Customer Reviews

Childhood Is Hell

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I first bought this book in the eight grade and Matt Groening's wry humor got me to understand that I wasn't the only kid with these problems; and that when you think about it, it's all pretty funny. I still have have my original copy and evey other "Life is Hell" book. An early fan has become a life-long fan! EXCELLENT! :)

This book in the life is hell series is a great parady of childhood.I am 40 years old and this book brought back memories I forgot that I ever had of being a kid.Every page is full of #%&@s and giggles!!If you are a fan of kids and old memories of childhood past? you will enjoy every page of this Mat Groening satire.

After a while Bongo, the young rabbit that Matt Groening insists on drawing with ony one ear (I think the left one is right) really creeps me out after a while. I prefer to get my insolent wisdom from Binky or even Akbar and Jeff, but Bongo shows up in the fast majority of the 48 cartoons from Groening's syndicated "Life is Hell" comic circa 1983-1988. The actual "Childhood is Hell" maxi-series consists of 25 chapters specifically intended to teach kids about wising up before it is too late, starting with "Tips for Tots" and providing sage advise for being all you can be for kids at odd ages 1 (Wily) through 9 (Naughty), with 10 (Twisted) thrown in for good measure. There are also several one panel cartoons, including two that totally capture the Christmas spirit that parents will find useful at before and after the opening of presents (show the little kiddies that Santa is not the only one who knows exactly what they are thinking in their warped little minds). As is the case with the more famous Matt Groening creation, "The Simpsons," the sad truth is that "Childhood is Hell" is too good for those who are still experiencing that particular state of arrested development. But unlike Bart and company, Binky, Bongo, Sheba and the rest of the gang are all wallowing much more in the depth of despair. However, if you are actually part of the age group that is intended to benefit from the weird wisdom collected within these pages, do follow the instructions provided on the back cover: read this book under the covers late at night with a secret flashlight and a bowl of ice cream for nourishment. But even if your Mom does not catch you remember that childhood is hell and none of us get out of it alive.