In this book Nick Earls has done much to combat the notion that young love is immature love, that it is only for the bold or brash at heart, and most of all that it is based almost soley on physical contact. Earls' main character, Alex, is waiting for his High School grades to come out, waiting to see whether he's scored a university position. He's at the beach house trying to distract himself from the anxiety inherent in the wait, by bodysurfing and watching cricket on TV. Then comes F (we aren't told her full name until later in the book), who surfs into Alex's life and upsets all his plans for an uneventful couple of weeks. Not that he's complaining... Earls uses the first-person present tense device very well indeed, and the book left me feeling a little breathless by the end of it, just like when I first fell in love as a youngster. And if a book can rouse old emotions in that way, then the writer must have achieved something great.

Two of my favourite literary characters are Louis Ironson - from Angels from America - who polemicizes, intellectualizes, pontificates and basically just talks and talks - and Mo, from the very funny comic strip "Dykes to Watch Out For" who basically does the same. In the face of fear, pain or jealousy, they talk against the world, and yeah, it's blathering, but I find it charming. Probably because I do the same, which is maybe a reason why I'm a writer.

The main character in Perfect Skin does an awful lot of talking which biases me towards both liking him and liking the book.

Another reason why I like the book: I like books that are about people and relationships, that don't necessarily need big events to drive the story. Perfect Skin is a page-turner because you want to know what happens to the characters. It's about how we live our daily lives, how we relate to each other, and how we reach out to people.

A lot seems to be made about the humour in this book - and it's true, it's very very funny and enjoyable because of it - but perhaps it works all the better because of what lies underneath - weighty gusts of loss and hurt, recovery and survival.

I found it affecting and beautiful: a perfect little gem of a book that let me under the skin of some characters I was glad to meet and get to know.

I am a self-proclaimed British Chick books lover and when I saw this one in the library, I was intrigued by the cover jacket ~~ it looks like something I would read and the fact that it was written by an Aussie and a male at that, I just had to pick it up. It's wonderful! It's cute and pardon the pun ~~ it's adorable. (I don't think the author would like that term applied to his book!)

Jon, a single dad and doctor, is attempting to go back into the world after his wife's death in childbirth and what ensues is a series of misfortunate and hilarious accidents. (I have to say that Nick Earls sure knows his cats! I am almost tempted to ask him if my cat was the basis of Flag, the cat hero in this book!) Anyhow, one day he was just dad to Lily and a dermatologist in a busy practice then the next day, he's juggling between two women. Katie is the woman trapped in the 80s with the 80s hairdo that Jon and his office mates secretly joke about. Ash is the jogging partner that makes his mind go around in circles. Jon is left juggling his feelings for Ash while trying to let Katie down gently. That is where Flagg comes in. Flagg decides that he likes Jon ~~ and Jon seems to be extremely clumsy where the cat is concerned. (My husband laughed and laughed over choice parts of the book.)

I really can't go into too much details about this book because if I do, I will ruin it for the next person to read this review. All I can say is buy this book and see for yourself. Earls writes with humor and grace about a single dad slowly feeling his way back into the world after his wife's death. He also writes with feeling about Jon's coming to grips with his wife's death and becoming a father. Jon may be bewildered and confused at times, but what father wouldn't be? And it is just one of the best short reads I've read this year.

If Earls has more books out in the States, I'll be sure to pick them up. He is a talent to watch out for.

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Where else could you find a story about a recently widowed father who pees on his date's cat?

I would read this book on the bus to work and everyone would stare at me because I was laughing out loud. It's perfect for any one who appreciates Australians bizarre sense of humor.

Save your positive comments fellow Australians; I set the book for a class of US students and the 2 who bothered to read it missed all of the subtleties. I gave this review a contentious title in the hope it would tempt them to buy the book. Besides, the book is rare in the US--like people who get irony.

As one reviewer said - Read a Nick Earls book and you'll never need be sad again! His books are entertaining and speak the thoughts of the 20-somethings of the world. I recommend this book thoroughly and completely to Australians, particularly Brisbanites who are gosh-darn sick of books set in Sydney and Melbourne. The story takes place in Red Hill, Toowong, Milton and the City, with many familiar landmarks that we've all been to or wanders by at some stage. I'd also recommend this book to an International audience who wants some insight into young life in suburban Australia. I've never read a book that so accurately portrays the psyche of 'my generation' until this one came along- it could also give other age groups an insight into why some of us are slightly bizarre..! This book appeals to the readers sense of humour and irony throughout. The familiar style of writing makes the reader feel comfortable knowing the quirky characters within the pages. A special appearance by Nick's friend Venero Armano, another great Brisbane author (including Firehead), is also quite interesting! (especially when the reader has attended University lectures from both authors!) If you need a laugh or a good read, you'll find both within the pages of ZigZag Street... or any other Nick Earls book for that matter!