Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, Wendy Mass, author
Jeremy’s dad died on his 40th birthday, as predicted by a fortune teller. His mom works hard to keep his memory alive, in a happy way, but Jeremy finds it hard to do the same. She tries very hard to support Jeremy and to understand his feelings. He cannot venture beyond a couple of blocks from his home without the help of his best friend Lizzy. He is burdened with his sadness.
Lizzy hides her sadness from Jeremy. Her mom left her and her dad. She misses her and feels the loss of her love. She also feels unloved by her mother, because she abandoned her, but her dad tries to make up for it. He is very loving. Lizzy lives next door to Jeremy. She is very adventurous, often breaking lots of rules. Both families often do things together.
Shortly before Jeremy’s thirteenth birthday, a package from his father is delivered to him. It is a box that contains the meaning of life. His father had prepared it for him, to be given to him on his thirteenth birthday. There is a problem, though. The keys to open the box, which has a complicated set of locks, are missing. He cannot open it. He and Lizzy begin to search for keys that might open it. Lizzie creates plans and leads him on the search, often suggesting bizarre ideas. When they are unsuccessful, and he grows disappointed, refusing to continue to search, she inspires him and gets him out of his doldrums.
The two children come of age as they discover all the assorted ways that different people live their lives to the fullest. They have to discover the meaning of life, and they find it has many meanings, meanings that are different in the eyes of different people. As they search for the keys and interact with different people, they more fully witness life; they grow into their feelings and emotions as they search for the keys. They learn to keep their eyes open, expect the unexpected, grab each opportunity and not to fear trying new things. They learn the meaning of life can be complicated because different people live their lives to the fullest in different ways. The important thing is simply to remember to live!
The meaning of life is to live every moment, to seek joy and love, to find happiness and to grow into your potential, giving to the world as the world gives to you, discovering whatever there is to excite your mind and to grow into a good and responsible citizen, caring for others with an open heart, showing kindness when possible, bearing no malice toward others, not judging a book by its cover, forgiving those who disappoint you, feeling and giving love to others. The book is a wonderful way for pre-teens to learn about life and death, and to understand that each has its place, but to make sure that they remember to live life to the fullest, to choose the fork in the road when they reach it, so they can discover different directions and opportunities.
My twin granddaughters were given an assignment by their English teacher to read this book. The parents of the students were also given an assignment. They were told to create a box for their child/children, with which to surprise them, and to ask friends and relatives, coaches and anyone else that influenced their lives, to write letters to put inside the box, letters to share their ideas about the meaning of life as Jeremy’s dad had done for him. The letters would be put inside the box the parents made and would be given as a surprise to the students. I was grateful to the teacher who wisely chose this book which was going to help my grandchildren come of age, learn about friendship, compassion and the meaning of life, as well as the necessity to deal with the sadness of grief as well as the joy that comes from love. ( )

I like what she has to "teach" and the mother in me really appreciates that this book is "out there" and available. I'm not sure my kids would read it by choice though. It would have to be a school assignment. ( )

This was a family road trip book. Wendy Mass never disappoints. Her books have an element of fantasy -- that something special or spectacular can happen in everyday life -- and that the kids these things happen to are unique individuals with great contributions to make. Jeremy is on the very verge of 13, when a package arrives at the apartment he and his Mom share in NYC. It is an elaborate box from his father, who died when Jeremy was 8. The cover is engraved with the words "The Meaning of Life" and it has a complex system of keyholes, but no keys. Jeremy goes on a quest with his best friend and next-door-neighbor Lizzie (love that dynamic!) to find the keys, open the box and learn his father's wisdom. The book tackles big topics like predestination, philosophy, and life's purpose but not in a heavy handed way. The reader learns as Jeremy does -- without even realizing it. And there are definitely moments that brought me to tears -- so touching and so spot on. ( )

Jeremy Fink receives a wooden box at his door with a note that tells him to only open on his 13th birthday. The box contains four locks, but no keys. Jeremy and his best friend Lizzy go on an adventurous search to find the hidden keys to open the box. Each encounter leaves them with another clue as to where the keys might be. ( )

I remember reading this book in grade school and absolutely loving it! This is a sweet and emotional story about a young boy's journey to unlock his father's past. It really pulls you in and makes you feel connected to Jeremy and his cause. I think this is a great read for any kid. There is a maturity to this story that makes it so meaningful yet there is also some whimsy. This is a great book for people who like adventures and journeys. ( )