Top Summer Choices: Jeremy Fink and Guys Write

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life is on my short list of favorites this summer! I assigned this to our summer reading list, but wasn't sure if it was too young for 7th and 8th grade  boys. I was even more concerned when I found it in the younger section of most book stores.  But I stand by my choice and hope some of the boys chose to read this and liked it. It's the story of a boy about to turn 13 and he has just received a locked box from his dead father...  Jeremy and his best friend go on a search for the keys that will open this box and end up finding some answers to life's biggest questions. 

    I loved this book, but it was slow at times and definitely doesn't have the action or suspense that a lot of boys enjoy most in books. Even though it was sentimental and sometimes a little too sweet, even for me, I hope some of you read this for your summer reading free choice. 

Last Words of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life:  "...In my head I'm dancing."

Last Words about Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life: Give it a chance!

   While Jeremy Fink and The Meaning of Life was heartfelt and sentimental, Guys Write for Guys Read was gross, disturbing, nail biting and side holding hilarious in many places and I loved every minute of reading it! Author Jon Scieszka compiled famous young adult "guy" authors to write short stories (many only a page or two) about guy things. There are stories about puking, punching, peeing,  camping, catapulting, loving and learning.  

   Although it kills me to say it, my nephews do not enjoy reading, but I'm a teacher which means I don't give up so easily. My nephews ages: 16, 15, 13, and 10, spent a weekend with me down the Cape and I just happened to bring this book along in our beach bag. Throughout the weekend all four of them found something they liked in this book. They especially liked the chapter entitled Brothers- beware it does involve puke! If my nephews found something in this book then I  know you all will too. I definitely recommend everyone buy a copy to keep around for a rainy day or whenever you need to kill a few minutes. If you read this book for your summer reading, I would love to know which was your favorite story. 

Last Words in Guys Write for Guys Read:  "...As a ten year old I was as silly as that."

Last Words about Guys Write for Guys Read: This is a must- have on your reading shelf. All of the members of your family can and will find something they like in this collection of short stories.