Meryl Wilsner’s Mistakes Were Made has garnered mixed reviews. Positively, readers appreciate the compelling chemistry between characters and engaging, witty dialogue. Negatively, some critiqued it for a predictable plot and occasional pacing issues. Overall, it’s enjoyed as a light, entertaining read despite its flaws.

A reader who would enjoy Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner is likely a fan of contemporary romance with a mature twist, featuring LGBTQ+ relationships. Similar audiences may also appreciate the nuanced characters in Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston and the witty dialogue of The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang.

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner revolves around individuals navigating complex personal relationships and discovering more about themselves in the process. The story delves into themes of love, mistakes, and self-awareness, capturing the intricacies of human interactions and the impact of decisions on personal growth.

- Mistakes Were Made, the first book in the Timmy Failure series by Stephan Pastis, combines humor with quirky illustrations, showcasing the author's signature wit found in his comic strip Pearls Before Swine.
- In creating the character of Timmy Failure, Stephan Pastis was inspired by classic detective stories and aimed to offer a humorous twist on the traditionally serious detective genre for younger audiences.
- Stephan Pastis was a lawyer before turning to cartooning full-time and is well-known for his popular syndicated comic strip Pearls Before Swine, which paved the way for his success in children's literature.

**Timmy Failure**  
The protagonist and self-proclaimed detective who navigates his world with a vivid imagination and a talent for misinterpreting reality.

**Timmy’s Mom**  
A loving and supportive single mother who balances her patience with Timmy's antics while managing financial stress and household duties.

**Total**  
Timmy's imaginary polar bear and business partner, representing his rich imagination and childhood innocence.

**Rollo Tookus**  
Timmy's loyal best friend who, despite being mistreated, often provides the correct insights into Timmy's investigations.

**Corrina Corrina**  
Timmy's classmate and perceived rival in detective work, whose achievements Timmy envies and misunderstands.

**Molly Moskins**  
A classmate with a tangerine scent who has a crush on Timmy; her quirky behavior is often misinterpreted by Timmy.

**Crispin Flavius**  
Timmy’s mother’s boyfriend, characterized by his condescension and inability to appreciate Timmy’s imaginative world.

Stephan Pastis

Middle grade

Graphic Novel/Book

Fiction

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Prologue-Chapter 17

Mistakes Were Made Prologue-Chapter 17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-28

Mistakes Were Made Chapters 18-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-44

Mistakes Were Made Chapters 29-44 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 45-60

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Mistakes Were Made Character Analysis

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Mistakes Were Made

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