"About a Boy" is one of my favorite movies. I love it. I've seen it at lease a dozen times, and it never fails to entertain me. And the book it's based on didn't disappoint.
This book deals with the complex issues surrounding what it means to grow up, whether you're 12 or 36. There are a lot of really serious story lines (including suicide and bullying), but the story never feels heavy. The characters are honest and entertaining, often without trying. Maybe that's what this book has that many don't: it feels effortless. It's as if the author isn't making any of it up, and this is the true story of several individuals.
The movie and the book differ from each other in several ways. In fact, they have two completely different endings. However, in both the book and movie the characters are able to accomplish the same amount of growth, and in the actual last scene, things to turn out almost exactly the same. I think some credit is due here to the writers of the screenplay, who were able to update the story (a main storyline revolves around Kurt Cobain and his death, which would date the story considerably), without losing its overall effect.
There isn't much to say about this book. It's a straightforward, entertaining coming-of-age story. I would definitely recommend it (and the movie, too)!
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