Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (Book 5)

Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

Author: Jeff Kinney

Year: 2010

Official Synopsis: Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it’s cracked up to be?

Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older—all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. Can Greg make it through on his own? Or will he have to face the “ugly truth”?

STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than the previews ones. Although The Ugly Truth is not as funny as its predecessors, it is much more relatable.  In this installment I felt a connection with Greg; I felt sympathetic. He wasn't as annoying or selfish as before and the stories he told, though exaggerated, felt natural. Also, I actually agreed with his point of view in many instances. I think all of this change is due to Greg's new perspective and view on life.  He has changed, and it is definitely for the better. 

This is a Wimpy Kid version of a coming of age story. It's all about growing up, change and responsibility. Still, Kinney managed to give a funny twist to it. I loved that he also managed to make allusions to all the new information tweens receive at that age while, at the same time, not spoiling anything for younger readers. Greg had to endure “The Talk” from his grandma, had to survive health classes about hormones and parenting, and he read (or looked at) a book about body changes. Yet, there is enough vagueness in the subject to easily entertain young kids that haven't hit puberty yet. Still, teenagers can find it funny because they will understand what he's talking about.

The ending, unfortunately, was rushed and, on top of that, fell short. Otherwise, this has been the best Wimpy Kid story yet.