Or maybe it was that most people in this book have their own distinct collection. Maybe it was the fact that Jeremy could say he named his couch Mongo when he was three. Maybe it was the fact that Jeremy reminded me of my younger brother. Even if they seem like complete strangers. What he may discover, however, is that as large and vast as the universe may be, there are people who will always help you along. Now Jeremy is breaking out of his all too comfortable routines to find out what the meaning of life is, even if he can’t find the keys he wants. Unfortunately, that plan seems to involve breaking and entering which, in turn, leads to them doing community service for an elderly (and incredibly rich) antiques dealer. With his best friend (and sometimes thief) Lizzy at his side, the two decide to do whatever it takes to locate the keys that will open the box. After all, Jeremy’s 13th birthday is mere weeks away. FOR JEREMY FINK TO OPEN ON HIS 13TH BIRTHDAY”? Well, if you were Jeremy Fink you’d probably want to find the keys to open that box and pronto. What would you do if a mysterious box arrived in your home from your long dead father? What if the box contained a beautiful smaller box of light-colored wood with a keyhole on each side? And what if the smaller box were engraved with the following: “THE MEANING OF LIFE. Mass may have many more such books nestled inside of her. After reading this book though, I suspect Ms.

The rare combination of “meaning” and “humor” is a rare once in a lifetime event for any writer. Mass is able to tell his tale without a drop of pretension or boredom AND the book’s laugh-out-loud funny. What managed to throw me for a loop though is that Ms. This, in and of itself, is not extraordinary.

Now she’s given us an honestly funny book about a kid who just happens to be searching for the meaning of life. Mass, if you recall, wowed the YA literary scene with her extraordinary “A Mango-Shaped Space” a couple of years ago.

My ear is often pressed to the buzz surrounding the notable books for children, and as of yet I have heard nary a peep regarding Wendy Mass’s amazing new story. And now it is time to discuss a book that I consider to be the best American work of children’s fiction for the year 2006.

Jeremy fink book