After the death of his father, Jeremy Fink must work to find the mysteries left behind of his fathers for the meaning of life. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life is a story of a young boy who gets a real understanding of what the "meaning of life" truly is. Jeremy Fink is a dorky teenager just about to turn thirteen in a week, who is set to find the four keys to the meaning of life. Jeremy's father died a couple years ago, and Jeremy was troubled with the loss of his father at such a young age. Through the grieving period Jeremy is left with a box from his father before his death that is meant for Jeremy to open on his birthday. Entitled on the chest/box is "The meaning of life". Jeremy being the quirky and hard nosed kid he is, sets out on a mission to find the four keys that will unlock this box. He is accompanied by his friend Lizzy who is a mischievous and obnoxious little girl. With certain clues arising left by the father, they get in trouble (caught trespassing on property) and end up doing community service in the long run. Because of this Fink and Lizzy are at a race against the clock to figure out how they can find the keys by the time fink reaches 13. They meet Mr.Oswald who is a friend of Finks deceased dad (However Jeremy did not know this). Mr.Oswald sends Jeremy and his friend Lizzy on missions around the city to complete, as he wanted errands to be run. Through their experience's Jeremy and Lizzie learn great life lessons such as "never leave one behind" and "always look out for yourself" as they almost get robbed and lose each-other. Since the kids broke into the house of Oswald, they did their community service through him. When they completed Oswald allowed the kids to pick one item from his house. Jeremy chose a suitcase and Lizzy chose a small box. Within the suitcase where three keys that unlocked the box to the secret. Lizzy never revealed what she had until the end of the story. As his birthday loomed, Jeremy gave up his search for the keys. However after competing in a talent show, Jeremy receives the fourth key from Lizzy (It was in her box). As they open the gift from his father, it contains rocks from every life changing point in his dead fathers life. The main message of the box was to show Jeremy that he should live every day to the fullest and always remember the most important days of his life.
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Best part of story, including ending:
I really did like the transition the book took, and how they showed the progression of Jeremy. The life lessons that also where shown in this book were neat as well and I could definitely relate.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene in the book was when Jeremy finally opened the book. He learned so much of what he's experienced all summer through the flick of a treasure chest.
Opinion about the main character:
I disliked the way the book made Lizzy look like an idiot. She was actually really smart and ambitious, albeit she was mischievous at some points.
