This book is the pinnacle of gallows humour. I literally died laughing. Har, har, what?! IT HAD TO BE SAID. I’ve wanted to read this forever because I’m a sucker for a really funny story. At one point I even shut my eyes because I was giggling like deranged limpet. How is it possible for a book to be this darn hilarious?!!
But you do need to know: it’s totally insensitive and ridiculous. Whatever you do: DO NOT read this if talking tactlessly about death bothers you. Denton Little’s Death Date pokes fun at death and dying THE WHOLE TIME. There were a few times I squirmed thinking, “Gee, this is so callous.” But BAH. I tossed logic to the wind and didn’t take a single aspect seriously.
(Also, I have to be the grumpy guava for a second here and glare at that Goodreads pitch. It says “for fans of John Green and Matthew Quick” and I just have to say: NO, NO IT IS NOT. John Green does gallows humour, but beneath his cheesy adorable romances, there’s painful truths and heartwarming soul. Matthew Quick is 100% pain. Denton is mockery and hilariousness. So, basically, worst pitch ever.)
(And while we’re doing little notes to ourselves, I misread the title and thought it was called “Denton’s LITTLE Death Date.” Like, you know, his little snack or his little spot o’ bother. But LITTLE is his name. Huh. Anyway, that was random, but my reviews are nothing if not weird. YOU MAY CARRY ON READING NOW.)
It’s set in this is slightly “sci-fi” universe where everyone gets to know when they’ll die. That does raise interesting and sort of deep questions…like is that a good thing? Do you WANT to know? Does it make your life more productive or more frantic? Denton’s deathdate is when he’s 17, which isn’t a lot of time to live. But he chose to have a “Normal Life”…which, on his deathdate he regrets. Obviously. The book spans a 48 hour period. And, not only is it chokingly funny, it also absolutely hooked me because WILL HE DIE????? It’s in first person, but that hasn’t stopped authors offing protagonists before.
Plus it’s filled with the most ridiculous characters and plot twists ever. Like his best friend is an utter scream to be around and defends him from death at one point with a frying pan. In this universe they have funerals BEFORE people die. And instead of “wakes” they have “Sittings” where everyone just sits around and waits for the To Be Dead person to…well, kick the bucket. There are so many horrendous and lame death puns and sarcasm and ludicrous developments — like taking the parents to prom, or being purple, or being stalked by a creepy grandpa cop, government conspiracy theories, and getting locked in the loo. IT’S ALL SO WEIRD.
Denton is quite a weird but cool dude. He’s going to die, so that’s sort of ruins his day. But he’s funny. Stupid? Yes. Makes really bad decisions regarding girls? Yes. Makes awkward assumptions? Yes. Says stuff he regrets? Totally. But he was still endearing. And as funny as he is, his best friend is even weirder. I thought the dudes were all written excellently, but I felt almost ALL the female characters were cardboard cut outs, which is disappointing.
THIS BOOK IS SO WEIRD. But I liked it. Sure the secondary characters weren’t great and it layered on the ridiculousness just a little too thick and I rolled my eyes several times… But the important thing was I had fun reading it! And I’d definitely try the sequel. This is one of laugh-so-hard-you-snort books and who’s doesn’t like those?!
Thanks Simon & Schuster for the review-copy! Denton Little’s Deathdate by Lance Rubin was published in March, 2015.
Denton Little’s Deathdate takes place in a world exactly like our own except that everyone knows the day they will die. For 17-year-old Denton Little, that’s tomorrow, the day of his senior prom.
Despite his early deathdate, Denton has always wanted to live a normal life, but his final days are filled with dramatic firsts. First hangover. First sex. First love triangle (as the first sex seems to have happened not with his adoring girlfriend, but with his best friend’s hostile sister. Though he’s not totally sure. See: first hangover.) His anxiety builds when he discovers a strange purple rash making its way up his body. Is this what will kill him? And then a strange man shows up at his funeral, claiming to have known Denton’s long-deceased mother, and warning him to beware of suspicious government characters…. Suddenly Denton’s life is filled with mysterious questions and precious little time to find the answers.
Goodreads Boomerang Books AUS Book Depository Simon & Schuster AU
-~-
Haha, oh gosh, this will sound terrible, but I kind of like it when books/fiction in general poke fun at death. I mean… it’s going to happen to all of us eventually, so why not see it in a lighter perspective?? (I know I am terrible person) Anyway, this sound great. But yeahhhh, cardboard cut out female characters? Not as fond of that, that’s for sure, but hopefully I’ll be able to look past that.
*awards you cake for first comment*
*awards self cake for the effort of awarding you cake*
I DO AGREE. It is nice to just put aside all the dramatic, dark and depressing books and just LAUGH at the horrible stuff in store for us. HAHA. I mostly like realistic books, but pfft. I need a laugh every now and then too. *nods*
Also, I’m first comment??? *fist pump*
I saw your review on Goodreads and on here and until you pointed it out I read Denton’s Little Death Date EVERY SINGLE TIME. Oh well.
I LOVE gallow’s humor, but I do not love flat female characters and too many ridiculous developments. I can’t decide whether I want to read this!
The whole Denton’s little deathdate totally fits with the tone of the book, IMHO. *nods* They should’ve made it like that and saved us all the trouble. 😉
Oh my. OH MY. This sounds like the most wonderful book either. It feels like Alice in Wonderland but more morbid and less dreamy. Just the ridiculous stuff. And honestly morbid humour is THE BEST. I can see why it might not be the make-me-think-about-life-and-stuff book, but I would probably spend a lot of time laughing. And seriously, books that are written to make me laugh are sorely lacking. So yes. I will probably try this. (I wonder if I can genderflip the male characters in my head to convince myself there are human female characters. Hmm.)
I notice that despite your disagreement on the comp authors, you still rec’ed a John Green book at the end ;P
Definitely not a life-reflection book, haha. I mean, the dude ends up PURPLE by the end and it’s just absurd, but strangely addictive to read about. I don’t often laugh at books anymore, sadly, my Vulcan brain is very strong. BUT THIS ONE BROKE THE VULCAN. I’m so pleased. :’)
ZOMG. I DID TOO. *flails in mortification* I’m such a hypocrite. XD
Ohmygoodness!!! *adds Denton Little’s Deathdate to massive to-buy/steal-from-library list* I don’t mind gallows humor, as long as I’m not in the mood to take death more seriously. And I like the idea of a book that could make me laugh like a deranged limpet, as you so aptly put it. Also, I totally misread the title so many times. I was very disappointing when you pointed out the correction–in fact, I’m so disillusioned with life now, I’m worried that we can no longer be friends. *humph* But oh dear, I have to read this book now!!! (Also, I look forward to more of your 1/2/3 star reviews because they are so delightfully scathing.)
The laughing like a deranged limpet is the best part, tbh. Everyone needs to experience deranged limpetness. (Don’t question me. That IS a word.)
AHHH. You’ll be getting more of the scathing ones soon. ZOMG I AM SO BAD. BUT I’VE GOT LIKE 8 COMING. *gulps and hides*
I WAS actually reading this, but then my sister stole it from me. She hasn’t given it back as of yet, but I’m going to steal it back, obviously, because I LOVE insensitive humour. We did a unit on black comedy in drama this year, and being politically incorrect was so difficult to start with, but it’s really useful sometimes 🙂 Plus, I do love me some ridiculous plots.
SISTERS. SO RUDE. Although, tbh, I’d love it if my sister stole books from me so we could talk about them. *sniffles* She reads like 5 books a year now. MY LIFE IS SO SAD. *plays mini violin of doom* Anyway. I like black comedy. Have you read The Life of a Teenage Bodysnatcher by Doug McLeod?! IT IS SO DARK AND FUNNY. I should’ve recommended that one as an alternate title actually, hehee.
Ahh I am glad I am not the only one who read it as Denton’s Little Death Date!!! I have no issues with poking fun at death o what not. Especially if the book is just fun overall. This is one I want to get to soon because he grew up the town over from me and for some reason this makes me have an irrational pride for the book. Great review as always!
Omg, that is really cool!! I just read a book that was listing all these places in Australia that I’d been to and it’s totally cool! *local pride FTW*
OHHHH, I misread the title too! OOPS. XD I probably should wear my glasses more often, shouldn’t I?
ANYWAY, this book looks really good! I LOVE funny books, so I shall definitely be on the lookout for this! 😀
Pfft, it’s not just you, my friend. I totally FAILED with reading this title, too. XD
This sounds like it is a hilarious read. I want it in my hands like now!
I’m not sure I’d want to know when I was going to die, because what if it was really soon, it would be a bit depressing and all. But I have no problems with gallows humour, sometimes we just need to see the funny side of something serious
YOU NEED IT, YES YOU DO. I wouldn’t want to know when I was going to die because…gah. I would spend my life panicking and thinking I’m wasting it. How could you ever relax?!
I need this book. I mean, the premise kind of horrifies me (can you imagine KNOWING when you’d die?!? People would make countdowns to it on their phones and…wait. How does that even work? What if something random kills you early or – oh, who cares), but I love anything that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This sounds like one of those books 🙂 Also, yes to smacking death in the face with a frying pan! XD
IT IS HORRIFYING. I don’t think I’d like it…knowing when I’d die?! I would be panicking 99% of my life away.
WHAT? All this time I’ve been thinking it was called Denton’s Little Deathdate as well. I only noticed it wasn’t when you mentioned it in the review. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?
It really sounds like a fun and good read. It’ll be added to my to-read list then. Sigh. Cait, you always manage to make my list longer. Why do you do this to me?
*hi five for dyslexic readers*
Oh I just enjoy the pain of your TBR wobbling and threatening to fall on you. I’LL DIG YOU OUT IF THE TBR FALLS, OKAY? I’m a good friend like that.
I’m so glad to know I wasn’t the only person who first read it as ‘Denton’s Little Death Date’! I’ve got this on my kindle, should hopefully get around to reading it soon. 🙂
YAAY WE ARE THE SAME!!! I don’t feel so dyslexic now. 😉
YES! I thought it was Denton’s Little Death Date too! For the longest time actually…oops haha. This one was so hilarious and I laughed pretty much the entire time. I loved the best friend, even though I can’t remember his name now :O.
*whispers* I couldn’t remember his name either which is why I didn’t mention it. Paolo? Paleo? HAHA. Okay, maybe not. Paul? *hides self in shame*
Ah, this sounds so funny. *off I go to add it to my Goodreads want-to-read pile* Can’t wait to read this as I was just looking for something hilarious!
Then THIS is the book for you. YES IT IS.
This sounds hilarious! Also very insensitive. I wish you’d shown us some quotes though. Was it NA or YA? I think I liked this review, but I would have liked a bit more detail about the plot. I’ll see if it’s at my library. Anyway, I liked this review (and for the record, when I read the title I thought it was Denton’s Little death date too. You’re not the only one 😀 )
Pfft, what plot? HAHAHA JUST KIDDING. Okay, the plot is basically just the lead up to one’s own death. Like the pre-funeral, wondering HOW you were going to die, getting involved in ridiculous absurd government conspiracies. That kind of thing. XD But it’s just YA, he’s only 17. BUT YAAAY IT’S NOT ONLY ME MISREADING THE TITLE!!!
I thought this book was really funny too! I really liked it. Glad you enjoyed it as well.
Great Review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Definitely a fun one!
This one’s on my want-to-read list. (I thought it was Denton’s Little Death Date, too. In fact, I still keep reading the title as such!) It’s disappointing that the female characters aren’t that great, but, unfortunately, that’s something I see a lot with male authors; come on… we girls are not that alien!
I would totally want to know the date of my own death. Time management for the win! I could do the things I wanted to do, avoid the things I wanted to avoid, not worry so much about all the other things that might kill me in 20 years, etc. (Mind you, if it turned out I was going to die tomorrow, then maybe I wouldn’t want to know. If you couldn’t do much with the time you had left, it would be kind of depressing.)
Oh GOOD. It’s not just me. XD I only realised it wasn’t when I saw the series titled was “Denton Little #1” and “Denton Little #2” hehe. THEN I realised, but seriously…it’s a confusing title. -_-
Ah, yes, I agree! I see that with a lot of male authors too, particularly with Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl too. I laughed my BRAIN out, but the girls were so flat and stupid. 🙁
So I totally misread the title too. I TOTALLY THOUGHT it was Denton’s Little Death Date, and I didn’t think twice about it until you mentioned that you misread, and so I scrolled back to the picture of the book, and did a gentle facepalm. (Gentle, because I have this massive headache between my eyes and my forehead, so…) Stupid dyslexia.
Ehehe. I like books that make me laugh. And that is an interesting idea bout knowing when you’re going to die. I bet the world would be a lot different if that was the case. But I will admit that when you said his friend defends him against Death, using a frying pan, I got this mental image of Flynn Rider thwacking Death from SPN and snortled really loudly.
Mkay. I’m done. BAI.
WE SHALL BE DYSLEXIC TOGETHER, TRESKIE. I literally didn’t even notice it until I realised the titles of the series were “Denton Little #1” and “Denton Little #2” I was just hey wait a minute…
OR SAMWISE. But mostly Flynn. XD Apparently fry pans are choice weapons?
Well, this sounds like me. XD Making fun of death seems like the only way to live, if you ask me! I would probably want to know the day I’ll die, though. It would just be easier to schedule everything, you know? I could totally make goals leading up to the date and be totally on top of everything. *nods*
I can’t decide if I’d want to know or not! On one hand — yes. It’s nice and controlled. Like you could do loads of stuff and just not worry about it. But the IMPENDING DOOM would also just fry my brain. I think I’d have a meltdown and not be able to, ya know, live properly.
Gallows humor? I musts have it! Never take gallows humor too seriously. It’s one of those things that have to come with instructions: First read, then laugh, repeat.
No, I do not want to know when I will die! Just keep me guessing. That way I can still sit in that really boring and monotone class and *rationally* think, “THIS will be the death of me!”
These Sittings that you speak of. . . They sound like the epitome of awkward. Why would I want people to just sit around waiting for me to keel over? I’d love to look at them all and be like, “It’s not today guys. Sorry. You got the date mixed up. It’s next Thursday.” Then I could die in peace at least. . . Neither do I want to be sitting around waiting for someone else to die. How many people are going to be like, “Will he just die already? I’ve got things to do, okay?”
The general weirdness sounds awesome! Like a refreshing laugh for no reason at all. It does makes sense though to have a funeral before you die if you know when you’re going to die. I mean, people say all the nice stuff at your funeral, wouldn’t you want to hear that? It does make me think of TFioS.
Is it weird that I rarely read the actual book blurb? I just read your review, and I know whether this book is a yes or no.
It’s really really morbid to have people sitting around there waiting for death. :O *gulps* And there WERE family members who left because it was taking too long…hehe, I don’t even know WHAT to think about this book. It’s outrageous but still kind of funny. But yes, if you went in trying to take it seriously you would soooo not be okay. And YES! The pre-funeral thing made me think of TFIOS too…and it definitely does make sense. Although, come on?! How is everyone so accepting?! GAH.
*whispers* I never read blurbs. XD That’s why I put them at the end of my posts because I never read them so I figure, “BAH. WHO DOES?”
CAIT THAT IS THE MOST BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY IDEA I HAVE EVER SEEN TO TAKE A PICTURE OF A BOOK BY A MIRROR SO ITS MIRROR IMAGE IS THERE. LET ME FLAIL. THAT IS JUST. SO. COOL. (And also fits well with the whole sound of this book which sounds backward and weird. XD Ahem.)
ALSO. I TAGGED YOU ON MY BLOG. Which you obviously do not have to do and you’ve probably done stuff like it but it’s the Favorite Screen Characters tag and it would be fabulous to see yours. XD Anyways. Thought I would mention it but feel free to ignore. 😛 https://deborahocarroll.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/favorite-screen-characters-tag/
GREAT REVIEW.
I KNOW RIGHT?!! I didn’t think of it. XD I mean, I know everyone does it, but I saw my older sister taking photos that way with her kids before and IT WAS SO COOL SO I STOLE THE IDEA. *steals like a boss*
AHHHH TAG! YAY! I shall check it out asap!
I haven’t read that book. I’d definitely wouldn’t want to know when I’ll die…sounds creepy and weird and stuff. but the book also sounds really funny. Happy reading!
I don’t think I’d want to know either. >_> TOO MUCH STRESS.
I don’t quite know what this one is about…but that’s strangely okay. This sounds super weird and I”m not sure if it’s for me. Haha, I’m a pretty sensitive reader.
It’s basically just about the time running out for Denton’s dying-day. XD It’s really WILD and WEIRD. I wont’ say “Lemony Snicket” exactly…but that’s kind of the vibe, almost?!
Woah I thought it was “little” as in the adjective in the title BUT IT’S HIS LAST NAME. All the reviews coming out for this makes it sound AMAZING AND HILARIOUS. I will give this book a shot!
Awesome review Cait! You’ve got me convinced!
Can I just say that I am pretty relieved that you liked this? I was starting to think that perhaps I sucked at recommending after the whole Sin Eater debacle 😉
But YES- yes to everything you said. Because if you take this book seriously, you’re totally missing the point! It isn’t supposed to be some kind of life changing, weepy feels kind of book, it is supposed to be funny, and endearing, and I feel that it did that beautifully!
And no, I would NOT want to know! Because if I knew, I would just sit in a corner crying until my deathdate. No thanks! And yes, I have read Denton and his escapades and I loved them!
First: I read a book that was pretty similar to this – it was an anthology called Machines of Death (loved it). The only difference is that book told you how you were going to die, but not when.
I am definitely going to have to pick up a copy of this one though. Despite the thought-provoking and grim topics it covers, I love the sound of how there’s humor beneath it all. 😉 Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous review! ♥
*looks up Machines of Death* Clearly I need that book in my life. Probably asap. XDXD
Well. I’m torn because I’d obviously have to read it to know but I can’t decide if this is a book I would hate for its callousness, or if I would laugh my head off (<— you see what I did there? :0 ). I have a suspicious inkling that it would be a little bit of both 0_o
I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE. It could be both? I was thiiiiis close to being angry. It’s like I had to switch my brain over to laugh-at-this-book-now instead of expecting it to be feelsy.
I TOTALLY read it as Denton’s Little Deathdate, too! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one. 😉
I’m not sure if I’ll get the humor here since *extreme* use of thick humor will definitely get on my nerves. I don’t know though, since everyone has been raving about this one! But I’m actually *glad* that you mentioned the incorrect John Green pitch since I’m not a huge John Green fan. I AM SO CONFLICTED ABOUT READING THIS.
*hi fives for being an illiterate bookworm*
Oh but I totally know what you mean…I avoided it, too, actually for a while (this is actually an unsolicited review copy) because I wondered if it’d be too much. You know? BUT YEAH TURNS OUT I’M A HUGE FAN. There’s only one way to knoooooow, Aimee…
Hi!
I don’t really think I would want to know when I die..I would probably obsess over it or my parents would obsess over it! Either way, it would be kind of stressful. Umm I haven’t really read that many books with gallows/death humour so I’m not really sure. Aand I haven’t read denton’s but it sounds so funny and good that I’m gonna add it to my tbr! 😉
I would totally obsess over it if I knew…and forget to live and just PANIC my life away. >_< I do hope you like this one, if you do try it!! I haven't read a load of gallows humourish books, but I do enjoy them *whispers* Although sometimes I have to be in the right "mood", you know?
I love love LOVED this one too smushie. The dark sarcastic humour and PABLO! Wasn’t he the cutest little button of a thing. Totally made this book.The science fiction aspect sounds super weird, but it really works. The whole thing is just bloody awesome and not to toot my own horn or anything, because I totally will, but I sooooooooo knew what the title was. I’m a slow reader *nods* You’re frenzied speed reading did that *nods again*
Awesome review smushie, we’re totally twinsies <3
Omg, Pablo definitely was. I LAUGHED AT HIS RIDICULOUSNESS SO MUCH. :’) Of course, blame my speedy brain. We all know you’d never make a mistake like that, Kelly, because you are MOSTLY PERFECT.
I READ THIS! I looooooved it! SO funny! His best mate, who’s name I’ve forgotten, was just too funny. He was the highlight for me, I loved him! I did make the mistake of readin it a few days after my Nan’s funeral – I was thinking of the comedy, not the death, stupid me – and it did give me some strange and upsetting nightmares, haha! But it was SO good! I loved the gallows humour, I really did. Brilliant!
I wouldn’t want to know when I died. That would be awful. But this book (and my Nan’s death) got me thinking about living my life better. Doing more, being brave and bold, and just living! So that’s good. 🙂
ALSO. I just finished Me and Earl and the Dying Girl – SO GOOD! Also really funny! I loved it! 😀
ZOMG. I LOVED HIM TOO. Paolo? Pablo? Something like that but *snorts* he was incredibly ridiculous.
This sounds fun! In person I am quite srs about death and stuff, especially because I’d like to be a doctor, but in books… shrug. It’s one way to cope.
It can be…and to be honest, I did love this book but I couldn’t read gallows humour ALL the time.
This sounds like a really great book! (Aside from those pesky cardboard cutouts that invaded the story–eep.) I’ll have to find it soon.
I’m about 70% sure that I asked you about a collab post on my blog. If you could check that, that would be great! I need the posts soon.
ZOMG I THINK YOU DID EMAIL ME AND I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT IT. I am so embarrassed right now. (I have the most awful memory of ever.) Let me go check…
This book sounds hilarious! I am adding it to the to-read list at once. I would NOT like to know when I was going to die, because then I’d probably become fixated on a list of things to do. However, if I did know, I would plan out the rest of my life at once. I’m silly like that.
Gallows humor is always funny for me.
I WOULD BE FIXATED TOO. I’d be panicking my entire life away. *facepalm* So a definite no for me, too. 😉
Glad to see you enjoyed this! I love morbid humour haha. So that’s a yay for gallows and death humour. Sometimes death sucks, but it’s inevitable, so why not see the lighter side of things once in a while, right!
Hmm, I don’t think I would want to know the date of when I die…but than again, I might change my mind, haha.
This is on TBR. At some point I’ll get to it. Thanks for the review, Cait!
Too true! I think it’s good to laugh at these things now and then, because goodness knows YA books about death usually have me bawling. xD
This book is a godsent because I have been wanting to read something like this for so long! I remember reading ANATOMY OF A MISFIT who had an MC who was like Denton – she made so many callous comments about everything and everyone and they were all so funny that I ended up laughing every 5 pages! Which made me feel a wee bit bad because the jokes were kind of offensive, but I think that was somehow the point, just like how the comments and stuff here by Denton were the same. (Also, I love your photos, Cait! What camera do you use? Does it take videos?)
Okay. SOLD! I mean, I already want to read this one. But knowing it was hilarious for you? Now I’m crazy excited! And I wouldn’t want to know when I’ll die. Bummer! BUT I guess if the option is there… Gaaaah. Idk!
PS. I just want to put this out there, the UK/Aus cover is so much radder than the US/Int!
Oohh I kinda think I’d love this book. I’m totally up for some gallows humor now-and-again.
But really, until you pointed it out, I also thought it was Denton’s Little Death Date. And I kept wondering – why is his death date so little?
Despite having heard some things about the plot of this that make me less than keen to give it a try (even IF I can’t exactly remember what they were- something to do with the protagonist not being all that fantastic, possibly in relation to females…), the utter hilarity you mention throughout this review, even if it’s sligtly morbid, made me interested, for sure. I’m not sure if I would be able to enjoy it, despite that very inticing humour, because I’m not incredibly interested in reading books where women aren’t represented fairly. Cardboard cutouts aren’t for me.
Excellent review, Cait! xx
Oh I must read this one!! I have not heard of it before. And I must admit, very few books make me laugh out loud. This one has me intrigued.