Growing Up Meathead by James B. Zimmerman

TITLE INFORMATION

Growing Up Meathead

James B. Zimmerman

Black Rose Writing, 115 pages

9781684335480, 10.1.20

BOOK REVIEW

Overall Rating = 4

Storyline & Concept = 4.25

Writing & Delivery = 3.75

Editorial = 4

Growing up Meathead is the story of a pre-teen boy growing up in the suburbs in the 1970s, and it relates some of the predicaments in which he finds himself. These range from lying and stealing to dealing with the death of a loved one and a sometimes-difficult family situation.

This seemingly autobiographical novel, also illustrated by the author, exposes the awkwardness, the peer pressure, the triumphs, and the losses of a boy who wants to be good but tests the waters of badness and learns some life lessons along the way. At times, the narrative felt a bit rushed with a series of anecdotal stories, until it slowed again to tie everything together in a touching and meaningful ending. Although, it was submitted as a young adult novel, I feel it would appeal to the teen and pre-teen market. Altogether, an enjoyable read.

Sublime Line: “A young boy experiences some hard knocks and learns to appreciate what it means to be a good person in this charming and entertaining story.”

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