Reading: BIG NATE: HUG IT OUT! - Lincoln Peirce

The latest collection of Big Nate comics from author/artist Lincoln Peirce contains - for this reviewer - some of the funniest, most sarcastic moments of the mouthy six-grader's entire career. Unfortunately, the new school year seems determined to grate on Nate's nerves; from annoyingly gabby friends, to a high-scoring rival at the arcade, to having to be tutored by his arch-enemy Gina in order to avoid summer school, to being beaned on the baseball field, to ... gasp! - Cupid striking hard as Nate shares a ride with a girl at a carnival he develops an instant crush on, only to lose her in the crowd afterward without so much as getting her name! Nate certainly could use a hug, and Peirce's sense of humor here, along with Nate's big mouth, are sharp as a razor on nearly every page, while - even with his super-sized personality and ego - Nate still manages to remain one of the funniest, most likable characters in comics. I laughed at nearly every page, and keep a copy bedside in case I ever need to go to sleep with a smile. Keep it up, Nate; in real life you'd probably be a brat in need of a good spanking, but between the pages you are freaking hilarious.  4.5/stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.