jayoder16's review against another edition
Timmy Failure believes he is she greatest detective "in his town" perhaps even the country. But he is hopelessly clueless and helplessly clumsy. The writing is simple, but engaging, causing giggles and chortles at his silly adventures. I think this book would be a good option for reluctant boy readers and those who are a fan of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
mjcosgrove's review against another edition
5.0
I’m not sure what to make of Timmy Failure. When I first started reading this aloud to my son, I thought it had a taste of Wimpy Kid to it, though not quite as funny. But then Pastis let the clues trickle out that show you that Timmy is clearly living in his own world and that people around him are making the best of the situation around them. He lives only with his mom, and money is tight, to the point where they have to move to a smaller, more affordable place. He has very negative assessments of almost everyone in his life, and he misunderstands everyone and their motivations. So I think that can probably just be chalked up to a self-centered childhood.
But then I’m not sure what to make of him when it comes to his school work. Does he have a learning disability? Or does he just need to be reached in a different way? The new teacher introduced toward the end of the book would seem to indicate the latter. In the end though, I’m still kind of left wondering if there are deeper psychological problems Timmy has that the first book in the series has only just touched on.
I love when books for children address deeper mental health issues like that, and I’m kind of hoping that that’s where this series is going. Not that I wish anything bad on Timmy. He’s got his hands full just coping with everyday life. I guess I’m just saying that I hope he’s more than just a wacky goofball.
But then I’m not sure what to make of him when it comes to his school work. Does he have a learning disability? Or does he just need to be reached in a different way? The new teacher introduced toward the end of the book would seem to indicate the latter. In the end though, I’m still kind of left wondering if there are deeper psychological problems Timmy has that the first book in the series has only just touched on.
I love when books for children address deeper mental health issues like that, and I’m kind of hoping that that’s where this series is going. Not that I wish anything bad on Timmy. He’s got his hands full just coping with everyday life. I guess I’m just saying that I hope he’s more than just a wacky goofball.
sde's review against another edition
5.0
Funny book written by the creator of the "Pearls Before Swine" comic strip. Just as funny as the strip with lots of goofy characters and bizarre situations, but not nearly as dark or pessimistic as the strip. Everyone in the family - 10 year old, teenager and parents - enjoyed it. Each night all were eager to read the next chapter or two together. Here's hoping Stephan Pastis writes some more kids' books!
nathan_ig's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Great book! great for readers who love comedy!
centala14's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book is so funny! I would recommend to people under 12. Basically there is this eight year old who found something that was missing. And now he thinks he is a detective!! He had a fake pipe(smoker) for halloween to somehow represent a famous detective.And there’s a book series to find out what happens to Timmy next!
kytwins's review against another edition
4.0
A silly, absurd, and funny story about a kid whose life pretty much mirrors his name, Failure. He does poorly at school, isn't exactly a good friend, and is about the worst "detective" you could ask for, although he believes his detective agency, "Total Failure, Inc." is destined to make millions, which will help his struggling mom pay the bills.. The characters are fun, including his friend Rollo Tuckus, the dreaded Corinna Corinna, and of course his 1500lb polar bear business partner, Total. The illustrations add to the humor throughout the story. There is some vocabulary that may challenge young readers, but I think this would be a good choice for grades 3-5. Kids who like the Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid books will be fans of this series.
katy_irene's review against another edition
4.0
A 1,500 pound Arctic business partner, a Bowling Turkey, a tattooed-biker librarian, a classmate who smells like tangerines and another one who is "rotund" all have something in common. They are all characters in Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. The story chronicles the history of Timmy Failure's clueless detective agency.
This is constantly compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid because of the illustrated journal format. This one is so much better. The humor had me giggling and the plot kept me on my toes. I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.
This is constantly compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid because of the illustrated journal format. This one is so much better. The humor had me giggling and the plot kept me on my toes. I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.
ronniewest's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to this with the kids in the car. Somewhat hilarious.
melissapalmer404's review against another edition
4.0
Book #21 Read in 2014
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis (YA)
This was a cute, quick read. Timmy Failure is a young boy who has his own detective agency, partnered with Total, a polar bear. Timmy tries to solve various cases with varying degrees of success. There is a lot of humor in this book (some of which may be over the heads of the targeted audience) and cute illustrations throughout the book. Timmy is a likable character and I see that a second book is coming out next week. This book was fun.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis (YA)
This was a cute, quick read. Timmy Failure is a young boy who has his own detective agency, partnered with Total, a polar bear. Timmy tries to solve various cases with varying degrees of success. There is a lot of humor in this book (some of which may be over the heads of the targeted audience) and cute illustrations throughout the book. Timmy is a likable character and I see that a second book is coming out next week. This book was fun.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
Timmy is so awful, yet so funny! Love this guy. Very clever.