The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend**

Reading dates: 27 June – 04 July 2020

I was feeling down and the book I was reading (The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver) was too hard on me. I needed something soothing and I remember how much Adrian Mole cheered me up in the wake of Rosina’s death. I am afraid the second in the series, although still worthy of a few chuckles was a little aimless for me. I suppose that goes with the territory of a diary but it is still a novel and I was hoping for more drive and drama. Even thought Adrian has a sister and runs away, nothing seems too consequential. The book finishes abruptly too, as if by a formula rather than by the needs of the story. Not sure if I will continue with the series.