Review Detail

I think I expected too much from this book. Thats not to say that it isnt a great book with a charming and often surprising sense of humor, because it is. There was just so much hype about it because of the authors tender age (Im sure hed laugh to read that). Whenever a teenager gets published, its always newsworthy. That gives the book automatic buzz (oh, what editor wont kill for that!) potential.

But, consequently, theres so much hype that the book will pretty much always fail to live up to it. Ned Vizzinis autobiographical and introspective essays on teen life are, by turns, hysterically funny, self-deprecating (in the way that only really intelligent people can be), and strangely adult. That might actually be the issue that I have with the book (and I do like it, I really do, even though that makes me sound like a certain actress during her Oscar acceptance speech).

Even though the book is often billed as an everyman kind of tale, Neds experiences arent exactly typical. Oh, some of them certainly are. Everyone deals with prom issues, beer, and parents. But it isnt every kid that gets hit on by a drunk New York Press columnist at a happening New York party, or has the chance to be interviewed on a television talk show. Shoot, it isnt every kid thats consumed by Magic: The Gathering (though much more typical than some of the other things that happen to Ned) or takes his entire summer to study for a test.

I guess what Im saying is that this is a good book. Its a fun read. But it isnt the teen angst anthem that many would have you think it is. Its the story of Ned Vizzini, and it couldnt be anyone elses. From what Ive read, hes a one-of-a-kind kind of guy. I look forward to his next work.

I recommend this book for ages 12 and up, boys or girls.