Hi lovelies,
So this is one that I loved throughout my teenage years and still enjoy reading it now when I need something quick and simple.
The Diary of a Teenage Health Freak-Aiden Macfarlane and Ann McPherson
Oxford Paperbacks
Paperback, 1987
Page Count: 159
Goodreads Rating: 3.65 (391 Ratings)
My Rating: 4/5
Genre: Fiction; Children; Diary; Educational;
Welcome to the diary of Peter Payne; a 14 year old hypochondriac. He’s no Adrian Mole which is refreshing. He wants the facts of life and he’s willing to share his knowledge. This is the book for teenagers who want to know and are too scared to ask….even parents and teachers have been seen thumbing through copies to find the facts.
As this was published in the 80s to read this now is kind of a flashback to the ingenious ways of getting kids to absorb some information. It was hugely popular at the time for providing answers to some of those awkward questions in a time when you couldn’t google an answer. Thankfully, there’s a slightly more up to date version that was released in 2002 that starts to encompass newer technology but that is now 20 years old. I want a newer one but I can’t imagine that a book like this needs to be published in this day of age.
This is written in full diary format-dates and everything-which makes it a quick and easy read although it is still split into chapters that encompass different periods of the year. Even as a teen, I got through it pretty quickly. It may help that a lot of facts are male based due to our main protagonist however his sister also has a published diary (that’s a tale for another day).
Given the nature of book, there’s not too much happening really. It’s just a typical 14 year olds life, OK maybe not present day but very similar to life in the 90s at least. Most is centered around school, friends and the odd holiday. It has it’s amusing moments, well not so much as an adult, but for a younger audience it’s enough. Even now, it’s one I would recommend.
Unfortunately, this is only available to purchase second hand from a variety of sellers but it’s never been made into an ebook or audiobook unfortunately.
Thanks for reading. I hope you join me for more discoveries in the future. Let me know in the comments your thoughts or suggestions although no spoilers please. Maybe even hit that like and subscribe button.
Rach xx
Nev's Book Cave 