Nostradamus and 
Instant Noodles
John Larkin

Hodder Headline: 
Mark Macleod Books 2001

250p pbk $16.95

ISBN: 0-7336-1430-2  

This novel, Nostradamus and Instant Noodles is realistic with a few teen issues, which are mixed with hilarious jokes. Thus the intended age group is about 12-18. There isn’t a terribly visible story line, however it sort of appears randomly. This novel is quite easy to read, with large print and big spaces in between words.

The life of a fifteen year old boy, named Ian, has been flipped around and turned inside out, as his parents both decide to leave without noticing that their teenage son is left to fend for himself. Soon Ian decides to pick up and leave his home town, Sydney and visits his grandparents in Yorkshire, England, the ‘soggy island’.

After saying goodbye to his best friend Eric, Ian leaves for England. He arrives at his grandparents’ house not knowing what to expect. Despite falling on his backside many times because of the weather, Ian finally gets the hang of things, except that he is constantly asked the question “What’s happening in Home and Away and Neighbours?”

Ian starts in a new school, where he finds a new friend named Jeremy, whom together form a caffeine addiction. He becomes good friends with a beautiful Indian girl named Indira, and he finally discovers the real truth behind his family branches, which is not the main point of the story until the end of his trip.

Recommendation: 8.5/10

Sarah, Year 8, Canberra, ACT

This is a humorous book that offers more than the title suggests.  Ian Champion, the main character, suddenly finds himself alone.   Both his mother and father leave home with out telling each and leave Ian by himself.  Ian then leaves Sydney and travels to England, where he starts school and makes new friends.

You see Nostradamus is a nickname given to an old English man who lives next door to Ian's grandparents. Ian's is the main character. Nostradamus predicts the weather, football scores and the end of the world.  When he 'sees' the end of the world it really is his own death that he views.

I recommend this book for readers aged ten and over, especially readers with a sense of humour.

Jocelyn, Year 9, Canberra, ACT

When Ian’s ‘relics’ both leave home at the same time without realizing it, their son is left to fend for himself.  He comes to the solution to go live with his ‘grandrelics’ in Brompton-Under-Silt, South Yorkshire.  And that’s where the crazy adventures begin!

I would recommend this book for the ages 12-16.  This book is filled with laughs and is very detailed.