The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik by David Arnold is a unique story about a boy who gets hypnotized. The main character is realistic, and the writing style is so entertaining. I would definitely recommend this book, since it is such a wild ride.
Title: The Strange Fascinations of Noah HypnotikAuthor: David Arnold
Also by this author: Mosquitoland
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Rating:
“An epic wonder”* from the bestselling author of Mosquitoland
This is Noah Oakman → sixteen, Bowie believer, concise historian, disillusioned swimmer, son, brother, friend.
Then Noah → gets hypnotized.
Now Noah → sees changes: his mother has a scar on her face that wasn’t there before; his old dog, who once walked with a limp, is suddenly lithe; his best friend, a lifelong DC Comics disciple, now rotates in the Marvel universe. Subtle behaviors, bits of history, plans for the future—everything in Noah’s world has been rewritten. Everything except his Strange Fascinations . . .
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik, David Arnold
This book tells the story of a boy who gets hypnotized at a party and starts noticing changes around him. However, there are three things that stay consistent in his life, which he becomes obsessed with and tries to learn more about. I enjoyed how the story builds and leads up to the twist at the end. There are also some interviews from Noah’s favourite author throughout the book that are interesting to read. I would say it’s best to go into this book without knowing too much, since there is so much that can be spoiled.
❀ Quirky Character
Noah is such a quirky character, which I was anticipating. I honestly felt like I knew him by the end of the book. There are so many little things about his character that make him unique, like him wearing the same outfit every day. Noah’s voice is captivating, and he speaks like a teen. I also enjoyed Noah’s sister, Penny. She has an obsession with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and I would totally read a whole book about her.
❀ Unique Writing Style
As is typical with David Arnold, the writing style in this book is so unique. It switches from the actual story to bits of introspection and back again. It is interesting how there are chapters that are super deep, but also chapters that are more conversational. Noah’s “concise histories” where he connects world events to his own life (in a way that seems pretty conspiratorial to be honest) were actually my favourite bits. I found that the writing in this book is pretty similar to John Green, in that it is both intellectual and witty. Overall, I would consider this classic David Arnold.
❀ Enjoyable Story
The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik by David Arnold is an original story that seems strange but is definitely enjoyable. The main character is fresh, and the writing style is so quirky. If you loved Mosquitoland, you will definitely enjoy this book.
About David Arnold
David Arnold lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with his (lovely) wife and (boisterous) son. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Mosquitoland, Kids of Appetite, and The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik; his books have been translated into over a dozen languages
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Great review! This sounds like a really unique book and I’m super intrigued now actually. I think I would really like this book. My younger brother’s name is Noah so it would actually be kind of weird to read about a character with his name but I’m adding it to my wishlist anyway. 😛
That would be a bit weird! I hope that you love it. 🙂
Oh this is a lovely review! 🙂 I haven’t heard much about this book before, but it sounds like something I could enjoy – plus, I’m really curious about the writing style of the author now. Might have to check it out someday 😀
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It is definitely a really different kind of book! 🙂
This sounds curiouser and curiouser! I love quirky characters! And I am such a huge fan of hypnotism, but haven’t read a lot of books regarding it. I might have to check this out!
This is an oddball😄 Awesome review!
I should have this one today. I preordered it. I love this author and anything he writes I swear. I mean I love the two books before this one. Glad you loved it.
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Sounds like a really interesting book and the cover art is amazing! It’s a shame that it’s a YA book because the writing style in this will probably mean I won’t get on with it (I’ve not got through on YA book in the last few years) but I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Great review! This sounds very interesting! 🙂
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At first, based on the summary, I thought the hypnotism was some type of metaphor for trying drugs/alcohol at a party. After reading your review, though, it’s clear that it’s just a unique story idea!
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I am such a fan of David Arnold’s books, and this one more than met my expectations. The friendships and family interactions were wonderful, but also adored his concise histories. I loved they way he wove all those events and people together.
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I have an arc of this that I am excited to get to
This book sounds kind of strange. lol Another one for the grandkids. I am so glad they love to read.
Oohhh. I’ve seen this one from one of Becky Albertalli’s posts in Instagram, and wow it sounds interesting!