The meaning of life

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
by Wendy Mass


In one month, Jeremy Fink will turn thirteen, and he can't wait. He's tired of being a kid. But he's still very kid-like in lots of ways. He only eats peanut butter sandwiches, collects mutant candy, and never rides the subway alone.

Jeremy's life takes an unexpected twist when he receives a mysterious box with keyholes on four sides. Carved into the top are the words The Meaning of Life: for Jeremy Fink to open on his 13th birthday. The box is from his late father, who died when Jeremy was eight. Unfortunately, the keys are missing.

Jeremy teams up with his best friend Lizzy to find the keys. Lizzy, an incorrigible troublemaker, manages to get them both arrested. As punishment, they're given community service helping a pawnbroker named Mr. Oswald.

Mr. Oswald has them deliver packages to a number of people. Jeremy asks each person he meets about the meaning of life, but they all give a different answer. And he's still no closer to finding the keys.

A thought-provoking novel about fears, friendship, and the mysteries of life.