Karen's Book Nook

Continuing in on my comic novel spree, Book #3 in the Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney was The Last Straw.

About the book: For those wondering why tween boys don’t read very much, the answer is that more books aren’t like this. In this third (but not last, despite the subtitle’s implication) series entry, Greg Heffley, the Georgia Nicolson of American middle-school males, is just trying to get through life. In hilarious diary entries, he details his attempts to get along with his brothers; a potential romance; and his dad’s futile efforts to turn him into a jock, which reinforce Kinney’s well-realized theme that grown-ups just don’t get it. While diary may not be the most macho term, as Greg will be the first to tell you, the format certainly hooks the target audience with its printlike font, straightforward language, and copious cartoons. As the book opens, Greg is eschewing New Year’s resolutions: “It’s not easy for me to think of ways to improve myself, because I’m already pretty much one of the best people I know.” And while it is clear to all that he is no saint, he is real, and many kids will agree with that self-assessment.

My thoughts:  I literally laugh out loud at some of the things in this book but agree with my friend Sydney, you really need to look at the drawings and read if for yourself to get it and enjoy it. It doesn’t transfer well as a read aloud.  It’s best enjoyed as it was intended… I almost don’t want to start the 4th book yet because there are no more to follow YET at this point and I’ll miss Greg and his crew!

Rating 4/5