Adrian Mole is now 15 years old—and unfortunately his nose is swollen due to an experimental sniff of glue which resulted in his inadvertent attachment to a model aeroplane. The drama between his parents intensifies in this installment—his mom is pregnant and so is Doreen Slater aka Stick Insect (the woman his father dated while his mother was living with Mr. Lucas aka Creep Lucas). To add insult to injury, Adrian’s intellectual-status goes further unrecognized when Barry Kent wins the Youth Club poetry competition.
The romance between Adrian and Pandora hits a few rocky patches in this installment and Adrian will briefly join Barry Kent’s gang (although he picks up whatever trash they throw about so that little kids won’t get hurt on the broken glass and he asks the gang not to pick on the Singh kids). Distraught about his parents’ marital situation, he runs away—but does everything he can think of to be found including phoning in an anonymous tip as to his whereabouts.
Although Adrian endures more painful experiences this time around, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole maintains a light, respectful touch. Highly recommended!
For a sneak peek, please visit http://www.adrianmole.com/books/growing.html
