Review of Partypooper (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book #20)
Ah, Partypooper—the latest addition to Jeff Kinney’s beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and oh, how it took me back! As a child, I eagerly anticipated each new installment, and even as I navigate college life, I still find a sense of nostalgia and joy in flipping through these pages. With 20 books under its belt, the series has certainly settled into its groove. But does Partypooper mark a triumphant return to form, or has the wackiness continued its steady climb into absurdity? Let’s dive in!
The plot kicks off with a relatable scenario: Greg Heffley’s parents forget his birthday. In an effort to make amends, Greg’s mom, Susan, plans an epic birthday party. However, chaos swiftly descends. The premise alone had me chuckling, reminiscent of the misadventures that defined my own childhood reading. Kinney’s blend of humor and chaos continues to resonate, even if this time around, things sometimes veer into the wildly improbable.
One of my newfound joys in this installment was the pacing. Unlike previous entries where the storyline felt rushed and filled with filler, Partypooper engages in a more well-rounded narrative. The chaos of Greg’s party is depicted in a way that feels coherent and, dare I say, almost reflective of genuine experiences in a child’s life—minus the cartoonish extremes, of course. The sheer clutch of family antics and hilarious miscommunication remains relatable enough that I found myself rooting for Greg throughout.
Speaking of characters, I have to address one notable fly in the ointment—Greg’s mother. While she was once painted as a well-meaning matriarch, her recent portrayals have left me scratching my head. Susan has transformed into a figure of insufferable narcissism, eagerly deflecting blame and creating havoc under the guise of “helping.” It’s frustrating when a character meant to be endearing becomes the series’ most grating presence. I found myself longing for the days when her character balanced warmth with a touch of real-world parenting flaws rather than pure chaos.
That said, I couldn’t help but chuckle at some standout moments and jokes throughout. Sure, references to contemporary kid culture like Pokémon and Pixar occasionally felt overdone, but Kinney’s knack for crafting humor still shines. While some gags slid into the territory of wacky absurdity, a few genuinely tickled my funny bone, creating moments that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
What surprised me the most was the ending. Kinney typically has a knack for capping off his stories with a return to status quo, but here, Greg actually gets a heartfelt resolution. It left me smiling, a refreshing change that reminded me of the genuine growth we all experience, even in the most chaotic of moments.
Overall, Partypooper is a mixed bag but still carries that essential charm. While it may not reach the heights of earlier installments, it remains a fun read for kids (and slightly older fans like me!). For those nostalgic for their childhood or looking to introduce younger readers to Greg’s world, this book—despite its flaws—still offers plenty of giggles and life lessons wrapped in Kinney’s signature style.
If you’ve grown up with Greg, or are looking for a light-hearted escapade for your kids, this book is definitely worth a read. After all, it’s heartwarming to know that this series still finds its way into the hearts of new generations, even if the road is a bit bumpier these days.
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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