Although I live in the States, I do hear rumblings about what is going on across the pond, and I’ve heard enough comments from those in the know about Boris Johnson that I was curious. So when I discovered this tiny book, supposedly recently recovered, of his unofficial diary from age 13 1/4, I knew I had to read it.

I was not disappointed.

It’s not a long book, but it is filled with the exploits and adventures of an entitled public school lad named Boris Alexander de Pfeffel Johnson. With lots of impressive wisdom (“It’s not lying if you never bothered to learn the truth”) as well as insights into keeping everyone on your side (keeping them all laughing is a good start), the young Boris’s personal writings sheds much light on the politician he will one day be.

Young Boris is a hoot to follow, and I really did have a lot of fun with this book. As a far of other Secret Diaries (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reread those diaries of Adrian Mole!), I love this format as a way to get inside the head of a character and see where they go. And this young Boris is a character!

If you’re wanting to get to know more about Boris Johnson, or you’re just a fan of parody novels, The Secret Diary of Boris Johnson Aged 13 1/4 is a lot of fun to read.