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A review by mariahistryingtoread
Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce
3.0
This is one of those comic-book-normal-book mixes. It's faster to read because of all the pictures (hence me starting and finishing within an hour) and presumably easier for book hating children to get into as it's more visually appealing.
In terms of personal enjoyment I would have rated this only one star. The art is nice, it's competently written, and Nate has a strong narrative voice. But, it's not funny.
Obviously, humor is subjective. I can definitely see there are jokes being made. I could see what should be funny about a certain situation. I also feel that to a kid it will be funny so I am aware that this is about my own preferences. But, I couldn't help but compare this to Diary of a Wimpy Kid which was the big series of this type when I was coming up. Especially since the book is actively compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid in its marketing.
And Diary of a Wimpy Kid (at least the first few books) is far superior. I re-read that book every once in awhile and it still holds up. It isn't only funny but it's altogether a more witty and clever insight into life when you're twelve. Big Nate didn't have a prayer. I found reading it like reading a chapter book - simple, kind of cute but no deeper substance.
Since I realize that I'm biased I've given Big Nate an average rating. I'm not the primary demographic. I can recognize the relative skill on display here. I appreciate it for the easy, breezy read it is. I won't recommend it if you're an adult because I've read better. However, I won't be writing off Big Nate entirely just yet as it is entirely possible the books get better.
In terms of personal enjoyment I would have rated this only one star. The art is nice, it's competently written, and Nate has a strong narrative voice. But, it's not funny.
Obviously, humor is subjective. I can definitely see there are jokes being made. I could see what should be funny about a certain situation. I also feel that to a kid it will be funny so I am aware that this is about my own preferences. But, I couldn't help but compare this to Diary of a Wimpy Kid which was the big series of this type when I was coming up. Especially since the book is actively compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid in its marketing.
And Diary of a Wimpy Kid (at least the first few books) is far superior. I re-read that book every once in awhile and it still holds up. It isn't only funny but it's altogether a more witty and clever insight into life when you're twelve. Big Nate didn't have a prayer. I found reading it like reading a chapter book - simple, kind of cute but no deeper substance.
Since I realize that I'm biased I've given Big Nate an average rating. I'm not the primary demographic. I can recognize the relative skill on display here. I appreciate it for the easy, breezy read it is. I won't recommend it if you're an adult because I've read better. However, I won't be writing off Big Nate entirely just yet as it is entirely possible the books get better.