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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck

by Jeff Kinney (Goodreads Author)

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Matthew said: " I rate this book "Diary of Wimpy Kid Hard Luck" a 4 star. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck is the eighth book in the series and focuses on the hilarious happenings of being a middle schooler through the eyes of protagonist Greg Heffley. Author Jeff Kin I rate this book "Diary of Wimpy Kid Hard Luck" a 4 star. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck is the eighth book in the series and focuses on the hilarious happenings of being a middle schooler through the eyes of protagonist Greg Heffley. Author Jeff Kinney ironically constructs a story based upon how Heffley's changed circumstances rely upon his reaction, and by the end, he learns to deal with the fact that he's been excluded. Thus, one of the book's predominant themes is friendship. For example, early on, we find out that Rowley is Greg's best friend, but he has been neglecting his hanging out with Greg to get some time in with his new girlfriend, Abigail. When Rowley fails to hang out with Greg, we see how he's feeling. He states, "Ever since Rowley got a girlfriend, he has totally abandoned our friendship." Thus, this quote illustrates how much Greg covets his friendship with Rowley and how perplexed he is in the wake of such a solidified connection. In addition, readers connect to the similarly neglected or abandoned sense when friends get girlfriends or boyfriends. Furthermore, an important theme is the distinction between luck and hard work. For example, Greg tries to go through life without consequences by allowing a Magic 8 Ball to decide. He asks it yes or no questions about whatever and at one point writes, "I figured I'd let the Magic 8 Ball decide all my decisions from now on." He assumes it will spare him through life without consequence, that he has gotten away with so much at this point in his life and that chance will ultimately be in his favor. Yet by the end, he realizes that relying upon a toy does not do what he needs it to do; it's doing something instead of playing with a toy, making decisions based on purposeful, informed action that helps him in the long run. In addition, the sense of responsibility and an adult coming-of-age viewpoint is present as well. There are many times Greg finds himself wanting to know something and assuming it's easy for adults to have because it's easy for him. Ultimately, all the adult solutions he's seeking are hard work on his part. When Greg and Rowley are on different paths after their fight, he contemplates reconciliation. The narrator observes, "I guess sometimes you have to take a chance if you want things to work out." This is a very mature way of thinking because it understands that, ultimately, people grow apart, and it's better to try and have them back in your life than leave them alone. Ultimately, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck employs comedic elements and everyday occurrences to convey friendship, the idea of luck, and the agency people have over their lives. What Greg comes to understand by the end of the book from his experiences and what the reader comes to understand is that the middle-aged challenges of school life are hard, but during these times, things are more manageable through hard work and doing the right thing for oneself. Greg learns how not to crave life handed to him on a silver platter—and we should all learn that lesson. ...more "

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— Dec 08, 2024 12:44AM

Dec 08, 2024 01:03AM · see review