Log 3

As I continued reading 《Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck》, I deeply felt Greg’s loneliness and helplessness after losing his best friend Rowley. Watching him rely on the magic 8-ball to make decisions about every little thing in his life, I couldn’t help but reflect on similar situations I’ve faced growing up. Like Greg, there were moments when I felt lost, unsure of how to handle changes in friendships or challenges in life.

From my own experience, when a close friend finds new companions, that feeling of being ignored can be really disheartening. There was a time when I felt just as lonely and left out as Greg. In middle school, I had a close friend with whom I was almost inseparable. People always saw us as a duo, and we got along perfectly without any conflicts. However, when I left the place where we grew up together to move to Taiwan, he barely reacted and showed little interest in my new life. Our interactions gradually dwindled, and eventually, he became someone I no longer recognized. During that time, I tried to keep myself busy by joining activities and exploring new interests, but the sense of loss was still hard to shake off. Seeing Greg rely on the magic 8-ball in his struggle to find some help from “luck,” I realized it was his way of escaping from his troubles, a feeling I understood well. It reflected the sense of helplessness and confusion we often feel when facing setbacks in our relationships.

Looking at Greg’s story from an older perspective, I’ve come to understand that loneliness and change are inevitable parts of growing up. Instead of relying on external “luck” or hoping for someone else’s company, it’s more important to embrace these emotions and find strength within ourselves. There’s a part in the book where Greg uses the magic 8-ball to decide whether to make up with Rowley, which reminded me of how we often let seemingly random things like luck, others’ opinions, or our immediate feelings dictate our decisions, overlooking the need to face and resolve our inner emotions.

Neither friendship changes nor life’s setbacks are problems that luck can fix. What we ultimately need to learn is how to cope with change, adapt to solitude, and regain control over our lives. Through Greg’s journey, I’ve come to realize that while growing up can sometimes feel disappointing, it’s these very experiences that make us stronger and more mature. Behind the humorous writing of this book lie many truths about growing up, allowing me to reflect on my own life and gain a deeper understanding as I revisit these stories.