Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 156-157 of 157
 Another Installment of Fear and Loathing in Adolescence January 13, 2009
Wesley Mullins (Kentucky)
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
Not since the last Harry Potter book has the tween world so eagerly anticipated the arrival of the next installment in a series. Jeff Kinney's tales of Greg Heffley have become must-reads for middle school kids, especially young boys who are attracted to Kinney's skill at presenting young males in all their snot-nosed glory. An added bonus is the "rebel factor", as kids know that many parents and educators don't approve of the disrespectful antihero.
In the third installment, Greg's father takes an interest in dewimping his son, forcing him to play sports with bigger, tougher boys and threatening to make Greg "be all he can be" by shipping him to a military school. Surprisingly, Greg's reactions to his father's demands are as much genuine and poignant as they are crude and sarcastic. Camouflaged by the humor built from the central figure's insolence is honesty that highlights author Kinney's ability to remember the fear and loathing of adolescence.
Although Kinney has developed a common template in his series, he does fill each book with fresh ideas. Like a good episode of The Wonder Years or a reflective moment from My Antonia, the Wimpy books hold an appeal not just to the young, but also to any of us who used to be young.
Jeff Kinney scores big, again! Hysterical! Same strong, honest voice! January 13, 2009
Joel Katte (Home of the Milwaukee Brewers)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Jeff Kinney scores big, again!
Kids, teachers, and parents alike have all been anxiously awaiting the third installment of the Wimpy Kid series. If you were worried the third book of Greg Heffley and his wimpy ways would be watered down, worry no more. In DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW, Kinney maintains his fresh, unique humor that easily connects with adolescents or anyone who still remembers his or her adolescence.
As a sports enthusiast, I particularly loved how Greg's father Frank thought getting Greg active in sports would toughen him up. The sports world creates a number of interesting settings and story lines for Greg's awkwardness to shine.
Anybody ever been affected by the threat of military school? Well, you will relate to the fear that Greg must endure.
This book follows the same successful formula you loved in the other books (It is not like the Do-It-Yourself book) and you will have plenty to laugh about and discuss with other Wimpy Kid readers.
Enjoy. I sure did.
Showing reviews 156-157 of 157
|
