Peter Cameron
James Sveck, an eighteen year old misfit living in New YorkCity, doesn't know what to do with his life. Because he
doesn't like being around people his own age (or anyone,
really) he doesn't want to go to college, but his gallery
owning mother and lawyer father can't understand this. For
some reason everyone thinks that he's gay, his poodle hates
him, and his therapist wishes that he will stop being "too
clever for his own good." Of course, when you throw in a
gallery full of blasphemous trashcans, one hundred genius
government students, and a nasty trick played on a coworker,
James' life gets even worse- and running away is only
effective for so long.
This book was simply amazing. Incredibly reminiscent of
"Catcher in the Rye," it takes the classic's themes and
modernizes them in a wonderfully hilarious way. It is easy
to empathize with James, even though he is such an original
character that it would be hard to find something in common
with him. Though this book explores some deep matters and
is, in fact, entirely about James' mental turmoil as he
struggles with growing up and facing the world, it still
manages to be hilarious and easily readable. Besides
creating an intriguing book, this theme means that this book
will certainly be enjoyed by a wide range of readers,
especially teens. Be sure to pick up a copy of "Someday This
Pain Will Be Useful To You" as soon as you have a chance-
you won't regret it!
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
This book contains much discussion of homosexuality and a
bit of cursing.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Ellicott City, Maryland
United States
posted by Flamingnet Book Blog @ 6:47 AM
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