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Diary of a Parent Trainer
Katie is an expert on operating grown-ups. She knows exactly how to get the best out of them, so she decides to write a guide to help the world's long-suffering teenagers do the same. But then Katie's mum starts dating the awful Yellow Tie Man. Suddenly Mum's acting completely out of character and totally out of control.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
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December 30, 2023Não vou dar nota porque essa é uma releitura de um livro que eu li com uns 12 anos e mantive a memória afetiva. Reli pra poder doar ele em paz :))
May 26, 2012
Avis aux fans de Georgia Nicolson & Aurélie Laflamme :) Mon avis : http://books-and-iced-coffee.over-blo...
May 10, 2018
Thirteen-year-old Katie lives in a small village in Oxfordshire, England. The town is so small, that she can barely turn a corner without running into a relative! She is the middle child in her three child household, she wants to be in love, and she thinks she has her mom all figured out. So much so that she created a diary of instructions on controlling your parent. Too bad sometimes it seems like mom has gone off script. Four years after Katie's father died, her mom is dating, and Katie and older sister are most unhappy. Her younger brother Jack? He seems to be as in love with the Yellow Tie Guy as her mom! What's a girl to do? As Katie outlines adult behavior, how to strategically manipulate that behavior to your advantage, and then reports on her sometimes unanticipated results, she shares her life which is sometimes fantastic and sometimes terribly embarrassing. Will Katie make it through parent training? Does she learn some very important lessons about life? You bet. Jenny Smith does an excellent job of creating the mind of a thirteen-year-old girl and the many challenges she faces. Students in middle school will enjoy the story and commiserate with Katie when some of her plans don't exactly turn out as anticipated.
March 25, 2017
This book, unfortunately, never lives up to my expectations. A humorous intriguing title like this illicits hopes that this is a novel equivalent of Disney's "The Parent Trap," but it fell far short for one blaring reason: the girl narrating the diary was extremely insecure and had no business critiquing grown-ups when she herself possessed the same problems. The author sums up this frustrating irony on page 265 when diary-keeper Katie laments:
"Who am I to tell you about Grown-Ups when it's so obvious that I haven't got a clue about managing their lives, or even my own?"
Truer words were never spoken.
For the novel's entire 300 pages I felt like the humorous concept was done a great disservice solely on the weak characterization of Katie. Yet, there was a point near the closing 50 pages where I was willing to overlook all the problems when the mom's boyfriend Stuart suddenly exits the relationship and leaves a hole in all characters' lives. I thought this was pretty daring because such a plot twist would show how Katie's mom copes with depression (not to mention creating great opportunities to portray her emotions swinging from "mode" to "mode.") But alas, author Jenny smith settled for a cliche by having goody-two-shoes Stuart comes back on (what else?) Christmas Day showing that women/girl characters can't stand on their own two feet without a man. No thanks....
"Who am I to tell you about Grown-Ups when it's so obvious that I haven't got a clue about managing their lives, or even my own?"
Truer words were never spoken.
For the novel's entire 300 pages I felt like the humorous concept was done a great disservice solely on the weak characterization of Katie. Yet, there was a point near the closing 50 pages where I was willing to overlook all the problems when the mom's boyfriend Stuart suddenly exits the relationship and leaves a hole in all characters' lives. I thought this was pretty daring because such a plot twist would show how Katie's mom copes with depression (not to mention creating great opportunities to portray her emotions swinging from "mode" to "mode.") But alas, author Jenny smith settled for a cliche by having goody-two-shoes Stuart comes back on (what else?) Christmas Day showing that women/girl characters can't stand on their own two feet without a man. No thanks....
June 26, 2017
My Thoughts
I picked this book because I was lucky enough to meet the author and she was such fun it made me believe her book would be great too and it didn't disappoint! It is a lovely read that I think will appeal to pre and early teens, particularly those who enjoy diary style novels.
Diary of a Parent Trainer pokes affectionate fun at parent's funny foibles through the eyes of thirteen year old Katie Sutton, The story is very well observed and extremely funny, then it catches you by surprise with its poignance, particularly around the issue of family life.
The Story
Katie is an expert on operating grown-ups. She knows exactly how to get the best out of them, so she decides to write a guide to help the world's long-suffering teenagers do the same. But then Katie's mum starts dating the awful Yellow Tie Man. Suddenly Mum's acting completely out of character and totally out of control.
I picked this book because I was lucky enough to meet the author and she was such fun it made me believe her book would be great too and it didn't disappoint! It is a lovely read that I think will appeal to pre and early teens, particularly those who enjoy diary style novels.
Diary of a Parent Trainer pokes affectionate fun at parent's funny foibles through the eyes of thirteen year old Katie Sutton, The story is very well observed and extremely funny, then it catches you by surprise with its poignance, particularly around the issue of family life.
The Story
Katie is an expert on operating grown-ups. She knows exactly how to get the best out of them, so she decides to write a guide to help the world's long-suffering teenagers do the same. But then Katie's mum starts dating the awful Yellow Tie Man. Suddenly Mum's acting completely out of character and totally out of control.
July 31, 2018
As her mum gets a new boyfriend after their father's death, Katie and her older sister and younger brother set to jeopardize the relationship as Stuart is a tragedy in dodgy clothes, cars and hobbies. As he changes their mum, the three are horrified and Katie is even more infuriated when her best mates also go boy crazy too especially as one of them starts dating the boy Katie likes.
Let's not forget of course that their home is in Bridletown where all their family live too.
There's plenty of fun to be had from this diary entry style book as it consists of tips to control your human better and how to handle their moods and anything they may do, really. As it is it's actually quite realistic and funny due to that fact and the points being proved true throughout! All about the joys and woes of rebuilding a family in a different way to before and accepting new people.
Let's not forget of course that their home is in Bridletown where all their family live too.
There's plenty of fun to be had from this diary entry style book as it consists of tips to control your human better and how to handle their moods and anything they may do, really. As it is it's actually quite realistic and funny due to that fact and the points being proved true throughout! All about the joys and woes of rebuilding a family in a different way to before and accepting new people.
December 19, 2025
Delightful, funny for young teens or pre-teens. Diary of a Wimpy Kid for girls, but more sophisticated and layered. Underneath the funny tips of how to ‘take control of your grown up’ are the real life issues facing 13 year old Katie Sutton and her family as her widowed mother discovers a new love in her life while trying to keep her still-grieving family together.
November 10, 2025
I had expected this youth fiction book to be silly and eye-rolling--but it was actually fun to read. It would make a pretty good Disney-type movie--likable main character, wacky/annoying relatives, things backfiring right and left... It was a nice book for my work breaks.
May 24, 2022
Very good light hearted book. Great for tweens
March 17, 2017
In the book diary of a parent trainor there is a girl that is an expert on grownups and her name is Katie. She watches her mothers and aunties every move. So that way she know when they are angry and more. her goal at the end of this book is to have the understanding of the grown ups behavior, be able to predict grownups move and being able to operate them to there best advantage.she experience how fast they move as well.
December 19, 2016
This middle grade title originally published in the UK introduces Katie Sutton, a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed expert on parent behavior. In her notebook - which reads like a diary similar to that of Nikki in the Dork Diaries books or Julie and Lydia in the Popularity Papers books- she records not just daily occurrences but her own hard-earned wisdom about the care and keeping of parents. She identifies various modes in which parents operate - embarrassment mode, for example, or angry mode - and then offers advice on how to behave around parents in those modes to achieve the most desirable outcome. Katie also faces her own challenges, especially when it comes to boys and her mother’s new love interest.
I was skeptical of this book for the first few chapters. There were a few cliches that grated on my nerves, the biggest one being that libraries are quiet places with stodgy librarians. That image is false and outdated, and I’ve grown weary of the laziness of authors who still use it. I also wasn’t sure how many kids really believe the adults in their lives are such mysteries. Even when I didn’t agree with my parents at this age, I never thought they were impossible to understand or speaking another language. I also don’t recall truly believing that people over 40 were ancient. Sentiments like these made me question the authenticity of Katie’s character, and turned me off to the story at first.
I also found myself wondering about the book’s title. To me, Diary of a Parent Trainer implies that Katie trains parents how to behave. What she actually does, though, is train kids on how to read their parents’ moods and behaviors. The difference is subtle enough, I suppose, but I couldn’t help thinking the title arose from a desire to attract fans of other diary-style novels. I don’t think the title will turn readers away, since it does have a nice ring to it, but it might inadvertently muddle the reader’s expectations.
Thankfully, the quality of writing improves greatly as the story develops, and that saves the book. Author Jenny Smith does a great job of portraying the family’s healthy attitude toward the death of Katie’s father. This is one area where she avoids the usual cliches and develops a unique and believable set of circumstances for this very specific family. She also really demonstrates her capabilities as a writer through her descriptions of Katie’s neighbors and relatives in her small village. I really enjoyed seeing the dynamics of a small town come to life, and I thought Katie’s family’s relationships to these people added a lot to the story. I also really appreciate the fact that the American version of this novel does not seem to be completely Americanized. I have no way of knowing how much British English appears in the UK edition, but at least some of it remains, which preserves the integrity of the setting and the characters’ proper manner of speaking.
Girls already into other diary-style novels will happily enjoy this one as well. Other possible read-alikes include the Katie Jordan series, the Lou! graphic novels and The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook.
I was skeptical of this book for the first few chapters. There were a few cliches that grated on my nerves, the biggest one being that libraries are quiet places with stodgy librarians. That image is false and outdated, and I’ve grown weary of the laziness of authors who still use it. I also wasn’t sure how many kids really believe the adults in their lives are such mysteries. Even when I didn’t agree with my parents at this age, I never thought they were impossible to understand or speaking another language. I also don’t recall truly believing that people over 40 were ancient. Sentiments like these made me question the authenticity of Katie’s character, and turned me off to the story at first.
I also found myself wondering about the book’s title. To me, Diary of a Parent Trainer implies that Katie trains parents how to behave. What she actually does, though, is train kids on how to read their parents’ moods and behaviors. The difference is subtle enough, I suppose, but I couldn’t help thinking the title arose from a desire to attract fans of other diary-style novels. I don’t think the title will turn readers away, since it does have a nice ring to it, but it might inadvertently muddle the reader’s expectations.
Thankfully, the quality of writing improves greatly as the story develops, and that saves the book. Author Jenny Smith does a great job of portraying the family’s healthy attitude toward the death of Katie’s father. This is one area where she avoids the usual cliches and develops a unique and believable set of circumstances for this very specific family. She also really demonstrates her capabilities as a writer through her descriptions of Katie’s neighbors and relatives in her small village. I really enjoyed seeing the dynamics of a small town come to life, and I thought Katie’s family’s relationships to these people added a lot to the story. I also really appreciate the fact that the American version of this novel does not seem to be completely Americanized. I have no way of knowing how much British English appears in the UK edition, but at least some of it remains, which preserves the integrity of the setting and the characters’ proper manner of speaking.
Girls already into other diary-style novels will happily enjoy this one as well. Other possible read-alikes include the Katie Jordan series, the Lou! graphic novels and The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook.
June 7, 2012
http://lectures-petit-lips.blogspot.f...
- « Le journal de Katie Sutton » est pour moi un vrai coup de coeur ! En voilà un livre jeunesse qui sort de l'ordinaire ;-)
- Katie Sutton est une jeune fille de 13 ans, une "chipie calculatrice" comme elle le dit si bien. Elle nous offre ici un guide pour apprendre à gérer son Adulte, et pas seulement ses parents. Katie vie avec sa mère, sa soeur Mandy et son frère Jack. Leur papa est décédé il y a quelques années. Une très grande (que dis-je, une gigantesque) famille entoure Katie. En effet, elle est cernée par eux puisqu'ils vivent tous dans la même ville, à Brindleton. Ce guide et les analyses de Katie se révèlent donc indispensables pour elle, afin de ne pas trop se laisser envahir par les adultes.
- Selon Katie, les adultes fonctionnent par "mode". Elle nous explique ainsi quoi faire quand l'adulte est "en mode râleur" , "en mode furieux" ou "en mode amoureux". J'ai beaucoup souris et ris face à ces diverses définitions et les situations prises en exemple. Ses certitudes vont être un peu chamboulées et sa mère subira des "dysfonctionnements" lorsque le petit ami de celle-ci, Stuart, prendra une plus grande place dans la vie de la famille. C'est là que l'on s’aperçoit que ce livre-journal intime n'est pas qu'un guide rigolo : il y a un réel fil conducteur, plus profond.
J'ai été très touchée par tous les moments où Katie nous parle de son papa, j'en avais même la larme à l'oeil.
- Les personnages m'ont vraiment tous plu. Entre le petit frère de 8 ans qui n'en rate pas une et a tendance à dire ce qui lui passe par la tête (la tante Julie qui a des fesses épiques lol) ; la mamie grognon un brin reloue ; la tante célibataire en mal d'amour qui fait des rencontres pourries sur le net... On a de quoi rigoler !
Katie est drôle, attachante, intelligente et passer 5 mois "dans sa vie" c’était que du bonheur.
- La dernière page lue, j'étais triste que ce soit déjà fini. Bref, « Le journal de Katie Sutton » c'est frais, c'est drôle, c'est tout ce qu'il vous faut pour cet été ! Vous pouvez feuilleter les 25 premières pages du livre par là.
- Deux petits extraits :
« Triste mais vrai :
Un week-end est un petit voyage de deux, trois voire quatre jours pour Adultes, où ils font l'amour.
Je suis au courant de cette triste réalité parce que j'ai vu le film "Le journal de Bridget Jones". Je l'ai même regardé avec maman. Et la voilà qui se vante d'en prévoir un, de week-end, devant ses propres enfants. C'est comme si elle s'était pour nous annoncer : "J'ai un scoop ! Stuart et moi, on part pour un long week-end de sexe!" »
« Le mode Je le verrais bien à poil est celui sur lequel sont les Adultes quand ils craquent à mort sur quelqu'un, une star, de préférence, mais ça peut aussi être une personne de la vraie vie. "Je le verrais bien à poil", ça veut dire que quelqu'un nous plaît tellement qu'on aimerait bien le voir tout nu. Je trouve ça super vulgaire. C'est un mode TOTALEMENT RÉPUGNANT, qui ne devrait en aucun cas être encouragé. »
- « Le journal de Katie Sutton » est pour moi un vrai coup de coeur ! En voilà un livre jeunesse qui sort de l'ordinaire ;-)
- Katie Sutton est une jeune fille de 13 ans, une "chipie calculatrice" comme elle le dit si bien. Elle nous offre ici un guide pour apprendre à gérer son Adulte, et pas seulement ses parents. Katie vie avec sa mère, sa soeur Mandy et son frère Jack. Leur papa est décédé il y a quelques années. Une très grande (que dis-je, une gigantesque) famille entoure Katie. En effet, elle est cernée par eux puisqu'ils vivent tous dans la même ville, à Brindleton. Ce guide et les analyses de Katie se révèlent donc indispensables pour elle, afin de ne pas trop se laisser envahir par les adultes.
- Selon Katie, les adultes fonctionnent par "mode". Elle nous explique ainsi quoi faire quand l'adulte est "en mode râleur" , "en mode furieux" ou "en mode amoureux". J'ai beaucoup souris et ris face à ces diverses définitions et les situations prises en exemple. Ses certitudes vont être un peu chamboulées et sa mère subira des "dysfonctionnements" lorsque le petit ami de celle-ci, Stuart, prendra une plus grande place dans la vie de la famille. C'est là que l'on s’aperçoit que ce livre-journal intime n'est pas qu'un guide rigolo : il y a un réel fil conducteur, plus profond.
J'ai été très touchée par tous les moments où Katie nous parle de son papa, j'en avais même la larme à l'oeil.
- Les personnages m'ont vraiment tous plu. Entre le petit frère de 8 ans qui n'en rate pas une et a tendance à dire ce qui lui passe par la tête (la tante Julie qui a des fesses épiques lol) ; la mamie grognon un brin reloue ; la tante célibataire en mal d'amour qui fait des rencontres pourries sur le net... On a de quoi rigoler !
Katie est drôle, attachante, intelligente et passer 5 mois "dans sa vie" c’était que du bonheur.
- La dernière page lue, j'étais triste que ce soit déjà fini. Bref, « Le journal de Katie Sutton » c'est frais, c'est drôle, c'est tout ce qu'il vous faut pour cet été ! Vous pouvez feuilleter les 25 premières pages du livre par là.
- Deux petits extraits :
« Triste mais vrai :
Un week-end est un petit voyage de deux, trois voire quatre jours pour Adultes, où ils font l'amour.
Je suis au courant de cette triste réalité parce que j'ai vu le film "Le journal de Bridget Jones". Je l'ai même regardé avec maman. Et la voilà qui se vante d'en prévoir un, de week-end, devant ses propres enfants. C'est comme si elle s'était pour nous annoncer : "J'ai un scoop ! Stuart et moi, on part pour un long week-end de sexe!" »
« Le mode Je le verrais bien à poil est celui sur lequel sont les Adultes quand ils craquent à mort sur quelqu'un, une star, de préférence, mais ça peut aussi être une personne de la vraie vie. "Je le verrais bien à poil", ça veut dire que quelqu'un nous plaît tellement qu'on aimerait bien le voir tout nu. Je trouve ça super vulgaire. C'est un mode TOTALEMENT RÉPUGNANT, qui ne devrait en aucun cas être encouragé. »
March 13, 2011
This was a lovely little book which I think will definitely appeal to a slightly younger teen audience. I found it a quick and enjoyable read which I'm hoping might be the first in a series as I'd really like to read more by Jenny Smith.
Ever wondered how to cope with your parents on a daily basis? Wonder no more, because thirteen year old Katie Sutton has all the answers in her operating guide for grown-ups. The book consists of a series of diary entries containing advice and hints on how to handle your grown-up when they're in a range of different moods. Katie thinks she knows it all but when her Mum starts acting out of character she suddenly has to throw the rule book out the window!
Katie is a wonderfully fresh and original teenage voice. Her character is extremely realistic, experiencing all the same emotions that teenagers the world over face and I certainly found myself identifying with some of what she has to go through. She's an appealing narrator because she's funny and witty and a great central character. I also loved her younger brother Jack who tells it like it is, her older sister Mandy who has boy troubles of her own and her cute west highland terrior Rascal. They make a great family unit and really pull together when it matters most.
The book touches on serious issues as well, such as the death of Katie's father and the siblings having to adjust to there being a new man in their mother's life. These were handled sensitively and realistically and were a nice balance to the lighter aspects of the story which covered dealing with the opposite sex and the pangs of first love.
This is a brilliant debut novel which made me laugh and smile and is sure to appeal to a wide female teen audience.
Ever wondered how to cope with your parents on a daily basis? Wonder no more, because thirteen year old Katie Sutton has all the answers in her operating guide for grown-ups. The book consists of a series of diary entries containing advice and hints on how to handle your grown-up when they're in a range of different moods. Katie thinks she knows it all but when her Mum starts acting out of character she suddenly has to throw the rule book out the window!
Katie is a wonderfully fresh and original teenage voice. Her character is extremely realistic, experiencing all the same emotions that teenagers the world over face and I certainly found myself identifying with some of what she has to go through. She's an appealing narrator because she's funny and witty and a great central character. I also loved her younger brother Jack who tells it like it is, her older sister Mandy who has boy troubles of her own and her cute west highland terrior Rascal. They make a great family unit and really pull together when it matters most.
The book touches on serious issues as well, such as the death of Katie's father and the siblings having to adjust to there being a new man in their mother's life. These were handled sensitively and realistically and were a nice balance to the lighter aspects of the story which covered dealing with the opposite sex and the pangs of first love.
This is a brilliant debut novel which made me laugh and smile and is sure to appeal to a wide female teen audience.
June 13, 2012
middle school & up
Katie is recording her efforts at correctly "operating" her grown-up, a.k.a. Mum. She believes she is an expert and efficiently operating her Mum to Katie's own advantage. Katie is writing her parent manual so that other kids will also be able to control their own model of grown-up.
From the description I read I thought this would be more "user's manual" than diary. I was incorrect. There is some user's manual type stuff but mostly it is more of a diary. Basically, the manual stuff serves as an intro to each diary entry.
I think this book is either going to be completely fascinating or it will confuse the heck of the kid reading. It is set in a small village in England which, let's face it, is not at all usual. Some kids will love it and go crazy for the British slang. Some kids will stop at the first British-ism because they won't know what it means. I'd suggest using this as part of a book club scenario or introducing British slang before hand. That could actually make an interesting lesson on the development of language, especially considering the differences of British English and American English.
Katie is pretty funny and her entries about her mom having a new boyfriend sound very realistic to me. I'm sure lots of kids have been in similar situations. Death of a parent (dad) like Katie or a divorce and then one parent starts dating and gets serious with someone new. That can really be hard to deal with.
Verdict: recommended. It gets bonus points with me for having Dr. Who references.
http://www.lifeisbetterwithbooks.com/...
Katie is recording her efforts at correctly "operating" her grown-up, a.k.a. Mum. She believes she is an expert and efficiently operating her Mum to Katie's own advantage. Katie is writing her parent manual so that other kids will also be able to control their own model of grown-up.
From the description I read I thought this would be more "user's manual" than diary. I was incorrect. There is some user's manual type stuff but mostly it is more of a diary. Basically, the manual stuff serves as an intro to each diary entry.
I think this book is either going to be completely fascinating or it will confuse the heck of the kid reading. It is set in a small village in England which, let's face it, is not at all usual. Some kids will love it and go crazy for the British slang. Some kids will stop at the first British-ism because they won't know what it means. I'd suggest using this as part of a book club scenario or introducing British slang before hand. That could actually make an interesting lesson on the development of language, especially considering the differences of British English and American English.
Katie is pretty funny and her entries about her mom having a new boyfriend sound very realistic to me. I'm sure lots of kids have been in similar situations. Death of a parent (dad) like Katie or a divorce and then one parent starts dating and gets serious with someone new. That can really be hard to deal with.
Verdict: recommended. It gets bonus points with me for having Dr. Who references.
http://www.lifeisbetterwithbooks.com/...
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August 31, 2013Diary of a parent trainer is an amazing feel-good read. You can relate to Katie Sutton in all sorts of ways including the fact that parents are definitely more embarrassing in public! It is a really wonderful book that is sure to make you laugh, cry and smile!
Katie Sutton is your average teenager! She moans, she groans and of course she feels her life is doomed! All of Katie's family live in the small and unsignificant boring village of Brindleton. Her best friend is her double cousin and her auntie is obssesed with internet dating! Katie is the expert on operating your grown up but when her mum starts dating "the yellow tie man" or as the rest of the family call him "the toy boy" Katie feels like she's been thrown in the deep end! How is she supposed to control her mum now! He is replacing Katie's father and no-one will ever do that! Katie's father died 3 years ago of a serious illness and it broke everyone's hearts. Stuart (the yellow tie man) will never replace her dad and Katie is determined to make sure that he never even tries! With the help of her older sister Mandy, her younger brother Jack and her Auntie Julie (the one obssessed with internet dating!) they manage to form a cunning plan.
The day before the cunning plan arrives. But it is not a happy day, it is her dad's death anniversary. Katie starts to realise that there is always a special part of her mum's heart for her dad and that perhaps Stuart is not trying to replace him. However, it is too late to back out now. Whatever will happen tomorrow?
Katie Sutton is your average teenager! She moans, she groans and of course she feels her life is doomed! All of Katie's family live in the small and unsignificant boring village of Brindleton. Her best friend is her double cousin and her auntie is obssesed with internet dating! Katie is the expert on operating your grown up but when her mum starts dating "the yellow tie man" or as the rest of the family call him "the toy boy" Katie feels like she's been thrown in the deep end! How is she supposed to control her mum now! He is replacing Katie's father and no-one will ever do that! Katie's father died 3 years ago of a serious illness and it broke everyone's hearts. Stuart (the yellow tie man) will never replace her dad and Katie is determined to make sure that he never even tries! With the help of her older sister Mandy, her younger brother Jack and her Auntie Julie (the one obssessed with internet dating!) they manage to form a cunning plan.
The day before the cunning plan arrives. But it is not a happy day, it is her dad's death anniversary. Katie starts to realise that there is always a special part of her mum's heart for her dad and that perhaps Stuart is not trying to replace him. However, it is too late to back out now. Whatever will happen tomorrow?
January 27, 2015
I received this lovely little title for review only recently. It wasn't a book I would have asked for or picked up in a shop but I am so glad that I have had the chance to read it.
Jenny Smith's book has been compared to Louise Rennison but I actually think this book is better than any of the Georgia Nicholson books I have read (I never bothered to finish them). What I really liked about the book was Katie the main character. She is just a lovely gorgeous teenage girl who is fab without airs and graces and tantrums. I wish more of the teenage girls you read about in fiction were like her because she was just so lovely and normal and totally without any kind of ego or quirk that can irritate the pants of me.
The whole story was really nice in that it had really lovely morals. The family involved were really normal and you could see that they really loved each other. I loved how the whole story played out (there were some crackingly funny moments thrown in). I also loved the idea that almost the entire village was related to one another as I imagine that isn't all that uncommon in some of these little villages in the UK.
All in all a fab book which would be ideal for younger teenage girls. Up to date, modern and 'with it' without being cringy with a fab new role model who is awesome.
Jenny Smith's book has been compared to Louise Rennison but I actually think this book is better than any of the Georgia Nicholson books I have read (I never bothered to finish them). What I really liked about the book was Katie the main character. She is just a lovely gorgeous teenage girl who is fab without airs and graces and tantrums. I wish more of the teenage girls you read about in fiction were like her because she was just so lovely and normal and totally without any kind of ego or quirk that can irritate the pants of me.
The whole story was really nice in that it had really lovely morals. The family involved were really normal and you could see that they really loved each other. I loved how the whole story played out (there were some crackingly funny moments thrown in). I also loved the idea that almost the entire village was related to one another as I imagine that isn't all that uncommon in some of these little villages in the UK.
All in all a fab book which would be ideal for younger teenage girls. Up to date, modern and 'with it' without being cringy with a fab new role model who is awesome.
May 5, 2012
Katie Sutton is a thirteen-year-old expert in parent management, so she is writing the ultimate user guide to grown-ups. She knows all the "Modes" and how to switch a grown-up from a less-desirable mode to another, more favorable one. Katie has two best friends, an older sister, a younger brother, a widowed mom, loads of other relatives, and a crush on a cute boy. Life is pretty good until her mom does the unthinkable: finds a boyfriend. Suddenly, all Katie thinks she knows about managing the behavior of her grown-ups gets called into question by the invasion of this stranger into their lives.
For some reason, this book reminded me of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging, although I read that so long ago, I'm not sure how they are similar, other than being about British teenagers with crushes. In any case, I enjoyed reading the mock-diary-style tale of changing household dynamics told from a teen's point of view. Coincidentally, I was concurrently reading A Career Girl's Guide to Becoming a Stepmom and found these two sides of the family coin tracked well together. I think it would be a good choice for tweens, especially those who have experienced divorce or the death of a parent.
For readers' advisors: character doorway is primary, story is secondary
For some reason, this book reminded me of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging, although I read that so long ago, I'm not sure how they are similar, other than being about British teenagers with crushes. In any case, I enjoyed reading the mock-diary-style tale of changing household dynamics told from a teen's point of view. Coincidentally, I was concurrently reading A Career Girl's Guide to Becoming a Stepmom and found these two sides of the family coin tracked well together. I think it would be a good choice for tweens, especially those who have experienced divorce or the death of a parent.
For readers' advisors: character doorway is primary, story is secondary
August 2, 2013
Sur le conseil d’une copine blogueuse, j’ai acheté ce livre pour ma fille qui l’a adoré. J’ai enfin pris le temps de le découvrir à mon tour, surtout après avoir découvert le dernier opus de cet auteur : Ma vie toute pourrie.
J’ai beaucoup aimé ce livre, présenté un peu sous la forme d’un guide à l’usage des adolescents, pour tenter de comprendre leurs parents. Moi qui d’après ce livre me trouve du mauvais côté de la barrière, je n’ai pu m’empêcher de sourire aux diverses péripéties, décrites par Katie, le personnage principal.
Sous son apparence frais et pétillant, ce livre laisse également entrevoir des morceaux de la vie de Katie. On voit ce personnage évoluer et gagner en maturité au fur et à mesure de notre avancée dans la lecture. On l’a découvre fragile, elle a du mal a accepté la présence d’un homme dans la vie de sa mère, le papa de Katie étant décédé.
J’ai également apprécié, le fait qu’il soit écrit à la manière d’un journal intime, de cette façon Katie s’adresse à nous lecteur, et ça nous permet de nous attacher très facilement à ce personnage.
La couverture flashy reflète parfaitement l’ambiance de ce roman haut en couleur !
Ce livre a été publié en 2012 aux Editions Nathan.
http://milleetunepages.com/2013/08/01...
J’ai beaucoup aimé ce livre, présenté un peu sous la forme d’un guide à l’usage des adolescents, pour tenter de comprendre leurs parents. Moi qui d’après ce livre me trouve du mauvais côté de la barrière, je n’ai pu m’empêcher de sourire aux diverses péripéties, décrites par Katie, le personnage principal.
Sous son apparence frais et pétillant, ce livre laisse également entrevoir des morceaux de la vie de Katie. On voit ce personnage évoluer et gagner en maturité au fur et à mesure de notre avancée dans la lecture. On l’a découvre fragile, elle a du mal a accepté la présence d’un homme dans la vie de sa mère, le papa de Katie étant décédé.
J’ai également apprécié, le fait qu’il soit écrit à la manière d’un journal intime, de cette façon Katie s’adresse à nous lecteur, et ça nous permet de nous attacher très facilement à ce personnage.
La couverture flashy reflète parfaitement l’ambiance de ce roman haut en couleur !
Ce livre a été publié en 2012 aux Editions Nathan.
http://milleetunepages.com/2013/08/01...
April 25, 2011
In Diary of a Parent Trainer author Jenny Smith uses the popular writing technique of telling the story through the main character's diary entries, yet it stands apart from other novels as she adds a little twist to it. Because not only do we read about Katie Sutton's innermost feelings and day to day thoughts and musings there is also the added bonus of tips and tricks explaining how to handle ones grown-up.
While I have to say though is that the core of the story is extremely similar to Louise Rennison's Georgia Nicholson books, I found the characters in Diary of a Parent Trainer much more genuine and likeable. The question is though, will author Jenny Smith be able to turn this into a likewise popular series? This book already covered many of the basic modes a grown-up according to Katie can be in such as determined, sociable, grumpy, sympathy, happy, smitten, embarrassing and devastated, and even explains what to do in case of overheating. So while the approach to the story is fresh and interesting it also set the author up for a difficult decision in the future as unless she changes the format or decides to repeat herself the guide to training a parent will be finished much quicker than Katie's story will.
While I have to say though is that the core of the story is extremely similar to Louise Rennison's Georgia Nicholson books, I found the characters in Diary of a Parent Trainer much more genuine and likeable. The question is though, will author Jenny Smith be able to turn this into a likewise popular series? This book already covered many of the basic modes a grown-up according to Katie can be in such as determined, sociable, grumpy, sympathy, happy, smitten, embarrassing and devastated, and even explains what to do in case of overheating. So while the approach to the story is fresh and interesting it also set the author up for a difficult decision in the future as unless she changes the format or decides to repeat herself the guide to training a parent will be finished much quicker than Katie's story will.
May 19, 2014
Diary of A Parent Trainer- by Jenny Smith
~Andralyn Howey~
Diary of A Parent Trainer is about a 13-year-old girl named Katie Sutton. She lives in Brindleton, England with her mum, her 15-year-old sister Mandy, her 8-year-old brother Jack, and her dog Rascal. Everyone in their extended family lives in Brindleton, too, so they can’t go anywhere without bumping into someone in their family. Katie is writing a manual on how to “operate” grownups. Her mum has a new boyfriend, Stuart, who is obsessed with the safety and well-being of the environment and the children try to get rid of him.
I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars, because some of the things they said were confusing like when they called a shopping cart a trolley. But I did like the mischievousness of the children and all their antics and attempts to get rid of Stuart.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#
~Andralyn Howey~
Diary of A Parent Trainer is about a 13-year-old girl named Katie Sutton. She lives in Brindleton, England with her mum, her 15-year-old sister Mandy, her 8-year-old brother Jack, and her dog Rascal. Everyone in their extended family lives in Brindleton, too, so they can’t go anywhere without bumping into someone in their family. Katie is writing a manual on how to “operate” grownups. Her mum has a new boyfriend, Stuart, who is obsessed with the safety and well-being of the environment and the children try to get rid of him.
I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars, because some of the things they said were confusing like when they called a shopping cart a trolley. But I did like the mischievousness of the children and all their antics and attempts to get rid of Stuart.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#
June 20, 2012
More of a diary than a guide to parent training, this was a cute book. I really enjoyed the laugh-out-loud antics of the younger brother, and I thought that the setting: a small town, full of people related to the main character, was dynamic and well executed. Readers truly get a sense of the positives and negatives of living so close to so many of your family members.
The book reminded me of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging, only for a younger audience. I felt that the British-isms were toned down (most likely for the younger audience) which was a bit disappointing. I'd prefer to have American children more exposed to expressions that people from different parts of the world use.
*review is of a digital ARC from Netgalley
The book reminded me of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging, only for a younger audience. I felt that the British-isms were toned down (most likely for the younger audience) which was a bit disappointing. I'd prefer to have American children more exposed to expressions that people from different parts of the world use.
*review is of a digital ARC from Netgalley
June 25, 2013
I just really loved this book. I liked how realistic Katie was compared to girls in real life. She had insecurities, imperfections, and complete mess-ups, and it's not like she rode through them all. I could totally understand why Katie felt the way she did, and I supported her all the way, even if she made stupid decisions. Because she's real. And it wasn't just Katie, it was a lot of the other characters, too.
I liked the interactions Katie had with her family and Stuart the most, but I also liked the stories of Katie and her friends. The whole time, though, had me on an emotional roller-coaster. Sometimes I'd be extremely sad, but other times I was laughing, which I ah-dore as well!
Overall, I'd give it ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
I liked the interactions Katie had with her family and Stuart the most, but I also liked the stories of Katie and her friends. The whole time, though, had me on an emotional roller-coaster. Sometimes I'd be extremely sad, but other times I was laughing, which I ah-dore as well!
Overall, I'd give it ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
June 27, 2012
Funny, thoughtful story of 13-year-old Katie who is trying to navigate the difficulties of early adolescence. Her two best friends have their first boyfriends and she does not, and then her widowed mom starts dating! Is this the end of the world? Great story for young teens, especially ones living in a step-family.
September 26, 2012
I loved it. Parts are so funny. I knew what was coming so I wss laughing at what I knew would happen and then laughing as the consequences occurred. Katie grew up a lot especially after she had done things that were not nice. I liked Katie and Mandy and their extended family. This is worth reading if only for little brother Jack and his definition of a kiss. Wonderful!
January 16, 2013
Fans of Louise Rennison;s Georgia Nicolson and Briget Jones Diary books will love the Diary of a Parent Trainer. 13 year old Katie Sutton gives her advice for bringing up your parents while dealing with an older sister and younger brother. Her mother who is a widow has begun dating. This has the usual teen angst as well a humor which will appeal to the young teen.
Recommended
Recommended
February 13, 2013
A British girl diary-- but much better than most. While it started off with the usual flippancy, there was a depth to the book that made it much better. Kate Sutton thinks she has all the answers for managing grown ups, but events in her family humble her and help her realize how important her mother's happiness is. I wasn't expecting much out of this book, but it was really good.
January 11, 2016
Un livre plutôt drôle que j'ai adoré lire. L'humour de l'auteure est très présent et tout cela fait du bien. Parfois c'est un peu exagérer, mais on peut souvent retrouver nos parents dans les description. J'ai adoré le fait qu'il y ait une histoire à côté des données et explications :)
Encore un coup de coeur ^^
Encore un coup de coeur ^^
February 9, 2017
This book was left around by my daughter so I read it. It had an inventive premise being written as a teenager's guide to operating their grown up. It had fun characters and a great plot dealing with all that real life can dish out told through the eyes of a normal teenage girl. The book was creative and fun.
June 27, 2012
This book has a rather narrow audience, but is a great pick for those within it. Read my full review HERE.
January 13, 2013
Rien ne laissait présager cela... et pourtant au fil des pages j'ai fini par m'attacher aux personnages, aux membres de cette famille d'une petite banlieue sans histoire du Sud-Est de l'Angleterre. Rien de bien original, si ce n'est la forme du roman.
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