Review: Spoiled Brats

Simon Rich is back with another hilarious and thought provoking collection of short stories.  Spoiled Brats examines modern day life with wit and humor while showing the absurdity of some of our culture.  The collection is comprised of 13 stories and I didn’t think there was a stinker in the bunch, but, as you’d expect, I liked some more than others.

In Gifted, a mother makes excuses for her demon son’s behavior because of his “obvious star quality.” When he harms his tutor she praises him because he never mentioned that Han was of Asian descent.  She can’t do enough for him, even when he’s had enough.

Elf on the Shelf examines what it would be like to be an Elf on the Shelf in a home where there are no consequences for bad behavior.

Animals is the story of a family of hamsters struggling to stay alive in a school.  They’re at the mercy of the kindergarten students of homeroom 2K who often forget to give them food and water.  The father hamster tells what he does to try to care for his family.

Rich’s stories are unique in their point of view – for instance, Elf on the Shelf is told from the perspective of the Elf and Animals is told from the point of view of a hamster.

I loved this collection of short stories. Many of the stories made me laugh out loud and they all made me think.  You’ll want to pick up a copy of Spoiled Brats!

Review copy provided by Hachette Books. I am an Indiebound Affiliate.