יואב אבני

Time Clocks ("Sheonei Nochechut")

"Sweet, funny, and surprising, this book plays with ideas, language, and a myriad of references—such as 'Twilight is just evening with good PR,' 'Some people find rhymes in everything,' or the whimsical thought of a Waze option that, besides the fastest or shortest route, could also offer a peaceful path free from burdensome memories. *Time Clocks* by Yoav Avni is a delightful read." – Shlomit Uziel, language editor, author, and lecturer in Hebrew linguistics.

"Boaz and the rest of the peculiar group (here I was reminded of Dorothy and her friends from Oz) try to find their way in a world familiar to Boaz but completely foreign to them. This struggle gives the book a comedic character as well. Since one character is from the 1980s, there are many references specifically to this era, which adds a nostalgic quality. Things become clearer throughout this enigmatic book, which is neither a detective novel nor a thriller, though it takes on some of these qualities towards its end as the pace of events accelerates. Of course, we cannot reveal more details about the plot, particularly its ending, so we'll conclude by saying that it's a highly enjoyable book that takes place in our world.", Gadi Eidelhait, Book Reviewer and Critic.

"As always, with clever humor, wild imagination, and creativity, Yoav guides us through the 'flowchart' he’s constructed—a sprawling 'decision tree,' a self-evolving matrix in motion. We experience a fantastic and multi-sensory journey, disturbingly realistic despite its overt fictional nature. With wisdom and sensitivity, Yoav leads the reader through an entire spectrum of emotions: laughter, tears, anger, joy, schadenfreude, excitement, and, above all, profound admiration for this daring work. The characters are described with such clarity that they come vividly to life, offering numerous comedic and heartwarming moments. I greatly enjoyed reading the book and highly recommend it.", Gal Liber, author of "The Right Thing"

"A rich, full, and inviting plot", "numerous twists and moments of insight, character growth, and depth","the story is managed with a steady hand, abundant richness, and generosity", "beautiful, uplifting for both heart and mind", "despite the unyielding pace (and though it contains moments of calm), it carries from the first page to the last a spirit of moderation and a passion for truth that imposes neither force nor obligation—just life.", "You absolutely must read Time Clocks.", Ori Goldberg, Time Sage

"Time should be cherished, not exploited with arrogance. It must be grasped with humility, for time is here, filling our eyes and hearts, but it is not here to stay. We are all its users; it harbors no intent for profit or harm. Time can be nostalgic or innovative, but it is always gentle, with hidden corners waiting to be discovered. Time Clocks is Yoav Avni's latest masterpiece—brilliant, beautiful, and profound. I had the privilege of reading (and loving) it before everyone else. Thank you, Yoav. If you're looking for a smart, witty book that will blow your mind with insights, don't wait—go get it now.", Liat Lev Ran, author of "Authorized Signatory" and "Without Coverage"

When the world turned over ("Kshe-Haolam Hithapech")

"Besides the images and insights, the story has many other strengths. The plot is interesting, gripping and tense throughout the book... The characters in the book are convincing and interesting and the dialogues are successful... The character of Tal-Yaar, who is an active, smart and strong girl, should be noted... Characters like her still don't appear enough in children's and youth literature, and its presence in this book is gratifying... The insights in the book have a beautiful power for different ages... The truck metaphor that appears at the beginning and at the end is subtle, beautiful, and full of meaning - like the book as a whole." Li Evron, "Hapinkas"

"The book is intended for elementary school students who read without scoring and also for the division, but it is written so well that adults will also enjoy it." Meira Barnea Goldberg, “Mako”

"What did I like about the book? Every night when I finished reading the book, I dreamed that I was inside it and experienced what Rotem experienced and felt, I felt that I was right there with him in the plot. I just wanted to keep reading and reading even when my mother told me to turn off the light and go to sleep. I felt as if the book was written especially for me. What didn't I like? That I ran out too quickly." From a review by Lavie, 12 years old, from a review in “books and blue curls”

"This is indeed a book for young people, but it is undoubtedly suitable for all ages. It deals with feelings and maturation, the world of adults and its interface with the world of children and the way for everyone to experience the full picture to which they are exposed. It is a magical, engrossing and hypnotic story that is hard to stop, and even the childishness of it returns. It is highly recommended not only for youth, but also for younger children who are prepared for a slightly more meaningful reading, and no less for adults who enjoy remembering for a moment the meaning of the strong and powerful emotions they felt as children." From a review in “a stroke of a pen”

"I discovered a fine, mesmerizing book for young people (also for adults who will enjoy it very much), composed of golden sentences and pearls of language, moving paragraphs, fascinating characters and interesting life scenes. A book for young people that is a school for the love of language, writing and understanding for a sensitive and enlarged heart in a world that is unfolding to its right place." From a review by Sarit Peled

Crossing a river twice ("Lahzot Nahar Paamaim")

"Innovative and creative Hebrew and a truly revolutionary world of images... Once you start, you can't stop." Ran Ben Nun, “Yedioth Ahronot“

"Crossing a River Twice manages to be an exciting and fast-paced book - no small feat considering that its protagonist himself strives for a minimum of action. He has one great character who carries everything else on his back, and when the detective mystery is solved, it gives way to rhythmic and bloody action." Itay Shlmkovitch, “Don't panic”

"Yoav Avni wants us to fall in love with the monster in the lake and also with the one inside our head. For this he makes us first of all feel compassion for her, to get to know her closely. He also makes us fall in love with her through the characters who cling to her desperately when their lives are about to drown... the developed imagination of Avni is one of his strongest tools as a writer when he makes use of it while describing the other details in a completely true way... not only do we fall in love with the monster, on the contrary, Avni makes us love and be moved by all the characters he weaves. We develop feelings for everyone and only at the end of the book's plot do we ask how it happened to us." From a review in “Books recommendations system”

Herzl said ("Herzl Amar")

"All the qualities that made Three Things to a Deserted Island such a sweet and delightful hit: the captivating humor and linguistic inventions for the most part, the precise emotional touches and the wide-ranging initial diagnosis." Ran Ben Nun, “Yedioth Ahronoth”

"Witful, smart and thought-provoking." Ariel Shanval, “Makor Rishon”

"Herzl Amar is a definitely worthy novel that respects its creator and the shelf. Despite its relative lightness, thanks to its originality it may nevertheless stand in a different line with more weighty novels, which ultimately produce less interest in the reader." Yaron Avitov, “Makor Rishon”

"Yoav Avni is a sorcerer. This is a somewhat bombastic statement, but accurate. Only a sorcerer can take the history of the State of Israel, for all its complexity, subtle nuances and tight-knit Israeli cauldron, completely turn it upside down, send it to Uganda, and still leave her as she is." Adi Levia, “Don't panic”

"Avni has an imagination. Worth it." Kobi Kamin, “Globes”

The fifth by Chong Levi ("Ha-Chamishit Shel Chong Levi")

"The laughs are really funny, the witticisms are indeed sophisticated... From the absolutely intriguing writing of a young and smart writer." Ran Ben Nun, “Yedioth Ahronoth”

"The literary voice of Yoav Avni is different in the best sense of the word, efficient and intelligent. You are more than welcome to discover it yourself." Ariel Schnaval, “Makor Rishon”

"I enjoyed every moment...Exciting because of the exciting love story, very funny during the reading." To Yaad Modrik, "Galey Zahal”

"This book has charm and also a consistent internal logic." Eric Glassner, “NRG”

"Chong Levi's Fifth is a fascinating, original book, with deep and interesting characters." Keren Landsman, “Don't panic”

Three things for a lonely island ("Shlosha Dvraim Leei Boded")

"Three Things for a lonely Island is the kind of original, crazy and funny works that reflect the absurdity of our lives. An immersive, entertaining and very real book that should not be missed." Amnon Jacont, “Yedioth Ahronoth.

"Yoav Avni's first novel stands out with its colorful wings in the trying-to-be-serious landscape of Israeli literature... A true source of pleasure." Hagar Yanai, “Globes.

"In his debut novel, Avni creates a unique world, his own language and a world of witty and definitely funny images. To the list of three things that the book recommends to take to a desert island, you can add Avni's own novel." Yaron Avitov, “Kol Hazman”

“Touches of Douglas Adams, Gerald Durrell and the Monty Python gang in this book, but in a way that combines the best of all worlds and still remains authentic, unlike many writers who have fallen into the trap and their sources of 'inspiration' entered their works too blatantly, one that indicates Lack of originality or flight. Yoav Avni manages to overcome the hurdle and stand out as a unique voice with original ideas. The crazy history he builds for his tiny island succeeds in taking the term absurd up a few levels thanks to this excellent book." Yoav Shai, “Writing barrier”

"A modern fairy tale, then, and if the writer of these lines had not pursued the elusive spirit of the genre, perhaps he would have realized this already by reading the back cover: an island, a king, the king's daughter, love at first sight. What else needs to be said? Not a bad fairy tale, by the way." Nir Yaniv, “Don't panic”