Wimpy Kid for Adults?
Posted by annastan on October 14th, 2009. Filed under: Books, In the News.I’ve only read the first of Jeff Kinney’s Wimpy Kid books but it’s no secret they’re hugely popular right now. In a recent NPR piece, Maureen Corrigan praised the books’ humor and their ability to speak to young readers. I don’t think anyone can deny that the books have struck a chord with children, though it’s funny that Kinney originally wrote them as an online comic for adults and as a “reflection on childhood.”
The fact the books were originally written with an adult audience in mind doesn’t take away from their value as children’s books, but it is
funny that they’re praised for speaking to children when they were originally intended for an adult audience. It’s nice that the books don’t have the nostalgic quality you might expect from stories that look back at childhood. I wonder if this aspect of reflecting on childhood is why the books feel so episodic. In a way they remind me of the Jack books by Jack Gantos, which are at least somewhat autobiographical. They’re filled with odd events and hilarious characters, but they don’t have a traditional plot.
In a reading landscape that’s filled with fantasy, it’s interesting to see a series like Wimpy Kid do so well. The characters aren’t particularly heroic and, in fact, they’re sometimes not even likable. But the humor and the format create a unique experience that draws readers into the world, even if it’s a much more realistic world than the others we’re used to.
October 14th, 2009 at 7:50 am
My 12 year old consumed that book in a matter of minutes. Okay…not minutes. But she did gobble it up like a kid who finds dad’s secret stash of reese’s cups.
she’s also read Dork Diaries (written from a girl’s point of view) and is anxious to get more of the same kind of book for Christmas.
Perhaps the “adults” he wrote for are much like me…still very childlike!
peace,
Donna
October 14th, 2009 at 8:13 am
“Perhaps the “adults” he wrote for are much like me…still very childlike!”
I agree! I think the sense of humor in the books appeals to a wide audience. Kinney also captures what it means to be a kid (the laughs, the struggles, the occasional torture) which I think everyone can relate to, whether we’re living it or remembering it.
October 14th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I have to admit, I’ve only skimmed and browsed these books in the bookstore but they are really funny.
Plus, I really like the fact that author still is working at his day job (I’m not sure if that is still the case now, with 3 MILLION copies printed).
I read an interview with him and he definitely is reflecting on his memories of his own childhood. But isn’t that what kids are anyway? Little people? Ha.
October 14th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I only read the first one, but wow was it funny! It was one of the first books where I actually laughed and shared a line with my husband rather than just chuckling to myself.
I read much of it at an auto shop while waiting for my car to be inspected. The tough/scary guys at the front desk had heard about the book and actually struck a conversation with me about what I thought, which was kind of cool.
October 14th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I love when adults can bond over “just” a kid’s book! I guess that just further proves that Kinney is writing for a much broader audience than just kids or just adults.