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A Great Read #1: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Dec 27, 2008 A Great Read

Yes, this book is primarily written for kids and you will need to look for it in the “Children’s” section of your local Chapters or Borders. And yes, I read this book in one sitting as I could not put it down even though I am nearly 30 years old… It is truthfully one of the funnier books I have read in a long time. Author Jeff Kinney has struck a familiar note with all reader’s as he has taken a unique approach to writing. An approach that gives the kids what they want (humour and familiarity of locations and situations) while also re-capturing the feelings of growing up for anyone who remembers what it was like to be a kid, wimpy or otherwise.

Similar to the new breed of “kid movies” that have become so popular over the last few years, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has a story with a heart and humour that kids can understand and relate to, but there is also entertainment value beyond the popcorn and soda for the parent that has to accompany the child to the theatre. Additionally, with Wimpy Kid, since it is a story about a kid growing up, it brings back all the memories everyone has of childhood themselves and trying to survive school and all that comes with it. “Cheese Touch” as all. PLEASE read this book to understand that reference as most everyone had a “Cheese Touch” or the equivalent at their respective school.

Here’s the rest of my thoughts on this book…  Check it out or you’ll get the “Cheese Touch”!!!

The book itself is a journal with consistently funny spot illustrations after every few paragraphs. Be sure not to refer to it a “diary” though according to fictional middle school author Greg Heffley, the main character of the book. His Mom bought him a “diary”, but he will be the first to tell you that it is in fact a journal and that there will not be anything like “feelings” being included in his entries. Through his entries, we find that Greg is extremely confident in some respects (he knows he will be rich, he just doesn’t know how yet) while shy and reserved in others (he avoids bullies and has trouble with girls just like the majority of kids his age).

Throughout the course of a school year, we are introduced to Greg’s family. He has a very encouraging, if not embarrassing (in Greg’s opinion) Mother. A Dad who is always trying to help his son along the way by teaching him to be responsible and a high school aged brother named Rodrick who, as is to be expected, treats Greg like a little brother. Everyone of Greg’s family adds humour to the story simply by their interaction or the way Greg perceives his family often lead to unexpected laughs. Greg’s perceptions are often funnier than the reality of the situation as you believe that a kid his age would believe himself to be correct on ALL matters (even ones as complicated as the measurement of a grounding period).

Greg recounts all the events (big and small) of the year over the course of the 200 plus page book.  A sample of some of the interior pages can be seen by clicking HERE.  The book includes things like going out for Halloween with his best friend Rowley and the embarrassment of swimming class (in a Speedo).   One particular highlight is Greg’s venture into becoming the school newspaper’s cartoonist and dealing with the non-appreciation of his self proclaimed genius from the student body.  All these events are given the perfect amount of care needed to make them both interesting and funny to the reader.  I found myself rooting for Greg and wanting him to succeed in everything he tried.

I’ve read from more than a couple of sources that this is a great book for any kids who may not be interested in reading and I completely agree.  This is a perfect book for any reluctant reader.  Hand this book to a kid and if they give it a chance, it is extremely likely that they will read the entire book and be asking for more.  Which is great as Jeff Kinney has already produced 3 Wimpy Kids books (the most recent being a Do-It-Yourself edition that encourages writing and creativity) and another is currently on the way and should be in stores in early 2009.

I have found a couple of cool videos I will include at the end of this entry.  The first video is of the soon to be released “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw” book being printed.  You can show the video to kids and explain that what they are seeing is the production of the book they will soon be able to read! I would have loved that as a child.  Or as a nearly 30 year old…  The second video is a quick clip of author Jeff Kinney speaking to some captivated kids about his books.  This video displays the genuine love kids have for this series.  I have also have included a link below to keep track of all things Wimpy Kid, check out the official web site for things like book release dates and up to date news.

www.wimpykid.com

Again I must say, I know that I am not exactly the target audience for this book, but I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.  This book is a New York Times #1 Best Seller so I cannot be the only one who feels this way.  The Wimpy Kid books sit on the same shelf as my comics, art books and novels.  Anything that can be read and enjoyed deserves a place on that shelf and Diary of a Wimpy Kid is certainly that.  Obviously, Greg would tell you the exact same thing.

Printing the newest Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book

Jeff Kinney Explains Writing “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”

Tags: best seller, bestseller, diary, diary of a wimpy kid, greg heffley, jeff kinney, new york times, rodrick, wimpy kid