Doing It

by Melvin Burgess

Now in paperback, award-winning author Melvin Burgess's daringly honest and often hilarious account of contemporary teenage life, and the ups and downs that surround "doing it."

The controversial book on which the cult favorite ABC television series Life as We Know It (now available on DVD) was based, Doing It introduces us to Dino, Jon, and Ben, three teenage best friends who can't stop thinking about, and talking about (and hoping to experience), sex.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Teen, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Coming Of Age

336 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2003

About the author

Melvin Burgess is a British author of children's fiction. His first book, The Cry of the Wolf, was published in 1990. He gained a certain amount of notoriety in 1996 with the publication of Junk, which was published in the shadow of the film of Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting, and dealt with the trendy and controversial idea of heroin-addicted teenagers. Junk soon became, at least in Britain, one of the best-known children's books of the decade.

Burgess again courted predictable controversy in 2003, with the publication of Doing It, which dealt with underage sex. America created a show based on the book, Life As We Know It. In his other books, such as Bloodtide and The Ghost Behind the Wall, Burgess has dealt with less realist and sometimes fantastic themes. In 2001 Burgess wrote the novelisation of the film Billy Elliot, based on Lee Hall's screenplay. Polyphony is typical for his most famous novels.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/melvin...

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book from the mother's house, the saga continues....

I remember getting this book as a teenager, on the back of my enjoyment of Junk, and feeling really naughty reading it. It's smutty, and dirty and teenager-y and very...boyish. My naive 14 year old self didn't really like it, especially as I was expecting something more hard hitting like Junk. This just came across as silly and pointless.

Basically, it follows a group of horny boys who are constantly thinking about what most teenage boys think about - sex. Whether they're desperately trying to get a girl to 'do it', or having an affair with one of their teachers, it's all rather one dimensional and unfortunately not all that good. It feels like it's created just to shock, and that should never be what a books main aim is.

It's no Junk, and I missed the emotional charged and beautiful, colourful characters that Melvin Burgess can create.

[Exina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite book, but the story is thought-provoking. It deals with some serious issues. I especially felt sympathy for Ben, who is actually a victim of sexual harassment.
It is frightening how unwilling teens are to share their problems with their parents, and how blind parents are to recognize the symptoms of a problem.

[GraceAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me angry every time I read it, but that is why it is so crucial to the Young Adult Literature course I teach. I always feel that Burgess is playing me, manipulating me, deliberately being both shocking and truthful.

And he is.

It turns out, however, to be a very moral book indeed.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not very often that a book from a boy perspective goes as deep and as far as this book does. And the thing is, it's not just a book about having sex where the perspective has been superficially switched from a girl to a boy. It is a dense book plotwise, having three different main characters to follow around and their issues are fundamentally different enough to create tension and hold the story true to life. Also, Doing It explores the concepts of revenge, rape, when to see a doctor, and virginity with a very real attitude towards these things from a teen perspective. I'm confused why anyone would be bothered by the content because it's clearly a book about sex and Burgess isn't just going to lead up to sexual encounters and then not go into details about them. This book could easily lead to good body health education for teens who aren't quite willing to talk about it but certainly are thinking about it. All in all, it was a good book, worth the reading time.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early on in Doing It we learn that teenage boys are kinda gross and think about sex more than anything else.

Then we learn that they actually have depth and feelings and stuff.

(But a lot of the depth and feelings and stuff pretty much revovle around sex.)

This is a cute book. Imagine Judy Blume for boys. Well, for those of you at a certain age *ahem* for whom Judy Blume was not horribly cheesy and outdated, imagine... you know.

All of the shocking sexual activities probably has a more profound and titilating effect on teens and actual young adults. As a not-so-young adult, I found the final few chapters to be skim worthy. Other than it's Judy Blume/After School Special...for boys quality, Doing It, really doesn't offer too much to the YA genre.

[Anyta Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

Such honest insight into teen life and funny! :-)

It's not all pretty, though--the way these boys think at times is positively awful.

But it's great.

[Nicola · Rating 1 out of 5]

2Q, 4P

I was really looking forward to reading this book. I remember being in junior high and sneaking peeks at certain books in the library that I knew contained sex. It felt so scandalous! If this book had been in the library when I was 12 and I had come across it, I would have had my fill, been so shocked that I probably never would have looked for another sexy passage again.

I am perhaps not familiar enough with the inner workings of a teenage boy's brain, but I had difficulty following what was going on sometimes. It was too frenetic, and especially at the beginning I felt like it jumped back and forth between the past and the present too much. I couldn't tell if the characters were talking about an hour ago or a year ago. The changing from first person to third person and back again was obnoxious. I wouldn't mind changing between characters, but it would have been much easier to follow if it had all been one or the other.

Being a grown up (in number at least), I wasn't offended by the sex parts (85% of the book), though I was pretty bored by most of them, but I can't imagine ever recommending this to anyone under the age of 18, unless it was maybe my own (very mature) child, and even then I probably wouldn't because I didn't think it was very well written. That being said, I can definitely see this as the type of book that would appeal to a lot of curious browsers - how many teenagers do you know who wouldn't be interested in a book called "Doing It"?

All in all I think I was most put off by the cruelty of the characters, even the ones we were supposed to be sympathizing with. Perhaps that's just realism at work, but I didn't like any of them or care if they got a happy ending. I am perfectly able to disagree with characters and still find them likeable and/or well-written, but these characters were all too self-centered and one-dimensional.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was funny a little like sexual and stuff i would recommend it if you are into that but if you don't like hereing about people having sex then you wont like this book AT ALL! but i thought it was good. it is about like these 3 boys one has every girl fallen over his looks, the other is just like stupid, and the other one is in love with a teacher and they have sex it is funny, the guy freezes up. but the guy that is hansom or what ever is in love with this girl that is SO beautiful but she is with this guy that is like 3 year older and she is a little like grown up like sort of snobby but she ends up giving him a chance and then she things she needs to get ride of him but can't. that is just the being of the book you have to read it all if you are going to find out the rest even though non of you will.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sex, Sex, Sex….it seems that is all that is on the minds of the three boys in this book. Dino, Ben, and Jonathan are great friends and all trying to find a way to lose their virginity. Dino is obsessed with Jackie, the most popular girl at school. Jackie doesn’t give Dino the time of day. She likes older boys and has had a serious boyfriend for a while. Finally, after a lot of convincing, Jackie agrees to go on a date with Dino. She finds that she can’t stop thinking about him and finally they become an item. Dino’s life is perfect – almost! Jackie won’t have sex with him. They get so close, but then she stops him – promising they will later. Eventually, Dino gives up and decides to sleep with another girl on the side and still keep Jackie as his “girlfriend.”

Ben has a secret. He lost his virginity a long time ago and has never told anyone about it – not even Dino and Jonathan. With all the sex talk going on between the three of them it is hard to understand why he wouldn’t say anything until you realize who it is he is sleeping with on a regular basis. Ben has been having a secret affair with one of his teachers for a while. At first he loved it an considered himself very lucky. But, things have changed. It isn’t as fun as it used to be, but will he be able to find a way to break it off?

Jonathan likes Deborah and wouldn’t mind calling her his girlfriend, but he doesn’t know if he can take the ribbing and teasing he’ll get from everyone at school – including his best friends. Deborah is a “plumper” and Jonathan likes her womanly curves and soft body. The times they have secretly made out have been wonderful, but he doesn’t know if he wants people to know they are together.

These three boys have to make a lot of hard decisions through the course of this story. DOING IT is not for the faint of heart. If you don’t like to read about sex or sexual activities (a.k.a. HEAVY petting) – then this isn’t the book for you. It is graphic in many parts, but, in my opinion, rings completely true coming from the mouths and minds of teenage boys. There were many times when I laughed out loud.

I listened to audio and the narrator did a great job.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let's just lay it out flat, much like the plot of this book: I didn't like this book. I was very much annoyed by the fat jokes and focus on popularity and image. I couldn't stand it past 100 pages for personal reasons. It was nice to read a book with a protagonist that wasn't a loser/recluse but I just couldn't read any more of the frivolous, self-centered comments of the main characters.

That being said, I suppose I can see the book as a tool to re-engage teens back into reading. The topic is relatable and it has a unique set of characters (different from other books). It is definitely a controversial book, though, with the graphic sex scenes (very similar to romance novels), negative treatment of teenagers' images (hailing beauty, making fun of unusual features), and sex between high school teacher and student.

I'm still torn about this book, though. I don't mean to put my granny pants on, but I feel like it may encourage destructive behaviors because they're glorified in the book. It may fixate an uninterested reader only in this type of literature (Gossip Girl, romance novels). But, the act of reading is oftentimes better than nothing at all, I suppose.

[Claire (Book Blog Bird) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doing It is the story of Dino, Ben and Jon, three teenage boys who literally cannot stop thinking about sex. The book charts their cringy, hilarious efforts to drop their V-cards.

Firstly, I have to say I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions and while it was horrifically close to the truth, it showed a warts-and-all picture of how often the average teenager thinks about sex (spoiler alert: a LOT). However, it is obviously very sexually explicit, so I think there will be some people who will be put off because of that.

Have to say, though, I thought this book was as funny as fuck, but not in a wholesome, belly-laugh way. More in a skeevy, can’t-believe-that-just-happened way. I’m sure some people will find this book too offensive to laugh at, and it is offensive. The thing is, you need to remember that we’re not supposed to laugh *with* the boys; we’re laughing *at* them. We’re laughing at how certain they are of their place in the world and how they think they know it all, when they actually know sweet FA.

Spoiler Alert
There’s this bit towards the end of the book where one of the boys finds a lump on his penis. He’s almost driving himself into an early grave worrying about it and finally works up the courage to see the doctor. Imagine his horror, therefore, when the doctor turns out to be a young, attractive woman. The description of him with his knob out in the doctor’s surgery trying desperately not to get an erection was one of the cringe-funniest things I’ve ever read.

This book wasn’t just a novelised episode of The Inbetweeners, though. It also has some pertinent messages about teenage sex, the breakuo of families, body image, sexual manipulation and the objectification of women. Superficially, it’s a very funny story, but when you look closer it’s kind of a moral tale and would be useful reading for anyone going through the issues the characters have to deal with.

The writing style was kind of odd. It switched between the first-person viewpoints of the three boys, and also a couple of the girls and then sometimes to a third-person narrative. It felt a bit frenetic at times, but I got used to it and all the differing viewpoints made for an interesting read.

All in all, I thought this book was pretty great. Probably not recommended if you’re of a delicate constitution (I lost count of the number of times the word ‘fuck’ was used) but definitely a good read.

[Karishma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm, *taps chin* what to say, what to say?

For starters, this book definitely talks about that three letter word a lot (the word is sex, if you didn't catch that), but I wouldn't allow anyone to shy away from this book simply because of that. Initially, I was gobsmacked at how it just jumped right into it, but it's not unbearable; you get past it. Plus, the male perspective is not something you find very often. The book alternates POV's.

About halfway through is when I probably got the distinction between the three main boys: Dino, Jonathon, and Ben.

Dino- Thinks he's It. Pretty much all his life, he's wanted one thing (aside from a good shag): Jackie. In his mind, they are "destined" to be together. Throughout the book, Dino goes through loads of crap. This boy was probably the one I was most conflicted about, because he's got certain aspects of him that are nice and persuade you to think he's nice, but I just feel that underneath it all, he's still same old Dino. I also kept wanting to call him Deen when I first started reading...

Jonathon- Probably slightly mad, but hey, he's a teenage boy. His main priority is "Mr. Knobby." He spends most of his time worrying about him. He likes a girl who's a bit on the larger side, Deborah, but doesn't want to be made fun of by his mates. Jon's problems I could sort of understand, but at the same time I was sort of apprehensive about his thoughts about them. He's almost two different people.

Ben- A sweet guy, but maybe a little too sweet. He spends most of this book trying to find a way to deal with his relationship with a teacher. Despite some bad decisions, I think Ben was my favorite out of the trio.

When it comes to the girls, it's almost classically female. Nothing we don't already know or haven't already seen. From the girls' POV's, I think Deborah's is pretty funny.

All in all, I would recommend this book to almost anyone-excluding small children and perhaps the elderly.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
There is a difference between liking a book and seeing the value in it. Although this book was lower on the star meter, I did see the value in it and was actually impressed with it in the end. "Doing It" is about exactly what the title says. Three teens guys in Britain are all obsessed with doing it. Now, I thought the book, which was required reading for my YA lit class in the "controversial literature" genre, would be all raunchy and crude with a lot of bad humor. Now every page was full of sexual references, and language was an issue, however, this book actually dealt with some serious issues. Yes, it was a little disturbing, but honestly, I was disturbed more by The Chocolate War. I actually felt this was honest, and for the most part, realistic. It dealt with feelings and emotions, divorce, growing up, curiosity, stigma, fear, and it was put together in a really, really brilliant way. If I were to judge this book by writing style alone, I'd give it a 5. Burgess has a fascinatingly unique way of writing narrative, switching POV's from characters and 1st to 3rd person... I don't know how anyone can do that and have it work so well. And the tone of the book was perfect for the subject matter. It was humorous, but not comical. It was real, but didn't take itself too seriously. It taught some great lessons without (obviously) being overly moral. I really honestly do think this book would be great for certain teen guys who are ok with mature content. Personally, I could not morally reccommend it to friends kids (cause their mom's would hate me!) but I do see value in it and was very impressed at the writing quality and the tone. Really, it was like a fictionalized sex ed course through literature!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guy, a British fellow, gets a lot of critical acclaim for his writing--it's honest and believable stuff about young adults (plus, this particular book was spawned into a short-lived series by the geniuses that brought up the other great short-lived series Freaks and Geeks). I decided to buy and read this book because, in my writing, I'm wondering if I got the teenage male voice right... not ever having been a teenage male, I wasn't sure that what I thought they were thinking about lust and love and what-not was really accurate. Seeing as how Burgess used to be a teenage male, I wanted to hear what he had to say. The book was very funny and parts were really moving and the range of emotions that young guys go through deserves more attention.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raunchy and funny.

Year of Pub: 2004
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, New York, NY

Booklist
( June 01, 2004 ; 0-8050-7565-8 )

Gr. 10 and up. Burgess' third novel follows three best mates as they shag, attempt to shag, try to get out of shagging, masturbate while contemplating shagging, and then shag some more. Ben is sleeping with his obsessive drama teacher; Jon finds himself irresistibly attracted to Deborah, who would be perfect if her pudginess didn't make him subject to ridicule; and Dino, as handsome as he is horny, just wants to shag the gorgeous Jackie--or, failing that, anyone else. From snogging to shagging to buggering, Doing It 0 discusses it 0 in a dizzying array of contexts, and it is relentlessly and refreshingly honest: this is certainly the first YA novel to feature two0 boys who lose their erections while trying to lose their virginity. Scenes like that make Doing It0 less erotic than comforting: boys will be pleased to learn they are not alone in their sexual anxieties; and girls will learn that boys want sex, but are also confused and fearful about it. But while the content will raise eyebrows, it's the writing that's problematic. Though periodically very funny and excellently plotted, the alternating-voices narration falls flat because the characters sound nearly identical, and the writing is surprisingly undescriptive, a disappointing departure from Burgess' previous novels ( Smack 0 and Lady0 , e.g.). Still, there's a lot to like here, and to say that Doing It0 will generate interest among readers would be to understate the matter dramatically. --John Green Copyright 2004 Booklist

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Voice of Youth Advocates
( June 01, 2004 ; 0-8050-7565-8 )

With this book, Burgess demonstrates that he has not forgotten what it is like to be a teenage boy. The story opens on three friends-Ben, Dino, and Jonathon-as they play a game of lesser evils involving prospective lovers, for example, such as choosing between Margaret Thatcher and an elderly teacher at their school. The perspective switches among characters as each experiences sex with members of an equally lively cast of girls. Burgess uses the individual story lines to introduce issues in each of their lives: physical insecurity, family problems, and societal taboos. Along the way, there is enough groping in the bushes to keep readers, especially boys, engaged. For an American audience, the British-isms probably trade edginess for charm. The novel likely comes across more vulgarly in the author's homeland. Parts of the book are laugh-out-loud funny, and others are a painful yet empathetic reminder of teenage life. Burgess likes his characters, and with this book, it becomes clear that he is also a friend to women, who are alternately appreciated for their good sense, for their bodies, and for simply existing. The boys learn about good relationships both among themselves and with the girls, work through their problems, and accomplish it all without becoming predictable in this new young adult masterpiece.-Jenny Ingram. This book is hilarious, heartfelt, and honest. As a contemporary English novel, Doing It could very well become a Generation Y classic. This book is one of the very few that was difficult, nearly impossible, to put down. The story and the characters are well-developed, as I understand and relate to every one. Although the publisher suggests that the book is for ages twelve and up, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone under fifteen.-Amy Smith, Teen Reviewer.

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School Library Journal
( June 01, 2004 ; 0-8050-7565-8 )

Gr 10 Up-Three teenaged boys enjoy talking about, thinking about, and joking about sex. Dino finally establishes a relationship with Jackie, the prettiest girl in school, who will allow all sorts of sexual liberties, but draws the line at intercourse. He finds another girl whom he mistakenly thinks he can use for sex while keeping his relationship with Jackie viable. In the meantime, he witnesses his mother passionately involved with a man who is not his father, and must deal with the results of his own treacherous behavior as he watches his parents' marriage fall apart. Ben finds himself steeped in a dilemma of a different sort. His 20-something drama teacher chooses him to be her secret sexual playmate, which he first enjoys but then desperately tries to escape. Jonathon's predicament involves his budding romance with Deborah, an overweight girl whom everyone likes as a friend, but not a girlfriend. He has to decide whether to follow his heart, despite taunting from his peers. Burgess's novel, which retains its original British terminology and sexual slang, is crude, irreverent, and explicit, yet honest and frequently funny. At first, the sexual elements are uncomfortably overwhelming, but Burgess gradually twists the story so that the characters' personal situations become prominent, with casual sex secondary. The seemingly callous male characters become more sympathetic as their personalities, feelings, and problems are unveiled. The female characters are not afforded the same sensitivity. Readers may be drawn in by the intense sexual tone, and find a well-developed story that will spark reflection on the meaning and strength of peer and romantic relationships.-Diane P. Tuccillo, City of Mesa Library, AZ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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Publishers Weekly
( April 26, 2004 ; 0-8050-7565-8 )

Fun, peppy and unusually frank (but ultimately sweet-natured), British author Burgess's (Smack; My Life as a Bitch) novel starts out with an attention-grabbing scene in which the central characters enjoy a hypothetical discussion about having sex with an array of women that includes a bag lady, classmates, teachers and even the Queen. Once the author establishes the central theme without a shade of a doubt, he briskly outlines each boy's circumstances. Gorgeous charmer Dino is about to plunge into an on-and-off-again romance with top girl Jackie; diffident Jonathon must sort out his feelings about plump (but secretly luscious) Deborah, who clearly fancies him; and Ben gradually realizes he must extricate himself from a relationship with his unstable 20-something teacher. Even the most attention-deficient reader will likely be captivated by the adrenaline-pumped narration told from the points of view of the three boys and assorted other characters (including various girls and even a parent) and skitters between the first and third person. The abundant use of British slang-especially for matters sexual-gives the story an exotic, slightly Austin Powers-like charm and, for an American audience at least, somewhat defuses the explicit nature of the material: it's hard to get worked up about a word like "minge" if you haven't grown up with it. Fans of Louise Rennison's Angus, Thongs books will appreciate the male perspective offered here, while readers of both sexes whose hormones have just begun to simmer will welcome (and even be reassured by) a book that so accurately mirrors their new world view. Ages 16-up. (May) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doing It starts with the three main characters discussing whom they would choose to shag, given two supposedly unappealing choices. This opening scene sets the tone of the book.

Dino is the It boy and wants to hook up with Jackie who is equally It. Jackie is supposedly a sensible, mature girl with an older boyfriend, who somehow falls under Dino’s spell. I found Jackie to be completely confusing and annoying. She goes back and forth between lusting after Dino and despising him. Jackie’s wavering did not seem believable to me. Either lose the guy or get on with it! Jackie’s friend Sue summed it up “But this obsessive interest in someone who was no good for you – someone, who as far as she could work out, Jackie didn’t even like, was beyond her.” A few moments later: “Sue was never very good with boredom. Enough was enough.” I too thought the story about Jackie and Dino got boring.

The relationship between Ben and his teacher was disturbing. I agree with Danielle that the book almost seemed to condone the behavior of Ali. It seemed unrealistic that Ali would slit her wrists (if I remember correctly, this would be the second time) and then be released without some kind of psychiatric care. Ali’s mother was horrible. It just didn’t seem real that her mother would still play such a dominating role in her daughter’s life. Ali just vanished from school and her apartment at her mother’s doing.

While the book is flawed, I do think it is a worthwhile read for teens. The dialogue among the kids is realistic and the sexual content, while overwhelming at times, can be informative. Jonathon’s sections were great. He talks about his first encounter when he couldn’t find the girl’s fanny. “All those lessons in biology and no one ever told me that women keep their fannies practically halfway up their backs.” I also thought Jon’s visit to the doctor about his knob cancer was portrayed realistically. Jonathon’s experiences seemed true and real to me. Burgess does an excellent job of portraying the fear of not really knowing how or what to do when it comes to sex and teens might find these sections helpful (and hysterical).

Had to love the dedication – “With thanks to Knobby Knobster”.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just looking through the list to find the edition that I read (right cover is very important) and I see that this cover is rather less risque than some! This book is, I suppose, technically YA but could easily be read and enjoyed by adults - especially those looking to recall the angst and joy of being seventeen.

The book has multiple narrators but it is based around a friendship grouping of three seventeen-year-old boys: DIno, Ben and Jonathon with smaller contributions from various girls they are associated with. The heart of the matter is the boys' collective desire to lose their virginity but each has problems. DIno is a bit of an 'it' boy. He's handsome, charming and popular and any girl in the school is his for the asking. Except, of course, for the one he wants - the school 'it' girl. Jonathon's problem is that the girl he is most interested in is a bit on the plump side, so he's worried that his friends will laugh at him. In addition, he's harbouring a worry about his health and it is this mysterious condition that gives rise to some of the funniest scenes in the book for me. Ben's problem is creepy. Although he is apparently without a girl or any sex, he is secretly in the clutches of a young teacher who has groomed him into being pretty much her sex slave. What began for him as a teenage boy's dream, has become a much more demanding, controlling relationship than he thought he was getting and he grapples with how to get out of it. This is by far the most uncomfortable story-line. The addition of chapters told by the some of the girls involved add dimension to the tale.

It's not all just about the sex lives of the boys. The story of Dino's parents crumbling marriage and the insecurities and worries of all the young adults involved gives the book a sense of stepping into the lives of real people. There is considerable exploration of consequences for poor choices that gives the book some heft. It is also laugh-out-loud material at times. If teenage boys really think like this, it is a wonder humanity has achieved as much as it has.

In terms of being a school library book, I think it is one senior fiction book that will be just for seniors. If it was a movie, it would have an R rating for sure.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say "I couldn't put it down," I mean it. I was glued to the couch and read his book from start to finish, and was sorry when it was done. I laughed, I gasped in horror, I bit my nails with worry. Not many novels do that for me.

The book shares the mindset and voice of the incredible British TV show SKINS. So much so that I was convinced Burgess was a co-creator of the series, but this seems not to be. Like SKINS, DOING IT follows the lives of a group of Brit teens as they obsess about themselves and about sex, as they lean on their friends, and muddle through life dealing with some serious issues as well. Parental infidelity. Adult manipulation. Character scarring events. Self esteem. Heartache.

You can't help but be drawn in by the shocking language, and brutally frank thoughts. So honest. So spot on. And, I might add, not at all vicarious. This book isn't one of those stupid shocker tales. It's brilliant and witty. And it shows how teens really are, at least at times.

This is a book to share among friends, so please do! Because of the content, you might not find it on a library shelf or in a classroom, even though it so deserves to be there. Seek this title out, devour it, and enjoy!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're able to get past the initial shock of just how graphic and naughty and dirty this book is, then you'll definitely like it! If not, well, then I think that explains the less than stellar ratings on Goodreads...

Seriously, though, this is hilarious and very raunchy indeed but I think it's a very accurate take on what goes through the minds of young men all over the world. I liked the characters and their story lines even though sometimes I just wanted to yell at them. I had watched the American TV version of this called "Life As We Know/Knew (?) It" so I had a context for what was going on prior to reading. That helped, I think, because I didn't have to focus on visualizing everyone from scratch. I'm not even sure what I liked better -- the book or the TV show -- because I wanted both to last longer than they did.

(Also, now that I read it, I completely understand why this was removed from our school library several years back. I don't agree with the move but I totally get why they made that call... This is one of those texts that I don't think I'd actually hand to a student even though I think it's worth reading.)

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are very few (If any seeing as I can't think of any others) dealing with this topic, that are written from the guys POV. It was good to know that some of the thoughts that were going on in side these characters heads were some of the same that have crossed my mind. I guess I am normal. lol

The book starts out with the 3 main characters playing a sort of game where they have to pick between two very unlikely candidates to shag (have sex with). Being that this is a discussion I too have had with my brother and friends, I automatically related to this book from the get go.

If you enjoy the TV show 'Skins' I think you'll like this novel. This book touches on the very controversial topics of teen sex , drug use and alcohol consumption from the POV of a teenage boy.

It's worth the read.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work with teenagers, all rampant hormones and raging testosterone, and I have read quite a few YA novels that purport to be 'realistic'. This novel had my crying with laughter, but it also made me really think about what it must be like to be a teenage boy. A brilliant book, which has humour, laughter, sadness, friendship and hope. I won't spoil it for anyone who has not had the pleasure of reading this wonderful story, but suffice it to say.. the account of what happens in the doctor's surgery was simply priceless, and yet very very true. I expect the boys who read this book will gain some very helpful, and reassuring, knowledge from that small scene!

A delicious book, not smutty or coarse like so many so-called YA novels. This is filled to the brim with life and love and lust. The joys of being young, but also the agonies.

Perfect teenagers.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bit shocking, this randy novel from (mostly) boys' perspectives, mostly about sex. But it's about other important things, too--like choices, and consequences, and secrets, and sharing your vulnerabilities. It was funny and a speedy read, but it was also rather long. I didn't think the shifts in 1st & 3rd person worked particularly well.

[Dorian Jandreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gan šelmiška ir seksuali knyga kaip tik paaugliams.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember having to wait until I was in Year 9 before I could borrow Junk from the school library. I don’t think this book would even make it on to the premises! Pitched as a YA novel the content is (cringily) explicit.... erections that could harpoon a walrus, penises jolting like Frankenstein’s Monster after a lightning strike....

The three main characters, Dino, Ben and Jonathon have varying troubles with girls, family and their bodies. The tone is definitely played for the shock factor and I think it detracted from some of the more important issues raised.

[Jenny]

Read purely because I was studying Burgess' Junk , and this was completely what I'd expected. Shocking and a good read aimed at teens in the 1990s/2000s but undoubtedly very dated, misogynistic and sexist by current standards.

[Akhmal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Ok it's not all that bad (I'm trying here).

This is a story of three boys who are trying to lose their virginity.

Well........ hmmm.... It's forgettable but it's okay. It's just another typical coming-of-age book for adults. It is written from these three guys' POV, so it's pretty interesting to know how straight teenage boys think. It's pretty entertaining, despite how pathetic they can get. The author achieved that if that's what he was going for.

You have no idea how many times I said to myself "ugh straight boys" reading this. hahaha...

Time to read a more serious read. I HONESTLY feel like reading Khaled Hosseini. I am yet to get And the Mountains Echoed.

[Julessss · Rating 1 out of 5]

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[Christie At The Library · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story its told through the perspective of three teenage boys, as they think about and experience sex. It also deals with issues of friendship, peer pressure, self-esteem and family/parental struggles. The three main characters of the story are best friends Dino, Ben, and Jonathan, three "typical" teenage boys with raging hormones who want more than anything to "do it." As the story progresses, each character narrates their storyline, sharing unique (often sex related) experiences. Dino attempts to date (and bed) two girls at the same time. Meanwhile, he must deal with discovering his mother having an affair and dealing with his parents subsequent separation. Ben lives out every boy's fantasy and becomes involved in a sexual relationship with a young, good looking teacher. However, this relationship turns out to be not quite what Ben expected, as he struggles to deal with the drama and side effects of getting involved with a teacher. Jonathan Begins dating Deborah, As his friends ridicule him, because Deborah is overweight, he becomes unsure of how to deal with his feelings for her and all the peer pressure. Johnathan also worries about his anatomy and convinces himself he has "penis cancer", a worry that magnifies and becomes very embarrassing for him.

I did not enjoy this book much. While the author has a great voice, and does an excellent job with descriptions, I could not personally connect with the story. It felt too young for me. Also, Maybe i'm just too old and un-hormonal, but I found a lot of the conversations and representations of sex in the book distasteful. It's not that I had a problem with the subject, I was excited to read a book that was open and honest about sex, but I just could not get on board with the cheating, the sex with teachers, and the comments like "Fat Girls Are Grateful For It". I realize that these themes didn't represent the ideals of the author, but attempted to capture the raunchiness of teenage boyhood. However, I did not feel like they were properly adressed, and to teenage readers, they could be read as examples of what sex and boyhood should be.

This brings me to whether or not this is a good book for young adult readers. I'm not sure. I feel very strongly that kids should have books and resources that talk openly about sex and the body. Parts of the book do a great job of this, I loved that Jonathan worries he has "penis cancer". I think that says to kids that is normal to think about and worry about their genitalia, and that they shouldn't be afraid to talk about it with a doctor or ask questions. Other parts of the book, I'm not so sure. I had a real problem with Ben's story line and the affair with his teacher. While the book does send a message that the relationship is unhealthy, it does not frame it as abusive. And it is totally, outrageously abusive. Young adults should know that if a teacher ever crosses such a line with them, it's abuse, that they are being taken advantage of and have every right to end things and talk to an adult. I didn't feel like that message was sent. Overall, I think the idea of a book that is open about kids and sex is great. Sex Education, in my opinion, can be really lacking, so I think it's important to have other mediums that talk to teens about sex, to educate them and prepare them for having safe and healthy sexual experiences. However, I think "Doing it" misses the mark a little, and may reinforce bad ideas, rather then educating.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where is the character that does not TICK ME OFF! I was really looking forward to reading this book. Me, being a female, the inner thoughts of teenage boys mind is something that I can't even begin to fathom. Naturally, the first book I see that dwells in the unknown territory of a males mind; is a one way ticket to scandalous untold secrets. Sadly, my dislike for the characters and how the characters reacted to some events made it hard for me to truly enjoy this book entirely.

This story is about 3 high school boys, Dino, Jonathan, and Ben and them facing relationships, love and of course, sex.

At first, I was really enjoying the book. Unfortunately, my enjoyment would not last as the characters were expressed more.

Dino, by far, is my most hated character in this book. Sex-hungry and rude, he was an immediate dislike. I wouldn't be a nary bit of surprise if test results come back concluding that his brain resides, not in his head, but in his ding-dong. He pushes his girlfriend, Jackie, to go all the way, but she doesn't want to. Thus, resulting in him getting pissed off.(anger issues?)

Now, before it seems that I pick on Dino too much, Jackie is also a complete jerk. She wants to go ALL the way with Dino, but then at the same time, she doesn't? She plays with Dino's feelings like a puppet with strings; unfair and cruel.

The relationship with Ben and the teacher was SOO fake! I was hoping that latter on in the book it would get more realistic, but to much disappointment, it never did.

Jonathon is definitely the odd ball. I mean, who has a dick nicknamed "Mr. Knobby Knobster?" (Did I mention, he talks too?)

Then the harsh things said about Deborah because of her weight really p***ed me off. Even when Jonathan questioned why he liked Deborah, why ANYONE would like Deborah, it was infuriating. You don't question why you love someone...it just happens without a rhyme or reason. Love is a very strange thing indeed.

Overall, the unrealistic characters were VERY disappointing. Maybe I just had a too high of an expectation for this book.

By all means, don't let my negative review stop you from reading this book. We all have different opinions!

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading a book called "Doing It" lead to no end of tasteless jokes from my friends (nearly as many as when I read "Ragged Dick"), but unfortunately, that was my favorite part of reading this. (It was for class, p.s. - you can think about my poor reading choices when it comes to culinary mysteries and vampire chick-lit, but not this.) I can see its value in its honest portrayal of the mind of the typical teenage boy, but I didn't enjoy reading it at all. I didn't find any reason why I should care about anyone in the book since every character is using someone else (including all the adults). I normally don't feel like I need to find redeeming qualities in characters - I often like books that reveal more about human nature than we are comfortable with - but I hated how people treated each other and talked about each other, and it made me feel depressed about human relationships and interaction. Even characters that eventually had really sad things happen to them couldn't gain sympathy from me because I felt so disgusted by their previous behavior. I thought a lot about whether that is because I'm a girl and therefore don't understand the male mind, or something, but I think its more that I felt like this book was excusing the kinds of people that I don't think should be excused: misogynists, adulterers, abusers, and all with a kind of saucy "did I really just say that" attitude that drove me nuts. Or maybe it was just that the British slang that made me want to claw my eyes out, and I would have enjoyed this if I hadn't had to read "innit" all the time.