I read the first nine books between the ages 9 – 12 and then stopped. Obviously when lockdown happened and everyone was spring cleaning, I came across all my book from this collection. I loved the series when I was a child, I might be 24 years old, but I am still reading this series until stops. I refuse to give up this small piece of my childhood. I will be giving these books to my niece or nephew, so obviously I must read it as well.  

This book follows Greg who we’ve been following for the last eighteen books. The pressure is building for Greg, who discovers that when you mix heaps of family, a tiny beach house and sweltering heat, it’s a recipe for disaster. Speaking of recipes – the secret ingredients behind Gramma’s famous meatballs have been closely guarded for years. Can Greg unpack of all of his family’s mysteries before their vacation is over? Or will he just stir the plot? 

I liked that this book is about his family again especially his mother’s family. We have seen his dad’s brother a few times and he make an appearance. I loved seeing the sister’s bickering and it made me feel normal that my family bicker monthly and I'm sure other children would feel thankful that this has been normal. I love that Gramma and Greg get close, like most family members pair off and always felt like no one understood Greg or is close to him until this book and hopefully Gramma and Greg will be close in future books. 

I did miss the friendship between him and Rowley, and I was hoping Rowley would be with him on the family holiday. I also missed Manny causing absolute chaos, he wasn’t seen much besides in the background.  

This book was so funny, and I cannot wait to see what trouble Greg gets into next.