Book Review - The Diary of Melanie Martin

Courtesy of Random House

Do ya think your mom and dad stress easily, that your younger brother or sister is some kind of alien lifeform put on this planet to embarrass you, drive you crazy and get you into a ton of trouble? Have you ever gone on a family vacation with these lunatics? Yup? Then The Diary of Melanie Martin - Or How I survived Matt the Brat, Michelangelo, and the Leaning Tower of Pizza is a book you won't want to miss.

At 10 years old, Melanie Martin finds life a bit challenging. She has an intolerable yet adorable younger brother, puberty is unleashing its madness as she struggles to be cool not a kid. She's not even sure whether boys are a good or bad thing. In fact, Melanie's only comfort is her best friend and chinese food. So, when Mom and Dad whisk her and her baby bro off on a family vacation, in Rome, Melanie has mixed feelings.

Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, speaking Italian, and Michelangelo all have their appeal. Melanie thinks that this may be a fabulous adventure, until Matt the Brat gets lost, Mom seems to care more about the museums than she does about Melanie, Dad gets robbed, they lose their car, and Melanie lands in an Italian emergency room getting stitches above one eye. Just when Melanie thinks things can't get any worse, she realizes things are pretty good.

Like so many travelers, Melanie discovers truth and beauty. She finds herself, she discovers the meaning of family, and she learns a bit about life... not to mention gelato and hot Italian boys.

Rating:

Related Stories: