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Boo  By  cover art

Boo

By: Neil Smith
Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
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Editorial reviews

Editors Select, May 2015 - You would never think that a book about the death of a 13-year-old boy would be anything other than tragic, yet Neil Smith manages to create a whimsical and moving story. In his debut novel, Boo, we are introduced to Oliver 'Boo' Dalrymple, a middle school outcast, who 'wakes up' in Town – a heaven solely populated by those who have passed away at 13. Through his journal, Boo chronicles his experiences in Town, with its bizarre idiosyncrasies, and gradually uncovers the events which ultimately lead to his death. From the start I fell in love with Boo – a terribly smart, socially inept boy whose reflections reveal a surprisingly complex character. Boo is an intriguing story which will leave you thinking about it long after you've finished. –Laura, Audible Editor

Publisher's summary

Boo is the highly anticipated debut novel from one of the most incomparable voices in Canadian literature: Bang Crunch author Neil Smith.

Oliver Dalrymple, nicknamed Boo because of his pale complexion and staticky hair, is an outcast at his Illinois middle school - more interested in biology and chemistry than the friendship of other kids. But after a tragic accident, Boo wakes up to find himself in a very strange sort of heaven: a town populated by only 13-year-old Americans.

While he desperately wants to apply the scientific method to find out how this heaven works (broken glass grows back; flashlights glow without batteries; garbage chutes plummet to nowhere), he's confronted by the greatest mystery of all - his peers. With the help of his classmate, Johnny, who was killed at the same time, Boo begins to figure out what exactly happened to them (and who they really were back in America) through this story about growing up, staying young, and the never-ending heartbreak of being 13.

©2015 Neil Smith (P)2015 Audible Inc.

What listeners say about Boo

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  • Overall
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Couldn't put it down

This contains no spoilers. Such an unusual and imaginative story. I don't want to take away from the authors talent, but I'm guessing it came to him as a gift from above. One specifically for him to deliver to us all. I say a big "Thank You", however it got here. So sensitive and beautiful a story, with true tension. Kept me thinking about it at work. Could not wait for the chance to get back to it. A true study of humanity, it's beauty and horror. Supernatural with no vampires or zombies(even though I like that too). A refreshing departure.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Interesting and different

This story about the afterlife of 13 year olds shows a different heaven and the lessons and friendships the deceased experience there. It is thought provoking and at times irritating because of its similarity to earth.
I liked the story and its surprises. The performance was great!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Boo is a must read for young teens.

A thoughtful story written in a way that young teens can understand mature concepts within the context of their age. It integrates the consequences of bullying and violence but plays out the fact that life will continue and change though it seems overwhelming at 13.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic

The story of a displaced socially inept teen really moved me. Finding himself in afterlife. Impressive.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great story!! I had no idea!

Great story, read beautifully i just could have done without the spelling out of curse words.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Such a neat story!!

The narrator was freaking awesome at portraying "BOO". This is definitely a book I talk to others about encouraging them to read it.

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3 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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spelling the swear words ruined for me.

whenever the story was getting emotional or intense the swear words were spelled out which distracted me too much to enjoy the story.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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What was Oliver's true feelings for Johnny ?

I finished the it . I could not help but feel that Oliver's feelings for Johnny were more than friendship. Since they were both only 13 when they died, I believe Oliver's feelings for Johnny went further than friendship. Oliver really consciously has feeling for anyone but his parents. He was abused by older boys, my opinion is that Oliver fell in love with Johnny. Johnny being more Worldly, was too confused by his trauma to understand the under lying feelings Oliver had for him. It only after Oliver stops grieving and returns to Earth does he understands that it was a great friendship.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Sweet and Sad Boo Stole My Heart

I loved the story it was sad and sweet and poignant. I loved the characters. It was not predictable. I liked the narrator he kept me engaged and enthralled wanting to know what was going to happen next. Poor sweet Boo. I was surprised at the sudden twist the story took. It was a sweet story. I would like to hear another story by this author.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent performance

Well written story. Perfect for young adult readers. Enjoyed the twists in the story and the characters. The narrator brought it all to life.

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1 person found this helpful