Liar, Liar is a humorous middle-grade novel by Gary Paulsen.
Eighth grader Kevin is an excellent liar. He finds lies to be polite, and believes telling people what they want to hear is better for everybody. It's only to help everyone else. It's like a public service.
And sure, maybe some of his lies are to promote himself as boyfriend material for Tina - but those are harmless and shouldn't even count as lies.
But this time Kevin's lies may be spiraling out of control and for once Kevin may have to do something that he definitely doesn't want to do: tell the truth.
Liar, Liar is a skinny little book. I mean, it is literally only 120 pages in length! Yet somehow Gary Paulsen manages to pack quite a tale in there.
Kevin's story is lightening fast, humorous, and light hearted - but there is some surprisingly grounded family realism as well, seen through the eyes of a rather oblivious eighth grade boy.
When our main character becomes lovesick in a moment of sudden onset hormones, he begins to use his rather disturbing skill of lying to figure out how to be Tina's boyfriend. He weaves tales of deception to his teachers, to his friends, and to his family. Kevin is never mean-spirited, though, which obviously helps him to remain a likable character.
When reading Liar, Liar I had the feeling that there was a lesson around the corner - but I honestly didn't mind because I was having so much fun along the way. And, after all, Kevin needs the lesson!
All of the characters in Liar, Liar have vibrant personalities and there is definitely more than enough comedic moments to provide chuckles. It was very enjoyable!
There is definitely a little bit of an evil-genius-in-training vibe to Kevin - what with his plotting and lying and manipulation. But there are also genuinely sweet moments and a feeling of good intentions.
It's a wisp of a book, but worth the read - and I am now hearing that there may be a companion novel called Flat Broke coming out soon. I have to say, I wouldn't mind finding out what kind of trouble Kevin is going to get himself and his funny friend and family into next! I'll be there - will you?
***ALERT: Due to continued bibliophile reading overdosing, I am continuing the 5 reviews a week through August. After that, I am absolutely returning to only 3 reviews a week in September and on. So, we'll just think of this as a summer special! Thanks for reading!!!
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