A charming and entertaining "race against time" from Limerick to Iowa with a balloon full of grampa. Humorous, ridiculous, poignant, sweet and at times, downright bizzare. Definitely recommended! ( )

One of the best books I read this year. Every twist is unexpected and there's simply no way to read this in silence, I ended up snorting and guffawing into my pillow most of the time. Its brilliant. ( )

This was a very different book, full of weird episodes and surprising events, but in a good way. The beginning was a bit slow and felt repetitive, especially the scenes with his best friend Cha and the 'Reiki mistress', whom I couldn't relate to much. Several scenes felt overdone and unnecessary for the continuation of the story, like the author was still searching for the right tone. After some time, I really couldn't wait for Jonny to eventually be on his way to Iowa.

Just as soon as he enters the airport, the real adventure begins and takes him on a surreal journey to the roots of his granddad's - and thus his own - fascinating history. That was the moment where I got hooked and couldn't wait to read what comical situation Jonny would stumble into next. The mood alternated between incredible and hilarious, but curiously, compared to the first half it felt less absurd to me. In between the story also pondered some serious considerations, somehow grounding the whole thing into the real world.

'Balloon Animals' is an absolutely unique and fantastic tale the like of which I've never experienced before.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review) ( )

Balloon Animals was a fun romp through a crisis of missing identity. Jonny, a post grad genealogy student, is floundering through his life, unsure of what to do next. Due to an unforeseen tragedy, Jonny is propelled into a search of comical proportions for that identity. But the question is, who does he really end up finding? ( )

Balloon Animals is the craziest story, really out there, and I loved reading every minute of it. Jonathan Dunne has written a splendid tale and created memorable characters that are lovable despite their flaws. Real life drama could never be so hysterical. The story is different from anything I have encountered, as we follow Jonny Rowe's quest. The characters are a bit bizarre, yet I could relate to them. The more I read the more I laughed. There is also a sad side to this story. The ending was warm hearted. I definitely recommend this book if you want something different, funny and memorable. ( )