Review of Partypooper (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book #20)
Ah, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series—what a nostalgic trip down memory lane! As a child, I would eagerly await each new installment, and now, as a college student, I find myself still diving into Greg Heffley’s chaotic world each year. The latest book, Partypooper, marks a significant milestone with its 20th entry, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join Greg on his latest misadventure, especially given its birthday party premise. But, as with many things, this celebration proves to be a double-edged sword.
In Partypooper, Greg’s parents, in a moment of forgetfulness, overlook his birthday—an absolute no-go in the Heffley household. To make amends, Greg’s mother, Susan, promises him a grand birthday party. But as many fans have come to expect, chaos erupts. What unfolds is a series of ludicrous yet laugh-out-loud scenarios that, while entertaining, sometimes drift into cartoonish exaggeration, far beyond the relatable mischief of earlier books in the series.
One aspect that truly impressed me was the pacing. Previous installments often felt somewhat rushed, sprinkled with filler moments. In contrast, both this book and the last manage to maintain a cohesive narrative throughout, allowing the story to breathe and flourish. The illustrations are, as always, a highlight—though I can’t help but notice that many characters seem to be sporting noses that could rival mountaintops at this point! Still, the humor shines through, delivering some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments that fans have come to love.
Yet, not all is well in Heffley land. One major sticking point for me has been the character arc of Susan, Greg’s mother. What was once a charmingly overbearing mom has transformed into an insufferable force, showcasing narcissistic tendencies that make her quite hard to root for. Her tantrums and blame-shifting make me cringe, especially when I think about how much I adored her character in the earlier books. This kind of tonal whiplash pulls me out of the experience, leaving me yearning for the more grounded family dynamics that defined the series.
Another issue is some of the modern references that crop up throughout the book. While I appreciate a good pop culture nod, many of the jokes feel recycled, like they’ve been lifted from conversations we’ve heard too many times before. A little freshness in humor would have made a world of difference.
On a brighter note, the ending does offer a surprising twist of positivity. Unlike several recent books that revert to the status quo with a thud, Partypooper delivers a genuinely uplifting conclusion that leaves Greg—and us—feeling good.
Overall, I’d rate Partypooper three stars. It’s a decent addition to the series, serving a new generation of readers while reminding older fans of the joy these books bring. Though the humor may not resonate as strongly as it once did, the series still holds a special place in my heart. If you’re looking for lighthearted fun, relatable mishaps, and a sprinkle of nostalgia, then this book is bound to entertain.
So, here’s to hoping that Partypooper continues to charm a new wave of fans, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the early entries. After all, it’s heartwarming to know that kids today will be able to share in the laughter and lessons of Greg Heffley’s adventures, just like I did. Happy reading, everyone!
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