I'd never read this Beverly Cleary Newbery award winner, and I can't say it's the type of book I probably would have been drawn to as a kid, but oh, iI'd never read this Beverly Cleary Newbery award winner, and I can't say it's the type of book I probably would have been drawn to as a kid, but oh, it got me as an adult. It's slow, and a bit quiet, but the way Cleary builds the character of Leigh and his backstory through his letters and diary entries makes you become so invested, wanting so much better for him. A really wonderful story. (I listened on audiobook and it was great there too)....more
4.5 stars. This gothic mystery-romance has everything I want in a story: moors, manors... and murder! I'm not sure why this author's books haven't sto4.5 stars. This gothic mystery-romance has everything I want in a story: moors, manors... and murder! I'm not sure why this author's books haven't stood the test of time, they're extremely readable, full of brooding paramours and windswept moors, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing. I read Holt's "Mistress of Mellyn" over and over as a lovelorn teenager, but had never read anything else by her until now. Whereas that book reads like a pulpier "Rebecca" I was surprised to find this book felt more akin to David Copperfield-- a coming of age story in Victorian England where a young woman learns the world is a harder place than she realized. But she's feisty, and independent, and strong-willed, a character you want pull for much more than that whiny Copperfield. My only complaint was that the ending was a bit rushed, and while these books won't win any literary awards, I've learned this is definitely an author I enjoy reading....more
3.5 stars. I think I probably would have loved this as an emotionally volatile early teenager-- there are *a lot* of raw emotions here! It feels very 3.5 stars. I think I probably would have loved this as an emotionally volatile early teenager-- there are *a lot* of raw emotions here! It feels very unlike the children's/YA books being written today, there's an elegance to the writing, a maturity of subject matter and way of dealing with it that made it feel more like an adult book than a book for children. Not exactly an enjoyable read (though not devastating like Bridge to Terebithia), but perhaps worthwhile for the young person trying to grapple with the confusing emotions and circumstances of growing up. ...more
Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting to these characters, and found the story a bit dull. I did like the way the author portrayed characters wiUnfortunately, I had a hard time connecting to these characters, and found the story a bit dull. I did like the way the author portrayed characters with various diverse perspectives, disabilities, or limiting social skills. I hope that kids will feel inspired and encouraged by the fears that these kids tackle, but I didn't think it had the same power for an adult audience....more
What a wonderful book. I appreciate that we get a very real portrayal of the main character Ada, and her brokenness, and her struggle to understand thWhat a wonderful book. I appreciate that we get a very real portrayal of the main character Ada, and her brokenness, and her struggle to understand that she can be loved and can love. I also love the way that her caretaker, Susan, relates to Ada, and offers her healing (though not always perfectly). I aspire to be Susan. The backdrop of the war was more realistic and tragic than I was expecting to get in this MG book, but all really well-written. A Newbury Honor book for good reason. ...more
Words I have seen used to describe this Newbery award winner: quiet, gentle, quirky, slice- of- life coming of age. All true. I'd also use dull, meandWords I have seen used to describe this Newbery award winner: quiet, gentle, quirky, slice- of- life coming of age. All true. I'd also use dull, meandering, and *too* quirky. I appreciate that the author experimented with different forms of storytelling (and illustrations) in the book, but it just didn't come together cohesively for me. I didn't care for dipping in and out of different perspectives, or for the meandering lack of a forward moving plot. There were some beautiful truths that emerged as the rough parts of becoming a young adult were buffed away, but they were small reward for me. I just seems too quiet of a novel to appeal to "kids today"... but then, not being one, what do I know? This reminded me of Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine, another book about small town coming of age set in the past that I also found a little dull (as much as I love Bradbury's writing)....more
So much heart and personality to this book, I loved that. And even though it centered around two elements that I wouldn't say are directly in my wheelSo much heart and personality to this book, I loved that. And even though it centered around two elements that I wouldn't say are directly in my wheelhouse (basketball and rap music), I still became enamored with both the main character and story. 4.5. ...more
So well written, so imaginative, and yet dealing with very important issues. The story feels a little dated, but the issues are as relevant now as theSo well written, so imaginative, and yet dealing with very important issues. The story feels a little dated, but the issues are as relevant now as they were in 1990. I continue to enjoy Spinelli's writing....more
I adored this book. A beautiful story of friendship, identity, and taking care of those around you... all told by a gorilla. That makes it sound sillyI adored this book. A beautiful story of friendship, identity, and taking care of those around you... all told by a gorilla. That makes it sound silly, but this gorilla is an old soul, with a deep understanding of how things should be, even if all he has ever known is a cage. Kids and adults alike, if you love children's literature, this is a must read....more
I loved the connection to A Wrinkle in Time, and the premise teased in the title and first couple pages, and how it ended. The rest, the realistic ficI loved the connection to A Wrinkle in Time, and the premise teased in the title and first couple pages, and how it ended. The rest, the realistic fiction grounded in a girl and her friendships, was somewhat dull. I could see a 9-12 year old enjoying this book, but it didn't do as much for this adult (however fair that is!) ...more
Along with Boxcar Children and Harriet the Spy, I read this book over and over as a kid. I was enchanted by the idea of kids living alone in a museum,Along with Boxcar Children and Harriet the Spy, I read this book over and over as a kid. I was enchanted by the idea of kids living alone in a museum, evading guards, sleeping on displays, solving mysteries. Rereading it as an adult, I was still enchanted by all those things (can adults run away from home to live in a museum? I'm considering it). As a kid I hadn't been to New York or the MoMa, so as an adult it was fun to reimagine their city adventure with those in mind. I was also struck by the wisdom in Konigsburg's writing, as well as by the sweetness of the ending and the new-found relationship with Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Despite some dated 1960's references (the kids only watched one hour of TV a week?!) this story stands the test of time. ...more
I really admire E.L. Konigsburg. She may be a children's author, but she writes cleverly and weaves the story together perfectly. I really admire E.L. Konigsburg. She may be a children's author, but she writes cleverly and weaves the story together perfectly. ...more
What a fantastic book-- I think Madeline L'Engle is incredibly intelligent and a fantastic writer. The plot is engaging and thought provoking and the What a fantastic book-- I think Madeline L'Engle is incredibly intelligent and a fantastic writer. The plot is engaging and thought provoking and the characters are endearing. I just love it!...more
This is like The Giver meets Anne Frank (only less sad). Lowry is such a good story weaver, I enjoy her style very much. The story is a good one too, This is like The Giver meets Anne Frank (only less sad). Lowry is such a good story weaver, I enjoy her style very much. The story is a good one too, and based on true events of Denmark's fight against Nazi Germany in the early 1940s....more
I really liked this book, and have therefore come to the conclusion that books written for children can be higher quality writing than books written fI really liked this book, and have therefore come to the conclusion that books written for children can be higher quality writing than books written for adults because there isn't this pressure to impress with heavy metaphor and poignant statements about life. When adults write for adults there is too much pressure, adults writing for children understand that it is the story and the characters that matter most, and if those two are well written then I think you have a deep, satisfying book. ...more
I was a little disappointed by this book. I had heard the author speak a couple years back and really liked her and what she had to say, so I was lookI was a little disappointed by this book. I had heard the author speak a couple years back and really liked her and what she had to say, so I was looking forward to reading this but I found the story somewhat dull and dated. I have to check myself though because it is a kids book and is obviously a simpler style book. Although, it just may be dated because not many kids are going to be entertained by this slow moving story where the magical parts are few and far between. I haven't seen the movie but I feel like they probably embellished these parts to make it more appealing to 21st century kids....more
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