“Spanking Shakespeare” book review

Shakespeare Shapiro, a senior in high school, is writing a memoir about his life. It’s something that all seniors have to do at his school, but he wants his to be different-funny, true, and memorable. He gets just that along with real life experience in drama.

“‘Listen,’ my father says, noticing my look. ‘If you are going to experiment, and I’m not encouraging it, I’d rather you do it in the house, where we know you’re safe.’”

The crazy thing about this book is the acceptance of parents and teachers. It’s like a reality most teenagers and some adults want to live in. Even though it’s unrealistic, it is satisfying to the mind and fantasy of young adults.

“My life is a disaster. I hate being me.”

The mirth twisted into the words on the page and the acceptance of the characters are really what grabs and keeps your nose in the pages. Shakespeare’s humility defines human anxiety and the way we think about ourselves and others.

“‘I’m up to the part where my parents sent me away to a camp straight out of Lord of the Flies.’”

I thoroughly enjoyed Spanking Shakespeare, both the memoir and present narrative parts. It was hilarious, relatable, imaginative, crazy, and uber weird. I really liked this book because it kept me reading and caught my attention when I was nodding off. I certainly need more books like Spanking Shakespeare.