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Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
In one month Jeremy Fink will turn thirteen. But does he have what it takes to be a teenager? He collects mutant candy, he won't venture more than four blocks from his apartment if he can help it, and he definitely doesn't like surprises. On the other hand, his best friend, Lizzy, isn't afraid of anything, even if that might get her into trouble now and then.
Jeremy's summer takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious wooden box arrives in the mail. According to the writing on the box, it holds the meaning of life! Jeremy is supposed to open it on his thirteenth birthday. The problem is, the keys are missing, and the box is made so that only the keys will open it without destroying what's inside. Jeremy and Lizzy set off to find the keys, but when one of their efforts goes very wrong, Jeremy starts to lose hope that he'll ever be able to open the box. But he soon discovers that when you're meeting people named Oswald Oswald and using a private limo to deliver unusual objects to strangers all over the city, there might be other ways of finding out the meaning of life.
Lively characters, surprising twists, and thought-provoking ideas make Wendy Mass's latest novel an unforgettable read.
Jeremy's summer takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious wooden box arrives in the mail. According to the writing on the box, it holds the meaning of life! Jeremy is supposed to open it on his thirteenth birthday. The problem is, the keys are missing, and the box is made so that only the keys will open it without destroying what's inside. Jeremy and Lizzy set off to find the keys, but when one of their efforts goes very wrong, Jeremy starts to lose hope that he'll ever be able to open the box. But he soon discovers that when you're meeting people named Oswald Oswald and using a private limo to deliver unusual objects to strangers all over the city, there might be other ways of finding out the meaning of life.
Lively characters, surprising twists, and thought-provoking ideas make Wendy Mass's latest novel an unforgettable read.
289 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2006
495 people are currently reading
9,306 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Mass
82books3,667followersWendy Mass is the author of thirty novels for young people, including A Mango-Shaped Space, which was awarded the Schneider Family Book Award, Leap Day, the Twice Upon a Time fairy tale series, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, the Willow Falls, Space Taxi and Candymakers series. Wendy wrote the storyline for an episode of the television show Monk, entitled "Mr. Monk Goes to the Theatre," which aired during the show's second season. She tells people her hobbies are hiking and photography, but really they're collecting candy bar wrappers and searching for buried treasure with her metal detector. Wendy lives with her family in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,754 reviews
June 2, 2008
This story is about a boy named Jeremy Fink who got a gift for his 13th birthday. On this box it said "The meaning of life" and it had a lock on it. He got this girft 1 month before his birthday though and it was from his father who died 5 years ago. There was also a letter that came with this gift and it was from a lawyer. The lawyer was to give to Jermery for his 13th birthday but the key got lost and there was no replacement. Jeremy was the type of boy who didn't leave New York City but his neighbor Lizzie told him to go on a serach for the keys. They both look for the keys fast because they want to have them before his 13th birthday.
This becomes a huge adverture for the two of them and they learn many lessons along the way.
I thought this book was amazing. I love the way both of them were not so fortunate but worked together so everything would work out. This book really grabbed me and I left like I was in the story. I kept wondering what could of been in this box and I liked how both characters went through an adventure to find out.
I would recommend this book to everyone. It's really good and i think a lot of people would like it.
This becomes a huge adverture for the two of them and they learn many lessons along the way.
I thought this book was amazing. I love the way both of them were not so fortunate but worked together so everything would work out. This book really grabbed me and I left like I was in the story. I kept wondering what could of been in this box and I liked how both characters went through an adventure to find out.
I would recommend this book to everyone. It's really good and i think a lot of people would like it.
April 27, 2008
The contrived plot of this book made it hard to really enjoy as an adult reader, but as a teacher, it actually helps.
Let me explain: In this book, Jeremy Fink is a 12-year-old who receives a mysterious box that his father, who died several years before, had arranged to be delivered to him the summer before his 13th birthday. It requires four keys to open, but they are missing. In it, according to a note from his father, is "the meaning of life." Jeremy and his best friend, Lizzy, end up looking for keys--any keys--that might open the box.
Along the way, they get in trouble while looking for the keys, which leads to meeting many people who help them on their quest.
I found myself ugh-ing and duh-ing my way through the middle part of the book as the LESSONS in big letters presented themselves. These lessons, I think, actually could make the novel easier for teachers to teach, since they could connect to themes and writing projects. However, they don't make up for the leaps in logic and character development, and some kids will see through that.
Let me explain: In this book, Jeremy Fink is a 12-year-old who receives a mysterious box that his father, who died several years before, had arranged to be delivered to him the summer before his 13th birthday. It requires four keys to open, but they are missing. In it, according to a note from his father, is "the meaning of life." Jeremy and his best friend, Lizzy, end up looking for keys--any keys--that might open the box.
Along the way, they get in trouble while looking for the keys, which leads to meeting many people who help them on their quest.
I found myself ugh-ing and duh-ing my way through the middle part of the book as the LESSONS in big letters presented themselves. These lessons, I think, actually could make the novel easier for teachers to teach, since they could connect to themes and writing projects. However, they don't make up for the leaps in logic and character development, and some kids will see through that.
March 10, 2020
Wendy Mass. If only she wrote adult literature. As it is, the main complaints I have from reading "Jeremy Fink & The Meaning of Life" come down to it being targeted at young adult readers. For example, the length with descriptions puberty process; the easier words; the elaboration on topics adults have already been educated on! The tendency to overtell rather than show. Obviously, this is necessary to be categorized and to make it readable for the targeted audience.
Another complaint is the unbelievability of much of the plot- beginning from the elaborate "Operation: Jeremy Fink & The Meaning of Life", the way his father was able to find so many people whom actually came through with some difficult things, his conviction he would die at forty based solely on an Atlantic City Fortune Teller (he actually died at thirty-nine). I did really like how the keys were orchestrated, set up to guide Jeremy. Have to admit that the ending was unexpected. And appreciated. Too often, young adult especially, are written with predictable endings.
Alas, I do of course need to evaluate young adult books according to what it ought to set out to do. And Wendy Mass definitely does this. Enough adventure and fun to keep the reader engaged, even read for hours straight. What had me super impressed with Mass was the aspects that actually seemed above-typical-young-adult-level, namely science, like time machine possibilities, time, space, matter, our miniscule presence in the universe, antiques and the subculture of the pawning industry, the best way to investigate (detailed observations, organized written clues, patience, analyzing the possibilities, no matter how minimal). There was also the mystery/adventure aspect that also helped to keep readers, adults included, engaged.
Another complaint is the unbelievability of much of the plot- beginning from the elaborate "Operation: Jeremy Fink & The Meaning of Life", the way his father was able to find so many people whom actually came through with some difficult things, his conviction he would die at forty based solely on an Atlantic City Fortune Teller (he actually died at thirty-nine). I did really like how the keys were orchestrated, set up to guide Jeremy. Have to admit that the ending was unexpected. And appreciated. Too often, young adult especially, are written with predictable endings.
Alas, I do of course need to evaluate young adult books according to what it ought to set out to do. And Wendy Mass definitely does this. Enough adventure and fun to keep the reader engaged, even read for hours straight. What had me super impressed with Mass was the aspects that actually seemed above-typical-young-adult-level, namely science, like time machine possibilities, time, space, matter, our miniscule presence in the universe, antiques and the subculture of the pawning industry, the best way to investigate (detailed observations, organized written clues, patience, analyzing the possibilities, no matter how minimal). There was also the mystery/adventure aspect that also helped to keep readers, adults included, engaged.
December 6, 2021
بخشی از کتاب:
تا همین چند وقت پیش فکر میکرد� مرگ است که به زندگی معنا میدهد� وجود یک نقطه� پایان که به ما انگیزه میده� تا وقتی زنده هستیم قدر زندگی را بدانیم، ولی اشتباه میکرد�. مرگ نیست که به زندگی معنا میدهد� بلکه زندگی است که به زندگی معنا میده�. جواب این سوال که معنای زندگی چیست، درست در خود سوال نهفته است.
تنها چیز مهم این است که هرگز آن ریسمان را رها نکنیم و اجازه ندهیم کسی بهزو� به ما بقبولاند که اهدافمان بیاهمیتان� یا علایقمان احمقانهان�. ولی فقط نظرات دیگران نیست که باید نگرانش باشیم، بدترین منتقد هر انسانی خودش است. رالف والدو امرسون گفته:« بیشتر سایههای� که هر انسانی در زندگیا� میبیند� به دلیل این است که خودش مقابل خورشید درونش ایستاده.»
تاریخ: ۱۴۰۰/۵/۲۲
تا همین چند وقت پیش فکر میکرد� مرگ است که به زندگی معنا میدهد� وجود یک نقطه� پایان که به ما انگیزه میده� تا وقتی زنده هستیم قدر زندگی را بدانیم، ولی اشتباه میکرد�. مرگ نیست که به زندگی معنا میدهد� بلکه زندگی است که به زندگی معنا میده�. جواب این سوال که معنای زندگی چیست، درست در خود سوال نهفته است.
تنها چیز مهم این است که هرگز آن ریسمان را رها نکنیم و اجازه ندهیم کسی بهزو� به ما بقبولاند که اهدافمان بیاهمیتان� یا علایقمان احمقانهان�. ولی فقط نظرات دیگران نیست که باید نگرانش باشیم، بدترین منتقد هر انسانی خودش است. رالف والدو امرسون گفته:« بیشتر سایههای� که هر انسانی در زندگیا� میبیند� به دلیل این است که خودش مقابل خورشید درونش ایستاده.»
تاریخ: ۱۴۰۰/۵/۲۲
August 27, 2013
Kid-safe. Mother-approved.
I bought this for my son, but it was so cute, I found myself reading it long into the night. It's been awhile since I read a kids' book that didn't insult the intelligence of the child reading while also respecting parents' wishes and keeping foul language, overt sexuality, alternate lifestyles or disrespect for certain political or religious beliefs out of the equation. This one is for EVERYONE.
Here, you have some extremely well-written characters, loads of humor, a compelling story with a message delivered PERFECTLY that should not be offensive to today's society's many differing belief systems. In short, it's a fantastic read you can be comforted in seeing your child read and the story is so interesting, the characters so real, they'll have a hard time putting it down.
This writer is insanely talented and I definitely plan to buy more of her books.
I bought this for my son, but it was so cute, I found myself reading it long into the night. It's been awhile since I read a kids' book that didn't insult the intelligence of the child reading while also respecting parents' wishes and keeping foul language, overt sexuality, alternate lifestyles or disrespect for certain political or religious beliefs out of the equation. This one is for EVERYONE.
Here, you have some extremely well-written characters, loads of humor, a compelling story with a message delivered PERFECTLY that should not be offensive to today's society's many differing belief systems. In short, it's a fantastic read you can be comforted in seeing your child read and the story is so interesting, the characters so real, they'll have a hard time putting it down.
This writer is insanely talented and I definitely plan to buy more of her books.
November 1, 2009
Wendy Mass is great writer, the characters were completely believable and fun. At first, I thought the plot was a bit too contrived until I got to the end and realized it was supposed to be contrived! The ending saved it for me and I was happily satisfied.
September 9, 2014
If you go along with the flow of life, without trying to change others, or change situations that are beyond you, life is much more peaceful.
July 20, 2015
An incredibly touching story, I don't think I'll think about life the same way now.
No full review this time, I won't do it justice.
No full review this time, I won't do it justice.
December 22, 2020
4.5 :)
*ahem*
Going on an adventure in my book searching the ups and downs of Manhattan with the character...
There are 2 great days in a person’s life. the day we are born, and the day we discover why. so why? Life. What is life? What is the meaning of life? The word we hear everyday, the word that drives us, but what does it mean? The word that we say so often without really thinking of what it meant. We all have a life. But what does that really mean? Why are we here? Questions are going hectic inside my head. Questions that’s been in there for days, months, years... But all of a sudden this book brought them all up. What exactly does life mean? Does it mean reading, having fun all day? Or studying till my head explodes? Why are we here? Sure it could be some scientific explanation about how our ancestors evolved from, apes, chimpanzees, or gorillas. And stories about dinosaurs and asteroids. But what does it mean for us? Are we here just to discover what happened to our ancestors? What does this all mean? Being here, standing up here, sitting down there, speaking, listening. Life. We’ve been saying this word for all of our lives, while living, but have we really thought about its meaning? We have the power to create our lives, but how?
As I was reading, I thought about the meaning of life, I thought I could think of a answer right off the top of my head, but then... My mind went blank. This book tells us all about the character, Jeremy’s adventure on looking for, finding, and discovering the meaning of life. In the end, Jeremy found out that
Inspired by the character’s adventure, something clicked in my head. Life, has no meaning, each and every one of us have meaning and we are the ones who bring it to life.
Books, characters, reading. That’s all part of life. Our life, the one and only life we are in control of. Do what you want to do, do what you love, take control of your life and enjoy it. Do what makes you happy. Having a life makes us who we are. Life is what is shaping us into who we are today. That’s what we have in our world to make us, us. WE have the power to create our lives.
Discover your very own meaning, and bring it to life.
-Laura
ps. this was legit a part of a speech that I gave (around 2 years ago...?) so yea :)
[no hate plz!]
*ahem*
Going on an adventure in my book searching the ups and downs of Manhattan with the character...
There are 2 great days in a person’s life. the day we are born, and the day we discover why. so why? Life. What is life? What is the meaning of life? The word we hear everyday, the word that drives us, but what does it mean? The word that we say so often without really thinking of what it meant. We all have a life. But what does that really mean? Why are we here? Questions are going hectic inside my head. Questions that’s been in there for days, months, years... But all of a sudden this book brought them all up. What exactly does life mean? Does it mean reading, having fun all day? Or studying till my head explodes? Why are we here? Sure it could be some scientific explanation about how our ancestors evolved from, apes, chimpanzees, or gorillas. And stories about dinosaurs and asteroids. But what does it mean for us? Are we here just to discover what happened to our ancestors? What does this all mean? Being here, standing up here, sitting down there, speaking, listening. Life. We’ve been saying this word for all of our lives, while living, but have we really thought about its meaning? We have the power to create our lives, but how?
As I was reading, I thought about the meaning of life, I thought I could think of a answer right off the top of my head, but then... My mind went blank. This book tells us all about the character, Jeremy’s adventure on looking for, finding, and discovering the meaning of life. In the end, Jeremy found out that
Inspired by the character’s adventure, something clicked in my head. Life, has no meaning, each and every one of us have meaning and we are the ones who bring it to life.
Books, characters, reading. That’s all part of life. Our life, the one and only life we are in control of. Do what you want to do, do what you love, take control of your life and enjoy it. Do what makes you happy. Having a life makes us who we are. Life is what is shaping us into who we are today. That’s what we have in our world to make us, us. WE have the power to create our lives.
Discover your very own meaning, and bring it to life.
-Laura
ps. this was legit a part of a speech that I gave (around 2 years ago...?) so yea :)
[no hate plz!]
September 24, 2011
A former classmate recommended this book and I was sucked in almost immediately. Do you expect to learn the meaning of life in a young adult / children's book? Oddly enough, you do pick up some of that meaning along the way. [return][return]Jeremy receives a box that is meant to be opened on his 13th birthday, from his long-dead father. The only problem is that the box has four locks and he doesn't have the keys. His summer is alternately devoted to his quest for the keys and an odd sort of community service that teaches him and his friend Lizzy something along the way. [return][return]Jeremy and Lizzy are best friends from birth -- and it is possible that their friendship could evolve from siblings -- and Jeremy is the good one. Lizzy is impetuous, a bit of a scamp who steals things that mostly have no value. Jeremy is more reluctant, not really willing to get out of his shell, or to even eat something beyond peanut butter and jelly. But he turns out to be the more thoughtful of the pair -- and finds throughout the course of his quest that there is both no answer and many answers to the meaning of life. I admit I started rethinking my own answer to the question. It was handled well, and I loved the slightly surprising twist at the end.
December 30, 2012
Honestly, it was hard to decide between a 2 and 3 star. Overall plot and story, 3, wrap-up - 1 or 2. Jeremy and his best friend Lizzy are great. Their story, the little mystery/adventure they embark on, all interesting and good.
Here's my issue. You don't title a book with "...the Meaning of Life" unless you really have something good as the meaning of life. Or a really good reason why the meaning of life becomes the journey or something like that. However, when you have one really important dead person imparting the meaning of life to their teen son - it had better be GOOD. And it wasn't. It was nice. It was "hope you had a nice day" hallmark card nice, but it wasn't great and it wasn't the meaning of life by any stretch. In fact, there was no "meaning" there was just some colloquial style comments about enjoying the moments in life etc.
Yes, the meaning of life is different for everyone, but there needs to be something definitive if you're going to title the book that way and have the whole plot leading you up to the moment that reveals the secret behind the title. It just wasn't there and was a let down.
Here's my issue. You don't title a book with "...the Meaning of Life" unless you really have something good as the meaning of life. Or a really good reason why the meaning of life becomes the journey or something like that. However, when you have one really important dead person imparting the meaning of life to their teen son - it had better be GOOD. And it wasn't. It was nice. It was "hope you had a nice day" hallmark card nice, but it wasn't great and it wasn't the meaning of life by any stretch. In fact, there was no "meaning" there was just some colloquial style comments about enjoying the moments in life etc.
Yes, the meaning of life is different for everyone, but there needs to be something definitive if you're going to title the book that way and have the whole plot leading you up to the moment that reveals the secret behind the title. It just wasn't there and was a let down.
October 18, 2013
Jeremy Fink and the meaning of life is a book recommended for ages 11 and up.
Here is a little about the book:
Jeremy Fink is a 12 year old boy and his best friend’s name is Lizzy. Lizzy and Jeremy do everything together. Jeremy and Lizzy live in the same apartment in New York City. Jeremy’s dad gave him a box to open on his 13th birthday which is coming close. Throughout the story the two best friends have to find the keys (that they don’t even know exist) to open the box. While they are on their hunt to find the keys they get put in community service for the whole summer, write about what they are observing, plus they have to do an act at the state fair where Jeremy’s grandma lives. Will this stop them from finding the keys and opening the box to see what is inside it? Read the book to find out!
Here is a little about the book:
Jeremy Fink is a 12 year old boy and his best friend’s name is Lizzy. Lizzy and Jeremy do everything together. Jeremy and Lizzy live in the same apartment in New York City. Jeremy’s dad gave him a box to open on his 13th birthday which is coming close. Throughout the story the two best friends have to find the keys (that they don’t even know exist) to open the box. While they are on their hunt to find the keys they get put in community service for the whole summer, write about what they are observing, plus they have to do an act at the state fair where Jeremy’s grandma lives. Will this stop them from finding the keys and opening the box to see what is inside it? Read the book to find out!
September 8, 2016
(review in English below)
Comprei este livro para o meu filho, que está na fase das dúvidas existenciais. Quando ele o acabou, disse-me que eu tinha de lê-lo. Na verdade, eu já o tinha começado...
É uma história bonita, bem contada e correspondeu exactamente às expectativas que eu tinha quando o encomendei.
Recomendado a jovens de 12-14 anos, sobretudo aos que se questionam sobre o que estamos aqui a fazer...
I bought this book for my son, who's working through some "existential doubts". When he finished it, he told me that I should read it. In fact, I'd already started it...
It's a nice story, properly told and it closely matched my expectations.
Recommended to teenagers, 12-14 years old, specially to those who are questioning themselves about what we're doing down here...
Comprei este livro para o meu filho, que está na fase das dúvidas existenciais. Quando ele o acabou, disse-me que eu tinha de lê-lo. Na verdade, eu já o tinha começado...
É uma história bonita, bem contada e correspondeu exactamente às expectativas que eu tinha quando o encomendei.
Recomendado a jovens de 12-14 anos, sobretudo aos que se questionam sobre o que estamos aqui a fazer...
I bought this book for my son, who's working through some "existential doubts". When he finished it, he told me that I should read it. In fact, I'd already started it...
It's a nice story, properly told and it closely matched my expectations.
Recommended to teenagers, 12-14 years old, specially to those who are questioning themselves about what we're doing down here...
March 23, 2009
What a great book! What a sweet message of family, friendship, and love! Not ready to read to Alex, but might suggest Brooke read it, although with no vampires, I don't know if she will...
December 29, 2016
I gave this book five stars because it has a lot of mystery and it is basically a huge puzzle that they have to solve. I can also easily visualize the characters thoughts and the setting.
January 21, 2021
I hurried to read this book in time for our Novels Approval Committee Meeting today for the PC School District. I'm so happy I took the time to finish it. A wonderfully creative mystery that poses some of life's most basic questions--why am I here? what it my purpose? what is the meaning of life?--in a very thirteen year old way. I especially loved the ending and had no idea what was coming or how the mystery would would be solved. Well done, Wendy Mass. Thank you.
April 25, 2011
Jeremy Fink is about to turn thirteen when he receives a package in the mail from his deceased father. He opens it and discovers a box � locked in four different ways � with the inscription “The Meaning of Life� on its cover, accompanied by a note to his mother from a law firm saying that they are passing the box on as per request (for Jeremy to open on his thirteenth birthday), but that the keys have been lost somewhere along the way. When Jeremy’s best friend Lizzy hears this, she comes up with a plan to help them locate the keys. Unfortunately her plan nearly lands them in jail and they are sentenced to community service with a Mr. Oswald � a pawn shop owner who has some mysterious deliveries for them.
Jeremy and Lizzy learn a lot about life through the deliveries they make and the people they meet � they also find the keys to the box and at last discover the message that Jeremy’s father left for him when he died � prematurely � at the age of 39.
Spoiler: It’s all an elaborate set-up and game � Jeremy’s dad was a playful man. Mr. Fink wanted his son to know that life is precious and short and that friends and time well-spent are important aspects as you never know what time will be given to you. It’s crazy coincidence that he himself died after a fortune-teller told him that he wouldn’t make it past his 40th year.
This was a thoughtful, philosophical story (but, you know, at an appropriate age level) that’s sure to get kids/tweens thinking about what life is. At that age most of us are still in invincible mode � we don’t believe anything can hurt us, and we’re pretty sure we’re going to live forever (even if, somewhere in the backs of our minds, we know that’s impossible). It handles death and life in an upbeat way and makes you want to cherish every moment of the time that you have.
Jeremy and Lizzy learn a lot about life through the deliveries they make and the people they meet � they also find the keys to the box and at last discover the message that Jeremy’s father left for him when he died � prematurely � at the age of 39.
Spoiler: It’s all an elaborate set-up and game � Jeremy’s dad was a playful man. Mr. Fink wanted his son to know that life is precious and short and that friends and time well-spent are important aspects as you never know what time will be given to you. It’s crazy coincidence that he himself died after a fortune-teller told him that he wouldn’t make it past his 40th year.
This was a thoughtful, philosophical story (but, you know, at an appropriate age level) that’s sure to get kids/tweens thinking about what life is. At that age most of us are still in invincible mode � we don’t believe anything can hurt us, and we’re pretty sure we’re going to live forever (even if, somewhere in the backs of our minds, we know that’s impossible). It handles death and life in an upbeat way and makes you want to cherish every moment of the time that you have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2009
My sweat smells like peanut butter.
How can anyone not be immediately drawn to a book with an opening sentence like that?
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life documents the life Jeremy Fink and his best friend, Lizzy, as they attempt to find the keys to a box that contains the meaning of life. Along the way they discover important things about themselves, their friendship, and of course life. They also encounter many unique characters that will aid them on their search and leave a lasting impression on their lives.
I really enjoyed this book, as I was instantly intrigued with the lives of Jeremy and Lizzy. Wendy Mass does a wonderful job describing the characters of her novels to the point that you feel that you know them in real life. Besides the obvious fact that I am a female, I felt that their friendship was very close to the friendships that I had when I was 13. I can also relate to Jeremy when he thinks about the universe and his place within it, because every now and then I still feel a little lost.
I would recommend Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life to anyone who enjoys reading young adult literature. It is a light and comforting read, but still posses some surprising twists and the obvious mystery of the meaning of life.
How can anyone not be immediately drawn to a book with an opening sentence like that?
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life documents the life Jeremy Fink and his best friend, Lizzy, as they attempt to find the keys to a box that contains the meaning of life. Along the way they discover important things about themselves, their friendship, and of course life. They also encounter many unique characters that will aid them on their search and leave a lasting impression on their lives.
I really enjoyed this book, as I was instantly intrigued with the lives of Jeremy and Lizzy. Wendy Mass does a wonderful job describing the characters of her novels to the point that you feel that you know them in real life. Besides the obvious fact that I am a female, I felt that their friendship was very close to the friendships that I had when I was 13. I can also relate to Jeremy when he thinks about the universe and his place within it, because every now and then I still feel a little lost.
I would recommend Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life to anyone who enjoys reading young adult literature. It is a light and comforting read, but still posses some surprising twists and the obvious mystery of the meaning of life.
November 29, 2017
Jeremy Fink is about to turn 13 and hoping to discover the meaning of life. About a month before his birthday, he receives a package in the mail containing a unique box that needs four specific keys to be opened. The craziest part is that the box is a gift from his father who died five years earlier. Jeremy and his best friend Lizzie make it their summer mission to locate the missing keys, unlock the box, and reveal the late Mr. Fink’s message to Jeremy.
This book had so many things to love. First of all, Jeremy’s perspective on life is very amusing. He’s an avid over thinker with a major sweet tooth, while Lizzie is sassy and daring. Together, they wind up in many unusual predicaments but the reader stays entertained throughout. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life is surprising, funny, and heartfelt. Will Jeremy and Lizzie find the missing keys in time?
This book had so many things to love. First of all, Jeremy’s perspective on life is very amusing. He’s an avid over thinker with a major sweet tooth, while Lizzie is sassy and daring. Together, they wind up in many unusual predicaments but the reader stays entertained throughout. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life is surprising, funny, and heartfelt. Will Jeremy and Lizzie find the missing keys in time?
April 21, 2020
I love Wendy Mass and this is one of my favorites of hers. The characters are so three-dimensional and just not basic and I like that Jeremy and Lizzy are best friends and there's no romance like they're literally just platonic all the way.
The concept is pretty cool too and I like the plot twists at the end! The only thing is that sometimes you can tell that the writing definitely is for elementary schoolers (i.e., lots of exclamation marks).
The concept is pretty cool too and I like the plot twists at the end! The only thing is that sometimes you can tell that the writing definitely is for elementary schoolers (i.e., lots of exclamation marks).
June 11, 2024
4.5⭐️
A coming-of-age tale about a quirky kid, his mom, and his best bud. It’s really cute, kinda sad, mostly inspirational, and pretty funny at times.
This book excellently captures the awkward tween years, as well as takes you on a treasure hunt that’ll keep you guessing until the end.
I thought it was lovely.
A coming-of-age tale about a quirky kid, his mom, and his best bud. It’s really cute, kinda sad, mostly inspirational, and pretty funny at times.
This book excellently captures the awkward tween years, as well as takes you on a treasure hunt that’ll keep you guessing until the end.
I thought it was lovely.
December 22, 2024
i first read this book when i was 13. back then, this was my favorite book. this book still has such a special place in my heart 💓
September 19, 2019
I have mixed feelings on this book. I liked it, but I just had a hard time picking up and reading it for some reason. I liked the end part the most.
(I will say, if you're gonna read this, there's a fortuneteller and things like that in this book. You've been warned :P)
(I will say, if you're gonna read this, there's a fortuneteller and things like that in this book. You've been warned :P)
August 31, 2023
I read this when I was 8 and it was life changing
Such a special book :�)
Such a special book :�)
August 28, 2021
در اصل، چهارونیم ستاره
یهک� با اون برنامهریز� بلندمدت اطرافیانش برای این اتفاقات کنار نیومدم هنوز. وگرنه نکات خیییلی خیییلی خوبی داشت از خیلی جهات
خوشحالم که خوندمش
میش� متن فارسی� قویت� و روونت� باشه
یهک� با اون برنامهریز� بلندمدت اطرافیانش برای این اتفاقات کنار نیومدم هنوز. وگرنه نکات خیییلی خیییلی خوبی داشت از خیلی جهات
خوشحالم که خوندمش
میش� متن فارسی� قویت� و روونت� باشه
August 27, 2017
1.5 stars. DNF at page 164. The only reason why it got two stars is because some of the descriptions and characters are well done.
This is a story about a boy who receives a box with the words The Meaning of Life: for Jeremy Fink to open on his 13th birthday. as a gift from his dad, who died five years previous to the start of the story. The keys to open it, however, are not there. He and his friend Lizzy start off to find the keys.
I honestly wasn't loving it for several reasons, a few of which are:
1. The main characters, especially Lizzy, are disobedient, and although eventually receive punishment, don't show any repentance. (I didn't finish the book, so I can't really judge. I just didn't like their attitudes, especially Lizzy's.)
2. Lizzy has compulsive desires to steal things. (She's twelve or thirteen.)
3. Both characters admit knowing nothing about religion and even pray on one occasion to "the powers of the universe or something."
4. Although Lizzy's dad and Jeremy's mom (both single) seem concerned about them, they honestly don't do a whole lot to keep them out of trouble and it seems like Lizzy and Jeremy are doing a lot of wandering around. This just struck me as a little odd. It just seemed a little unrealistic for two kids 12 or 13 years old to be going around by themselves. Maybe that's just me.
But the real turn-off for me was when Lizzy tells two other kids (twins, age 14) about their problem, and the girl suggest that they simply ask Jeremy's dad. Easy, right? Except for the fact that, you know, he's DEAD. I got to the point where they were going to try to bring his spirit from the dead with an Ouija board and stopped. Just no, guys. That is NOT okay. I mean, I don't know if it worked or anything, because I stopped, but honestly, I don't think I want to know. Maybe it would have turned out to be a hilarious scene and not worked at all, but I'm not comfortable AT ALL with stuff like that and didn't think it was a good thing for me to be putting into my mind.
In summary, this could have been a good book. It might BE a good book. I enjoyed some of the writing style, descriptions, and quirky characters, but it was ruined for me personally because of some of the places it went. Although I wouldn't be completely opposed to reading another book by this author, I honestly have a bad taste in my mouth after being disappointed twice and am not eager to read anything else by Wendy Mass.
June 30, 2011
For some reason I am really feeling juvenile fiction this summer. Just something about kids' books and summer that makes me all nostalgic, even though most of the books I read as a kid during the summer were Goosebumps. I still remember trading them amongst kids at school like they were Pogs. Oh, man, Pogs...
Anyway, this book is a really perfect summer-in-middle-school book. It features a weird kid and his weird friend, but the great part is throughout the book you realize that everyone in this kid's neighborhood is as weird or even weirder than him. It is great. It is a book that makes grownups actual people. Each adult in this story has their own beliefs and their own outlook, which comes to light as the main character Jeremy Fink asks them about the meaning of life. From a famous scientist to a boardwalk preacher, they all answer differently, really demonstrating how everyone's opinion is different, and how everyone must reach their own truth.
The main driving force behind the story, which is a box Jeremy receives the summer he is due to turn 13, is a clever device but the ending makes it all a little bit contrived. It's a nice ending that wraps up a lot of questions, but it left me unsatisfied. However, I really enjoyed the journey to the end of this book. Yes, some of it comes off as the author trying to impart Big Life Lessons to the kids reading it, but that was not a problem for me because I liked the characters and the setting so much.
There are a lot of little details that go into making this book good (such as Jeremy and his friend's difficulty with public transportation, Jeremy's love of candy, and other small things). What a great summer read.
Anyway, this book is a really perfect summer-in-middle-school book. It features a weird kid and his weird friend, but the great part is throughout the book you realize that everyone in this kid's neighborhood is as weird or even weirder than him. It is great. It is a book that makes grownups actual people. Each adult in this story has their own beliefs and their own outlook, which comes to light as the main character Jeremy Fink asks them about the meaning of life. From a famous scientist to a boardwalk preacher, they all answer differently, really demonstrating how everyone's opinion is different, and how everyone must reach their own truth.
The main driving force behind the story, which is a box Jeremy receives the summer he is due to turn 13, is a clever device but the ending makes it all a little bit contrived. It's a nice ending that wraps up a lot of questions, but it left me unsatisfied. However, I really enjoyed the journey to the end of this book. Yes, some of it comes off as the author trying to impart Big Life Lessons to the kids reading it, but that was not a problem for me because I liked the characters and the setting so much.
There are a lot of little details that go into making this book good (such as Jeremy and his friend's difficulty with public transportation, Jeremy's love of candy, and other small things). What a great summer read.
February 14, 2012
My best friend and I set off on our bikes determined to go further than we ever had before. The wind whipped my hair off my face and nervousness, joy and excitement rippled through me like heat waves off the asphalt. We were having a blast.
Until we got lost.
That wasn’t so much fun.
Jeremy Fink in the book, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, by Wendy Mass, is the opposite of me. He likes comfort so much he won’t even eat anything other than peanut butter sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. It is hard for Jeremy to be adventurous until the day he gets a box from his now-dead father that has the words engraved in it: The meaning of life: for Jeremy Fink to open on his 13th birthday. The box is missing 4 keys to open it and Jeremy goes on a quest to find them with his best friend Lizzy.
Lizzy is like a sister to Jeremy. Her mother left when she was a baby and Jeremy’s family is like her adopted family. Lizzy has issues with stealing items when her hands “get itchy.� She doesn’t like to sit for long because she doesn’t want to think deeply about things. When she has to start using her brain she steals stuff and starts to run.
Lizzy’s stealing doesn’t make sense in the beginning and I remember reading it and asking myself, “Huh? Why would she do that?� I also thought Jeremy was weird just eating peanut butter sandwiches. I thought his Mom only made him that as a meal but Jeremy wouldn’t eat anything else. I remember thinking these are two strange kids but their actions become clear at the end of the story.
Jeremy’s Dad leaves the two of them a wonderful message in the box. You’ll have to read the book to discover what it is!
Until we got lost.
That wasn’t so much fun.
Jeremy Fink in the book, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, by Wendy Mass, is the opposite of me. He likes comfort so much he won’t even eat anything other than peanut butter sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. It is hard for Jeremy to be adventurous until the day he gets a box from his now-dead father that has the words engraved in it: The meaning of life: for Jeremy Fink to open on his 13th birthday. The box is missing 4 keys to open it and Jeremy goes on a quest to find them with his best friend Lizzy.
Lizzy is like a sister to Jeremy. Her mother left when she was a baby and Jeremy’s family is like her adopted family. Lizzy has issues with stealing items when her hands “get itchy.� She doesn’t like to sit for long because she doesn’t want to think deeply about things. When she has to start using her brain she steals stuff and starts to run.
Lizzy’s stealing doesn’t make sense in the beginning and I remember reading it and asking myself, “Huh? Why would she do that?� I also thought Jeremy was weird just eating peanut butter sandwiches. I thought his Mom only made him that as a meal but Jeremy wouldn’t eat anything else. I remember thinking these are two strange kids but their actions become clear at the end of the story.
Jeremy’s Dad leaves the two of them a wonderful message in the box. You’ll have to read the book to discover what it is!
June 13, 2015
The ending of _Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life_ had that satisfying element of surprise, and I like Wendy Moss' writing, but, for most of the pages, I did not enjoy this book. Maybe it's because I'm older and am more certain of the purpose and meaning of my life, but I cringed and shook my head at the string of various characters' pontifications on the meaning of our existence. example: maybe the meaning has something to do with the "sense of belonging" in the Bette Midler song "Wind Beneath my Wings"? Yikes. I liked the illustration of the wolves. (A fight is going on inside each person between two wolves. "One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, inferiority, lies .... The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope ...." Which wolf will prevail? "The one you feed.") But for the few little nuggets there was a lot of slosh: "There really isn't right or wrong, there's only what is." The whole book is permeated with mushy, hopeless relativism. I would not suggest this to a kid having an "existential crisis" like Jeremy Fink, and if I had read it in junior high, I'm pretty sure it would have struck me as meaningless feelgoodism. Like the candy Jeremy is always eating, it might taste good for a second, but it doesn't really satisfy, nourish, or help you grow. Not to be harsh, but the book is a skittle-- shiny and colorful but an empty calorie. I guess you don't expect nourishment from standard juvenile fiction, but I couldn't help feeling disappointed about such an empty "meaning of life."
May 2, 2015
Jeremy Fink, a twelve year old boy, wanted to find the keys to the wooden box his dad left for him before he passed away, but the keys are missing and Jeremy doesn’t want to destroy the box. The box has carved writing on it saying that it has the meaning of life in it, and Jeremy’s dad had also written a note that came along with the box saying that Jeremy is supposed to open the box on his thirteenth birthday. So, Jeremy and his best friend, Lizzy, have to go on an adventurous Journey to find the missing keys. They go to every place in town that has or sells keys and they even ask a few people about what they think the meaning of life is, but they don’t get any closer to finding them. Then, as they get into all this trouble, they end up having to work for a guy named Mr. Oswald, but Mr. Oswald seems to know some things about the box. Will Jeremy Fink be able to open his box on time? Will he be able to find the keys? Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass is a book about persistence, friendship, and compassion.
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