Hard Luck

Greg Heffley's losing streak hits a new low in this latest installment, where the collapse of his friendship with Rowley Jefferson sends him spiraling into the social wilderness of middle school. Desperate to reverse his fortunes, Greg makes the questionable decision to surrender his agency entirely, letting a roll of the dice dictate his every move in a chaotic and hilarious bid to change his luck. The result is a classic Diary of a Wimpy Kid scenario, packed with the cringe-worthy missteps and misguided logic that fans have come to expect.

Kinney masterfully captures the specific agony of middle school social dynamics, where a single friendship breakup can feel like the end of the world. Greg's reliance on chance instead of genuine self-reflection provides a fresh and funny vehicle for exploring themes of friendship, responsibility, and the perils of trying to take a shortcut through life's problems. Readers navigating their own complex social landscapes will find both comedy and a surprising dose of relatability in Greg's hard-luck journey.