Danny Wallace and the Centre of the Universe (Quick Reads)

If you've read any of Danny's other books, you should know what to expect with this one. It is short, maybe two hours if you take your time, but it's two hours well spent in the company of someone so funny.

This time round, Danny finds a small township in America that not only has his name, but has also been declared the centre of the universe by a mayor with a dubious scientific background. Of course, he books the next available flight and takes the reader on the journey.

If you haven't read anything by Danny Wallace before, this is a good start and should be enough to hook you into buying more of his books. If you've only ever seen him on TV, I would say you're missing out on his true wit - his writing is far better than his TV shows.

Tremendously Enjoyable! (6/7 people found this helpful)

Another typically *embarrass-yourself-by-bursting-out-laughing-on-the-bus* page turner, by the utterly brilliant Danny Wallace.
If you've become addicted to reading tales of whimsical journeys through life, exploring what are essentially his utterly mental flights of fancy - then this book will definately not disappoint.
His boyish enthusiasm for *everything* and quick wit are ever present, as is, his warm, engaging style.
My only disappointment, was that it didn't go on for longer!
King Danny, I salute you.

Another fine quest you've got me into (7/8 people found this helpful)

What is it with British guys and their quests?
Tony Hawks with his Moldovians and Fridges, Dave Gorman with his namesakes and Googlewhacks, John Donoghue with his place names and marsupial Elvis and now Danny returns with his centre of the Universe quest.
Whatever it is, don't let them stop! I love to get carried away with their madcap obsessions and live their adventures with them...and Danny dones it so well.
I felt this was less 'Are you Dave Gorman' or 'Shakespeare My Butt!' and more 'Around Ireland with a fridge' ...that is, less natural and a bit more contrived. Saying that it is a smaller book and so the idea doesn't seem like it's taken to the extreme, and it's still full of the trademark wit and warmth. A very amusing romp.
If you are looking for a good summer read...here it is!

Very short but very Danny Wallace (4/6 people found this helpful)

I've been a big fan of Danny since Join Me! was released, and have since read Yes Man and Are You Dave Gorman? and enjoyed them greatly.
This new book is only a small one (being part of the World Book Day "Quick Reads" promotion) and only lasted me about an hour or so. In this short time though you find yourself quickly catapulted along with Danny on his latest adventure, and it's definately as good as his previous stuff. It doesn't delve into his *private* life in the way his past work has, purely a solo mission this one, but a definate must read for any existing fans, and a great introduction to his weird and wonderful world of adventure to anyone new.

A little too short, but very sweet (10/14 people found this helpful)

After starting his own country, his own collective/cult and saying 'Yes' to everything, it really seemed that there was nothing else more for Danny Wallace to do... except travel to the Centre Of The Universe.
From the title itself, you can tell this is going to be the usual bizzare affair. The story this time is that Danny, after going to the centre of the Earth at Greenwich, decided that that wasn't good enough for him and decided to head for the centre of the Universe instead (like I said, bizarre). After a little research, he discovers that the Centre of the Universe is, in fact, in Idaho, in a town called Wallace. Following up on this strange coincidence, Danny heads to Idaho to see the famous manhole cover which has been labelled by the mayor of the town 'The Centre Of The Universe'
Unlike Yes Man, which felt a little premeditated (although that in no way detracted from the humour of it) this is totally believeable. Honestly, who WOULDN'T follow up an coincidence like that? Along the way, Danny of course gives us his trademark wit, humour and warmth. He is, by all accounts, a shining optimist and it really shows here, as he ponders on small town mentality among other things.
In 'Are You Dave Gorman', his girlfriend Hanne coined the term 'stupid boy project'. That's not the case here, and that's what sets this apart from his previous works. Whereas they focussed more on an abstract idea taken to the extreme ('Start a cult!', 'Say "yes" to everything!') this time it's more like a stupid boy quest. And that's my main problem with this book-it's too short.
That may sound whiney and I'm aware of 'quality over quantity' but sometimes, the two compliment each other. In Danny's other books, the best part wasn't the target he had to hit, but the wild things which happened along the way. This time round it is, pretty much, about the target, making this a very short book. That's not to say it's not funny and there are lots of laugh out loud moments but, after growing used to becoming entirely engrossed in his previous adventures, it was a little dissapointing to set this one down after only one sitting. Of course, I understand why this is the case, and I think it's a good cause but still, I couldn't help but feel there was a lot more story to tell here.
But that's more of a problem with the format and that doesn't stop this from being one of the funniest and most heartwarming books I've read this year. If you are a fan of Danny's buy it, but don't expect to become as lost and as drawn in as you were with his previous works.

Danny Wallace and the Centre of the Universe (Quick Reads)

Danny Wallace

Reader Reviews:

Short but very sweet (0/0 people found this helpful)

Tremendously Enjoyable! (6/7 people found this helpful)

Another fine quest you've got me into (7/8 people found this helpful)

Very short but very Danny Wallace (4/6 people found this helpful)

A little too short, but very sweet (10/14 people found this helpful)

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