A review by astridhawk
Ikke en dagbog by Jeff Kinney

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

This book served its purpose for me, which was to broaden my Danish vocabulary and get exposure to more complex idiomatic sentence structures. As a story, even a children’s story, it is terrible. The main character learns nothing and acts self-entitled and victimized all while consistently making selfish decisions and taking advantage of friendships and good things that come his way. The adults in his life are no better, usually completely failing to spend the time to work with him and often acting on their own immature impulses, thus setting a terrible example and teaching him the wrong lessons. I guess the author thought that selfishness and self-centeredness with a complete lack of ability to grow were necessary for 10-11-year old humor. I disagree. It’s just a lazy and potentially harmful way to appeal to kids (mostly boys. Girls are all presented unflatteringly in this book, which is another whole issue).
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