There Goes the Neighborhood : Book Review

"There Goes the Neighborhood" by Jerry Van Amerongen is a hilariously illustrated book that offers a playful glimpse into the world of suburban living. Van Amerongen cleverly captures the everyday challenges and peculiarities of suburbs through his comic strips, showcasing the chaotic and comical aspects found in neighborhoods all across America.

The book features a delightful collection of Van Amerongen's witty and inventive comic strips, which satirize various aspects of suburban life. From overly inquisitive neighbors to the notorious rules of homeowners' associations, Van Amerongen brings these scenarios to life with his humorous artwork and clever captions.

One of the true strengths of "There Goes the Neighborhood" is Van Amerongen's ability to tap into the universal experiences and frustrations of suburban living. Readers will find themselves chuckling and nodding along as they recognize their own neighbors, friends, and perhaps even themselves within the pages of the book.

Van Amerongen's art style is clean, simple, and perfectly captures the essence of suburban settings. His illustrations are expressive and rich in detail, adding an extra layer of humor to the already amusing content. The combination of the illustrations and captions creates a seamless and thoroughly entertaining reading experience.

Overall, "There Goes the Neighborhood" is a delightful and lighthearted read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of suburban life. Van Amerongen's wit and keen observation skills make this book a fun and relatable exploration of the quirks and idiosyncrasies that can be found in suburban neighborhoods. So, grab a copy, take a break from the chaos of daily life, and immerse yourself in the laughter-filled world of "There Goes the Neighborhood."

What are readers saying?

Jerry Van Amerongen's book "There Goes the Neighborhood" has received a range of reviews, with readers expressing different opinions about the collection of cartoon strips. Generally, readers find the book entertaining and humorous, with Van Amerongen successfully capturing relatable everyday situations. The comedic value of the book is appreciated by many, as the author's witty illustrations skillfully depict humorous anecdotes and provide readers with plenty of laughs. Readers particularly enjoy Van Amerongen's satirical take on suburban life, finding it both humorous and insightful.

However, some readers have pointed out that the book can become repetitive or formulaic. They note that the cartoons often revolve around similar themes, such as unruly neighbors or quirky family dynamics. This repetition can make the book feel predictable and diminish overall enjoyment for some readers.

Another criticism raised by a few reviewers is the lack of depth in the book. While the cartoons are entertaining, some readers feel that they lack substance and fail to offer any profound insights. They believe that the humor is shallow and superficial, making the book more of a light read rather than something thought-provoking.

On a positive note, many readers agree that Van Amerongen's artwork is engaging and visually appealing. His bold and lively illustrations effectively convey the humor in each strip, further adding to the overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, "There Goes the Neighborhood" by Jerry Van Amerongen is a collection of cartoon strips that entertains with its humor and relatable depiction of suburban life. While some readers find the book repetitive and lacking depth, most appreciate its comedic value and delightful artwork. If you enjoy light-hearted humor and amusing anecdotes, this book might be worth checking out.

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