In this book, Peter and Jane are now older teenagers and our main protagonist, Ellen, is having to deal with GCSEs, A Levels and her oldest baby leaving for university. She also has her ex-husband to contend with as he seems to be about to start a new family with his girlfriend, Marisa,. She is surrounded by her usual bunch of funny friends and eccentric family members.
As with previous books, this is presented as a diary, although most of the events seem to happen in the first part of the year. There are some real rites of passage here that those who have been through it (either themselves or as parents) will recognise - the driving test, first car, 18th birthday parties, exam results,..it is all just so relatable!
And that really is Sims' skill - taking the everyday and making it funny. This isn't an idealistic view of parenting - Ellen looking after her friend's toddler for the weekend is enough to put anyone off having children and also reminded me of the time in my own life when I needed eyes in the back of my head and a cure for sleep deprivation. Much of the book is very funny - some of it made me laugh out loud in recognition or because of Ellen's sharp take on things.
As with previous books, this is presented as a diary, although most of the events seem to happen in the first part of the year. There are some real rites of passage here that those who have been through it (either themselves or as parents) will recognise - the driving test, first car, 18th birthday parties, exam results,..it is all just so relatable!
And that really is Sims' skill - taking the everyday and making it funny. This isn't an idealistic view of parenting - Ellen looking after her friend's toddler for the weekend is enough to put anyone off having children and also reminded me of the time in my own life when I needed eyes in the back of my head and a cure for sleep deprivation. Much of the book is very funny - some of it made me laugh out loud in recognition or because of Ellen's sharp take on things.