Hapless, clueless, and hysterically funny

The first few weeks of Adrian's diary may start out a little slowly. Don't stop reading, because soon you won't stop laughing. This is one of those rare books that made me laugh so hard, people kept asking me what I was listening to.

Adrian Mole writes himself an impressive list of New Year's resolutions, and he tries painfully hard to keep them. Unfortunately, his parents' marriage is crumbling, his best friend has gone punk, his dog keeps getting sick, and the BBC won't publish his poems. Then a distractingly pretty girl comes to school...

When I read Bridget Jones's Diary, I kept thinking how much it reminded me of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. Both characters are desperately trying to be better people, to be taken seriously by the people around them, yet they continually land themselves in the most outrageous and ridiculous situations. Both are plagued by embarrassing parents, overly dramatic friends, money problems, and personal disappointments. Still, both Adrian and Bridget make us laugh over and over again. They say and do and think all the same things we do, but are too embarrassed to admit. If we don't recognize ourselves in Adrian, we certainly want him for a friend.

I particularly enjoyed Nicholas Barnes' narration. It takes a careful balance to portray how seriously Adrian takes himself and still show how hilarious the situations around him are.

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3 people found this helpful

A true classic for youth and adults alike!

Where does The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I hate giving numbers: So, I will tell why I bought it in the first place. When I was 13 years old myself the librarian brought me a version in Norwegian. I laughed and laughed, sad because I wanted it in English because UK humour cannot be translated. So I bought this after reading 2012 is the year when they are going to be re-launced.


As an adult I enjoyed it even more it is fab.

What did you like best about this story?

The "I know best factor" which is so true.

Which character – as performed by Nicholas Barnes – was your favorite?

Adrian and the postman.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Give it to your teen to save yourself some grey hair.

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a great book for a teen not for a child

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a well narrated, well written book. Written in "Dear Diary" style it does cover more teen age and adult topic such as mentioning mom and dad's infidelities and body parts of a girlfriend. I loved it but I wouldn't buy it for a child though.I would say 13-14 years old or older

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Not nearly as funny or interesting as remembered

The story entranced me as a teenager. It was funny and true. Oh how I have aged! Some funny parts but not nearly as good as I remember. Mind you the narrator does us no favours. There is simply no personality in the reading. So sad. I wish I had never listened to it and had my memories to rely on instead.

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It was better the first time

I read this book in the 80s and thought it was a riot! I have vivid memories of laughing tears.

30 years later it didn’t quite have the same impact, but it was still amusing and I am curious about the future instalments.

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