awkward-sweet mix I’d love to see more of.
March 23, 2013
Rating: 4.75/5
THIS IS THE FUNNIEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ.
It was laugh-out-loud, I-am-out-of-breath-and-my-stomach-hurts kind of funny. Darcy Pele Frantz Walker is the boy I wished I had in high school as a best friend: hilariously sarcastic, smart, observant and obsessed with Shakespeare. His parents were just as amazing and funny especially the discussions they had and his father's weak attempt at the dreaded sex talk.
One thing is for sure: I know what I will be picking up if I ever feel depressed someday.
Oh and be sure that I am going to hunt down every Steven Herrick book if they are as good and funny as Slice is.
THIS IS THE FUNNIEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ.
It was laugh-out-loud, I-am-out-of-breath-and-my-stomach-hurts kind of funny. Darcy Pele Frantz Walker is the boy I wished I had in high school as a best friend: hilariously sarcastic, smart, observant and obsessed with Shakespeare. His parents were just as amazing and funny especially the discussions they had and his father's weak attempt at the dreaded sex talk.
One thing is for sure: I know what I will be picking up if I ever feel depressed someday.
Oh and be sure that I am going to hunt down every Steven Herrick book if they are as good and funny as Slice is.
September 18, 2019
As I read on, laughing and chuckling, while clutching my heart here and there, I was expecting a mid-book crisis of sorts. There has to be some issue the characters had to overcome, something that would get me thinking "what will happen now??????" As nothing of that sort was happening, I read on, thinking that it will eventually appear. But then the book came to an end, without any mid-book crisis.
And I was left marveling how attention -grabbing and enjoyable the book was without anything plot twists.
In other words, THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!
And I was left marveling how attention -grabbing and enjoyable the book was without anything plot twists.
In other words, THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!
January 2, 2024
Darcy Walker is living his life through the whole teenage catastrophe - idiot teachers, idiot classmates, semi-idiot but devoted parents including a lawyer mother (leaving no stone unturned), and the beautiful Audrey, who finally pays him some attention.
Darcy is too well aware that 'my mouth runs ahead of my brain' and that figuring out how to become a man is the hardest challenge he's ever faced.
Filled with humour, relatable events and self-deprecating perceptions, this is a fantastic book in its own right, and would make an engaging class novel for teenagers.
Darcy is too well aware that 'my mouth runs ahead of my brain' and that figuring out how to become a man is the hardest challenge he's ever faced.
Filled with humour, relatable events and self-deprecating perceptions, this is a fantastic book in its own right, and would make an engaging class novel for teenagers.
January 23, 2016
i love Steven Herrick and all, and i had been so looking forward to this book. unfortunately, it really fell short for me, and i'm a bit dissappointed.
for what is described as "crunchy, refreshing" fiction, it wasn't quite as refreshing as i wanted. it's crunchy, i guess you can say that. it's pacey, got a frank male voice and attempts at humour. but that's not something that i haven't seen before, i've read plenty with the same kind of voice so this didn't impress me too much. the general idea of a year 11 boy getting through the funny parts of high school has been done before, but there should be so much potential there. the problem for me is Darcy.
by the second chapter, i was already wary of him. i understand the character whose mouth gets him into trouble, but i couldn't sympathise with him or really like him in any way. so i was indifferent and sometimes irritated with him. he honestly doesn't seem like a character with any friends. (sure enough, he has one.) i liked Noah though, i just think Darcy a judgemental brat who believes he's better than everyone. i mean, you think making him recite shakespeare will earn my respect? (nope, but his comments on "Heart of Darkness" almost did. i agree, it's a crap book.)
there are so many stereotypes and archetypal characters in this book. now, there's nothing wrong with stereotypes in a novella like this, it can make things rather fun. unfortunately, it was so cliche and forced, i really didn't like it. stuff about oh, skanky high school girls giggling over magazines and dressing like skanks and acting giggly and all that. as if it hasn't been done before. as if it hasn't been done better.
what i really missed in this book was emotional depth. what i've always loved most about Steven Herrick are his character studies. "The Simple Gift" and "By the River" were beautiful for their subtle portrayals of growing up and going through difficulties. you don't even need a sob story or a scarred character to have emotional depth, it's just the way you go about it, and what aspects you focus on. i went through this book, waiting, waiting for it to hit me and for me to love it. but there was no emotional depth here, and i was very dissappointed.
Darcy's essay on his grandfather seemed to hint at something deeper but since there's ultimately no follow-through on that, it seemed out-of-place, as if Herrick knew he needed to add some depth so threw that in there, just to fill that missing gap.
there are problems with age portrayal. everybody in this book acts half their age. Tim and Braith (who are actually well-rounded characters) act like 13-year-olds. they would be perfectly in place in a middle-grade novel. even Darcy for all his supposed witty smart-mouthed antics reacts like a child. Herrick seems to think that by throwing in parties and drinking and sex, they'll seem older, but it just looks off and out-of-place. it just doesn't click.
i understand all the jokes and oneliners Darcy makes. they're just not funny or natural to me though. i smiled once during a certain incident on the bus though, that was okay. there's a big improvement during the last parts of the book, Darcy's comment to Tim and his reaction mainly, along with Noah's confession about his father. these parts were strongest in the book, because as i mentioned before, Herrick is good at these scenes that touch on fleshing out characters and their emotions. unfortunately, it seemed wasted because there was no real follow up, particularly for Tim Harris.
the main romance here between Audrey and Darcy is incredulous at most. there's no development to their relationship, and moves along so fast it's not really believable. what, just because she agreed with you in english class once, you're suddenly friends and going out? keep in mind he's never talked to her before, and suddenly they're tight.
i liked Tim Harris the most. i found him to be a well-developed and well-portrayed character. i wish he was the main character, haha. i liked him and Braith's bromance. ;) i found him very believable and easy to sympathise with, even if he was a jerk. i liked Stacy too. i liked Darcy's dad. i think Darcy's english teacher is a weirdo. i liked the interaction between Tim and Darcy at the end- it was simple, natural and just great. i just feel there was a gap between there that didn't glue together. like, why are they suddenly okay like that? there needs to be flow and connection from their last argument/conflict/whatever.
i guess if you're into something with snappy dialogue, that's shallow and (supposedly) funny, you'll enjoy this. but if you're looking for an honest male voice with humour and that natural edge to it, you might as well read Matt Zurbo. and if you want to read a humourous school-life book with archetypal characters and done well, i recommend Spud by John van de Ruit or the Ishmael books by Michael Gerard Bauer.
overall, there is potential in this novel, and this is a easy-to-read, quick novel that many will find funny. it's just that others do it better.
for what is described as "crunchy, refreshing" fiction, it wasn't quite as refreshing as i wanted. it's crunchy, i guess you can say that. it's pacey, got a frank male voice and attempts at humour. but that's not something that i haven't seen before, i've read plenty with the same kind of voice so this didn't impress me too much. the general idea of a year 11 boy getting through the funny parts of high school has been done before, but there should be so much potential there. the problem for me is Darcy.
by the second chapter, i was already wary of him. i understand the character whose mouth gets him into trouble, but i couldn't sympathise with him or really like him in any way. so i was indifferent and sometimes irritated with him. he honestly doesn't seem like a character with any friends. (sure enough, he has one.) i liked Noah though, i just think Darcy a judgemental brat who believes he's better than everyone. i mean, you think making him recite shakespeare will earn my respect? (nope, but his comments on "Heart of Darkness" almost did. i agree, it's a crap book.)
there are so many stereotypes and archetypal characters in this book. now, there's nothing wrong with stereotypes in a novella like this, it can make things rather fun. unfortunately, it was so cliche and forced, i really didn't like it. stuff about oh, skanky high school girls giggling over magazines and dressing like skanks and acting giggly and all that. as if it hasn't been done before. as if it hasn't been done better.
what i really missed in this book was emotional depth. what i've always loved most about Steven Herrick are his character studies. "The Simple Gift" and "By the River" were beautiful for their subtle portrayals of growing up and going through difficulties. you don't even need a sob story or a scarred character to have emotional depth, it's just the way you go about it, and what aspects you focus on. i went through this book, waiting, waiting for it to hit me and for me to love it. but there was no emotional depth here, and i was very dissappointed.
Darcy's essay on his grandfather seemed to hint at something deeper but since there's ultimately no follow-through on that, it seemed out-of-place, as if Herrick knew he needed to add some depth so threw that in there, just to fill that missing gap.
there are problems with age portrayal. everybody in this book acts half their age. Tim and Braith (who are actually well-rounded characters) act like 13-year-olds. they would be perfectly in place in a middle-grade novel. even Darcy for all his supposed witty smart-mouthed antics reacts like a child. Herrick seems to think that by throwing in parties and drinking and sex, they'll seem older, but it just looks off and out-of-place. it just doesn't click.
i understand all the jokes and oneliners Darcy makes. they're just not funny or natural to me though. i smiled once during a certain incident on the bus though, that was okay. there's a big improvement during the last parts of the book, Darcy's comment to Tim and his reaction mainly, along with Noah's confession about his father. these parts were strongest in the book, because as i mentioned before, Herrick is good at these scenes that touch on fleshing out characters and their emotions. unfortunately, it seemed wasted because there was no real follow up, particularly for Tim Harris.
the main romance here between Audrey and Darcy is incredulous at most. there's no development to their relationship, and moves along so fast it's not really believable. what, just because she agreed with you in english class once, you're suddenly friends and going out? keep in mind he's never talked to her before, and suddenly they're tight.
i liked Tim Harris the most. i found him to be a well-developed and well-portrayed character. i wish he was the main character, haha. i liked him and Braith's bromance. ;) i found him very believable and easy to sympathise with, even if he was a jerk. i liked Stacy too. i liked Darcy's dad. i think Darcy's english teacher is a weirdo. i liked the interaction between Tim and Darcy at the end- it was simple, natural and just great. i just feel there was a gap between there that didn't glue together. like, why are they suddenly okay like that? there needs to be flow and connection from their last argument/conflict/whatever.
i guess if you're into something with snappy dialogue, that's shallow and (supposedly) funny, you'll enjoy this. but if you're looking for an honest male voice with humour and that natural edge to it, you might as well read Matt Zurbo. and if you want to read a humourous school-life book with archetypal characters and done well, i recommend Spud by John van de Ruit or the Ishmael books by Michael Gerard Bauer.
overall, there is potential in this novel, and this is a easy-to-read, quick novel that many will find funny. it's just that others do it better.
May 7, 2017
A very different book. But overall i thought it was entertaining and enjoyable.
October 4, 2017
Great book. Good for a light read. Read it really quickly, one hour or two.
Read
May 13, 2021Decided to DNF. It wasn't bad. Just to random and not meant for me.
June 28, 2022
Cute, but unusual. The style wasn't like anything I've read before, and it took a great while for me to get into it.
A quick and cute read, though.
A quick and cute read, though.
August 27, 2024
Sadly this person has a nasty online presence, accusing other of racism at every chance he gets. Really muddles his reputation and I would be careful who is reading his books. Very sad outcome!
September 1, 2014
This review originally appeared in Viewpoint: On Books for Young Adults.
Slice: Juicy Moments From My Impossible Life is Steven Herrick’s first non-verse YA novel. Seventeen-year-old Darcy Franz Pele Walker was named for his father’s two favourite soccer players. While Darcy’s dad hoped the aptitude for soccer would be passed on with the names, Darcy’s only sporting talent turns out to be putting his foot in his mouth. He’s dealing with the usual trials of life � parents, friends, school, love. He’s smitten with Audrey, who he thinks is the most beautiful girl in the school. And when Audrey concurs with his opinion of Heart of Darkness in English class (in Audrey’s words, it ‘sucks shit big time�), he becomes officially, completely in love. Trouble is, she may have busted him perving on her while she was meditating in her backyard. Darcy’s friend Noah plays chess, most of the time. Darcy says he plays with him because nobody else will, but when the school kayaking trip comes around, Darcy can sense he may be doomed to sharing a kayak with Noah (and not the beautiful Audrey). Then there’s the school boofhead, Tim. Darcy has already gone one round with this human brick wall (which he managed to survive thanks to an actual brick wall). But their fight isn’t over by a long shot. All things considered, Darcy’s got a lot to talk himself out of, and a lot to talk himself into. And while he always means what he says, he ‘just shouldn’t say it aloud.�
As you would expect from a writer of (excellent) verse novels, the writing in Slice is slick and snappy. Every sentence in this book is sharp, every word is necessary. Herrick has a wonderful ability to capture small moments of humour:
"She says, thankyou, and moves to the next customer, an old man buying bulk vitamins. He fumbles in his wallet for the money and coins drop onto the shiny tiled floor. I reach down to pick them up. He squints at me as I hand them over, ‘Thankyou, young lady.�
Is my hair that long?"
It’s fast, funny writing, with the sort of jokes that readers (especially boys) will eat up. When Noah’s chess pieces fall to the floor of the school bus, a teacher calls out:
"‘What’s happening back there?�
Noah says, ‘We’ve lost the pawn, sir.�
Oh dear!
Braith and Tim bellow with laughter.
‘Who’s got porn!�
Noah blushes bright red.
Mr Jackson slowly walks down the aisle on the look out for dirty magazines."
As the subtitle of the book proclaims, Slice is essentially moments of Darcy’s life. Ordinary moments from everyday lives can be the basis for excellent stories, but there is always the danger that the book will end up feeling somewhat slight. While I enjoyed the humour of this novel immensely, this is why I came out with a sense of ‘ho-hum� - it was all just a bit inconsequential. Herrick does navigate the finer points of father-son relationships with his usual delicacy and understatement, and the exchanges between Noah and his father are often touching. But these quite important moments seem to disappear within the structure of the book - rather than feeling like climaxes in a narrative arc - and this detracts from the magnetism of the story. Because of this, I actually took quite a long time to finish Slice, and was left feeling disappointed that I hadn’t got the type of ‘Herrick experience� I had anticipated.
Slice: Juicy Moments From My Impossible Life is Steven Herrick’s first non-verse YA novel. Seventeen-year-old Darcy Franz Pele Walker was named for his father’s two favourite soccer players. While Darcy’s dad hoped the aptitude for soccer would be passed on with the names, Darcy’s only sporting talent turns out to be putting his foot in his mouth. He’s dealing with the usual trials of life � parents, friends, school, love. He’s smitten with Audrey, who he thinks is the most beautiful girl in the school. And when Audrey concurs with his opinion of Heart of Darkness in English class (in Audrey’s words, it ‘sucks shit big time�), he becomes officially, completely in love. Trouble is, she may have busted him perving on her while she was meditating in her backyard. Darcy’s friend Noah plays chess, most of the time. Darcy says he plays with him because nobody else will, but when the school kayaking trip comes around, Darcy can sense he may be doomed to sharing a kayak with Noah (and not the beautiful Audrey). Then there’s the school boofhead, Tim. Darcy has already gone one round with this human brick wall (which he managed to survive thanks to an actual brick wall). But their fight isn’t over by a long shot. All things considered, Darcy’s got a lot to talk himself out of, and a lot to talk himself into. And while he always means what he says, he ‘just shouldn’t say it aloud.�
As you would expect from a writer of (excellent) verse novels, the writing in Slice is slick and snappy. Every sentence in this book is sharp, every word is necessary. Herrick has a wonderful ability to capture small moments of humour:
"She says, thankyou, and moves to the next customer, an old man buying bulk vitamins. He fumbles in his wallet for the money and coins drop onto the shiny tiled floor. I reach down to pick them up. He squints at me as I hand them over, ‘Thankyou, young lady.�
Is my hair that long?"
It’s fast, funny writing, with the sort of jokes that readers (especially boys) will eat up. When Noah’s chess pieces fall to the floor of the school bus, a teacher calls out:
"‘What’s happening back there?�
Noah says, ‘We’ve lost the pawn, sir.�
Oh dear!
Braith and Tim bellow with laughter.
‘Who’s got porn!�
Noah blushes bright red.
Mr Jackson slowly walks down the aisle on the look out for dirty magazines."
As the subtitle of the book proclaims, Slice is essentially moments of Darcy’s life. Ordinary moments from everyday lives can be the basis for excellent stories, but there is always the danger that the book will end up feeling somewhat slight. While I enjoyed the humour of this novel immensely, this is why I came out with a sense of ‘ho-hum� - it was all just a bit inconsequential. Herrick does navigate the finer points of father-son relationships with his usual delicacy and understatement, and the exchanges between Noah and his father are often touching. But these quite important moments seem to disappear within the structure of the book - rather than feeling like climaxes in a narrative arc - and this detracts from the magnetism of the story. Because of this, I actually took quite a long time to finish Slice, and was left feeling disappointed that I hadn’t got the type of ‘Herrick experience� I had anticipated.
January 6, 2013
Slice revolves around the life of sixteen-year-old Darcy Walker. For Darcy such a smart kid, he sure has a knack for acting stupid. That is, despite his best efforts, he sometimes can't stop himself from saying the exact wrong thing. He doesn't do this in a moronic kind of way... sometimes he says something ridiculous but funny, sometimes says something caustic (but also funny). In fact I think some of Darcy's blurted comments - or the things he wanted to say but thought better of - were my favorite part of the novel. Darcy had a great narrative voice, very in-tune with the inner smartass in all (most?) of us.
Aside from Darcy's proclivity for saying the wrong thing, he also is dealing with your run of the mill adolescent problems. Getting through a conversation with Audrey, the "girl of his dreams." Despite Darcy's idealization of her, Audrey is delightfully real. She's funny, and smart, and isn't afraid to tell their forthright English teacher that Conrad's Heart of Darkness "sucks shit big-time." Both Darcy's English teacher and his mother are strong, smart female characters, something I appreciate. The scene where Darcy's father gives Darcy the sex talk because his wife told him to was wickedly funny. Especially Darcy's mother's insistence that his father discuss not only safety but "satisfaction" for his partner. Another fun element of the story is Noah. Noah begins the story as the stereotypical nerd with whom Darcy sometimes plays chess. Darcy slowly begins to realize that there's a lot more to Noah than his chessboard.
I'd give this book maybe a 3.8/5 stars. To be honest, the fact that it's an Aussie book gave it some extra mileage with me. Books in Australia always seem vaguely foreign and exciting to me. All of the characters seemed pretty nuanced and interesting. The book was funny and realistic. My biggest criticism would be its lack of central conflict. I found myself 90% done with it and going, "Huh? It doesn't seem climactic enough." I think the title sort of explains this: Slice. The book seems like a collection of anecdotes, little slices from Darcy's life, all tied together in a general narrative. While I appreciate the style, I think heightening the conflict throughout the novel might have really elevated the dramatic tension. While Darcy was enjoyable to pass the time with, something bigger at stake for Darcy would've really helped the book resonate on a deeper level. Nonetheless, it was a good read, which I happily finished in one sitting.
Aside from Darcy's proclivity for saying the wrong thing, he also is dealing with your run of the mill adolescent problems. Getting through a conversation with Audrey, the "girl of his dreams." Despite Darcy's idealization of her, Audrey is delightfully real. She's funny, and smart, and isn't afraid to tell their forthright English teacher that Conrad's Heart of Darkness "sucks shit big-time." Both Darcy's English teacher and his mother are strong, smart female characters, something I appreciate. The scene where Darcy's father gives Darcy the sex talk because his wife told him to was wickedly funny. Especially Darcy's mother's insistence that his father discuss not only safety but "satisfaction" for his partner. Another fun element of the story is Noah. Noah begins the story as the stereotypical nerd with whom Darcy sometimes plays chess. Darcy slowly begins to realize that there's a lot more to Noah than his chessboard.
I'd give this book maybe a 3.8/5 stars. To be honest, the fact that it's an Aussie book gave it some extra mileage with me. Books in Australia always seem vaguely foreign and exciting to me. All of the characters seemed pretty nuanced and interesting. The book was funny and realistic. My biggest criticism would be its lack of central conflict. I found myself 90% done with it and going, "Huh? It doesn't seem climactic enough." I think the title sort of explains this: Slice. The book seems like a collection of anecdotes, little slices from Darcy's life, all tied together in a general narrative. While I appreciate the style, I think heightening the conflict throughout the novel might have really elevated the dramatic tension. While Darcy was enjoyable to pass the time with, something bigger at stake for Darcy would've really helped the book resonate on a deeper level. Nonetheless, it was a good read, which I happily finished in one sitting.
June 30, 2024
Reviewed for CMIS Resource Bank, 2010
Prose novel. Family. Realistic. School. Age 12+.
Noah Hennessy is a Year 11 nerd who plays chess, throws a rubber snake at the class bully on camp under cover of darkness, and isn’t afraid anymore of what can happen at school because his family is going through worse at home. It’s tempting to say that this story ought to have been a slice of Noah’s year, because Darcy (whose impossible life this is) appears to lead a charmed life. But Darcy Franz Pele Walker is a likeable young man, and why shouldn’t we have more stories like his?
His life began with the impossible burden of being named after two soccer greats, something which he can never live up to. He has the gear; Brazilian jersey, baggy shorts and the coloured panel football which his soccer tragic father keeps kicking to him � until the night of the broken nose. After Darcy’s retirement from soccer, his accountant father joins a veteran’s team and the two get some quality time together on Saturdays while Dad polishes his football boots.
Many male-centric situations arise at school, framed by Herrick with conversations between Darcy and his father. Dad tries to demystify shaving, warns against drinking (while drinking wine), teaches him about cleaning up after himself, tells him to fight fair, talks about his father, and instigates some hilarious conversations about sex before Darcy’s first date.
As a father-son story Slice works well. Both Noah and Darcy’s father-son dynamics add rich texture to the story. It’s a light story, with nowhere near the depth of Herrick’s verse novels, with a completely wrong title. Similarly the blurb overstates Darcy’s ‘premature enunciation� (p7) � his tendency to talk without thinking. He does this no more than anyone, and sometimes holds back for fear of sounding ‘like a real prat� (p215). I found myself wanting to read Tim the bully’s story � sometimes a slice is not enough.
Slice is a light easy read, full of hilarity with some introspective possibilities about the father-son relationship. And that cover looks fabulous face-out on the shelves!
Prose novel. Family. Realistic. School. Age 12+.
Noah Hennessy is a Year 11 nerd who plays chess, throws a rubber snake at the class bully on camp under cover of darkness, and isn’t afraid anymore of what can happen at school because his family is going through worse at home. It’s tempting to say that this story ought to have been a slice of Noah’s year, because Darcy (whose impossible life this is) appears to lead a charmed life. But Darcy Franz Pele Walker is a likeable young man, and why shouldn’t we have more stories like his?
His life began with the impossible burden of being named after two soccer greats, something which he can never live up to. He has the gear; Brazilian jersey, baggy shorts and the coloured panel football which his soccer tragic father keeps kicking to him � until the night of the broken nose. After Darcy’s retirement from soccer, his accountant father joins a veteran’s team and the two get some quality time together on Saturdays while Dad polishes his football boots.
Many male-centric situations arise at school, framed by Herrick with conversations between Darcy and his father. Dad tries to demystify shaving, warns against drinking (while drinking wine), teaches him about cleaning up after himself, tells him to fight fair, talks about his father, and instigates some hilarious conversations about sex before Darcy’s first date.
As a father-son story Slice works well. Both Noah and Darcy’s father-son dynamics add rich texture to the story. It’s a light story, with nowhere near the depth of Herrick’s verse novels, with a completely wrong title. Similarly the blurb overstates Darcy’s ‘premature enunciation� (p7) � his tendency to talk without thinking. He does this no more than anyone, and sometimes holds back for fear of sounding ‘like a real prat� (p215). I found myself wanting to read Tim the bully’s story � sometimes a slice is not enough.
Slice is a light easy read, full of hilarity with some introspective possibilities about the father-son relationship. And that cover looks fabulous face-out on the shelves!
December 20, 2011
Darcy. Walker. Weird. Nerd. Friendly. Talks. Has-Awkward-Moments. Is an odd-ball. Lovable. Audrey. Shakesphere. Love. Slice. Watermelons. Australia. Noah. Chess. Literature. Football. Middle-Name.
I can't find the words of this book! It's extremely funny, but at the same time, it's the reality of the situations which makes it funny. For the least, it wasn't unrealistic at all. It was the way everything falls into place which made me laugh aloud.
Darcy has the most brilliant thoughts in a teenager-boy, and he doesn't have to prove he's not girl-crazy to show us he's one of the "better" boys out there. He's madly in love with Audrey, but doesn't think too many colourful thoughts about her. Actually, he was attracted to her looks. I believe if she turned out to have a personality which was the opposite of his, he'd get over her easily.
But Audrey's not afraid to say what she wants. She's a strong and independent woman who doesn't tolerate flirting being done to her. Not that Darcy flirted with her or anything, but it was obvious she was against flirting by the way she'd ignore those who did.
This is also really weird seeing as it has a perfect, happy ending but doesn't seem overused. The story never had any conflicts to start with, and was altogether a very light read. Which was exactly what I was expecting from the moment I had my eye on the book, so I'm just glad it didn't have any overly dark areas.
Noah was simply adorable. I could pick him up and squeeze his cheeks even though... ahem... he's a good three years older than me.
Altogether, if you're looking for a nice book to read --a very light and thoughtless read-- this is the book for you. I was thoroughly entertained by Darcy's voice and I hope you will be also.
November 13, 2010
A lovely, lovely read from start to finish, 'Slice' has a gentle feel and is arguably Herrick's best. From the quirky poetry of his early writing career, still enjoyed on a yearly basis by my students, through verse novel to his present run designed for the YA market, this author is a personal favourite. 'Slice" takes us into the classroom of a gifted English teacher to show the impact such can have on young people. It takes us into two loving family situations to display that good novels for this age group do not have to centre on dysfunction. It is a work of fiction that prominently features zits, Shakespeare, meditation and the iconic Triffids. At its heart though is love - boy/girl, father/son and, most touchingly, between friends. In Darcy, Audrey and Noah Herrick has created three marvellously memorable main characters with his skilled and light touch. There's the former who speaks the first thoughts that come into his head, usually focused on sex, with humorous implications. Audrey is a girl capable of penetrating to a boy's very core and some of the most poignant writing in the book features Noah's devotion to his comatose father. Cliches such as the buying of one's first condom and the regulatory farting, hoonish school bullies are present, but this novel does have a fresh feel, even a 'crunchy' tone. The repartee between the central threesome, plus some respective parents along the way,is particularly wry and engaging. The only jarring note is the writer's insistence on calling that wussy foreign game 'footy', oblivious to the fact that the homegrown product is the only game worthy of that title. Go Hawks.
April 22, 2014
I hate to admit it, but I still don't really get the title of the book and how it relates to the given story. All I can think of, is that perhaps it's a "slice" of Darcy's life?! I am not too sure.
Back to the story though, I thought it was really sweet, I liked the names of the chapters - almost all of them had a nice bit of humour in it. I liked the fact that this book was a very light read, and was easy to get through. I didn't find this book boring at all, I think it had a nice variety of characters, and again, how they developed throughout the story was done well and kept me intrigued.
I was happy that Darcy and Audrey ended up together, if I am honest I didn't see it coming. I thought that Darcy would just continue dreaming about Audrey and never really have any of his fantasies with her come true. But I think they go well together, and their personalities match and don't conflict.
I found Noah quite cool actually, despite the strange descriptions of him in the beginning - I had a feeling he might pull through and that Noah and Darcy would become close, even if Darcy tried to constantly keep his distance from him.
I found the ending really suitable, I am glad it ended in a simple manner with no strange or difficult complications left to be solved. Overall, I think it was a very beautiful story, despite it being short it was enjoyable and conveyed a simple message.
Back to the story though, I thought it was really sweet, I liked the names of the chapters - almost all of them had a nice bit of humour in it. I liked the fact that this book was a very light read, and was easy to get through. I didn't find this book boring at all, I think it had a nice variety of characters, and again, how they developed throughout the story was done well and kept me intrigued.
I was happy that Darcy and Audrey ended up together, if I am honest I didn't see it coming. I thought that Darcy would just continue dreaming about Audrey and never really have any of his fantasies with her come true. But I think they go well together, and their personalities match and don't conflict.
I found Noah quite cool actually, despite the strange descriptions of him in the beginning - I had a feeling he might pull through and that Noah and Darcy would become close, even if Darcy tried to constantly keep his distance from him.
I found the ending really suitable, I am glad it ended in a simple manner with no strange or difficult complications left to be solved. Overall, I think it was a very beautiful story, despite it being short it was enjoyable and conveyed a simple message.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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