This book is written in the format of a diary from the perspective of a boy named Adrian Mole. It shows him go through the milestones of being a teenager, like getting his first zit and having a crush. Since this is quite an old book written in the 1980s in England, there are a lot of references that young people today may not get or understand the importance of, such as the obsession with the “royal wedding”. 

The main character of this book is absolutely unlikeable. He whines throughout the book, is selfish and a terrible friend. When his best friend gets together with his crush, Pandora, Adrian starts hoping that they break up and celebrates it when they do. He also stops liking Pandora briefly when he believes that her father is a milkman. He also expects her to marry him in 2 years, this, while they are 14 and even worse, he is appalled at her wanting to have a career. The character of Pandora, is likable, though somewhat of a cliche, as the liberal feminist girlfriend.  She is the only character that actually had potential to develop into an interesting character.  A lot of reviews I have read about this book talk about it being really funny and even hilarious.  I did not really find it funny.  

Overall, I think that I would recommend this book for nostalgic adults but not for children because there are many more relatable and modern coming of age stories available now.