Pam
In the beginning I found the story a bit slow. But the more I read the more I had to read. I did find it a bit odd that this is a YA book, while not excessively graphic, I'm curious at what the target age is for this book.
I don't want to include an spoilers, so I will just say I think I could have done what either of the main characters (and many of the supporting characters) did. And I thank all of those (men and women) who did from the bottom of my heart.
I loved the fact the story was told through the use of letters. I felt though there could have been a wee bit more mystery as to the connection between Elspeth and Margaret when the time switched from 1912 to 1940.
In some other areas it felt as though the story could have been fleshed out more. But overall I enjoyed it.
So much about this book was relatable to me from the description of the housing area to some of the characters themselves. I found this to be an easy, relaxing read. I had moments of laughter and moments of sorrow. I think this is a book anyone could read and enjoy. Just a word of warning, you may want to have a couple of tissues handy as you finish the story.
I found the book comfortable to read. Though I found it very ironic to be reading a book set in the middle of Iowa that was written by a Swede and translated by a Canadian. My mind kept stumbling over the little details-using metric vs imperial, spelling of some words (the use of the u in some words).
I'm not sure I like the ending though. I found that to be a bit clichéd and what you would expect to happen.
I find Fannie Flagg's books comfortable, easy reads. Her characters are familiar because she uses some of them in her other books.
I found the book an easy read where I found myself wondering what the characters were doing or what they would be up to next when I wasn't reading it. Once I came to the second part of the story I was reminded of one of my favorite collection of poems, Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters.
Honestly I picked this book up from the library on a whim. I like supporting Canadian authors when I can (as I live in Canada). Something about the brief on the cover seemed to draw me into the story. This isn't the first book I've read where the main character goes walkabout (to use an Australian term...sorry if I'm using it incorrectly). Each one has touched something in me, drawing me towards my own adventure. This one I feel it was the age of the characters and Etta's desire to see something she hasn't seen in all her 80 plus years.
One thing I took issue with was the lack of punctuation. Normally when there is dialogue in a story you will find quotation marks. There are none used in the book except around song titles. The lack of quotation marks actually made it difficult in place to know if you were reading dialogue or just description of the scene.
I did like how the stories of Etta and Otto and Russell intertwined both in the past and the present. I also like how they were told in almost snapshots of time.
The thing holding me back from giving this book 5 stars is the ending. I read the last two pages multiple times and I'm still unsure what exactly happened.
I may be giving the book 5 stars based on how the subject matter touched me over the writing. I feel a book should be able to touch you and move you. And that is exactly what this book does. I could not imagine what the millions of girls worldwide who go through this experience. I hope I never have to, and that my daughter never does either.
I have a friend from college who is working in the fight to end such horrible practices. And I hope that he succeeds.
I think this book is a wonderful conversation starter and it is written in a way that teens and adults both and understand what it happening. More education is needed to help these girls.
Honestly this book was so hard to get into. I really didn't enjoy it until Jean Louise followed her dad to a meeting. Then part of me felt as though we were transported to To Kill a Mockingbird. Only a small part.
I find lots of this story disjointed and unfulfilled. I know it was supposed to be more of Scout (sorry she will always be Scout) coming into her own, but there were a few loose ends that were left untied. I don't know if it would have helped, but I'm sure it would not have hurt.
Honestly, the only reason I gave it 3 stars was because of the middle section where the drama began. I probably would have rated it lower if there wasn't any redeeming quality.
Oh how I missed the wonderful characters from Darynda Jones! I has been too long since I visited their world. And this was the first time actually reading the books as I have had Charley and crew keep me company while commuting. Let me just say they are just as realistic and lively in the written form as in the audio formats.
This book had its fair share of twists and turns. I have one complaint and that is that I want to know more about the people in Sleepy Hollow. What happened with Mr. V and his family? What about Mr. P and his friends? What about Dixie and the rest of the crew from the Firelight Cafe?
For me reading this book felt like putting on that favorite sweatshirt, the ratty one that's so comfortable to wear. I am not saying the boom is ratty by any means. I am saying that it is completely comfortable. I believe I have read all of the books written by Fannie Flagg now and each one feels like a warm hug. Her characters feel familiar, but not carbon copies of her other characters. I find her stories wonderful, easy reads.
Why didn't someone tell me to read this sooner? I love reading Rick Riordan books. They are so much fun and such easy reads. The protagonist in this book is Lester Papadopoulos (no idea if I spelled that right as I do not have the book in front of me). And as a departure from other books a CHB, the POV stays the same throughout instead of changing every chapter or so. I regret having waited this long to read it and that I have to wait until the spring for the next one
This is total fan fiction. And I'm sure JK Rowling didn't write much of this, but her name is in the cover for a reason.
At first I was disappointed that the strayed from other fan fiction/headcannons that have been put forth. Namely the houses that some characters are sorted into and the jobs a few of the originals have. That said, I did enjoy the story.
I had not trouble reading the script, as I enjoy reading such things. I would love to actually see this on the stage but I know that the tickets have been sold out for the foreseeable future. Oh well!
It took me 2 attempts to read this book. Why? Because life got in the way when I started reading it when it first came out. I'm sorry that it took me so long to read. I really enjoyed the book. I will admit that I peeked to the end of the book and saw whodunit. I was surprised who it was and was intrigued to find out the reasoning for it. I do believe I'll add the second one to my to read list.
