My Miserable Life

by F.L. Block (Pseudonym), Edward Hemingway (Illustrations)

Ben Hunter has a miserable life -- M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E! His sister will only talk to him through text messages, his mom won't let him eat sugar or even go for a bike ride unchaperoned, and a bully at school steals all of his friends. Told in Ben's voice, through entries from his school journal with commentary from his teacher, this very funny and often poignant narrative chronicles an eventful year in the life of a thoughtful fourth grader.

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Friendship

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 2016

Reviews

[Reesa M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the theme is friendship because they are kind to each other.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Francesca Lia Block is not an author I'm significantly fond of, but she is an author of a number of well-regarded/important young adult books. My Miserable Life is her first foray into middle grade, and it definitely carries some of the darker aspects of what we've come to expect from her realistic fiction while not losing the appropriateness or realism of the genre.

For Ben, nothing seems right. He can't seem to win with his folks or at school, his sister isn't really great to her, he's being bullied, and so he lashes out as one would expect. The story is told through journaling, often with his teacher, and we get some insight into not only what hits him emotionally, but how he copes (or in some cases doesn't).

The book is good, but not great. It's more nihilistic in a sense than the cover or title implies, and there's not a lot of humor to offset the depression. While it ends on an optimistic tone, getting there can be a bit of a downer. I appreciate, however, the realism in this book. I don't feel as if middle grade really handles this sort of emotional despair well, and this one certainly comes closest.

Overall, closer to a 3.5. There's definitely an audience for this, although it might be specific kids who would respond to this the best.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could quite decide of this is a book for kids (especially boys) or if it was secretly for their parents. There are plenty of parental in-jokes, such as the names of celebrities and poking fun at the "healthy lifestyle". There is also the teacher you wish you had in 5th grade. And I got a bit teary eyed in chapter 15 when my heart broke for that miserable 10 year old. And if you remember being a teenager, you might give a chuckle for Thursday and her intense gothy-ness. There is definite appeal for grown ups here.

Appeal for 10 year olds: Most chapters begin with a homework assignment in a sort of diary format, which is pretty cool. The language is designed to be accessible for kids. It is geared towards boys, though anyone who feels like their life is out of their control and turning to rubbish, would be able to identify with Ben Hunter.

TLDR: It is good and there is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Grown ups will like it too.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

5th grade friendship/school/self-confidence.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many intermediate grade readers will be able to relate to the plight of fifth grader Ben Hunter. His life in Filmland, California, is less than perfect. In fact, Ben would go so far as to declare it miserable, something that he constantly mentions in various passages and journal entries to which his supportive teacher, Ms. Washington, constantly responds, urging him to be a little more positive. Ben's miseries can be traced to various sources: his overprotective mother, his dismissive and popular older sister Angelina, and the arrival of Rocko Hoggen, a bully he knows from camp who proceeds to steal his best friends. Even his dog, Monkeylad, has moments of insecurity. Readers will enjoy watching Ben try to find his way and himself through a very tough year, and as often happens, he realizes that he's stronger and more resilient than he thought and that he has some friends he never realized he had. Although the book tackles several familiar issues, it does so with honesty and humor, some subtle and some not so subtle. For instance, the images and references to his sister's favorite singer, Dustin Peeper, slayed me ever time I encountered them because they brought to mind that ubiquitous pop singer with a similar name. Even the send-up of his cousin, Thursday's Goth lifestyle, Valentine's Day, and baseball training made me chortle. I hope there will be more adventures featuring Ben and his family. Although he survives fifth grade intact and even has a graduation speech, there's always sixth grade with all of its challenges looming. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid will enjoy this one.

[Heather King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, though I shared the reservations some other reviewers expressed about audience appeal. I left it lying around the house, and my seventh-grade son, not a particularly avid reader, picked it up and read it. He then came to me and told me that I should read it because it was really good. So perhaps we adult readers are over-thinking this.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't really tell a theme for this book but this book was very funny and it was interesting; just a really crazy funny book to read I really liked it and I would definitely read it again.

[Jose Fig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book because it tells you about a boy that thinks that his life is miserable but also his life is cool,awesome

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Asfa Islam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how it describes bens miserable life

[T.J. Burns]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Hollowspine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would have completely resonated with a 12 year old me. I would have nodded sagely along as main character Ben Hunter bemoans his miserable existence. His mom is a ‘safety mom’ who packs almond butter and agave sandwiches with seaweed chips for his lunch and won’t let him ride his bicycle alone, the guy he thought would be his best friend is stolen by a kid with “Dustin Peeper” hair, and his sister is always laughing at him.

In fact, it still resonates with me now, I found it very insightful for a 183 page book about a fourth grader. One of Ben’s observations is about Valentine’s Day, “which is the absolute worst holiday ever invented, because it forces you to buy stupid stuff and makes you feel inadequate if nobody buys stupid stuff for you…” Some things never change.

I would definitely recommend this for 3rd-5th grade kids, especially those who like humorous stories, such as the ever popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It’s ultimately a feel good story with a lot of good messages and good adult characters, including Ben’s mom, who just happens to be a librarian.

[Christine Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Ben is miserable. And, according to him, he has every reason to be: His sister barely speaks to him (except by text), his dog is crazy, his mom is overprotective, and his nemesis, a guy named Rocko, is going to be a student in his class this year. This year, his 5th grade year, was supposed to be a great year. And, it started out that way, but when Rocko showed up, Ben knew the school year was going to be a bust.

But, was he exaggerating? Could things really be that bad? You'll have to read the book to find out. Author F. L. Block brings Ben's character to life with the humorous voice of a fifth-grade boy. Enjoy!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

10-year-old Ben thinks he had a miserable life. His mom is very strict about what he eats (sugar only on weekends, nothing fun in his lunch) and won’t even let him ride his bike alone. He had a best friend, until a new boy moved in, the girl he has liked since kindergarten likes the new boy, and his dog is often crazy. He is having a very hard 5th grade year.

This funny read is mixed with pathos which may be either overlooked or taken to heart by young readers. He is in “perceived” real danger from the bully at school, his mother tells him why he can’t ride alone, and he really doesn’t seem to have any genuine friends. A little bit dark for a younger reader.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a 60-something male, I'm not in the target audience for this book, but nonetheless it was a quick and fun read. Ben's problems may not seem all that traumatic to you or me, but in the mind of that 5th grader, the entire year of school WAS a miserable mess of failures, frustrations and humiliations.

I'll be passing the book along to a 5th grade teacher and after she reads it, she'll give it to one of her students, so I may have more feedback later.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads Giveaways.

[Sara-Zoe Patterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so terribly disappointed in the crappiness of this book that I had to research and find out if this was really the FL Block I love and know - it is, but this is an aberration from her awesomeness. I cannot stand the whiny lameness of the main character - he is so superficial and annoying. He's not even a character you love to hate - just a kid you can't wait to never spend time with again. He's not very funny or clever or sweet. And he doesn't grow over time, he just berates his mom into changing suddenly and slightly at the end.

[E.Y.E.-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this through a goodreads.com giveaway.

This book is definitely geared towards younger readers, but I found it pretty hilarious. It had a good story and some pretty good advice for kids when they feel like things are not going their way. It also had some pretty funny references to music and movies. These references kids may not get but it will not impact their enjoyment of the book in any way.

[Rica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Hunter, a fifth grader, is convinced that he is having a miserable life. Through witty journal entries, he bemoans the fact that his sister hates him, his mother won't let him eat sugar and his best friend is taken by a bully. He overcomes so many obstacles through out the school year with the help of a very compassionate teacher. Boys will really enjoy this book!

[Serina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boy is brat and surprised when his life is yucky. Complains and is negative about everything. Teacher helps him by telling him to focus on good. And, wow, suddenly everything fixes itself. Skip this book.

[Valerie Ramso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Lesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a boy dealing with "that" person who seemingly has everything.