Book Review: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

Hmm. . . before I turned thirteen, what were my main thoughts and concerns? I'm pretty sure I was worrying about starting junior high, making new friends, being able to get good grades, and not fighting with my brother. I certainly know for a fact that I wasn't having some existential crisis and pondering the meaning of life! That didn’t happen until I turned sixteen. ;-)

In the book, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass, the idea of wanting to know the meaning of life plagues Jeremy Fink at the young age of twelve. This life-long question comes up when Jeremy receives a special box, as gift from father who passed away five years before, which apparently holds the answer to the meaning of life. Unfortunately the keys to open this one-of-a-kind box have been lost by the box's caretaker. So, in efforts to unlock and uncover the answer, Jeremy and Lizzy find themselves in some unique and life-changing experiences as their mission to unlock the box unravels.

I must say that I thought this book was excellent! A must-read for everyone, even adults. Mass expresses and reveals the important aspects of life which her characters learn throughout the book. Here are just a few quotes that I really could relate to in the quest for the so-called answer to the meaning of life.

• Mr. Rudolph: “If you go along with the flow of life, without trying to changes others, or change situations that are beyond you, life is much more peaceful.” (p. 151)
• Mr. Rudolph: “We all bring our own perceptions, needs, and experiences to everything we do. We will all interpret an event, or a sunset, different.” (p. 155)
• Jeremy Fink: “Each choice I made, or Lizzy made, was based on who we were or what we wanted. That's all I ever have to keep doing, and not be so worried about choosing right or wrong, there's only what IS. And if I don't like the outcome, I just make another choice.” (p. 286)

I want to thank harryobsessed (Allison) for recommending this wonderful book. If you haven't read it yet, I highly suggest you do. You won't regret it.

—Carly M., STACKS Staffer

Comments

[Comment #1]

hey this story is dumb its studied

[Comment #2]

ok, ill try it out.

[Comment #3]

Have you ever read Maximum Ride? It's pretty cool.

[Comment #4]

I LOVE this book! Jeremy is quirky and the end almost made me cry. Very sweet, very fun. Wendy Mass is a terrific author.

Defy gravity!

[Comment #5]

cool

[Comment #6]

I like it sort of!

[Comment #7]

omg i love this book. i just finished it a few days ago.

[Comment #8]

I never read the book but I want to give it a try.

[Comment #9]

wow i haven't read it yet but it sounds really good

[Comment #10]

I LOVE this book and Wendy Mass for that matter. Still, it's majorly annoyig that they never actually seem to actually answer the question. It's still cool.

[Comment #11]

Ok so it sounds alright, but i think i am sticking to mysteries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Comment #12]

You should do one on the amazing, incredible, Maximum Ride series. *immitates crowd cheering*

[Comment #13]

I love keys

[Comment #14]

LOL i love keys

[Comment #15]

I love this book! It's amazing. Wendy Mass is an amazing writer!

[Comment #16]

Where was the first key found?

[Comment #17]

i loved this book when i read it back in the third grade lol =D

[Comment #18]

hate it

[Comment #19]

it was boring until i realized how cool the quest for the keys was

[Comment #20]

great book

[Comment #21]

This book is so good!!!!!!!!!!! I loved it. I highly recomend it.

[Comment #22]

the last quote is onpage 285 and 286 in my book.