LitPick Review
James Sveck, an eighteen year old misfit living in New York City, doesn't know what to do with his life. Because he doesn't like being around people his own age (or anyone, really) he doesn't want to go to college, but his gallery owning mother and lawyer father can't understand this. For some reason everyone thinks that he's gay, his poodle hates him, and his therapist wishes that he will stop being "too clever for his own good." Of course, when you throw in a gallery full of blasphemous trashcans, one hundred genius government students, and a nasty trick played on a coworker, James' life gets even worse- and running away is only effective for so long.
Opinion:
This book was simply amazing. Incredibly reminiscent of "Catcher in the Rye," it takes the classic's themes and modernizes them in a wonderfully hilarious way. It is easy to empathize with James, even though he is such an original character that it would be hard to find something in common with him. Though this book explores some deep matters and is, in fact, entirely about James' mental turmoil as he struggles with growing up and facing the world, it still manages to be hilarious and easily readable. Besides creating an intriguing book, this theme means that this book will certainly be enjoyed by a wide range of readers, especially teens. Be sure to pick up a copy of "Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You" as soon as you have a chance- you won't regret it!
