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The Project
His life could change the world. His death could save it.
It all started with a book. The most boring book in the world! So boring that nobody would ever read it. The perfect place to hide a terrible secret. But now the book has emerged from its hiding place and the world may never be the same.
An action-packed adventure which will have readers on the edge of their seat
From the best-selling and award-winning author of The Tomorrow Code and Brainjack
Perfect for kids who love Alex Rider
It all started with a book. The most boring book in the world! So boring that nobody would ever read it. The perfect place to hide a terrible secret. But now the book has emerged from its hiding place and the world may never be the same.
An action-packed adventure which will have readers on the edge of their seat
From the best-selling and award-winning author of The Tomorrow Code and Brainjack
Perfect for kids who love Alex Rider
343 pages
First published January 1, 2010
41 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 2, 2012
I thought this was a well written book, A lot of foreseeable plot twists but a fun read in free time. I personally didn't like that other than the two main characters there was not enough backround information on some of the important side characters. My recommendation for people to read this would be if you're going to be on a long road trip, or an airplane flight. The reason for this is that the book is a good book to sit down and read the whole thing through, because there is no good places to hold off and stop reading.
June 12, 2023
I was not expecting to travel back to Nazi Germany.
October 1, 2021
When Luke and Tommy find the most boring book, they have to hide it. The book was missing for years, and someone even put 2 million dollars on the book. After the town gets flooded, Muller tries to get the book. The book started off weird, but it had a good ending. I think it was a good book, but it was mostly about the book they were looking and it took a while to revolve around that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2012
I've been feeling guilty for not giving books their fair shake lately. So, for this one, I tried to follow the Nancy Pearl rule about quitting on books. Which I misremembered*.
Anyway, suffice it to say that I read 70 pages of this book. I had high hopes. Falkner's previous titles (especially Brain Jack) have been recommended to me, and I was looking for more "cool," actiony, boy books with good covers for my January Middle School booktalks.
The beginning of this book is hooky beyond belief. An ominous (and also rather hilarious) prologue about "the most boring book in the world," the phrase "drunken squirrel" in the first sentence of chapter one, a hot/mysterious teacher, and a kid with photographic memory? I thought this would be the easiest book to sell in the world. But when I got to page 45 and there still hadn't been any action scenes, a major plot point involved stealing a book from a library, and these bad-boys also found it in their natures to volunteer to fill sandbags in a community effort to stop a flood... I just couldn't do it. I didn't have a good sense of who these kids were (and what evidence we got was conflicting). I didn't feel like the plot got going fast enough to reel in kids. As much as I like that Falkner integrates a kiwi into an American story, I don't think his speech and humor will translate.
Oh yeah, and the kicker? A librarian isn't capable of coming up with the concept of a bucket brigade without a teenager's help.
Sorry, Falkner, I'm moving on to the next book on my short list.
*For the curious, I read 70 pages - my age subtracted from 100. Nancy's actual rule is: "If you’re fifty years of age or younger, give a book fifty pages before you decide to commit to reading it or give it up. If you’re over fifty, which is when time gets even shorter, subtract your age from 100—the result is the number of pages you should read before making your decision to stay with it or quit." (http://nancypearlbooks.wordpress.com/...)
Anyway, suffice it to say that I read 70 pages of this book. I had high hopes. Falkner's previous titles (especially Brain Jack) have been recommended to me, and I was looking for more "cool," actiony, boy books with good covers for my January Middle School booktalks.
The beginning of this book is hooky beyond belief. An ominous (and also rather hilarious) prologue about "the most boring book in the world," the phrase "drunken squirrel" in the first sentence of chapter one, a hot/mysterious teacher, and a kid with photographic memory? I thought this would be the easiest book to sell in the world. But when I got to page 45 and there still hadn't been any action scenes, a major plot point involved stealing a book from a library, and these bad-boys also found it in their natures to volunteer to fill sandbags in a community effort to stop a flood... I just couldn't do it. I didn't have a good sense of who these kids were (and what evidence we got was conflicting). I didn't feel like the plot got going fast enough to reel in kids. As much as I like that Falkner integrates a kiwi into an American story, I don't think his speech and humor will translate.
Oh yeah, and the kicker? A librarian isn't capable of coming up with the concept of a bucket brigade without a teenager's help.
Sorry, Falkner, I'm moving on to the next book on my short list.
*For the curious, I read 70 pages - my age subtracted from 100. Nancy's actual rule is: "If you’re fifty years of age or younger, give a book fifty pages before you decide to commit to reading it or give it up. If you’re over fifty, which is when time gets even shorter, subtract your age from 100—the result is the number of pages you should read before making your decision to stay with it or quit." (http://nancypearlbooks.wordpress.com/...)
November 17, 2014
In “The Project” a boy and his friend feel that the book they were assigned was the most boring book in the world. They refused to write the report and the vice principal of the school makes a deal with the boys. If the boys can find one list with the book as one of the most boring books, they do not have to write the report. They boys cannot find the book on the list, but see that many people have “Leonardo’s River” as the most boring book. They also find that a man has offered 2 million dollars for the book, as only one copy has been printed. Suddenly a flood hits, and they must save the books at the library in their neighborhood. The library uses a bucket brigade. One boy sees the book in the library, and is so shocked, forgets to take the book. The flood turns out to be extremely destructive. The boys run to get the book, but are intercepted. They find out why Leonardo writes from right to left, and travel to many places.
I feel that the story stayed too much on the uptake. Much of the story was just about the book, not the adventure and what happens with the book. I feel that when you read this book, you could feel discouraged when reading the first part of the book. I also feel that the book was a little cliché, in terms of the adventure. The adventure was the average run of the mill, with a completely evil person, doing evil things. I do feel that the author had taken the structure and put his architecture on it. He had put an original antagonist, and an interesting problem. When I was reading the book, I became hooked at the very end. All in all, the book had a strange beginning, and the end was very good.
I feel that the story stayed too much on the uptake. Much of the story was just about the book, not the adventure and what happens with the book. I feel that when you read this book, you could feel discouraged when reading the first part of the book. I also feel that the book was a little cliché, in terms of the adventure. The adventure was the average run of the mill, with a completely evil person, doing evil things. I do feel that the author had taken the structure and put his architecture on it. He had put an original antagonist, and an interesting problem. When I was reading the book, I became hooked at the very end. All in all, the book had a strange beginning, and the end was very good.
January 31, 2018
George Orwell made a good argument about the degradation of the English language in his essay "Politics and the English Language," saying:
"It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts."
Such is the case here. I can almost feel my brain deteriorating as I read this.
The main characters are insufferable fifteen-year-olds who talk like insufferable fourteen-year-olds. Their dialogue is full of inanity and superfluity and endless idiotic phrases like "easy as" and "dunno."I My human host has (somewhat) recently escaped that age group, and no one actually talks like that. This type of writing might appeal to the minority who identify with these caricatures of human beings, but for the rest of us it's unbelievable and entirely uninteresting.
The plot is sorta like a ripoff of The Da Vinci Code, but it's also far more shallow and desperately prolonged (despite being half the length). It's way less cool, far less intellectually stimulating (the other one wasn't even good in that respect), and ultimately not worth the time I spent reading it. Well, the first half, actually. I slogged intrepidly through the dense jungle of stupid adolescent boys until I realized it was the vast wasteland of inanity and uselessness.
Characters are duller than proverbial doorknobs, the bad guys are straight out of Writing Cliché Villains for Dummies, and the "heroes" are little more than disrespectful and selfish idiots who happen to have and find some rare and expensive stuff.
The point could be argued that this is a book intended for children, or middle schoolers, or something. Firstly, this should not be given to children (language, etc.). Middle schoolers have the mental capacity to comprehend far better literature than this. It might be for younger readers, but there is SO MUCH BETTER stuff for them to read than this.
"It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts."
Such is the case here. I can almost feel my brain deteriorating as I read this.
The main characters are insufferable fifteen-year-olds who talk like insufferable fourteen-year-olds. Their dialogue is full of inanity and superfluity and endless idiotic phrases like "easy as" and "dunno."
The plot is sorta like a ripoff of The Da Vinci Code, but it's also far more shallow and desperately prolonged (despite being half the length). It's way less cool, far less intellectually stimulating (the other one wasn't even good in that respect), and ultimately not worth the time I spent reading it. Well, the first half, actually. I slogged intrepidly through the dense jungle of stupid adolescent boys until I realized it was the vast wasteland of inanity and uselessness.
Characters are duller than proverbial doorknobs, the bad guys are straight out of Writing Cliché Villains for Dummies, and the "heroes" are little more than disrespectful and selfish idiots who happen to have and find some rare and expensive stuff.
The point could be argued that this is a book intended for children, or middle schoolers, or something. Firstly, this should not be given to children (language, etc.). Middle schoolers have the mental capacity to comprehend far better literature than this. It might be for younger readers, but there is SO MUCH BETTER stuff for them to read than this.
Want to read
August 21, 2020Storylines Notable Books List 2011 Young Adult Fiction list for The Project- Award
Title: The Project
Author: Brian Falkner
Genre: Science fiction (sci-fi), Adventure, Historical fiction, Thriller
Rating out of 10: 10
Why I decided to read this book?
I decided to read this book because I newly learnt about Brian Falkner and I thought to try out his books. I looked through all his available books and this book (The project) stood out because of its unusually catching blurb.
Why I liked it (or didn’t like it) and my favorite quote and why.
I liked the book a lot (loved) because it was perfectly fit in my genre. The vocabulary supported the amazing book very well and the book was very well written. Amount of twists, hooks, shocks, thrills and excitement I got from this book was maximum. My favorite quote in the book was “life doesn’t change” it’s very impactful and it shows the author has put a few hidden themes into the book with all the other funny and thrilling events.
Something new I learned from this book/The book made me think differently about.
The book made me think differently about books because it was based around ‘saving the world’ which all started from a book. Although the novel was fiction, it is possible that an historical book could be found in a library and it could change the lives of someone. The odds are low of something like this occurring is extremely low it could happen if it was planned way back.
A character or setting in this book that was interesting to me (and why).
Although the whole book was interesting because of how it was written on everything real, if I was to choose one character or setting it would be Mrs. Sheck (Luke and Tommy’s teacher) because during the end of the book a big twist was based on her. Overall, her role was weird compared to the others, she was a hidden character and then all of a sudden, she becomes one of the main characters.
Title: The Project
Author: Brian Falkner
Genre: Science fiction (sci-fi), Adventure, Historical fiction, Thriller
Rating out of 10: 10
Why I decided to read this book?
I decided to read this book because I newly learnt about Brian Falkner and I thought to try out his books. I looked through all his available books and this book (The project) stood out because of its unusually catching blurb.
Why I liked it (or didn’t like it) and my favorite quote and why.
I liked the book a lot (loved) because it was perfectly fit in my genre. The vocabulary supported the amazing book very well and the book was very well written. Amount of twists, hooks, shocks, thrills and excitement I got from this book was maximum. My favorite quote in the book was “life doesn’t change” it’s very impactful and it shows the author has put a few hidden themes into the book with all the other funny and thrilling events.
Something new I learned from this book/The book made me think differently about.
The book made me think differently about books because it was based around ‘saving the world’ which all started from a book. Although the novel was fiction, it is possible that an historical book could be found in a library and it could change the lives of someone. The odds are low of something like this occurring is extremely low it could happen if it was planned way back.
A character or setting in this book that was interesting to me (and why).
Although the whole book was interesting because of how it was written on everything real, if I was to choose one character or setting it would be Mrs. Sheck (Luke and Tommy’s teacher) because during the end of the book a big twist was based on her. Overall, her role was weird compared to the others, she was a hidden character and then all of a sudden, she becomes one of the main characters.
October 18, 2017
Personal Response: I think that this book was very creative, the author knew how to make characters develop. The plot had one huge plot twist that was interesting. I also liked the book because it has to do with the holocaust, and i think that is a interesting subject.I didn't like how the book dragged on I think there was too much information. The book is one of the best books i have read.
Plot Summary: Luke and Tommy are reading the most boring book in the world. It was the perfect place to hide the most dangerous secret. They realise that they hold a great power with the book, but they are not the only ones who know the power of the book. Luke and Tommy are in a battle with famous outlaws to take the power of the book and change the course of history. Luke and Tommy must do everything they can to stop them from giving hitler power ,and taking over the world.
Recommendation: I recommend this book to people who like action and are adventours. The book's main characters are two boys who act like spies, so I would recommend this to boys. This would probably be read by 7th grade to 12th grade because there is history that you have to understand to read the book.
Characterization: Luke started out as a normal kid who went to school, and hung out with his friends. Throughout the book he developed into more of a man and has to fend for himself. Towards the end of the book he is a heroic kid who saves America from Hitler's army.
Plot Summary: Luke and Tommy are reading the most boring book in the world. It was the perfect place to hide the most dangerous secret. They realise that they hold a great power with the book, but they are not the only ones who know the power of the book. Luke and Tommy are in a battle with famous outlaws to take the power of the book and change the course of history. Luke and Tommy must do everything they can to stop them from giving hitler power ,and taking over the world.
Recommendation: I recommend this book to people who like action and are adventours. The book's main characters are two boys who act like spies, so I would recommend this to boys. This would probably be read by 7th grade to 12th grade because there is history that you have to understand to read the book.
Characterization: Luke started out as a normal kid who went to school, and hung out with his friends. Throughout the book he developed into more of a man and has to fend for himself. Towards the end of the book he is a heroic kid who saves America from Hitler's army.
November 16, 2017
Goodreads review
I read the book The Project by Brian Falkner. The book is a mystery book and has 275 pages. The main characters in this book were Tommy and Luke. They are really good friends but almost seemed like brothers. The characters end up finding this super rare book called Leonardo’s River. They believe it has a secret code for something. Tommy and Luke end up getting a little too nosy and get caught. They are held hostage with a guy named Mueller who knows what to do with the book and has been looking for the book. Mueller plans on going back in time and changing the world. So Tommy and Luke follow him back in time to try and stop him. They go on an adventure of a lifetime that they will never forget. Read the book to find out if Tommy and Luke can stop Mueller from changing the world.
This book was probably one of the most favorite books I’ve ever read. I thought the author did a great job at the end of every chapter of leaving a cliffhanger for the reader. My favorite part of the book is when everything starts to unravel and it all starts to make sense. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone and especially to people who like exciting and a creative mystery books. The theme of the book is to never give up and always do what is right. I learned that even as a kid we can stand up for what is right and we should always be ourselves. I would give this book a 4.75 stars out of 5.
I read the book The Project by Brian Falkner. The book is a mystery book and has 275 pages. The main characters in this book were Tommy and Luke. They are really good friends but almost seemed like brothers. The characters end up finding this super rare book called Leonardo’s River. They believe it has a secret code for something. Tommy and Luke end up getting a little too nosy and get caught. They are held hostage with a guy named Mueller who knows what to do with the book and has been looking for the book. Mueller plans on going back in time and changing the world. So Tommy and Luke follow him back in time to try and stop him. They go on an adventure of a lifetime that they will never forget. Read the book to find out if Tommy and Luke can stop Mueller from changing the world.
This book was probably one of the most favorite books I’ve ever read. I thought the author did a great job at the end of every chapter of leaving a cliffhanger for the reader. My favorite part of the book is when everything starts to unravel and it all starts to make sense. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone and especially to people who like exciting and a creative mystery books. The theme of the book is to never give up and always do what is right. I learned that even as a kid we can stand up for what is right and we should always be ourselves. I would give this book a 4.75 stars out of 5.
May 27, 2017
Luke finds himself bored in school and takes to pulling pranks, which results in him being assigned to find the most boring book in the world. Which he miraculously, because there is only one in existence, discovers. When people start disappearing and three men start chasing him down to get the book, Luke realizes the books holds the instructions to da Vinci's time machine. A time machine which a radical remnant of the Nazis has found and is going to use to deliver rudimentary nuclear warhead plans back in time to 1944. So off Luke travels to the past to save the future. It was a fun, fast-paced book with a very relatable protagonist. This book should make a splash with teen boys, bored with school and fascinate with war, history, espionage, and/ or science.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2020
Read and recommend and gift Falkner's The Tomorrow Code instead! I know I'm not the target demographic for this book. When I read the passage where Taco bell hot sauce disables an attacker, I rolled my eyes, chuckled a smidge, and had trouble deciding if that was written for an adolescent, or by one. But what really ground my gears was the flood scene. Sure, crossing the bridge was dumb, but it's the kind of mis-judgement even adults make. Telling the police their sister was out there - beyond the pale. These kids are old enough to bike around town by themselves, they're old enough to know that's a dangerous and unacceptable lie. Move the tree getting hit by lightening here as the distraction that allows them to run off. Or have the bridge break up and wash down river. There are ways to create a distraction that aren't so appalling.
December 5, 2017
It starts of childish and slow but by about halfway the action picks up and you get into some really interesting ideas. I'll try to avoid spoilers, but I really appreciated the incorporation of the historical aspects of the book. And I thought there were some very poignant moments. Luke's memory retention is a fascinating literary device and very useful, although it can also be a detriment in certain situations. The second half of the book is fast paced and engaging. I definitely think it makes up for the slower start.
Over all a fun read and would recommend to younger middle school audiences.
Over all a fun read and would recommend to younger middle school audiences.
March 19, 2021
I really enjoyed the book until the time travel and then it threw me for a tailspin. I wasn’t expecting it and, thus, spent the last part of the book distracted because of the twist. Despite my distraction, overall it was enjoyable. In fact, had I known of the Nazi link prior to reading the book, I may have put it closer to the top of my “to read” stack and read it sooner! I liked the premise of a secret being hidden in a book. Really liked the idea that it was inside “the most boring book in the world.” Laughed and thought “Hmmm, maybe Moby Dick hides a secret!” Mystery, suspense, bits of humor: I can see a reluctant reader getting hooked and ready for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2019
Ok so this book had its title changed to ‘the most boring book in the world’ and the opening line is literally about how it’s not the most boring book in the world; it’s about the most boring book in the world. But let me tell you... that book is definitely literally the most boring book in the world! I mean in some parts it was good but in others it just dragged and dragged. I think Brian Falkner is an amazing author - no hate to him or anyone else, maybe I’m being a little harsh but it just really wasn’t my thing.
October 14, 2018
I feel like I've been giving books three stars recently. I can't help it, just the books seem to be "Fine" only, so I give them 3 stars, which for me is the middle range.
I got lost many times in this book, sort of confused at what was happening. And I didn't really like how the boys kept STEALING. Oh well.
And the beginning of the book was hard for me to get into, sort of boring with the flood and all.
Soo...Yeah, only 3 stars.
I got lost many times in this book, sort of confused at what was happening. And I didn't really like how the boys kept STEALING. Oh well.
And the beginning of the book was hard for me to get into, sort of boring with the flood and all.
Soo...Yeah, only 3 stars.
August 10, 2025
I picked this book up while I was waiting for another book to come, and I was very surprised! It was a quick and easy read, but the story line was packed full. The whole concept of the book was intriguing to me: a book, the rarest book in the world, holds the answers to time travel. The main characters, Luke and Tommy, were fun to get to know and I enjoyed their friendly banter. Overall, this book really surprised me and I enjoyed it a lot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
An interesting, fast-paced historical fiction— although not entirely original— about time-traveling to keep Nazi Germany from changing the outcome of WW2.
I enjoyed it, but wouldn’t read it again. Not near as clever as Falkner’s “Brain Jack”, which I would recommend in a heartbeat as an alternative sci-fi thriller.
I enjoyed it, but wouldn’t read it again. Not near as clever as Falkner’s “Brain Jack”, which I would recommend in a heartbeat as an alternative sci-fi thriller.
April 29, 2024
A fun and wild ride that takes a simple premise and goes to insane places. Brian Falkner always crafts an addicting story with great twists and turns. The characters are believable and fun. I didn't, at all, see the ending coming. All in all, it was a fun ride that left me wanting more!
March 19, 2019
Nice light read, no excruciatingly annoying characters.
January 28, 2024
This book was a quick respite from my normal scientific non-fiction readings. It’s served it’s purpose well. My fiancé had the book from when he was 12? So yes, very easy read.
September 29, 2011
What if a powerful secret was hidden in the pages of the 'most boring book ever written?' That is exactly what this author has created in one of the most amazing books to hit the YA market in a long time.
Luke and Tommy are young boys who live in Iowa. A completely boring world, where the only interesting things they have to do are the pranks they play on others. Luke is from New Zealand, ending up in Iowa because of a job his father had to take in order to pay the bills. He is very smart. In fact, Luke has been gifted with a perfect memory. All he needs to do is see something once, and it’s in his brain for life.
Tommy is from Iowa. He is a rich kid with lots of dough, and his father supplies him with all the newest technological 'toys' that are on the market. In fact, Tommy wants nothing more than to grow up and become a spy with the CIA, and spends most of his time with his 'bells and whistles' trying to track down bad guys, and learn the ways of a true spy.
One day, the boys decide to pull a prank at their school which lands them in the principal’s office. They are in deep trouble. They are told that they have to spend their summer reading a book and writing a report, in order to stay in school next year. The principal tells them, however, that if they can find where someone - anyone - said that this book was the most boring book in the world, they didn’t have to do the assignment.
Luke runs home and searches, but stumbles across the fact that there was only one most boring book in the world, and it was called Leonardo’s River. This book was like a scientific text, listing all of DaVinci’s experiments and humdrum theories, and there is only one copy of the book remaining somewhere on earth. Luke also finds out that there is a millionaire who has stated he will pay a great deal of money for anyone finding the one copy of Leonardo’s River.
Where is the most boring book in the world? The most boring place in the world. Luke and Tommy soon stumble across the text in their very own University library. The story behind why it’s there and how it came to be is startling, but what’s even more startling is the true secret that’s hidden inside its pages.
Add in time machines, experiments, and ingenious inventions that were made centuries ago, AND an old story of Nazi Germany and what was being built right before the Allies won the "whole thing," and Luke and Tommy soon find themselves in a thrilling mystery that they must solve in order to save the world.
This author has written a captivating novel using true historical events from WWII, and the secrets that DaVinci - the ultimate mind - discovered centuries before the rest of us.
Captivating, thrilling, fun - this story may be about the most boring book in the world, but this one is anything but!
Luke and Tommy are young boys who live in Iowa. A completely boring world, where the only interesting things they have to do are the pranks they play on others. Luke is from New Zealand, ending up in Iowa because of a job his father had to take in order to pay the bills. He is very smart. In fact, Luke has been gifted with a perfect memory. All he needs to do is see something once, and it’s in his brain for life.
Tommy is from Iowa. He is a rich kid with lots of dough, and his father supplies him with all the newest technological 'toys' that are on the market. In fact, Tommy wants nothing more than to grow up and become a spy with the CIA, and spends most of his time with his 'bells and whistles' trying to track down bad guys, and learn the ways of a true spy.
One day, the boys decide to pull a prank at their school which lands them in the principal’s office. They are in deep trouble. They are told that they have to spend their summer reading a book and writing a report, in order to stay in school next year. The principal tells them, however, that if they can find where someone - anyone - said that this book was the most boring book in the world, they didn’t have to do the assignment.
Luke runs home and searches, but stumbles across the fact that there was only one most boring book in the world, and it was called Leonardo’s River. This book was like a scientific text, listing all of DaVinci’s experiments and humdrum theories, and there is only one copy of the book remaining somewhere on earth. Luke also finds out that there is a millionaire who has stated he will pay a great deal of money for anyone finding the one copy of Leonardo’s River.
Where is the most boring book in the world? The most boring place in the world. Luke and Tommy soon stumble across the text in their very own University library. The story behind why it’s there and how it came to be is startling, but what’s even more startling is the true secret that’s hidden inside its pages.
Add in time machines, experiments, and ingenious inventions that were made centuries ago, AND an old story of Nazi Germany and what was being built right before the Allies won the "whole thing," and Luke and Tommy soon find themselves in a thrilling mystery that they must solve in order to save the world.
This author has written a captivating novel using true historical events from WWII, and the secrets that DaVinci - the ultimate mind - discovered centuries before the rest of us.
Captivating, thrilling, fun - this story may be about the most boring book in the world, but this one is anything but!
August 2, 2013
I love books about books
I love books about books – secret books, coded books, historical books, books no longer in print, even the most boring book in the world, which is the subject of this story.
Brian Falkner has created and crafted an inventive story around Nazi Germany that one could not see coming from the first few chapters depicting the fairly mundane lives of 2 teenage boys living in Iowa. It seems that the critics and the public love stories that remind the reader of history and particularly of WW2 and Germany’s role in it. So it is a surprise that this first-rate young-adult book has skirted their attention. It should be filling the bookshops and entering teen households the world over. “The Boy in Striped Pajamas” by John Boyne and “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak come to mind. “The Project” is every bit as good.
In a snapshot, Luke McKay and Tommy Wundheiler (who luckily can also speak German), serendipitously find the most boring book in the world – the sole-surviving copy of it, find out that there is a reward on it, go back in flood waters to basically steal it, find that international men of mystery are on their trails and do their best to keep the book out of the hands of these antagonists. However, their plans unravel when they are flown to present-day Germany and interestingly to the Germany of World War 2. This reader was waiting for the contraption to take them to the genius Leonardo Da Vince, but that may have to wait for another book. Dan Brown fans take note: the Vitruvian Man features predominantly in this mystery.
We follow Luke and Tommy from one hair-raising adventure after another.
The reason for the 4 stars (rather than 5) is the slightly saggy start, which might have better kick-started the story. Once the pace kicks in around a third of the way in, it is a roller-coaster adventure that will strongly appeal to girls and boys, with the brilliant destruction of the time machine being a highlight. Highly recommended.
I love books about books – secret books, coded books, historical books, books no longer in print, even the most boring book in the world, which is the subject of this story.
Brian Falkner has created and crafted an inventive story around Nazi Germany that one could not see coming from the first few chapters depicting the fairly mundane lives of 2 teenage boys living in Iowa. It seems that the critics and the public love stories that remind the reader of history and particularly of WW2 and Germany’s role in it. So it is a surprise that this first-rate young-adult book has skirted their attention. It should be filling the bookshops and entering teen households the world over. “The Boy in Striped Pajamas” by John Boyne and “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak come to mind. “The Project” is every bit as good.
In a snapshot, Luke McKay and Tommy Wundheiler (who luckily can also speak German), serendipitously find the most boring book in the world – the sole-surviving copy of it, find out that there is a reward on it, go back in flood waters to basically steal it, find that international men of mystery are on their trails and do their best to keep the book out of the hands of these antagonists. However, their plans unravel when they are flown to present-day Germany and interestingly to the Germany of World War 2. This reader was waiting for the contraption to take them to the genius Leonardo Da Vince, but that may have to wait for another book. Dan Brown fans take note: the Vitruvian Man features predominantly in this mystery.
We follow Luke and Tommy from one hair-raising adventure after another.
The reason for the 4 stars (rather than 5) is the slightly saggy start, which might have better kick-started the story. Once the pace kicks in around a third of the way in, it is a roller-coaster adventure that will strongly appeal to girls and boys, with the brilliant destruction of the time machine being a highlight. Highly recommended.
March 30, 2012
This book was certainly interesting. Brian Falkner definitely has a unique writing style. It didn't draw me in as much as Brain Jack did, but it was enough to keep me reading. The main characters, two teenage boys, were funny and realistic. I love that. I especially love the prank the boys pulled that started out the whole misadventure. And then there was something about proving what the most boring book in the world was. That was rather amusing.
Something that I found rather interesting was that one of the main characters has a photographic memory. It is a constant source of amusement, annoyance, and awe in the book, and turns out to be very important in more than one occasion. The other main character spoke German. Very cool, seeing as I neither have a photographic memory, nor do I speak German.
The whole stealing Leonardo's River thing didn't really turn out as expected. That's part one of the surprise in this book. The thieves weren't exactly crazy book collectors, or people trying to get rich from a crazy book collector. Part two of surprise: Leonardo's River. Not exactly what it seems. Part three: really unexpected. I can't say more without adding spoilers, but I was definitely surprised.
I expected this book to be somewhat cliche and was excited to see that it wasn't, even if it was definitely different. This is a good on-the-side misadventure book. A fun read. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did!
Something that I found rather interesting was that one of the main characters has a photographic memory. It is a constant source of amusement, annoyance, and awe in the book, and turns out to be very important in more than one occasion. The other main character spoke German. Very cool, seeing as I neither have a photographic memory, nor do I speak German.
The whole stealing Leonardo's River thing didn't really turn out as expected. That's part one of the surprise in this book. The thieves weren't exactly crazy book collectors, or people trying to get rich from a crazy book collector. Part two of surprise: Leonardo's River. Not exactly what it seems. Part three: really unexpected. I can't say more without adding spoilers, but I was definitely surprised.
I expected this book to be somewhat cliche and was excited to see that it wasn't, even if it was definitely different. This is a good on-the-side misadventure book. A fun read. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did!
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March 16, 2011The Project is a really great book. I started reading it and absolutely loved reading it. The action was at a reasonable pace so I wanted to keep reading but didn't feel like things were rushing or taking too long.
I have to be honest that before I read the book I thought German Bad Guys + Leonardo Da Vinci makes a cliche book but actually no, I thought the Project was quite original in its ideas and the big secret of Da Vinci's was actually pretty cool.
The characters were really cool too. They added some humour into the book and while I did shake my head at some of Luke's crazy ideas and way of jumping into things without thinking I thought he was a good character. Tommy too.
A lot of reviews talk of The Project being for boys more than anything but I honestly think that both guys and girls will enjoy this one. There is no romance but I never really noticed until I stopped to think about it because it doesn't really matter.
There was one point in the novel where we are given a preview of how the most boring book in the world reads and let me say that Brian Falkner does an amazing job at making the book incredibly boring it really just added to my opinion that Brian Falkner is very good at writing.
If you're looking for a fun-filled action adventure story then you might just enjoy The Project because it is quite an enjoyable read.
I have to be honest that before I read the book I thought German Bad Guys + Leonardo Da Vinci makes a cliche book but actually no, I thought the Project was quite original in its ideas and the big secret of Da Vinci's was actually pretty cool.
The characters were really cool too. They added some humour into the book and while I did shake my head at some of Luke's crazy ideas and way of jumping into things without thinking I thought he was a good character. Tommy too.
A lot of reviews talk of The Project being for boys more than anything but I honestly think that both guys and girls will enjoy this one. There is no romance but I never really noticed until I stopped to think about it because it doesn't really matter.
There was one point in the novel where we are given a preview of how the most boring book in the world reads and let me say that Brian Falkner does an amazing job at making the book incredibly boring it really just added to my opinion that Brian Falkner is very good at writing.
If you're looking for a fun-filled action adventure story then you might just enjoy The Project because it is quite an enjoyable read.
February 25, 2016
Tommy and Luke are mischievous high school students who are caught vandalizing a statue of the town's founding father using a toilet seat, toilet paper, duct tape, and a copy of The Last of the Mohicans. While trying to prove to the principal that the novel is the most boring book ever written, Luke discovers an article about Leonardo's River, a book written about Leonardo da Vinci that may be the most boring book in history. It turns out the book is located in the town's library and may be worth millions of dollars. Luke and Tommy get wrapped up in the mystery surrounding the book and the kidnapping of their teacher by Nazi sympathizers. The book may be the key that changes the outcome of World War II!
The big secret about Leonardo's River involved science fiction, but it didn't come about until the end of the plot. It's hard to believe that two high school boys can get so deeply involved in a plot that affects the entire the world, but what else is new? I enjoyed the banter and imagination between the two characters, as they tried to resolve the conflict. They tried to make sensible decisions, but the situation got out of control. The idea of changing the outcomes of past events isn't something new in literature, but combining Nazis, Leonardo da Vinci, and two high school boys was interesting.
The big secret about Leonardo's River involved science fiction, but it didn't come about until the end of the plot. It's hard to believe that two high school boys can get so deeply involved in a plot that affects the entire the world, but what else is new? I enjoyed the banter and imagination between the two characters, as they tried to resolve the conflict. They tried to make sensible decisions, but the situation got out of control. The idea of changing the outcomes of past events isn't something new in literature, but combining Nazis, Leonardo da Vinci, and two high school boys was interesting.
October 17, 2011
Tommy and Luke get into trouble at school by pranking a statue of the town's hero. They are in further trouble by showing disrespect for "The Last of the Mohicans." The vice-principal offers them an out if they can prove the novel is the most boring book as both boys have testified. While researching boring books, they find a reference to "Leonardo's River". When a flood hits the town, lo and behold, this boring and million-dollar-valuable book turns up in the about-to-be-flooded library. After stealing the book, the boys become targets of billionaire Mr. Mullins (Mueller) who wants the book because it contains the plans for an atomic bomb which Mullins is planning to take back in time to help Hitler win WWII. The book was OK. I really liked the boys and Tommy's backpack treasure trove of spy gadgets. It seemed like he could out-bond James Bond for techie tools. I didn't think the boys acted like 15-year old high school students and their glamorous English teacher didn't seem to fit into the plot except to allow them to drool over her. Mullins' sister also changed too quickly from a dedicated Hitlerite to helping the boys get fake ID's so they could stop her brother. Not one of his best books - certainly not as Good as "Brain Jack" and "Tomorrow Code."
March 8, 2012
I read "The Project" by Brain Falkner, and I really enjoyed. The book starts off a little slow, but after it begins to pick up, it gets really good. I really enjoyed the way Falkner described the action sequences in the book. All the action scenes seemed like they were something something you'd actually see in a movie, and I found myself having an easy time drawing these scenes in my head. The story was also so rich with detail and easy to get into it was so thickly drawn out that I had no problem getting into it. Tommy and Luke had to find the most boring book in the world on the internet, and they saw that it was worth millions of dollars. In the process of getting the books out of the library's basement, they come upon the "Most Boring Book in the World" and steal it. They then have to out run this mysterious group of guys throughout the book as well as the police. It's a really interesting story, and as I stated earlier it was really easy to get into once you get a little bit into it. I would definitely recommend it to anybody. It helps if you're into the action/drama type of books, but I don't think it's absolutely nessecary because I'm not usually overly in love with this type of book but I really enjoyed it.
October 27, 2015
I thought this book was a very good book. It was very well written and I could understand what the author was saying throughout the book. One reason I liked this book was because of the story line.
This book starts out with two middle school boys who got into trouble all the time. In the beginning the two buys tepee a statue that has history to their town. But these boys were good at heart. So even though they got in trouble they still helped out the community. Luke and Tommy, the two boys were helping move books out of a libraries basement when there was going to be a flood in the town. The libraries basement is full of rare books. So while they were helping move the books, Luke sees a book called Leonardo's River. A very rare book. So Luke ends up taking it. But it turns out that someone else is interested in the book too. So one day Mueller, the guy who is after the book, steals the book from Luke's house. The book has information that if put in the wrong hands would be bad news. So Luke and Tommy have to go out and find Mueller and steel the book back in time before it is too late.
I would recommend this book to any middle school kid that loves adventures and mystery books.
This book starts out with two middle school boys who got into trouble all the time. In the beginning the two buys tepee a statue that has history to their town. But these boys were good at heart. So even though they got in trouble they still helped out the community. Luke and Tommy, the two boys were helping move books out of a libraries basement when there was going to be a flood in the town. The libraries basement is full of rare books. So while they were helping move the books, Luke sees a book called Leonardo's River. A very rare book. So Luke ends up taking it. But it turns out that someone else is interested in the book too. So one day Mueller, the guy who is after the book, steals the book from Luke's house. The book has information that if put in the wrong hands would be bad news. So Luke and Tommy have to go out and find Mueller and steel the book back in time before it is too late.
I would recommend this book to any middle school kid that loves adventures and mystery books.
September 10, 2016
It all starts with a boring book. Two teenage boys are in trouble for a prank they pulled which included said boring book in the spotlight. This book they were assigned to read in school isn't the only boring book in this story though, and what begins as a school project as penance for their prank turns out to be a key to something deadly, in more ways than one.
Initially The Project was just okay. The subject was not super exciting, but it was alright. Then you discover it was all just to set things up when a major transition occurs that makes it a lot more interesting and even intense at times. Just as you're getting into it, there's another shift that makes the story even more engaging and you almost can't turn the pages fast enough. Among the suspense Falkner adds a little humor, and don't miss the flying toilet! One of the best things about the book was that the two main characters were so real and will be relate-able to a large audience. You are either like these boys or you're friends with someone who is. Entertaining both male and female audiences, The Project earns high marks!
For full review go to http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
Initially The Project was just okay. The subject was not super exciting, but it was alright. Then you discover it was all just to set things up when a major transition occurs that makes it a lot more interesting and even intense at times. Just as you're getting into it, there's another shift that makes the story even more engaging and you almost can't turn the pages fast enough. Among the suspense Falkner adds a little humor, and don't miss the flying toilet! One of the best things about the book was that the two main characters were so real and will be relate-able to a large audience. You are either like these boys or you're friends with someone who is. Entertaining both male and female audiences, The Project earns high marks!
For full review go to http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
December 14, 2015
The book itself wasn't that bad.
Okay, yeah it was a bit juvenile and quite frustrating to read.
The plot didn't build up that much, and although there were a few surprises and twists, it was quite predictable otherwise.
In fact, I'm currently trying to decide whether the ending was "HELLA GOOOOOD" or "eh, predictable."
Both?!
The characters just had it too easy. It wasn't straight up. Brian Falkner, keep it real, man!
It took me a while to complete the book bc of the annoying plot.
There were a few details, which seemed useless or some that didn't contribute to the plot.
That's hella annoying.
All in all, there weren't that many characters, so it wasn't hard to keep track of them and their personalities (COUGH, the westing game, COUGH), and it turned out to be an okay read.
PS: Tommy was pretty annoying. Luke was aight. I just have no idea why they were so obsessed with Ms. Sheck. She seems aight.
PPS: MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE FROM THIS BOOK WAS THAT THEY HAD SO MANY LINES IN GERMAN, BUT THEY DIDN'T TRANSLATE ANY OF THEM. I'M SITTING THERE, TYPING DIALOGUE FROM THE BOOK INTO GOOGLE TRANSLATE SO I CAN UNDERSTAND IT.
EUGH SO AGGRAVATING
Okay, yeah it was a bit juvenile and quite frustrating to read.
The plot didn't build up that much, and although there were a few surprises and twists, it was quite predictable otherwise.
In fact, I'm currently trying to decide whether the ending was "HELLA GOOOOOD" or "eh, predictable."
Both?!
The characters just had it too easy. It wasn't straight up. Brian Falkner, keep it real, man!
It took me a while to complete the book bc of the annoying plot.
There were a few details, which seemed useless or some that didn't contribute to the plot.
That's hella annoying.
All in all, there weren't that many characters, so it wasn't hard to keep track of them and their personalities (COUGH, the westing game, COUGH), and it turned out to be an okay read.
PS: Tommy was pretty annoying. Luke was aight. I just have no idea why they were so obsessed with Ms. Sheck. She seems aight.
PPS: MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE FROM THIS BOOK WAS THAT THEY HAD SO MANY LINES IN GERMAN, BUT THEY DIDN'T TRANSLATE ANY OF THEM. I'M SITTING THERE, TYPING DIALOGUE FROM THE BOOK INTO GOOGLE TRANSLATE SO I CAN UNDERSTAND IT.
EUGH SO AGGRAVATING
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