Reading is my ESCAPE from Reality!

"Pack your bags. We're going on a road trip."

Thus begins the 9th book in the Wimpy Kid series. I have a feeling I know what you're thinking. Another Wimpy Kid book? Who wants to read more about the selfish brat also know as Greg Heffley? I mean, let's face it, he isn't the best role model (or even close for that matter). I've cringed many times while reading these books with my son; the way Greg treats his supposed best friend Rowley or the way Rodrick treats Greg. Please, even my kids treat each other better than this (which is a good thing). Of course, my son and I have spoken about Greg's behavior and how he isn't nice to Rowley and only uses him to get what he wants. And I don't deny my son the chance to read something he really enjoys. Anything you read is a chance to learn something, even if the book just teaches you to recognize bad behavior.

So, I was hugely surprised to find myself laughing out loud while reading this book to my son. Rowley is absent from this book and I think that helped. The book focuses entirely on Greg and his family and their misadventures. Greg's mom decides that a road trip is an excellent way to bring the family together. It doesn't exactly turn out as she expected, but they still manage to have quite the adventure.

I don't want to give anything away, but there is a piglet, crazy seagulls, a water park adventure and many funny driving and motel scenes that many of us can relate to. How many of us have been on a family trip and Dad has to take a work call. Everyone in the car is supposed to be quiet.... Very funny scene!!

Recommended to:

Any fans of the Wimpy Kid series and even some people who aren't fans. If you like funny family stories where everything that can go wrong does, you will enjoy this book. Think (totally PG) book version of one of the Vacation movies.