I’m with Stupid

Elaine Szewczyk
5 Spot (2008)
ISBN 9780446582476
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (8/08)

 

Three good friends - Max, Libby, and Kas - went to South Africa for a safari.  While sharing the experience of seeing the native wildlife up close, there is something else they have in common.  All three are smitten with William Johnson, the park ranger acting as their tour guide.  When it is time for the group to head back home to New York, William and Kas exchange email addresses so they can stay in contact.  Upon receiving an email from William saying he has lost his job and is coming to New York to stay with Kas while he writes a book about the political situation in Monaco, Kas cannot believe the mess she has gotten herself into and must find a way to bring some normalcy back to her life.

The author infuses humor into the story by creating some eccentric, but lovable, characters.  Max, Libby, and Kas seem quite immature, but their fun-loving ways are endearing.  Max is obsessed with getting revenge on Richard, who recently broke up with Kas.  In addition to the three main characters, there is Manuel, an egotistical teenaged heir to his father’s tube sock factory in Mexico.  William’s outlandish wardrobe and his efforts at writing his book also add to the fun.

This book was definitely written for a female audience, but I suspect males will be able to relate with some of the situations that arise.  The story is hilarious.  I found myself laughing aloud on many occasions.  The characters speak whatever is on their minds and as a result, they often end up in some sticky situations.  Despite the humor, there are also two lessons to be learned.  First, one’s physical appearance should not be the basis for forming a relationship.  If it is, there will be disappointment when his total person is revealed.  Secondly, one should never think he knows everything about his family because there will always be surprises waiting to be discovered.

If you are looking for a light read that will keep you laughing, “I'm with Stupid” by Elaine Szewczyk is the perfect choice.  It will be hard to put down because the anticipation of the characters’ upcoming escapades will capture the reader’s curiosity.

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