Someday This Pain Will
Be Useful To You
by Peter Cameron

    SOMEDAY THIS PAIN WILL BE USEFUL TO YOU by Peter Cameron
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  9/18/07
    Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux
    Reviewed by:  JodiG.
    Rating:  5 Stars


    James Svek doesn’t really fit in. He isn’t interested in the same things as other eighteen-year-old guys, doesn’t
    even like people his age, and even keeps his family at a distance.

    Nobody could blame James for being detached from his family. His father is a bit self-absorbed and seems to feel
    obligated to spend the little time he does with James. James’ mother owns an art gallery and has just returned early
    from her honeymoon. Her third marriage has ended almost as quickly as it began. And James’ older sister, Gillian,
    is enmeshed in her own life, and an affair with a married professor. Even the family dog seems to feel superior to
    James. The only family member James admires is his grandmother who is supportive and understanding, even if
    she is a bit eccentric herself. The only other person that James admires is John, who works with him at his
    mother’s gallery.

    James is a contemplative young man whose views on the world around him aren’t always congruent with popular
    opinion. He sees the world with a mix of ironic humor and disdain. Although he isn’t an “angry” teenager, James
    has distanced himself from the people and things that surround him.

    Now James’ life is getting complicated. He has been accepted to Brown University but he has decided that he
    doesn’t want to go to college. He would rather buy an old house in the Midwest and live in obscurity. His parents
    have sent him to a shrink, one who annoyingly answers every question with a question. He has just ruined what
    friendship he had with John. And why are his parents now asking him if he’s gay?

    SOMEDAY THIS PAIN WILL BE USEFUL TO YOU is a smart, funny story about the pain that comes with
    growing up and becoming your own person. James is a highly likeable character whose views on the world and
    himself are refreshing and insightful.

    This is a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.