Someday This Pain Will be Useful to You, by Peter Cameron is a novel about a young man named James Sveck. . James is 17, about to go away to college, and living in New York City. What I found most interesting about this novel is that it takes the form of entries written on a specific day and month in 2003. Specifically, it starts in July 2003 and then flashes back to April 2003. James is a fascinating young man who is funny and serious, and tragic all at the same time.
I found this book to be really funny and it's one of the few books I have actually laughed out loud while reading. James is really observant even though he claims not to like to be around people. One of the central relationships in the book is that of James and his grandmother, Nanette. It's a remarkable bond that James has with his maternal grandmother and while it doesn't dominate the book, it's very important throughout the novel.
Finally, what I liked about the book is that it just ends. I know, I know, most books just end; but most books try to hit you over the head with some sort of conclusion or nice, neat, pre-packaged ending. This novel doesn't do that. It leaves you hanging. While with some books, I feel like they could have ended pages ago, I wanted to read more about James and his problems. It left me hanging and wondering what would happen next. To me, that's a sign of a great book.
In addition, it's also a movie! I haven't seen the movie, but it has a good cast. If you've seen the movie, leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
I found this book to be really funny and it's one of the few books I have actually laughed out loud while reading. James is really observant even though he claims not to like to be around people. One of the central relationships in the book is that of James and his grandmother, Nanette. It's a remarkable bond that James has with his maternal grandmother and while it doesn't dominate the book, it's very important throughout the novel.
Finally, what I liked about the book is that it just ends. I know, I know, most books just end; but most books try to hit you over the head with some sort of conclusion or nice, neat, pre-packaged ending. This novel doesn't do that. It leaves you hanging. While with some books, I feel like they could have ended pages ago, I wanted to read more about James and his problems. It left me hanging and wondering what would happen next. To me, that's a sign of a great book.
In addition, it's also a movie! I haven't seen the movie, but it has a good cast. If you've seen the movie, leave a comment below and let me know what you think!