Phoebe's Paper Paradise

"I hope Bert doesn't die. Apart from liking him, I have got nothing to wear to a funeral." p. 89

A really entertaining and funny book! Recommendable for readers of every age! Set in the year 1981 young Adrian Mole, aged 13 3/4 years, writes about his everyday life: his imperfect parents, his struggle with puberty (especially the evil spots!) and first love, his literacy ambitions and what a hardship it is to be an intellectual in today's society!

"Intellectuals like me are allowed to be interested in sex. It is ordinary people like Mr Lucas who should be ashamed of themselves."

It shows the difficulties a young boy goes through with a somewhat difficult family life, but how educating it can be at the same time. The reader finds out about all the books (more or less suitable for his age) young Adrian reads in 1981. A quite impressive list, though sometimes someone wonders if it is possible to be that quick a reader, e.g. finishing "War and Peace" in two days is very unlikely. But the fact that Adrian puts it down like that in his diary is just charming.
A wonderful book about growing up and taking responsibility.